Simon Parker

Bradford City defeated Sheffield Wednesday 1–0 at Hillsborough to claim local bragging rights. Aden Baldwin was named man of the match after a strong defensive performance and a second-half goal that secured the three points. Bradford had 40% possession but recorded four shots on target to Wednesday’s three, while the attendance was 33,138, including 2,400 Bradford supporters. Baldwin received Bradford’s highest rating, an 8, while Sheffield Wednesday’s highest-rated players were Barry Bannan and Slattery, both with 7.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen praised Bradford City’s clear, powerful and intense style under Graham Alexander ahead of their League One meeting at Hillsborough. Wednesday have started the campaign with two wins across the league and Carabao Cup, but Pedersen says the newly assembled side must improve and earn every point against Bradford’s more settled team. Midfielder Tyler Onyango is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury, while Wednesday are reportedly close to signing Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison on loan.

Bradford City opened their League One home campaign with a convincing 2–0 victory over Peterborough United at Valley Parade. Macaulay Gillesphey broke the deadlock early in the second half after a corner, before substitute Nick Powell sealed the win with a close-range finish from Adam Phillips's cross. Bradford controlled most of the match, created several additional chances and maintained a home clean sheet, while Peterborough offered only limited attacking threat. The result extended Graham Alexander's impressive record in opening-day league fixtures and gave Bradford three wins from three at the start of the campaign.

Bradford City are awaiting scan results on Tyreik Wright after he felt a twinge in training, with manager Graham Alexander concerned that a serious injury could affect recruitment plans before the September 1 transfer deadline. Alexander is meeting David Sharpe and Stephen Gent to review transfer options. Ibou Touray replaced Wright against Peterborough and earned the sponsors' man-of-the-match award, reinforcing Alexander's confidence in his ability to cover the position.

Bradford City opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Peterborough United at Valley Parade, extending Graham Alexander's record to three consecutive opening-day wins. Bradford created several chances and hit the woodwork twice before Macaulay Gillesphey headed in from a corner, with substitute Nick Powell adding a second goal from Adam Phillips's cross. Alexander praised his side's intensity, defensive discipline and resilience, while Peterborough manager Luke Williams said his team lost too many duels and failed to create enough danger. Peterborough defender David Okagbue was sent off for a second yellow card, and Bradford's Tyreik Wright was due to undergo a scan after suffering a training injury.

Bradford City are priced at 5/1 for promotion from League One and 16/1 to win the division, according to Betfair. The club is also listed at 2/1 for a top-six finish, 8/1 for a top-two finish and 9/1 for relegation. Jake Beesley and Will Swan are Bradford's shortest-priced candidates for the League One top-scorer award. For the opening match against Peterborough United, Bradford are priced at 4/6, with the draw at 27/10 and Peterborough at 4/1.

Bradford City must improve its goal-scoring output if it is to challenge for automatic promotion from League One, according to Sky Sports pundit and former Bradford striker Don Goodman. The club finished fourth last season but scored only 57 goals, ranking 14th in the division. Goodman praised the team’s defensive organization and recruitment of Callum Connolly, Adam Phillips and Jake Beesley, while warning that stronger competition from clubs including Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town will make another top-six finish more difficult.

Bradford City have signed former Rotherham goalkeeper Cameron Dawson on a one-year contract to replace Sam Walker, who joined Watford. The 31-year-old free agent, who has won promotion with Exeter and Sheffield Wednesday, made 56 appearances for Rotherham over the previous two seasons. Bradford manager Graham Alexander said Dawson is a known and trusted goalkeeper who will compete with Jon McCracken for the number-one position.

Sam Walker became Graham Alexander's first signing as Bradford City manager in January 2024, initially attracting an underwhelming reaction after arriving from a short-term spell at Charlton. Backed by Colin Doyle's recommendation, Walker established himself as a leader and key figure in Bradford's revival, helping the club win promotion and reach the play-off semi-finals. After Jon McCracken's arrival threatened his starting position, Walker moved to Watford, where a role closer to his Hertfordshire-based family offered a practical next step despite the likelihood of serving as third-choice goalkeeper. His character, commitment and contribution left a lasting impression at Bradford City.

Bradford City goalkeeper Jon McCracken discusses his move from Dundee and jokes that his cockapoo is officially registered with the name Phil McCracken. The 26-year-old says Bradford’s recent progress, League One promotion ambitions and strong connection among its manager, staff and players attracted him to the club. Having experienced hostile crowds at Celtic, Rangers and in Dundee derbies, McCracken believes he can handle the pressure of playing before Bradford’s large home support and is eager to contribute to the club’s push for improvement.

