Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has dismissed suggestions that mid-table teams have little motivation at this stage of the season, ahead of his side’s League Two clash with Swindon Town.
The Bantams, who top the League Two standings, travel to face 14th-placed Swindon this weekend. While their opponents may no longer be in promotion contention, Alexander insists the notion that they have “nothing to play for” is misguided.
“I think it’s a fallacy that you go into these games and (think) they are already ‘done’ before. I just don’t see it in modern-day football. I didn’t see it in my day either, to be honest. When you go out there, players, individuals and managers have all got their pride. It’s always at the front.
I just don’t get that mindset or mentality (of not). I don’t like that in my own players. On a Tuesday or a Wednesday If we are training, if you are going through the motions, I stop it and speak to the player.”
The City boss has long placed a premium on professionalism and mental strength—qualities he says have defined the team’s rise from difficult circumstances just a year ago.
Maintain Standards
Alexander also highlighted the challenge of maintaining high standards away from home. Despite boasting the best home form in the division, City’s away record sits 14th—a contrast that could prove significant with three of their last five matches on the road.
He urged his players to replicate their home mentality when faced with smaller crowds and different conditions.
“When I spoke to the players 12 months ago about what I wanted to see from the team when we were in a bad spot, it wasn’t about winning the next game, but character and personality,” he explained. “We have to show that away from home as well and not just in our own backyard when there’s 18-20,000.”
Alexander referenced a late-season turnaround in the previous campaign, which saw City end a poor run with three successive away victories. He believes the current squad is better prepared to deal with those pressures this time around.
Writer’s view
Graham Alexander’s words serve as a timely reminder that professional standards don’t waver based on league position. His insistence on full effort, whether in training or during matches, has underpinned Bradford City’s title charge. With key away fixtures looming, their response will be crucial—and if last year’s resurgence is anything to go by, few would bet against them finding top gear on the road again.
