I, like many Bradford City supporters, am still in disbelief at how the 3rd of May unfolded. Pure drama, absolute carnage, and a clear example of ‘The Bradford City way’ of doing things.
However, this summer is critical for The Bantams to ensure that they build on their promotion back to League One and establish themselves as they make the step up.
At the time of writing, City have made quite a start to their summer recruitment, securing the services of Max Power, Curtis Tilt, Joe Wright, Ibou Touray, and Stephen Humphrys.
Let’s look at five other players that fit the profile of what The Bantams need.
LCB – Miguel Freckleton (Sheffield United)
22-year-old Freckleton enjoyed a successful loan spell in League Two last season with Swindon Town in League Two.
Sheffield United will probably look to loan him out again for the upcoming season, and Bradford City could be the perfect step up.
He was a big part of Ian Holloway’s revolution for The Robins as he steered them to a mid-table finish.
Freckleton’s defensive metrics are highly impressive, but he also possesses an attacking threat, which Graham Alexander may be interested in.
He created 11 chances from left centre back last season and even registered an assist, along with averaging 72.4 touches per 90 minutes (FOTMOB).
These fit the profile of what Alexander will look for in his wide centre backs as they are trusted to get forward and often overlap and join the attacks.
CM – Jamie McDonnell (Nottingham Forest)
Jamie McDonnell was a standout performer for Colchester United last season after joining on loan from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
The 21-year-old achieved an average rating of 7.3 across his 37 league appearances for the U’s, and his defensive numbers suggest that he is without doubt operating at a higher level than the average League Two midfielder.
With the Bantams letting Richie Smallwood depart upon the expiry of his current contract, they need a strong ball winner in midfield.
They have already signed Max Power, but I do not recognise him as being of the Smallwood mould and believe he offers something slightly different.
So why not try an ambitious loan swoop for McDonnell, who registered 83 tackles won, 351 duels won, and 147 ball recoveries.
He also trumps Smallwood in every defensive metric that Fotmob records, including possession won in the final third – a crucial stat for a high-pressing team like Bradford City.
CAM – Cameron Congreve (Swansea City)
Congreve impressed whilst on loan at Bromley last season, and whilst his parent club Swansea has exercised a one-year extension on his contract, he may struggle to find minutes for the Welsh club.
He outperformed both his expected assists and expected goals, including an impressive finish against Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
This would probably represent another loan move for The Bantams, but they have yet to dip into the loan market, and Congreve is without doubt one of the more sensible options in attacking midfield.
ST – Callum Stead (Barnet FC)
So far, I have recommended a lot of loan signings for The Bantams, that is because I think they should use a large part of their budget on a number nine.
Currently, the Bantams have two striking options with Calum Kavanagh having a strong season and the inevitable Andy Cook looking set to return from injury early into the season.
Tyler Smith looks to be out of the picture, so I think reinforcements are needed if they want a successful season back in the third tier.
Callum Stead could be an expensive option, but would be worth the fee. He recorded 27 goal contributions in 45 games as he fired The Bees to the National League title.
He is under contract until June next year, but with 35 goals in two seasons, he may be ready to make the jump to a higher level this summer.
ST – Jonson Clarke-Harris (Rotherham United)
Clarke-Harris is coming off the back of what has been an unbelievably underwhelming season for Rotherham, and he will be disappointed with his performances too, as he only managed to find the net eight times last campaign.
That said, he is a proven League One goal scorer and has won the Golden Boot twice, with his best goal returns coming in a Peterborough United shirt.
He is still under contract with The Millers, so a deal would require a fee, but Rotherham may look to move him on with Sam Nombe seemingly the first choice at The New York Stadium… Where do you think The Bantams will finish in League One next year?
