The date is the 14th of May 2000 and Bradford City have just confirmed Premier League survival after beating Liverpool on the final day of the season.
Bradford City fans were rightfully jubilant that day and excitement about what the future could hold was completely understandable. However, the 25 years that followed have not been kind to the Bantams.
They were relegated from the top flight the following year and would spend just three seasons in the second tier before relegation to what is now known as Sky Bet League One in 2004.
Things would get worse for the West Yorkshire outfit as they were relegated to the fourth tier three years later. They would return to League One in 2013 before relegation back to Sky Bet League Two in 2019.
Since their relegation in 2019, Bradford have stagnated and supporters have had little to cheer about. Currently, in their sixth season in League Two, Bradford have finished as low as 15th while their best season resulted in a sixth-place finish and defeat to Carlisle United in the play-offs.
However, there is reason to believe this season could bring long-awaited success back to Valley Parade.
How has this season been for Bradford City?
Graham Alexander’s first full season in charge has seen Bradford transformed from play-off hopefuls to genuine promotion contenders.
Currently, Bradford sit in the automatic promotion places and are just two points behind leaders Walsall. Last night’s results also strengthened their automatic promotion hopes.
Alexander’s side cruised to a comfortable 3-0 home win vs Cheltenham Town. Meanwhile, Doncaster Rovers and Notts County both lost meaning Bradford are now five points clear of Doncaster in third and eight points clear of Notts County who sit three points outside the top three.
The Bantams are also enjoying an unbelievable run of form at the moment. They are unbeaten since the 1st of February and have won eight of their last ten games picking up 26 points from the last 30 available.
One of their greatest strengths this season has been Valley Parade. Currently with the best home record in the league, they have picked up 45 points from a possible 54 on home turf. In fact, it has been a record-breaking season so far for Bradford at home.
Following their 3-0 win last night, the promotion chasers made it a club record 10 consecutive home wins.
How have Bradford coped without their star striker?
Unsurprisingly, Andy Cook has had a brilliant season in front of goal. With 12 goals in 22 games, he is their top scorer this season. However, the 34-year-old’s season would be cut short in January due to a cruciate ligament injury suffered against his former club Barrow.
What is therefore perhaps most surprising about Bradford‘s season so far is how they have coped in Cook’s absence. Since joining the club in 2021, it has often been claimed that Cook has single-handedly carried his team to victory with his goals.
Although, in his absence, Bradford have arguably improved. Following their draw with Barrow on New Year’s Day, Bradford were sat outside the play-offs with 35 points.
In the 12 games since the Bantams have been formidable. They have picked up 31 points from a possible 36, with 10 wins and one draw following Cook’s injury.
Who have been their key players?
It is difficult to focus on individuals within Graham Alexander’s side as they have collectively been fantastic.
Between the sticks, Sam Walker has been superb. The 33-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets this season, the third most in the division.
In front of him is a rock-solid defence consisting of Neil Byrne, Jack Shepheard and Aden Baldwin. The trio have been brilliant for City so far and have been three of their standout performers this season.
Bradford have only conceded 29 goals this season. This impressive return makes them the second-best defence in the league, bettered only by AFC Wimbledon.
Furthermore, perhaps the most impressive part of this Bradford side is the midfield. Richard Smallwood brings a wealth of experience to the side, and his consistency this year has been vital to their surge in form. Additionally, Antoni Sarcevic is proving to be a superb bit of business.
The seven-time promotion winner joined in the summer and has become a vital cog in the Bradford machine. With nine goal involvements this season, his importance can’t be understated.
Not only are they solid at the back, but they are also potent in front of goal despite losing their talisman. They are the fifth-highest scorers in the division with 48 goals. Bradford‘s ability to spread goals throughout the team this year has been a great strength.
The defence has contributed with seven goals between them while City’s midfield has chipped in with plenty of goals this campaign. Alex Pattison and Antoni Sarcevic have scored 11 between them and George Lapslie has also contributed four goals while Smallwood has scored twice.
Additionally, exciting talent Bobby Pointon and forward Calum Kavanagh both have four goals to their names. On-loan striker Michael Mellon has also scored twice since joining in January.
Can Bradford win the league?
With Bradford being the league’s form team at the moment, whether they can pip league leaders Walsall to the title is rightly a hot topic of discussion. But how likely are they to win the league?
Well, according to OPTA’s predicted League Two table, the Bantams are predicted to just miss out on the title, with an expected points total of 84.75 and a 34.46% of winning the league. Walsall however, have been given an expected points total of 86.01 and a 54.6% chance of finishing as champions.
However, with both sides currently in contrasting form, anything is possible. As stated above, Bradford have picked up 31 points since the turn of the year. Walsall however have recently experienced a bit of a blip.
The Saddlers have deservedly led the league for the majority of the season and were seven points clear of Bradford at the end of February. However, with just five wins, four draws and four losses since New Year’s Day, questions are starting to be asked about their title credentials.
If current form continues, it does feel inevitable that the Bantams will catch Matt Sadler’s side. However, with 13 games left to play, twists and turns are to be expected and the League Two title race promises to be a fascinating watch.
Would failure to win the league be a disappointment?
If the League Two title does not find itself at Valley Parade by the time the curtain closes on the 24/25 season, fans may feel disappointed. However, if a first automatic promotion since promotion to the Premier League in 1998 is achieved, celebrations should not be subdued.
Should Graham Alexander return the club to the third tier after six years in League Two, it would be a remarkable achievement that would cement him in Bradford City folklore.