Bradford & District | Archive | 2002 | February | 22
From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Friday 22nd Feb 2002.
Danny Cadamarteri today hooked up with hometown club City and declared: This is the clean slate that I need.
The troubled former England under-21 striker travelled with the squad to Gillingham after agreeing a deal which initially runs until the end of the season.
Bradford-born Cadamarteri, whose family still live locally, is relishing the fresh start with the Bantams and the chance to leave his Merseyside troubles behind.
He was fined for punching a lap dancer last year and is facing another court appearance on March 20 charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.
He said: "A lot has happened on and off the field at Everton and this is an opportunity for me to move on and kick-start my career once more.
"To an extent I was becoming a forgotten figure with Everton. A lot of stuff has gone on in my life over the last 18 months and it's been difficult both for myself and the club.
"I needed to move on and get playing again and hopefully I can do that with Bradford. It works both ways, I need a platform to build on and they haven't got a massive squad here at the moment so I can add to that.
"It's great to come back to Yorkshire and if all goes according to plan, hopefully I'll be playing for Bradford this weekend.
"They are a good bunch of lads and although the squad isn't that big, the standard in training was very high."
Boss Nicky Law may be tempted to throw Cadamarteri straight into action at the Priestfield Stadium even though the 22-year-old has played only three senior games this season.
Law said: "Danny has had his problems but probably nowhere near as bad as others have of late. You wouldn't be getting a player of his quality on a free transfer otherwise but this is an opportunity for him to come here and resurrect his career.
"He was a lad who was going to be the next star. He is 22 and has a wealth of Premiership experience and has scored goals at that level. Normally you would be paying between £4m and £5m.
"He made a mistake in his life and is paying the penalty but this is a fresh start for him. He looks sharp and I've no worries about putting him in."
But City will not be signing Arnar Gunnlaugsson. The Icelandic international is set to join Second Division Stoke who are managed by compatriot Gudjon Thordarson.
City's postponed game at Burnley will now take place on Wednesday, March 20.
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