Walsall welcome an in-form Bradford side to the Banks tomorrow, still seeking their first win under Brian Dutton. To get an insight to the opposition, I spoke with Jamie Raynor, to learn more about all things Bradford.
How would you rate Bradford’s season so far?
It’s been a funny old season for Bradford City. One that I would say, if you’ll pardon the cliche, a season of two halves. It started woefully, to say the least, with the side underperforming given the pre-season hoped & expectations. But since the departure of club legend Stuart McCall as manager, and the introduction of Mark Trueman & Conor Sellars from the club’s academy, the side have accelerated up the table. If I was to give it a rating on the whole, I would say 7/10 with the wind in their sails.
The team have been in fine form in recent weeks, what has changed to see them firing up the table?
It’s been a number of changes really, both on and off the field, that have combined to create a reshape of strategy that most would expect during the off season. The most remarkable thing is how it’s been achieved, in such a short space of time, during the renowned hectic Christmas schedule. The appointment of under-18s coaches Mark Trueman & Conor Sellars, initially as caretaker managers when Stuart McCall was dismissed in mid-December, has been nothing short of a revelation. Their first game in charge, a 1-1 draw at Crawley, saw a formation change from McCall’s 3-4-1-2 to a 4-2-3-1 that has remained consistent for the 12 games they’ve been in the dugout, which has seen them pick up 27 points. Players look more comfortable in the system, there’s a defensive resilience about their play & going forward, there’s an improved potency about their attack. They’ve also enjoyed a very busy January window, spearheaded by the Club’s new recruitment director Lee Turnbull and recently appointed CEO Ryan Sparks. 9 players in and 6 players out has allowed them to offload players that were surplus to requirements, most heading to the National League, and bring in quality options from League One & Two. All in all, it’s been an impressive turnaround of late.
Where do you think Bradford will finish this season?
It’s a very good question. On current form, you wouldn’t bet against them finishing in the play-off places. Although, given the context of their season, League Two survival remains the objective whenever we speak to either Mark or Conor. A mid-table finish is well within their remit but I’m sure behind closed doors, a top 7 finish will be in their sights. I’m going to back them to do that.
Biggest strengths in the team?
Their defensive organisation would certainly be their strength. With the formation change in December, Bradford City have conceded just 7 goals in 12 games along with the addition of experienced defender Niall Canavan from Plymouth in that time frame. They’re very hard to break down, which has often seen opposition sides sit deep to then try and catch them on the counter. They also have strength of the bench now, given the January additions. That has certainly been a threat in their recent results.
Any weaknesses?
Again, on current form, there aren’t too many. If I was being super critical, I’d say their handling of set pieces. Despite Canavan’s inclusion, Bradford City aren’t the tallest of sides and on a few occasions recently, it has found them wanting. Another would be how they start games. Rarely, it must be said, but at times they’ve been a little slow in getting out of the blocks. Tempo is a big factor in how they look to build their attacks.
Former Saddler Andy Cook recently joined the Bantams, how has he made an impact?
Andy Cook has really been the surprise package since his arrival, and has most likely proved some of his doubters wrong. When the club announced he was joining on loan from Mansfield for the remainder of the season, the reaction amongst the fanbase wasn’t overwhelming. However, when speaking to Mark & Conor about his arrival, they made it very clear he had been a target on their radar since taking over in December, and he’s returned that faith. His first two goals for the club, both coming in the recent 2-0 win at Cheltenham, showed many why he is a more than capable striker at the football club. Saddlers fans won’t need me to remind them how much Andy Cook likes to rough up opposition defenders and give his all for the side. He’s a player with a lot of heart and that’s something that every football club needs.
What do you know about the Saddlers? Predictions for the weekend?
I know they’re a very organised side, who have been somewhat unfortunate in recent times. The 1-1 draw at Valley Parade was a stern test for Bradford City, and I think on reflection the Bantams did well to get themselves a point out of that game. A managerial change midway through a season isn’t always helpful, particularly given the nature of Darrell Clarke’s departure. But one thing covering Bradford City this season has taught me is that it can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. Promoting from within has certainly been the antidote to Bradford City’s turnaround and seeing Brian Dutton be handed the opportunity until the end of the season seems like a really smart move from the club. They’re a side that, like Bradford City, will have ambitions of returning to League One soon and I think everyone knows it will be a tough test for the Bantams if they’re to get a result. My prediction for the weekend would be a narrow City win – based on current form – but this season has been so unpredictable, it really could go either way.
