With just nine games remaining for the rest of the season, the final stretch has begun with Bradford City having just professionally defeated promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle.
Bare in mind I am aware some of these players are either out of contract or are currently on loan, meaning they most likely will leave the club at the end of the season.
In my honest opinion, I have been disappointed with the season so far, having had early hopes of automatic promotion; or at minimum play-offs. But a wayward season has seen City sack manager Gary Bowyer and currently being sat four points out from the play-off positions, with a difficult run of games left for the run in. This of course will probably affect my point of view.
(GK) Richard O’Donnell- keep- has been excellent this season and was a clear problem when he suffered an injured at Crawley Town earlier on in the season. Would believe he would do a solid job as City’s number one next season.
(GK) Luke McGee- gone- was only meant to be a temporary loan and is a good back-up, however I believe a better one could be signed for cheaper.
(RB) Adam Henley- keep- would possibly keep as a back-up but maybe nothing more than that, has been alright but no more.
(RB) Kelvin Mellor- gone- has been hugely disappointing, expected huge things after being in the League Two team of the year just a few seasons ago.
(RB) Joe Riley- gone- has continuously impressed me in pre-season, however has been extremely injury prone and his wage bill has dented the clubs financial structure for the past two seasons.
(CB) Ben Richards-Everton- keep- strong, physical defender who is probably suited at League Two level.
(CB) Anthony O’Connor- keep- absolutely keep, excellent this season and has overshadowed his first season.
(CB) Paudie O’Connor- keep- probably just as a back-up but has immense potential.
(CB) Tyler French- keep- was good in pre-season but never really got his chance. Maybe next season he will flourish.
(LB) Connor Wood- keep- up there for player of the season, but believe City will be subject to interest from higher league clubs.
(LB) Jackson Longridge- gone- really not sure on what to think of him, but I would get rid for reasons I am about to explain.
(LB) Reece Staunton- keep- saw him in pre-season and for BPA earlier this season and am confident he has a long-term future at the club. Would be my back-up to Wood but if he goes; then first team left-back for me.
(RM) Dylan Connolly- keep- his passion for the club is admirable despite bein on loan. Hopefully it can be made permanent.
(RM) Zeli Ismail- keep- silky winger is good at this level and we might struggle to find better.
(RM) Dylan Mottley-Henry- gone- hasn’t massively impressed me especially and his decision-making is poor.
(CM) Jake Reeves- keep- my favourite player so I am biased, but he really commands the midfield and controls the play.
(CM) Callum Cooke- keep- has been excellent but his wages are substantial and the Peterborough chairman have said that Bradford turned down the chance to sign him.
(CM) Jermaine Anderson- gone- woeful. He doesn’t seem like he wants to play for the club.
(CM) Hope Akpan- gone- doesn’t seem to want to play for the club and shows a real lack of fight. Feel like he could be so much more.
(CM) Danny Devine- gone- really hard to decide on this one, I feel like he could be an excellent back-up but at the same time that might just because he is a Bradford lad.
(CM) Chris Taylor- gone- not sure what Bowyer saw in him, but really is stealing a wage, my only good memory of him is when he struck the woodwork against Colchester away.
(CM) Harry Pritchard- keep- a brilliant playmaker for this level and an assist king, would definitely be starting for me next season.
(CM) Jamie Devitt- gone- unfortunately due to work the last time I saw Devitt was away at Crewe absolutely forever ago. Haven’t really formed an opinion on him.
(LM) Jordan Gibson- gone- I really want him to succeed but so many managers have disapproved of his first team opportunities that I may be wondering if he is the problem and not the manager.
(LM) Glenn Middleton- ?- haven’t seen him enough but unlikely he’ll join.
(LM) Shay McCartan- keep- okay, not a left midfielder, but has improved massively from his first stint at the Bantams before his Lincoln loan. Could be massive next season.
(ST) Kurtis Guthrie- ?- haven’t seen enough of him but he is young and has the ability to improve.
(ST) Lee Novak- keep- would keep for maybe next season but his age will eventually damage his performances.
(ST) Clayton Donaldson- gone- I like him but can’t see him being able to perform at League Two for another season.
(ST) James Vaughan- keep- did excellent under a tricky Bowyer situation, was strange that he left on loan but under McCall he could thrive.
Apologies if I have missed anyone, I am aware I did not include goalkeeper Sam Hornby but I have rarely seen him play.
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