League Two is a strange place. It’s littered with clubs that even established EFL sides have no history with, such as Bromley and Harrogate.
They’re there on merit, there’s no disrespect on their names from us, but it feels like a division of haves and have-nots. Some clubs have top-flight experience, such as Notts County, who were relegated from Division One the season prior to the Premier League starting.
You might think that makes them the biggest club in the division, but we think not. Having been through all 23 (and MK Dons, who were never going to get a vote), we have plumped for another sleeping giant.
When discussing the biggest club currently playing in League Two, Bradford City stands out as the leading contender. The Bantams boast an impressive combination of historical success, a passionate and sizeable fan base, and a stadium that wouldn’t look out of place in the Championship.
Historical Success
Bradford City’s history sets them apart from most of their League Two counterparts. They remain one of the few clubs in the fourth tier to have played in the Premier League, enjoying two seasons in the top flight between 1999 and 2001. During their debut Premier League campaign, they memorably avoided relegation on the final day by beating Liverpool 1-0 at Valley Parade. While their Premier League stint was brief, it marked a high point in the club’s modern history and placed them firmly in the national footballing consciousness.
Additionally, Bradford City etched their name in English football folklore with an unforgettable League Cup run in the 2012–13 season. As a League Two side, they defied the odds to reach the final at Wembley, knocking out Premier League sides Arsenal and Aston Villa along the way. Although Swansea City ultimately outclassed them in the final, Bradford’s journey captured the imagination of the footballing world and remains one of the greatest cup stories in recent memory.
There are likely to be very few, if any, people alive today who remember the 1911 season, but those that do will know the Bantams wrote a little history by winning the FA Cup that season. Notts County might claim to be a big club, but you have to go back to 1894 for their FA Cup win. Also, before the Magpies fans start, the Anglo-Italian Cup win in 1995 is not comparable!
Fan Base and Stadium
Bradford City’s fan base is another key factor that elevates them above their League Two peers. With an average attendance that regularly exceeds 15,000, the Bantams boast one of the largest and most loyal followings in the division. Their home ground, Valley Parade, has a capacity of over 25,000, making it one of the largest stadiums in League Two that can attract supporters. The consistent support from their fans, regardless of the club’s struggles in the lower leagues, demonstrates the scale of their support and the size of the club.
A Sleeping Giant
Bradford City’s stature in League Two feels more like that of a sleeping giant. Their infrastructure, history, and fan base all point to a club that should be competing higher up the football pyramid. Despite their current struggles, the potential for Bradford to rise again remains ever-present, and their size in comparison to most League Two sides is undeniable.
They were seemingly on the cusp of the Championship back in 2017/18, only to go and sack Stuart McCall with a belief they should be higher. That’s sparked a collapse that Graham Alexander appears to be bringing to a close – the Bantams are currently second in League Two, meaning not only are they the biggest club, but they’re also one of the best.
Conclusion
While Notts County’s status as the world’s oldest professional football club deserves recognition, and AFC Wimbledon’s Phoenix club journey is remarkable, Bradford City edges them out when considering the full package of history, fan base, and infrastructure. The Bantams’ past successes, coupled with their loyal support and impressive stadium, make them the biggest club currently competing in League Two.
