Exclusive: Lee Hendrie makes "bounce factor" claim about Bradford City as they eye Wrexham, Stockport repeat | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie believes Bradford City can use their momentum to enjoy success in League One next season

Bradford City ended their League Two campaign in the most dramatic of fashion, securing promotion to the third-tier in the dying embers of the season.

Antoni Sarcevic turned a George Lapslie effort home in the 96th minute against Fleetwood Town in front of a sold-out Valley Parade, ending the West Yorkshire side's six-year residency in the division.

Capitalising on Walsall’s almost unfathomable capitulation, the Bantams finished third and did all they needed to do to progress up the Football League.

Bradford are often categorised as a sleeping giant, a club with huge potential that is just waiting to be realised. Coupled with that is a hungry fanbase, who are also desperate to see the club they love battle at the higher categories of the EFL once more.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa hero - and one-time Bradford player - Lee Hendrie commented on the impressive size of the club's fanbase and the power it holds.

“Big team” – Hendrie backs the Bantams’ huge potential

“Bradford's promotion could be a big factor for them,” stated Hendrie. “It will be interesting to see what they do from now until the start of the season and where they're looking to take the football club again.

“We already know about what they have there at the club, such a good following of fans, they're a big team with a long history, and I'm sure that they'll be looking to enjoy that bounce factor.

“We've seen that in past seasons with the likes of Wrexham, Stockport and Birmingham - they have all bounced back, and have invested and recruited really well.

“I'm sure Graham Alexander and his team will be thinking along the same lines, hoping to harness that bounce factor and go again. But you have to look at the squad of players they have.

“Yes, they have some talents in there, but they are going to have to bring in some more quality that's going to give them that opportunity to go and have that bounce factor.

“They are back and have the potential to be Bradford City Football Club once again.

“I do feel with Graham he can bring in and attract players, and from what they've done this season, they've shown quality in their style of play.

“They haven't got the investments that the likes of Wrexham had to really push the club forward but if the owners can back them, and if they are willing to, I think they've got every chance of fighting in League One.”

The future looks bright for the Bantams

After escaping the fourth-tier at the last moment, Graham Alexander and the recruitment team at Bradford will now be solely focused on what they can do to equip themselves suitably ahead of their League One campaign.

There are no doubts surrounding the size of the Bantams’ fanbase and if they can compile a competitive squad, they would be roared on around the terraces of Valley Parade in great volume.

Few sides within the EFL can match Bradford’s prestige and, if tapped into correctly, it is an attribute that can be used effectively to their advantage.

Promotion, or even fighting for the play-offs next season, will be a tall order for Alexander’s side. But if they can build momentum and give the fans a team to believe in, anything could be possible.