A new twist has emerged in the reported interest by Bradford City for former centre-back Romoney Crichlow-Noble.
On his ‘Hard Truth’ podcast, Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony claimed that The Bantams had tabled an offer to his side for the defender, but it had been turned down after offering to pay 35% of the player’s wages. He said (Quotes via Yorkshire Post): “I couldn’t believe what I was reading when Barry [Fry, Peterborough’s director of football] sent me the text. I was amazed a club the size of Bradford coming in with a bid like that. But that’s football I guess, you’ve got to try.”
Crichlow was snatched up by Posh last summer after being released from Huddersfield Town. He made 32 appearances for the Cambridgeshire side in his debut season, but was largely used in cup competitions and on the bench for League One matches. As a result, he, alongside David Ajiboye and Kabongo Tshimanga have been listed to leave London Road this summer.
His season at Bradford City was much more successful as the Valley Parade side pushed into the League Two playoffs, falling in the semi-finals to eventual winners Carlisle United. Rumours did suggest that City would try for a permanent move for the 25-year-old but were beaten to the punch by Peterborough.
Fresh reports in the Telegraph and Argus have hit back at the claim made by MacAnthony, with the paper reporting that Bradford have denied the claims made during the podcast and that they have not contacted Barry Fry for Crichlow.
City have already strengthened in the defensive department, with Aden Baldwin arriving from Notts County and Neill Byrne from League Two champions Stockport County. Matty Platt was sent to Meadow Lane leaving the club with five senior central defenders in the club next season.
Graham Alexander’s side had promised investment in the summer following missing out on the play-offs for the second consecutive season, but business has slowed down with Tyriek Wright being the last new signing from Plymouth Argyle on July 4.
Peterborough will be looking for new faces in their own locker room, with none of their usual defensive partnerships staying at the club. Harrison Burrows has been snapped up by Sheffield United, Jadel Katongo returning to Manchester City, Ronnie Edwards joining Southampton and Josh Knight moving abroad to Hannover 96
Some new signings have been made, with Crewe Alexandra‘s Rio Adebisi and Portsmouth‘s Jack Sparkes arriving to cover the left-back position. The season opens on August 10, with Huddersfield Town arriving at London Road.
Writer’s View
It is very interesting to see the conflicting reports around Romoney Crichlow and the offer made. Bradford will be looking to find a figure in a similar vein to Norwich City‘s Jonathan Tomkinson, who was himself a replacement to Crichlow following his departure so it makes sense why City would return to him.
There is a case that Peterborough might need him in the short term. With an exodus of defenders this window, Crichlow will be the most experienced of those still left at the club. They have made plenty out of deals for Ronnie Edwards and Harrison Burrows, but until those replacements can be brought in, what’s left at the club will be needed to navigate the opening games of the season.
City’s recruitment has come under intense scrutiny over recent weeks following claims from ownership that more investment will be made. They still look short in a few positions, such as left wing-back and in central midfield, where cover is needed for the ageing Richie Smallwood and Kevin McDonald. Whilst centre-back isn’t a priority, more options there would not hurt.
