BURY will sign centre-back Efe Sodje on Thursday on a two-year deal.

The Nigerian impressed on a loan spell last season when he made 16 appearances and scored one goal, and now he has made the switch from Gillingham permanent.

Meanwhile, former Bury boss Chris Casper has been appointed as Bradford City's new youth team coach.

The 33-year-old ex-United defender has been out of work since losing his job at Gigg Lane last January.

"I always kept a big interest in the youth team at Bury anyway and never cut myself off," says Casper.

"I enjoyed my time as a manager but I'm also looking forward to helping this club go forward.

"There is added pressure with the first team. You get that adrenaline buzz but there are also times when things are out of your hands which you can't affect but you still get judged on the results.

"On the youth side, you get judged on what players you are bringing through."

Casper replaces Jon Pepper at Valley Parade.