Bradford City can repeat Wrexham AFC success on one condition - Richie Smallwood decision is a start | OneFootball

The Bantams could challenge in League One next season if they get their transfer strategy right after the departure of captain.

Bradford City fans will be hoping that the club can kick on after their League Two success last season and mount a promotion challenge upon their return to the third tier.

Like Wrexham, City can aim for back-to-back promotions if they play their cards right, and a ruthless summer transfer strategy could mark the start of that. On 2nd June, it was announced that club captain Richie Smallwood would in fact depart the club upon the expiry of his contract despite initially being offered a deal. While this may come as a surprise to some, the final decision on Smallwood’s future will have in part rested on the signing of midfielder Max Power. On paper, he and Smallwood share strikingly similar CVs - both have lengthy spells in League One and have experience captaining teams.

Smallwood departure is a turning stone for City

Smallwood has faced criticism in his time at City, often angering fans for a lack of discipline in important games. However, for all of his flaws, it remains that he is the only Bradford player to captain the side to automatic promotion since 1999. He has been a mainstay in the side since his arrival in 2021, appearing 156 times for The Bantams. The player’s efforts last season will be sorely missed, and fans certainly wish him all the best for the future.

Manager Graham Alexander has shown he is not one for sentiment. Football is a fast-moving business, and the club cannot afford to dwell on previous successes if they are to move forward. In taking a similar approach with popular players Romoney Crichlow and Jamie Walker, who were also released, the club are showing that they can be cut-throat if necessary.

City have also announced the signing of former Salford player Curtis Tilt and Kilmarnock defender Joe Wright, as they look to make a fast start to their transfer business.

Wrexham success can inspire Bantams

Next season Bradford can take inspiration from former boss Phil Parkinson, who has set the example across the border at Wrexham. His side has achieved three promotions in as many years, going from the National League to the Championship. Yes, it is impossible to ignore the tremendous backing that celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny have provided, but it remains a fairytale nonetheless. After winning the Conference with a record points tally, Wrexham haven’t looked back and now find themselves one promotion away from Premier League football.

The Bantams will want to follow suit. Most believe that this club belongs in the Championship, but supporters have been hard done by poor management on and off the field. A promise made by then co-owner Edin Rahic eight years ago may begin to echo again.

City couldn’t have fallen farther from that remark, but this coming season is about instilling confidence again, to demonstrate that this club can move up the divisions.

Bradford need to spend to compete with big boys

For all the successes of last season, the fact remains that Bradford are back to where they were in 2017.

This is a cynical view, but no net progression has actually been made under owner Stefan Rupp. The club is now having to reinstate themselves as a top-end League One club, so it is vital that steps are taken this summer to give City the best possible chance.

What is true though, is that Bradford City is a better-run club than it was in 2017. Key figures at the club are all working in the same direction, and the club has moved to a more sustainable operating model. According to the club's 23/24 financial report released earlier this year, City achieved a club-record-high income of £8.6 million while operating in the bottom two tiers of English Football. CEO Ryan Sparks deserves credit for this.

All the work that he has done to grow the club commercially has been massively helpful in raising funds for the first team squad.

In the past, the club had managed to be a competitive League One side with a smaller transfer budget in comparison. However, this is becoming less and less viable these days, and strong financial backing is now a prerequisite for progress. While City may not have the blessing of Hollywood money, Stefan Rupp can, and must, put funds in. Alexander has spoken about needing to be wise when dealing with incomings, something that he needs to get right this summer.

Bradford can rely on a strong existing squad heading into the new season too. Yes, additions are needed, but the seeds of a good squad are in place. Alexander will be hoping that his side can continue to demonstrate the winning mentality that carried them over the line in League Two, and step up to the challenge ahead.

If City can be astute in the market, there is every chance that they can follow in Wrexham’s footsteps this season. Smallwood’s exit is just the beginning of an exciting, busy, off-season.