Bradford City defender Ciaran Kelly hopes to get more chances in the team after playing every minute of the Bantams last two games.
Graham Alexander’s team are having the campaign of their dreams after returning to League One.
Bradford City sit second in the table after 14 games, putting their name in the hat as surprising promotion candidates.
With the team in great form, breaking into the team has proved hard work, with Ciaran Kelly being used sparingly until the last few weeks.
After 90 minutes at Stevenage, the 27-year-old again played the full game as Bradford kept their unbeaten home record intact drawing 0-0 with Lincoln City.
Ciaran Kelly, please with his performances, is after more games to keep impressing Alexander.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” the Irish defender told BBC Radio Leeds. “I’d been struggling for minutes this season so to play the last two games and put in a shift like that, I’m really happy with myself.
“Every time I get out on the pitch, that’s what I want to do. I’d like to contribute going forward as well, but when there’s a job to be done, defending, that’s what I’ll do.
“I’ll always be knocking on the gaffer’s door to get minutes as I believe in my ability.
“I believe I can help the team. Stevenage was a tough place to go so to be thrown into that game was a credit because the gaffer trusted me.
“I don’t think anyone has taken a point from them all season at their home ground, so it was a good game to be involved in.
“That trust gives me massive confidence going into the next few games. I’ve been thrown in and hopefully I’ve done well and helped the team.”
Prior to the Stevenage game, Ciaran Kelly had started one game all season.
With the games mounting up and injuries to the back line, the Irish defender was given a chance in the EFL Trophy and has since kept his place.
Ciaran Kelly will be hoping to stay in the team as Bradford gear up for a difficult festive period.
Valley Parade Stronghold
Bradford’s promotion campaign was built on the team’s home form and things have continued the same this season.
Alexander’s side sit second in the home form table, only behind Bolton Wanderers on goal difference.
League One Home Form Table (29/10/2025)
| # | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BWFC | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | +10 | 17 |
| 2 | BCAFC | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | +6 | 17 |
| 3 | SFC | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | +7 | 16 |
The Bantams have conceded just seven goals at home and this defence has helped springboard a pacy attack that can catch anyone on the break.
Ciaran Kelly, now in the line-up, partnered with Joe Wright and Neill Bryne or Tom McIntyre, presents a serious task for opposition sides when heading to West Yorkshire.
What’s Next for Ciaran Kelly and Bradford?
The in-form Kelly may get a rest this weekend as Bradford head south for their FA Cup first-round game with Cheltenham Town.
Returning to league action, the Bantams host Burton Albion, a side that have beaten other promotion chasing sides in Bolton and Cardiff City and will be trying to do so again at Valley Parade.
Following that it’s a Yorkshire derby with Doncaster Rovers and then things heat up before December.
Back-to-back away trips at Plymouth Argyle and then Bolton will test this Bradford side’s credentials in the promotion race.
Ciaran Kelly will be hoping to make his mark and stay in the side for the huge league games to come.
The Bantams will be needing that home form to hold strong as the games come fast in League One.
