Bradford City: Promotion from League Two brings together past, present and future

Little did we know that in November 2023, the humility and pragmatism of Graham Alexander's arrival would be the much-needed turning point for the club.

It was apparent in the early stages of his tenure that his understanding of the club, its supporters and the Bradford area was transcending onto the pitch. An acceptance they may not be the best but would go into every game with a 'work-hard' mentality; a culture reflective of Bradford's working-class roots.

However, a 3-0 loss at Harrogate in March 2024 would prove to be this promotion journey's starting point. A fourth straight defeat for the Bantams, where 13 goals had been conceded and just one scored, all but ended faint hopes of a play-off finish.

The former Fleetwood, Scunthorpe and Salford boss often describes his drive home that night as the reset point in his and the club's approach.

Temptations of going in a different direction again were ignored and instead the board backed him. A new head of football operations was appointed in former Wigan and Mansfield chief executive David Sharpe and the blueprint was set for their hopes of success.

Fast forward 15 months and Bradford City are now, finally, a League One club once more, and the scale of what Alexander and his staff have achieved in that time should not be understated.

City need a leader who exudes empathy. Its ever-loyal fanbase are the only true asset the club currently holds and having them with you is imperative to success. Alexander has that.

Home form has so often been the failing of his predecessors. Yet in the 2024-25 season, Valley Parade has become a fortress, boasting 55 points from 17 wins and four draws - the third-best return in the EFL, behind Championship winners Leeds United and runaway League One champions Birmingham City.

The fans, of which 23,613 were among the crowd of 24,033 for Saturday's fantastic finale, believe in the players and are once again proud to support their club.

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