Bradford City striker Will Swan reflects on his goalscoring form, last season's Carabao Cup run and missing the victory at Newcastle through injury. After scoring in pre-season and the cup opener against Rochdale, Swan is competing for a place across the front three and believes Bradford's momentum and home support can help them challenge Burnley in the upcoming cup tie and begin the league season strongly.

Sam Walker is close to completing a move from Bradford City to Watford, potentially within 24 hours. Bradford manager Graham Alexander said the club expects to finalize the transfer alongside the arrival of a replacement goalkeeper, with Cameron Dawson reportedly a possible candidate. Walker, who has made 125 appearances for Bradford since January 2024, is attracted by Watford’s location near his family and could join as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper.

Bradford City opened their season with a comfortable 2–0 Carabao Cup victory over Rochdale at Valley Parade. Will Swan capitalized on a defensive error just before halftime, while Aden Baldwin doubled the lead with a well-placed header from Callum Connolly’s corner. Bradford dominated possession in the attacking third, recorded 24 attempts and largely contained Rochdale, whose best chance was a missed header from Mani Dieseruvwe. Debut goalkeeper Jon McCracken kept a clean sheet, and Bradford advanced with little drama ahead of their League One opener against Peterborough.

Bradford City defeated Rochdale 2–0 in the Carabao Cup, with Will Swan scoring just before half-time and Aden Baldwin heading the second. Manager Graham Alexander praised Sam Walker but said he would consider the goalkeeper’s potential move to Watford over the weekend, taking both the club’s interests and Walker’s family circumstances into account. Jon McCracken made his debut and kept a clean sheet, while Stephen Humphrys was absent through illness and expected to return Monday.

Nick Powell has signed a new one-year contract with Bradford City after impressing during pre-season. The 32-year-old forward made 14 appearances last season after recovering from a serious hamstring injury and scored in several friendlies, convincing the club that he could make a greater impact in his second year. Powell said he was delighted to have earned the deal, while manager Graham Alexander highlighted his desire and quality. Powell will wear the number 25 shirt.

Sam Walker is reportedly attracting interest from Watford, potentially offering the 34-year-old Bradford City goalkeeper a move closer to his family in Hertfordshire. Walker has started every league match since Graham Alexander signed him in January 2024, but the arrival of Jon McCracken from Dundee has put his status as Bradford's first-choice goalkeeper under pressure. Bradford would likely require a replacement before allowing Walker to leave.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander says he will not rotate his squad for the Carabao Cup match against Rochdale, insisting the team is now focused on winning rather than managing players’ minutes. He respects Rochdale’s promotion from the National League, highlighting their 106-point season and penalty-shootout victory over Boreham Wood, as well as striker Mani Dieseruvwe’s role in their success.

Former Everton academy defender Reece Welch has joined Bradford City on a two-year contract after impressing during pre-season, including five friendlies and the club’s training camp in Austria. The 22-year-old, who will wear the number two shirt, becomes Bradford’s seventh summer signing after previous loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Belgian club Deinze. Manager Graham Alexander praised Welch’s height, mobility, composure and commitment, saying the defender had other opportunities but was particularly motivated to join Bradford.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander praised Kayden Jackson’s performance as a wing-back during the club’s pre-season friendly against Salford. Jackson assisted Nick Powell’s goal after moving into the role, having previously impressed there against Preston. Alexander said Jackson’s pace, one-on-one ability and delivery make him a viable option in Bradford’s flexible 3-4-3 system, particularly while George Lapslie is sidelined.

Bradford City twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Salford City in their final pre-season friendly. Macaulay Langstaff and Joe Powell scored for Salford, while Adam Phillips and Nick Powell equalized for Bradford. Manager Graham Alexander was unhappy with his side's slow start and inconsistent intensity, though he could take encouragement from Powell's scoring form, Jackson's versatility, Cartwright's midfield development and Welch's full-match performance. Bradford will now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup meeting with Rochdale.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander expressed frustration after his side drew 2-2 at Salford in their final pre-season match. He said City lacked intensity and conviction in the first half, allowing Salford to exploit gaps and take a lead, but praised the stronger pressing and territorial control after the break. Bradford came from behind twice through Adam Phillips and Nick Powell. Alexander said the squad had worked hard throughout the five-week preparation period, but the Carabao Cup opener against Rochdale will provide the real test of their readiness.

Bradford City defender Aden Baldwin has signed a new two-year contract running through at least summer 2028, with an option for an additional season. The 29-year-old has made 76 appearances for the club and helped secure automatic promotion to League One. Baldwin said he feels at home at Bradford City and believes the team's style suits him, while manager Graham Alexander called him an important part of the squad and said the extension will support his continued development.

