Bradford City Chief Executive Ryan Sparks has revealed the club is interested in re-signing loanee Romoney Crichlow on a permanent deal, after speaking to BBC Sports West Yorkshire.
The defender’s contract is set to expire with Championship club Huddersfield this summer, and the Bantams won’t rule out the idea of Crichlow returning. Making 41 appearances this season for Bradford, the 24-year-old was part of a team that narrowly missed out on promotion to League One.
Who Is Romoney Crichlow?
Beginning his career in the depths of non-league with Enfield Borough, the versatile defender caught the eye of the Terriers in the Premier League. Moving to the club at the age of 18, Crichlow quickly had loan spells with Hartlepool United and Welling United.
Struggling to get consistent game time with the non-league clubs, the Englishmen broke onto the scene with a loan move at Swindon Town. Impressing during the first half of the season with the Robins, the Terriers recalled Crichlow and sent him a step higher to Plymouth Argyle in League One.
The soon-to-be free agent joined up with Mark Hughes’s men this season, where he became a key piece for the side. Able to play at centre back and on the left, the Bantam’s playoff hopes ended when losing in extra-time to eventual winners Carlisle United, during the League Two Playoff semi-finals.
Short Of Interest?
With the defender set to leave Huddersfield at the end of his contract next month, Crichlow should have interest from multiple teams in all kinds of leagues. With the potential to still be a solid centre-back, teams in the Championship and League One will be keen on the player. However, when on loan, Crichlow has played in best football in League Two, so expect numerous teams other than Bradford to want the defender’s services.
What’s Been Said:
Speaking to the BBC, Sparks spoke about Bradford’s transfer ideas and the possibility of Crichlow returning.
“Romoney Critchlow is someone who probably should be operating at a higher level, we need to see how that looks. Nothing is off the table. You’re trying to sign players from higher leagues all the time.
“Rom did a great job for us, we’re grateful for him for dropping down to League Two for a second season which I don’t think he really needed to do. What will be, will be on that one.”
Writer’s View
If Bradford were able to lock down the signing of Crichlow on a permanent deal, I think it would be great business. The defender has the potential to be playing at a much higher level, so solidifying a spot in defence would further increase the Bantam’s playoff chances.
