Bradford City have had a turbulent season so far this term, with lengthy unbeaten runs, winless runs that seemed to never end, and a managerial sacking.
Graham Alexander was appointed to the Head Coach role back in November, after being let go from Milton Keynes Dons, and with Bradford having dismissed previous manager Mark Hughes the month prior. When Alexander joined the Bantams, the club were sat in 16th in League Two.
A positive recent run, which has seen the side win their last three matches, including a home 4-0 win against the head coach’s former club MK Dons, has meant that the Bantams have climbed up to 13th and are within two points of the top seven. An unfortunate loss in the semi-final of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy has meant that if there are aspirations to play at Wembley this season, then it must be in the League Two playoffs.
“Bradford are a big football club,” – former manager Simon Grayson told The Real EFL exclusively. “I was there for four or five months in League One but I could feel there was something not right behind the scenes at that time, so I turned down a three-year extension.”
Former Sunderland boss Grayson joined the club in February 2018 as the side sat mid-table in League One. He went on to win three of the final 14 games of the season, seeing the club finish in 11th. Upon the expiration of his short-term deal, and choosing not to extend, he left his role at Valley Parade.
“I left because I felt the club wasn’t going to go in the right direction or the direction I wanted. I was probably proved right as next season they went through two or three different managers and got relegated and have been in League Two ever since,” – the 54-year-old added.
Speaking on what the future may hold for the Yorkshire outfit, the former Preston North End manager stated that playoffs were still within reach.
“They are still in with a strong chance of getting into the playoffs this year and earning a spot in League One, but there needs to be some stability and consistency with everything that they are doing.”
Grayson did go on to admit that achieving those is easier said than done.
“The modern-day owner wants instant success, but sometimes it is more the gradual process that will give you that opportunity to stabilise for a longer term rather than just the short term.”
If Bradford do wish to push into that top seven with thirteen games remaining, they may hope to continue that push as they travel to promotion hopefuls Barrow this weekend.
The exclusive interview came courtesy of Instant Casinos
