Bradford City have simple player decision to make ASAP: View | OneFootball

Brad Halliday, better known to Bradford City supporters as the ‘Ginger Cafu’, has been ever present for the Bantams since joining the club in 2022.

The extremely consistent defender, traditionally a full-back, has been primarily utilised as a wing-back during his time at the Bantams and has had his best scoring season to date for any club he has played for in the EFL.

Halliday has immersed himself in the club and has quickly become a fan favourite due to his hard-working nature and willingness to put in all he has on the pitch.

Often bombing up and down on the right, his link-up play with the midfield and attack and his eagerness to get forward has made Bradford City fans view Halliday as a potential Player of the Season contender at the end-of-season award ceremony.

Let’s take a look at why Bradford should be extending Halliday's contract this summer.

Halliday joins the 100 club

Recently, in a home fixture against Gillingham, Halliday scored the only goal on his 100th game in all competitions for the club with a sublime effort from outside the box on his weaker foot, sealing the points for the Bantams.

Halliday was quoted as saying after making his 100th appearance for the club, “It is a very proud moment for myself. One hundred appearances in two seasons is really good going.”

During the current season, Halliday was also on target against Morecambe in a 2-2 draw and Salford City in a 1-1 draw, both goals coming during home fixtures at Valley Parade.

Halliday has performed consistently for the club since joining, and the right wing-back's off-games can be counted on one hand. It's usual for football fans to differ on opinions, but it is extremely difficult to find a Bradford City supporter who doesn’t appreciate what Halliday does for the team and the club.

Bradford should resign Halliday to a new contract

There is no reason why Bradford shouldn’t offer Halliday a new contract based on his performances on the pitch and how he conducts himself around the club, as the defender is known for his professionalism.

The ever-present defender recently commented on his contract situation: “It’s something that happens at this club. We all know that the talks happen in the summer. My mind is clear that I’ve got four games to prove to myself and to the staff, the players and the fans that I’m deserving of a new contract.”

Manager Graham Alexander, assistant manager Chris Lucketti, and new head of football operations David Sharpe, along with CEO Ryan Sparks and head of recruitment Stephen Gent, recently met up for a meeting to discuss contracts, among other things.

Interestingly, Alexander was quoted as saying: “There are still players here who we feel can take us forward.”

The news that players still want to remain with the club should be a positive sign for supporters. Other players whom fans would like to stay include Jamie Walker and Bradford’s own, Bobby Pointon.

With Halliday possibly being one of them wishing to stay at the club, it's surely only a matter of time before his one-year extension clause is activated, or a new long-term deal is on the table for the defender.