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Targetman Hibbert set to face Vale

From the archive, first published Thursday 4th Jan 2007.

City were today poised to snap up targetman Dave Hibbert on loan from Preston.

Hibbert, who is 21 later this month, was at Valley Parade to iron out the final details of a month's deal, which could be extended until the end of the season.

Colin Todd hopes the arrival of a 6ft 2in centre forward is just the boost City need as they look to get out of their slump - and aims to pitch him straight in against Port Vale on Saturday.

Todd, who is still eyeing potential left-wing targets as well, said: "Hibbert was one I tried to get in earlier on and I would be very disappointed if we can't agree something this time.

"He has been at Rotherham on loan and done quite well and I've had glowing reports from Billy Davies, who took him to Preston.

"He is not a prolific goalscorer but those sort of strikers are at a premium.

"He is brave and with his height we are looking for him to lead the line, bring people into play and chip in with a few goals as well.

"Having someone like that up front does give us a different option and I know that the team have played well before when we have had a targetman to aim at like Dele Adebola and Aaron Wilbraham.

"When I look at David Graham, someone we thought would score goals but disappointed not only us but himself, then I would like to think that Hibbert will come in and do a good job.

"He played well against us earlier this season and hopefully he can deliver, not only in scoring goals but giving us that extra dimension that we have missed."

Should Hibbert sign, he will go back to the club where he started as a trainee. It will be the second time he has gone back to Vale Park this season - and he scored in Rotherham's 3-1 win there in October.

With Dean Windass suspended, Todd will once again employ Jermaine Johnson in an attacking role as he looks for a much-needed first win in five games.

Todd added: "It's like having a new player up there in JJ as long as he can sustain that form, which I'm sure he can.

"He can reserve his energy better because he doesn't have to track back and just works from the halfway line."

Meanwhile, former City left back Alan Rogers has signed for League Two side Accrington Stanley.

Rogers, who turned 30 yesterday, had considered retiring from the full-time game to run his Liverpool bar business after he was released by the Bantams last October, having played only ten games.

But the former Nottingham Forest defender has been signed by Accrington boss John Coleman ahead of Saturday's game at Boston.