The 2019/20 season has come to a temporary halt following the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has raised the question of what is going to happen with the contract situation regarding clubs of the world. Would players out of contract get short contract extensions to fulfil the remainder of the season? Would loan players get temporary extended loan spells to finish off what's left of the season? What would this mean for the financial status of those clubs, would the FA loan clubs to fund those contracts? It also got me thinking, what would happen to those players currently contracted to Bradford City, but are plying their trade at a different club? And how has their season been so far?
Jackson Longridge- upon arriving at Valley Parade from Scotland, Longridge joined the club to replace the outgoing Adam Chicksen. Longridge signed from Dunfermline Athletic for an undisclosed fee, securing a two year contract at the League Two club. However, Connor Wood's outstanding form across the season saw Longridge lack opportunities under Gary Bowyer and the manager shipped him out on loan to National League side Torquay United, initially on a one month loan. Gary Johnson however opted to extend the Scotsman's loan down south for the rest of the season, as Longridge had confirmed his delight under Johnson's 3-5-2 tactic and was impressing for the Seagulls. The left-back made seven appearances for Torquay before a knee injury forced Longridge off against Sutton United. This was his last game before the virus caused all games to be postponed.
James Vaughan- City's top scorer and captain Vaughan jumped ship from Valley Parade before joining Tranmere Rovers on loan for the rest of the season. Vaughan has so far made eight appearances for the League One season, scoring three goals at Prenton Park. It is up for debate regarding Vaughan's future as he appeared to have a poor relationship with Gary Bowyer; however his dismissal and Stuart McCall's appointment will hopefully convince the experienced forward to stick around at Valley Parade and tear up League Two next season, however the question remains- will it be for Bradford City or Tranmere Rovers?
Tyler French- AFC Sudbury defender French signed for Bradford City at the beginning of the season, despite interest from clubs such as Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town. He gained applauds for his notable performance against European champions Liverpool in pre-season but never really earned his chance in League Two with the Bantams, making just six appearances and scoring one goal, therefore Bowyer made the decision to loan French out on loan to National League side AFC Fylde. The loan to Mill Farm lasted for the remainder of the season to help re-shape Jim Bentley's men following a really disappointing season for the Coasters. French's debut in the back-line did not quite go to plan as he featured in a 5-1 defeat to Dover Athletic, but he soon turned things around, winning two of the four games he played in, despite Fylde's league position (second bottom).
Sam Hornby- the Port Vale back-up joined the club to challenge Richard O'Donnell for City's no.1 spot, but failed to take his two chances and was sent on loan to AFC Fylde, alongside Tyler French. His loan was originally until the start of January, but was extended until the end of the season by Jim Bentley. Hornby has secured the starting keeper spot in Lancashire, even playing against Premier League side Sheffield United in the FA Cup. The shot stopper has made seventeen appearances for the Coasters, but the club's woeful league position forced Bentley to secure the competition of Josh Lillis from Rochdale.
Eliot Goldthorp- the young midfielder tipped to have a bright future was plying his trade at Matlock Town on a work experience loan spell until the end of the season, but it was cut short as Sunderland took the youngster on trial. He had been impressing however in the Northern Premier League.
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