Bradford City striker Will Swan has scored five goals during pre-season, including one in the team's win over Preston. Manager Graham Alexander praised Swan's performances and confidence but urged the usually laid-back forward to maintain a more aggressive edge and consistent desire throughout the campaign, following a similar strong start that faded last season.

Bradford City defeated Preston North End 3-2 in a competitive pre-season friendly at Valley Parade. Will Swan put Bradford ahead, Preston briefly turned the game around after half-time, and goals from Tyreik Wright and substitute Nick Powell secured the win. Manager Graham Alexander praised the squad's fitness, work rate and response to a demanding test, while stressing that the players must remain disciplined and committed ahead of the new season. Injuries and absences involving Joe Wright, Macaulay Gillesphey and George Lapslie were also discussed.

Callum Connolly is relishing his return to defensive midfield at Bradford City after being used as a centre-back at Stockport County. The new signing credits manager Graham Alexander for trusting him, has featured in all four pre-season friendlies, and captained the side against Accrington. Connolly also described Bradford's training camp in Austria as one of the toughest of his career but said it helped him recover from a late-season injury and integrate with his new teammates. He hopes Bradford can build on promotion two years ago and last season's play-off campaign to go one step further.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has backed new striker Jake Beesley to make a strong contribution after joining from Burton Albion. Beesley scored 13 goals last season but has yet to score in four pre-season friendlies, and is set to make his home debut against Preston. Alexander, who previously managed Beesley at Salford City, said the striker is excited by the move, wants to improve and is fully committed to the club. Bradford had tried to sign him twice previously before finally completing the deal in the summer.

Former Bradford City striker Charlie Wyke has announced his retirement from football at age 33, saying that it is the right time after a career affected by a 2021 cardiac arrest and a serious ankle injury that required 462 days of rehabilitation. Wyke scored 23 goals in 62 appearances for Bradford City and later played for Sunderland, Wigan, Rotherham and Carlisle, where he made his final appearance in April. In a statement, he thanked his family, teammates, medical staff and supporters, and said he was proud to have completed his career on his own terms.

Bradford City striker Will Swan has scored four goals in pre-season, including two against SV Gmunden, and says the early goals have restored his confidence after a difficult spell in front of goal last season. Following a demanding training camp in Austria, Bradford are preparing for a home friendly against Championship side Preston North End, which Swan views as an important test of the team’s progress and ambitions.

A photo gallery shows Bradford City supporters attending the club's pre-season friendly against SV Gmunden in Austria, including fans meeting players and travelling on the City Away Days bus.

Bradford City ended its Austrian training camp with a 4-0 victory over SV Gmunden, with Will Swan scoring twice and Nick Powell and Antoni Sarcevic also finding the net. Manager Graham Alexander praised the team’s work rate, possession play, clean sheet and tactical progress, while stressing that pre-season preparation is focused on the upcoming campaign rather than the result alone. Aden Baldwin completed more than an hour in his first friendly and was praised for his defensive qualities, though he remains behind the squad on fitness. Goalkeeper Sam Walker undertook an intensive training session instead of playing, allowing Jon McCracken and Zac Hadi to feature.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander says teenage players Oscar Lunn, Harry Parr, Leeroy Gomes and Oliver Hewitt have adapted well to the intense training schedule at the club’s camp in Obertraun, Austria. The youngsters were initially exposed to demanding sessions before being managed carefully, while senior teammates encouraged them and helped them adjust. Alexander and Ibou Touray also reflected on the lasting impact of their own early training-camp experiences.

Bradford City defender Aden Baldwin is expected to make his first pre-season appearance against SV Gmunden after missing the club's opening three friendlies with a calf problem. Manager Graham Alexander says Baldwin remains short of full match fitness and will need extra work before the Carabao Cup begins. The club also decided not to fly Stephen Humphrys to Austria after the birth of his child, allowing him to remain home and complete fitness training.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus announces exclusive coverage of Bradford City’s pre-season training camp in Austria, led by chief sports writer Simon Parker. Readers are encouraged to subscribe for full access to reports, reduced advertising, digital archives, daily digital editions, and additional subscriber rewards.

Bradford City confirmed their 2026–27 squad numbers as the team departed for a training camp in Austria, with Jake Beesley taking the number nine shirt formerly worn by Andy Cook. New assignments include Macaulay Gillesphey at five, Callum Connolly at six, and Adam Phillips at eight, while the number two shirt remains vacant.

