How Graham Alexander reacted to shock Bradford City, Richie Smallwood decision | OneFootball

The club captain was released despite a strong season that ended in promotion for the Bantams.

Graham Alexander has called the decision to release Bradford City captain Richie Smallwood the "hardest decision" he's ever had to make.

After captaining the Bantams to automatic promotion to League One in more than dramatic fashion and winning the club's Player of the Season award, it was a shock to many when it was announced that Smallwood's time with Bradford was over.

The 34-year-old former Hull City skipper played in 43 of City's 46 league games in the 2024/25 campaign, and will take some replacing.

He told the Telegraph & Argus that he wanted a two-year deal, but was open to Alexander's preference of a 12-month contract. That offer never came though, and Smallwood was informed by the boss that he wouldn't be kept on.

Graham Alexander explains shock Richie Smallwood decision

Alexander revealed at the club's fans' forum on Wednesday that the decision to part ways with the 34-year-old was one that was made with the future in mind. In his interview with T&A, Smallwood said that he wasn't sure of the reason why he'd been let go.

"It was probably, in my 13 years as a manager, the hardest decision I’ve made without a shadow of doubt," said the Bradford boss, via Jamie Raynor. "I drove up to the northeast to meet him face to face. I explained my reasons and decision. I didn’t expect him to agree with it.

"It was looking forward and trying to foresee the challenges that we have ahead. The qualities that we needed. I felt at the time I had to make a really tough decision. I have to go with what I feel is right for the team going forward.

"It shouldn’t ever take away what he’s done for this club. He’s the captain of a Bradford City promotion-winning team, that will never go away."

Bradford have had a very strong summer so far despite the Smallwood loss

Bradford have taken measures to fill the spot left by Smallwood in the home changing room at Valley Parade. Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Max Power has been signed on a two-year deal. He has a vast amount of experience in the Championship and League One, but the latter in particular.

He is one of a number of strong signings made by the Bantams since their promotion to the third tier. AFC Wimbledon wing-back Josh Neufville is the latest of their additions, to go along with centre-backs Curtis Tilt and Joe Wright. They have also got goalkeeper Sam Walker to agree to fresh terms ahead of the expiration of his contract. Like Power, he's committed his next two years to Bradford.