, Bradford City: A Season Preview

Bradford City: A Season Preview

The Squad

This year, the Bantams have a new-look side.

Colin Doyle retains his place between the sticks this season, although Bradford City fans expect that German goalkeeper Rouven Sattelmaier may give Stuart McCall something to think about.

Tony McMahon has returned to Valley Parade for another year – at least and this was one of the key signings of the summer for Bradford City. Young right-back Jacob Hanson signed for the Bantams back in January and under the guidance of McMahon, he may begin to enter the first-team frame on a few occasions – especially without Stephen Darby at the club this season.

, Bradford City: A Season Preview
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In central defence, Nathaniel Knight-Percival enters his second year at the club after making 47 appearances for the Bantams last season. The Bantams have the experienced Matthew Kilgallon at centre-half and also can deploy midfielder Romain Vincelot at the back which was often the case last season. The club are still searching for a centre-back and currently have Gordon Greer on trial but it remains to be seen as to whether he will sign for the Bantams.

Given the departure of James Meredith from Valley Parade, the left-back position is one in which most Bradford City fans were uncertain about. The arrival of Adam Chicksen has somewhat calmed fans nerves with the energetic and exciting left-back coming into the club. Matthew Kilgallon featured at left-back last season and gained three assists in one match in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United – so Bantams fans have little reason to worry.

Bradford City’s midfield looks to be highly creative and dynamic. Nicky Law’s attacking prowess, mixed with new signing Jake Reeves’ creativity will make Bradford City fans incredibly excited for this upcoming season. The assuredness of Timothee Dieng offers a calm head in the centre-of-the-pitch and if Romain Vincelot is to play in his natural spot in central midfield, there are few better than him in the division. Young Daniel Devine could feature more this season after impressing so much last year upon breaking into the first team.

, Bradford City: A Season Preview
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The attacking options that Bradford City possess are all incredibly exciting and with the exception of Paul Taylor, they have youth on their side. Alex Gillead has joined back up with Bradford City from Newcastle United and will hope to make a huge impact during his six-month loan spell. Strikers Charlie Wyke and Alex Jones are set for huge seasons and both strikers will be hoping to be comfortably into double figures – especially under the weight of expectation from Bradford City’s fanbase. New signings Dominic Poleon and Shay McCartan are both young at 23 but have gained plenty of experience in the Football League so far. McCartan’s pace and ability from free-kicks is a talent in which Bradford City fans should look out for this season. Striker Paul Taylor has joined the club on a one-year deal and he’ll be hoping to impress during his time at Valley Parade – with an interesting season ahead for the forward.

The Manager – Stuart McCall

Often, the word legend is overused but in the case of Stuart McCall, there is no man who deserves the title more – particularly given his affinity with Bradford City. McCall’s current spell in charge of the Bantams is his fourth time at the club and he said – should he have taken the club back into the Championship last season, it would have been his greatest ever achievement when speaking to Radio Yorkshire.

Rumours were aplenty at the end of last season that McCall would leave Valley Parade but the defiant manager came out publicly and made it very clear he was staying – much to every Bradford City fans delight. The 53-year-old brought exciting, passing football back to Bradford City’s team last season which was aesthetically pleasing but also deadly when attacking against the other sides in the division.

, Bradford City: A Season Preview
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The 53-year-old brought exciting, passing football back to Bradford City’s team last season which was aesthetically pleasing but also deadly when attacking against the other sides in the division. McCall’s grit and guile managed to translate directly into his team with Bradford City being unbeaten at home during the 2016/17 campaign and only losing on seven occasions in the league.

This season will be incredibly important for Stuart McCall and Bradford City. He has the backing of owners Edin Rahic and Stefan Rupp, he has a fantastic assistant manager in Kenny Black and a great transfer network and scout in Greg Abbott.

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