Bradford City currently sit 9th in Sky Bet League Two in what the City fans would describe as a somewhat underwhelming season following pre-season hopes of automatic promotion. What is the reasoning for the Bantams recent downfall in results and their slow and steady drop down the table? Is it the manager? The condition of the pitch? The style of play? Or could it be the players?
(GK) Richard O'Donnell- 7.5- the goalkeeper might have been between the sticks in City's relegation season, he has emerged as a leader for the Bantams this season and has fought off competition to make that spot his own.
(GK) Luke McGee- 6.5- when called upon, McGee has just about done his job during O'Donnell's injury but his time at the club will most likely be quickly forgotten.
(RB) Adam Henley- 6.5- having played for Blackburn Rovers, Real Salt Lake and the Wales national team, Henley has disappointed fan by not living up to expectations.
(RB) Kelvin Mellor- 6.5- similar to Henley, City have truly lack at right-back spot as Mellor has appeared lost and as a liability in the defence leaving fans frustrated.
(CB) Ben Richards-Everton- 7- BRE had such a positive start at the club and quickly became a fan favourite but has lacked in performances in recent months and become less and less reliable as the season has processed.
(CB) Anthony O'Connor- 8- a scapegoat of last season, AOC has resurrected his career at Valley Parade and acted as the tough tackling defender that has been needed at times this season. He provides not only an aerial presence but also as a fearless defender who has time and time again put his body on the line to prevent conceding and defending O'Donnell's goal.
(CB) Paudie O'Connor- 6.5- Paudie acted as one of the standout signings when joining on a permanent basis from rivals Leeds United and had potential to be a star man for the season but has disappointed by not taking his opportunities when given them. However, I do believe that next season he will come out of his shell and flourish under McCall's influence.
(LB) Connor Wood- 9- wow. Wood has been City's player of the season so far without doubt and has impressed every single City fan by making that left-back spot his own, to the point where his rivals Jackson Longridge and Reece Staunton were even shipped out on loan. Wood can come out of this season with his head held high and it would be a privilege to watch him again next season.
(RM) Dylan Connolly- 8- joining on deadline day, Connolly has also become a fan favourite and has been an ever present on that right wing using his pace to turn the opposition inside out. It would be much higher if he was more clinical.
(RM) Zeli Ismail- 6.5- has appeared bright when playing but has lacked opportunities. Would be interested to see him under McCall next season, as Stuart might use him in a Mark Marshall role.
(RM) Dylan Mottley-Henry- 6.5- has not had much time to impress so therefore this could easily change, but hasn't done much in his opportunities so far.
(CM) Jake Reeves- 7- as brilliant as it was to see his return after so long out of the game, Reeves has been inconsistent and has at times gone missing during the games. However he has adopted a leadership role in the centre of midfield and is entering the prime of his career, so therefore when he is more fit he could be an excellent creative playmaker next season.
(CM) Callum Cooke- 7.5- a great loan move which will hopefully be made permanent but could be difficult due to his wage demands, Cooke has been excellent in midfield but it is a shame he does not score as many goals, as he was known at previous clubs Blackpool and Crewe for being an advanced playmaker.
(CM) Hope Akpan- 7- controversial as many City fans dislike Akpan due to his lack of work ethic which clearly dampens his quality, Akpan clearly has the ability and acts as a deep lying midfielder who will either pull off an excellent game or go completely missing in the entirety of the game.
(CM) Jermaine Anderson- 6- once touted to have huge potential at Peterborough United, Anderson's career has depleted and he evidently lacks the quality to challenge for a place in League Two.
(CM) Danny Devine- 6.5- unfortunately it looks as if this could be Devine's last season at Valley Parade as he has lacked opportunities. Was always okay but never stood out, however is excellent as the homegrown player status.
(CM) Jamie Devitt- 6- injuries and suspensions has limited his play time at City but clearly has quality. It's a shame it is only a loan move as when he is fully fit he could ideally make the attacking midfield role his own.
(CM) Chris Taylor- 6- can only hit the woodwork.
(CM) Harry Pritchard- 7- looks a positive signing who will hopefully be at the club for the next few years and has performed his role impressively when called upon. Hopefully we will see more from him next season as he enters his prime years.
(LM) Glenn Middleton- N/A- yet to see much of him but comes with huge bags of expectation from Rangers. Hopefully we will see more from him but it is unclear due to the coronavirus pandemic.
(LM) Jordan Gibson- 6- featured heavily early on in the season and looked bright before Pritchard and Connolly came in. Whenever he is on the ball he looks as if he could create something but since his injury early on he has lacked game time.
(LM) Shay McCartan- 7- has looked very good when he performs but similar to Reeves is inconsistent when given his chances. However at times he really sparks City forward and has scored pivotal goals so far this season. Not a huge fan of his new hair either unfortunately.
(ST) James Vaughan- 7.5- has taken chances when given them but was not given many. Really does feed off of scraps and jumped ship in January, but credit where credit is due, is City's top scorer and hopefully will be excellent under McCall in next season's promotion push.
(ST) Lee Novak- 7- has had a bright start at the club but we have not seen much from his as of yet. Acts as a suitable replacement for Vaughan for the time being and has taken his chances, acting as a clinical forward. Has a great chant, which ideally should push it up to an 8 but I held back.
(ST) Kurtis Guthrie- N/A- has lacked opportunities and is yet to really be seen.
(ST) Clayton Donaldson- 7.5- once again credit where credit is due, the Don is 36 years of age yet has been a solid striker leading the line. Is excellent at holding up the ball and has won the support of the Bantams fans, especially after his astounding goal against Oldham Athletic back in August.
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