The Sky Bet League Two season has finally reached it's conclusion.
Due to the points-per-game decision, promotion favourites Bradford City have settled for an underwhelming 9th place finish on 67 points, meaning the Bantams failed to join the likes of Exeter City, Cheltenham Town and Colchester United in the play-offs, as Northampton Town were fortunate to nab the final play-off position against City and Port Vale.
And so, all eyes turn to next season where three huge clubs are welcomed to England's fourth tier, Bolton Wanderers, Southend United and Tranmere Rovers, it's clear that next year will be ven harder to get promoted from; the likes of Port Vale, Forest Green Rovers and Mansfield Town will all be itching to right the wrongs of 2019/20, alongside whoever the three play-off teams are that falter, it's fair to say that next season's competition will be tougher than ever before.
That being said, City manager and legend Stuart McCall has stated that there will only be approximately 5 new signings coming into Valley Parade due to the coronavirus financial restrictions that have been caused and, at the risk of becoming a Macclesfield Town or Oldham Athletic, McCall will be keen to keep his beloved City above water. With an array of new signings, the Scot will be eager to make sure he gets it right, so one process he will surely be utilising is the possibility of welcoming free agents to the club to avoid a financial strain. With the likes of James Vaughan, Paudie O'Connor and Zeli Ismail all joining the club for free, who else is available that could cause a positive impact on the squad?
Connor Kirby- Midfielder
A young, talented prospect, Kirby spent the 2019/20 campaign in difficult circumstances. The standout player in a heavily distracted Macclesfield Town side who struggled to deal with not being paid and constant off the pitch hindrances, Kirby was on loan from Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday. A tough tackling 21 year old, Kirby showed when dawning the blue of the Silkmen that he isn't afraid of getting stuck in despite his age or physicality compared to the brutes of League Two. He's already adapted to the League Two surroundings, even featuring in what is admittedly one of the worst teams in England's fourth division so he understands the grit and clearly has the work rate, as despite featuring alongside some not great team-mates, he's managed to control the midfield and would be an excellent addition to replace the outgoing Jake Reeves. The only current issue regarding Kirby is that he is currently wanted by a few lower League One clubs and high League Two sides, so competition would be high and Sheffield Wednesday are yet to release their retained list, but due to the coronavirus financial issues it looks likely he could be let go as he is out of contract at the end of June.
Brandon Comley- Midfielder
More of a defensive anchor than Kirby, Comley has recently been released by Colchester United due to the club's financial issues caused by the coronavirus. Comley has made 24 appearances this season, scoring one goal and assisting one, but has acted as the foot of the midfield diamond of the U's when needed most. The Montserrat international represents his country alongside his brother James, showing his diverse range of experience and quality, having played from the Premier League to the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. In terms of his more needed experience, Comley has been in League Two for quite some time now, having spent a few seasons on loan at Carlisle United, Grimsby Town and Colchester before it became permanent in 2018, so he is well adapted to the standard of football required for City. With Jermaine Anderson and Hope Akpan both departing as more defensive equipped midfielders, Comley would be ideal as he is just 24 and his wage demands won't be as extortionate as Akpan's.
Krystian Pearce- Centre-Back
The former captain of Mansfield Town, Pearce's reign at the club as come to an end after five years and 192 appearances for the Stags. Despite his strong bond with supporters, Pearce was transfer listed in January after a speculated scuffle with new incoming boss Graham Coughlan which explains why he was recently released. Nevertheless, Pearce is a tall, commanding leader on the ball who disposes excellently as a centre-back; comfortable on the ball, an aerial threat and the man in the changing room to rally the troops, something the Bantams have lacked throughout the majority of the season. Alongside this, Pearce would function well alongside either Ben Richards-Everton or Anthony O'Connor, as the two together have looked slightly muddled at times this season and lacked communication, something Pearce would certainly be able to take by the scruff of the neck.
Tom Pett- Central Midfielder/ Winger
An integral part of the Lincoln City promotion from the 2018/19 season, Tom Pett failed to get his chance in League One with the Imps. He made very few appearances this season, other than appearing off the bench, which explains why he was released under Michael Appleton. Pett is now a free agent and could be key to a promotion push, as he knows League Two like it is the back of his hand. He made 141 appearances for Stevenage in his four years with the club before the Imps snapped him up on a five figure fee, where he went on to made 55 appearances and a league title before being released. In terms of Pett's playing style, the 28 year old is entering the prime of his career and can operate impressively either in an attacking midfield role or on the wing, and could provide solid compettition for Harry Prithcard's number 10 role. His style is similar to Nicky Law, so McCall might be interested due to his liking of Law's qualities, and he may be hopeful that Pett can replicate Law's commitment and fight which City fans saw so often.
Dylan Connolly- Winger
Familiar to Valley Parade, Connolly's passion and work rate has not gone unnoticed following his loan spell with the Bantams. Pacy, powerful and a leader, the Irishman has just returned to his parent club AFC Wimbledon but was immediately released by Glyn Hodges as the Dons don't include wingers in there tactical approach. After an impressive season in West Yorkshire, it is likely that there will be several League Two clubs vying for his signature, as managers will recognise his heart and determination despite having not a great end product, but you know he will give his all into everything he does. Along with that, the only recognisable winger currently at the club following Dylan Mottley-Henry's departure is Zeli Ismail, so McCall will be eager to improve on the width available to him right now. The winger is also attracting interest from the MLS right now.
Max Clayton- Striker
The 25 year old has been without a club for over a year now after suffering wth hamstring problems at Blackpool has forced his release, but when back to full fitness he could be lethal in League Two. His wages shouldn't be too extortionate, as he will be keen to return to football, and alongside James Vaughan or Lee Novak he could be the false nine City have lacked since Billy Clarke. Able to operate in either the number 10 role or up front, Clayton's best days came from his first contract at Crewe Alexandra, where he made 74 appearances and scored 9 goals, but is highly rated by most Crewe fans due to his work rate and attitude towards the game. A hungry, keen for retribution attacker, Clayton will be ravenous to get back to scoring goals following his injury problems,after all he was once touted as the next Michael Owen and had interest shown in him from Manchester United and Arsenal, and would most likely be delighted to do that at City.
Romain Vincelot- Defensive Midfielder
Similar to Comley, Vincelot is recognised as an excellent option for the holding midfielder. Whilst Comley is younger and could be one for the future, Vincelot is one for the here and now, his leadership and lion like attitude towards games is unbeaten having featured under McCall in 2017. Bradford fans saw his versatility back then as he was comfortable in defence or in midfield, and due to the rough and tumble of League Two injuries are likely so having a player like Vincelot could be helpful in a promotion push and to provide cover throughout the squad. He was also captain under McCall, which is something that could be repeated as Vaughan's future at the club remains uncertain and the manager holds a strong relationship with the Frenchman so he may sway to giving Vincelot a second stint at City; with the hopes of actually lifting a trophy this time.
Vincelot has spent his last few seasons lacking game time, making a combine 15 appearances with Crawley Town and Shrewsbury Town before he became the first footballer to undergo hip resurfacing, meaning he hasn't kicked a ball for the Shrews since October 2019 before being released in June, however once back to full fitness the leader will be keen to make up for the time he has missed as he enters his golden years, being 34 now, and will be hopeful to wind down his career under the guidance of Stuart McCall and the faithful Bradford City kop.
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