Bradford City have new motivation to wave goodbye to League Two after FA Cup controversy: View | OneFootball

The FA Cup is a competition that fans across the country love for its special moments, giant killings, history, and, of course, a chance for non-league and lower-league clubs to test themselves against clubs higher up the league pyramid and the income that comes from that.

Bradford City fans know how important the FA Cup is, having lifted the trophy back in 1911, beating Newcastle United 1-0 thanks to a Jimmy Spiers goal.

In more recent times, in the 2014-15 season, the Bantams needed a replay after a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Millwall. Ultimately, they settled the tie in the replay at Valley Parade with a convincing 4-0 win. Now, this is relevant as it was the season when Bradford also dumped Chelsea out of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge in a thrilling 2-4 win.

Now, that season was ultimately a success for Chelsea under José Mourinho, with the club winning the Premier League and League Cup. However, Bradford famously were the only team to beat Chelsea during the whole season at Stamford Bridge in all competitions.

Why is this relevant? Well, without that FA Cup replay against Millwall, the game against Chelsea may never have happened, and the money that came with the cup run, with the club reaching the quarter-finals that season, wouldn't have helped the club financially, which the club needed at that time.

The FA announced on 18 April 2024 that FA Cup replays would be scrapped from the 2024-25 season. This announcement was unpopular among clubs across the EFL and non-league, with the EFL urging the FA to 're-evaluate their approach', and Bradford CEO Ryan Sparks also commented on the decision.

New motivation for Bradford City's success

Although the FA has promised that they will keep the decision under review to ensure that EFL and National League clubs don’t lose out, clubs such as Bradford can possibly make a positive out of the situation and take it as motivation to push forward.

Ultimately, competitions like the FA Cup and League Cup provide lower-league clubs with lucrative financial opportunities through gate receipts and TV broadcasting, which also come with promotion and climbing the EFL ladder.

As the current season comes to a draw, Bradford’s fifth season in EFL League Two is coming to a close. It could be argued that the club is massively underachieving. A club the size of Bradford shouldn’t be floating around mid-table in the bottom division for five seasons in a row.

Back in the 2017-18 season, Luton Town had just finished second in EFL League Two, sealing promotion. Now, the Hatters have had an iconic rise to the Premier League and are still fighting to stay in the division as the season comes to a close.

Let’s not forget that 23 years ago, Bradford were at one time a Premier League club, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, which now seems such a long time ago.

If Bradford and similar teams, whom many may describe as underachieving or ‘sleeping giants’, want success, then taking inspiration from clubs like Luton Town and Brentford have climbed the leagues and are now reaping the rewards of doing so, something the Bantams can take motivation from. That place at the top table of English football has never seemed more important given the news of last week.

A promising future for Bradford City

Looking towards the future is something that Bradford fans can do with a lot of optimism.

The club's recent arrival of David Sharpe, the new head of football operations, is clearly a positive move. Owner Stefan Rupp also recently released a statement assuring supporters that the club will “compete in the transfer market” next season. In addition, Rupp also promises to be more visible in the same statement and is looking for the “most favourable outcome for the club” in terms of the stadium.

With on-field performances drastically improving over previous weeks and exciting young prospects like Bobby Pointon, Noah Wadsworth, and under-19s goalscoring sensation Harry Ibbitson impressing this season at their respective levels, the future looks bright for the Bantams on and off the pitch.

Although removing replays from the FA is a poor decision in the minds of many clubs and supporters across the divisions, Bradford included, the club and fans should be optimistic and motivated for the future. Without potential cup money, success on the pitch and climbing the leagues is the best way to increase income through playing in the top divisions of English football.