Charlton have signed Bradford star Billy Clarke for an undisclosed fee.

Clarke, 29, put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal to become Addicks boss Karl Robinson’s first summer signing.

The striker played 40 games and scored seven goals to help Bradford reach last season’s League One play-off final. But the Bantams lost 1-0 to Charlton’s arch rivals Millwall.

Clarke arrives at the Valley with Championship experience, having played for Ipswich and Blackpool.

Robinson said: “Billy is someone that I have tried to sign a number of times and I am really excited that he will be joining us.

“As soon as Billy heard of our interest he was massively keen. We want players that want to play for Charlton Athletic, that can bring energy and that have a great attitude.

News Shopper:
Billy Clarke 

“Billy ticks all of those boxes and on top of that he is also very talented. If you look on paper, he is up there with some of the best players in League One. He is very effective - can play in a number of positions - and he is certainly going to bring goals, creativity, energy and an aggressive streak to the team.”

Charlton chief executive Katrien Meire added: “Getting in a player that can play the number 10 role behind the striker was one of our priorities this summer, so we’re very pleased to bring in our primary target in that position.

“Billy was a key player for a strong Bradford City team last season and created a lot of chances for his team-mates.

“He’s a player Karl was very keen on, so once at the end of the season we began conversations with the club and the player and we were very impressed by his enthusiasm to play for Charlton Athletic.”