A transfer to relish

This is a central defender. A snarling, menacing man ready to throw his body on the line in the heart of any defence. A man you wouldn't mess with. A man who you want playing for you not against you. And a defender who can put a striker in his back pocket - just ask James Hanson.

The signing of Guy Branston is a statement of some intent from Peter Jackson. Branston has experience, is a no-nonsense defender and a player who earned his place in the League Two team of the year. Torquay United's loss is Bradford City's gain.

Of course we've been here before. David Wetherall and Mark Bower were supposed to have a wealth of higher-league experience. Matt Clarke was supposed to be suited to League Two. Graeme Lee was supposed to have earned promotions before and be the leader we needed. None worked. Not sufficiently anyway.

Now Jackson has brought in a replacement for Luke Oliver, a giant of a man but one whose performances have not always matched the billing. Branston will also be a perfect foil for Steve Williams to learn from.

On the flip side, fans and critics have already pointed to a long list of former clubs and a reputation for seeing red. But let's be honest, this is a real boost in what is turning into a summer of real transition - a new manager, ground talks, potential new owners, and Jackson's transfer market search. A search which has already realised a proven goalscorer and ambitions at signing another much-suited striker. Long may this optimism - however packaged some of it may be - continue.