Bradford City fell to their first defeat of pre-season in a competitive match at Accrington, where Charlie Brown scored the only goal. Manager Graham Alexander noted the physical test provided by Accrington and highlighted the need for improvements in attacking play ahead of the team’s upcoming training camp in Austria. Bradford created chances but lacked precision, rotating heavily in the second half as players gained minutes and trialists featured across the lineup.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander stresses the need for high fitness standards as pre-season intensifies, noting that several new signings are still behind the required physical level. The team prepares for a training camp in Austria after early friendlies against FC United and Halifax, with Alexander emphasising the demands of his high‑press style and the importance of consistent conditioning. Players who missed early sessions are working extra to catch up, and overall sharpness is improving as the squad builds toward the start of the season.

Bradford City beat Halifax 6–1 in a pre-season match, though manager Graham Alexander criticised a sluggish 15–20‑minute spell after half-time. A mid‑half team talk restored intensity, leading to improved pressing and two additional goals. Alexander highlighted the team’s aggressive style as key to creating chances and expressed confidence in the attacking options available.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander is closely monitoring how new summer signings integrate into the squad during early pre-season, emphasising team chemistry and the supportive dressing-room culture led by senior players. He highlights strong fitness levels among returning players, the importance of bonding for on‑field success, and the added excitement generated by ongoing World Cup coverage. The staff continue assessing new arrivals who joined later in the off‑season to ensure a full understanding of their needs and readiness.

Bradford City began their pre-season with a 2–1 comeback win over FC United, using the match to give minutes to new signings, trialists and academy players. FC United opened the scoring through Charlie Hayes-Green, but Bradford equalised when Ben Heneghan converted a corner before Adam Phillips’ overhit cross resulted in a late winning goal. The game featured extensive squad rotation, including debuts for several new arrivals and returning trialists, as the team prepares for the expectations that follow last season’s strong League One campaign.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander expressed satisfaction with the 2-1 pre-season win over FC United, noting progress on tactical work and player conditioning. Jon McCracken missed the match due to an ankle issue but is expected to rejoin training soon, while other minor injuries are not considered serious. Twenty-four players featured, including several new signings and trialists, with goals from Ben Heneghan and Adam Phillips completing the comeback. The coaching staff focused on managing player workloads as the squad prepares for an intensified week ahead.

Bradford City has agreed a three‑year stadium naming rights partnership with Seattle‑based finance firm Mbanq, resulting in the ground being renamed Mbanq Valley Parade. Mbanq plans to base its UK operations in Bradford, with CEO Vlad Lounegov describing the branding as a commitment to the club and community. Club general manager Davide Longo welcomed the deal as aligned with Bradford City’s values and supportive of the area’s heritage and future.

Bradford City signed 21-year-old midfielder Henry Cartwright from Leicester City on a three-year contract, making him the club’s sixth summer addition. Cartwright arrives after a productive loan season with Falkirk, where he made 42 appearances and scored twice. Bradford manager Graham Alexander praised his energy, passing range and competitiveness, while Cartwright expressed excitement about joining the club. He may feature in the team’s upcoming friendly against FC United of Manchester.

Bradford City plans to assess several trialists during pre-season, with one already training and expected to feature in the opening friendly against FC United of Manchester. Graham Alexander views pre-season training as mutually beneficial for clubs and free agents, citing past successes and his own experience. Last year’s trialists, including Yanic Wildschut, Jack Hunt and Tyler Magloire, had mixed outcomes, with all moving on after their stints. Alexander expects additional trialists to join as preparations continue.

Former Bradford City and Leeds United players will compete in a charity match honoring Allan Gilliver, who died in December after living with dementia. The event at Silsden FC aims to raise £10,000 for local dementia charities, adding to the £40,000 already generated by previous editions. The Bantams lineup includes several well‑known former players, and admission proceeds and donations through a JustGiving page will support the cause.

Bradford City plan to announce a new defensive signing following Curtis Tilt’s move to Burton Albion. Manager Graham Alexander explained that Tilt chose to relocate to be closer to family in Birmingham after a year with the club. Tilt expressed gratitude to supporters in a farewell message. The incoming defender will be the club’s fifth summer addition, following the arrival of Callum Connolly from Stockport.

Curtis Tilt has left Bradford City after one season to join Burton Albion for an undisclosed fee. The 34-year-old defender made 35 appearances for Bradford and impressed with strong defensive performances despite initial doubts. He will reunite with former Bradford manager Gary Bowyer at Burton, who defeated Bradford twice last season.

Graham Alexander urges Bradford City to maintain high standards from the first day of pre-season as they prepare for their second season in League One. After a strong previous campaign that ended in a play-off finish, he emphasizes consistency, internal competition, and renewed hunger to improve. Despite a shorter off‑season, he highlights optimism, renewed energy, and the boost of new arrivals as the squad reunites to build momentum for the upcoming campaign.