Bradford City manager Graham Alexander lauded his players after securing a dramatic 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town to earn promotion to League One yesterday.
The Bantams went into the game knowing that three points would be enough to end their six-year stay in League Two. Despite dominating the game, they struggled to get the breakthrough and it appeared as if they would have to settle for a place in the play-offs, with Walsall securing victory over Crewe Alexandra.
With desperation creeping in, Bradford launched a late barrage at the Fleetwood goal. Eventually the secured the breakthrough through Antoni Sarcevic in the sixth minute of added time when his deflected effort crept into the bottom corner.
Bedlam ensued, with a packed Valley Parade erupting. The game was delayed by 15 minutes to allow for the pitch to empty but play eventually restarted, with the final whistle sparking chaotic scenes.
“Best Experience Of My Career” – Alexander Full Of Emotion
Following the full time whistle, Alexander was lofted upon the shoulders of supporters. When the pitch finally emptied, the former MK Dons boss was full of pride for his squad. Speaking to the media, he said:
“It’s my best experience of my career, without a doubt. When you are a manager, you end up caring for a lot more people than yourself.
“It’s the Bradford way, I suppose – take everyone through every emotion you can possibly feel. What an amazing way to finish a really tough and brutal season. The way these players have approached everything, I have never seen them quit, not once. In the last game of the season, they are still going.
Bradford are finally back in League One! #bcafc pic.twitter.com/GKP6bYlj4S
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) May 3, 2025
“Still going strong, still fit and believing and they deserve it. They have been magnificent for us and the support we have had this season in such a special year with the 40th anniversary of the tragedy in 1985.
“We have had two different seasons, we’ve been the best at home and one of the worst away. I reminded the players of what we have done this season at home.
“I thought we would win the game, maybe a little bit more comfortably.
“I kept saying one more go, one more entry into the box, one more effort. We hit the post and Sarce’s chance went over and I saw five or six players get to the floor and I sprinted onto the pitch and told them to get up. We had to keep punching and fighting and that’s what they did.
“That minute (after scored) was the longest minute. The players have been through so much and some big players have only played half a season for us. To get over that line in the automatic position, everyone deserves massive credit.”
Writer’s View
It’s a fantastic achievement for Bradford, who will feel they have overstayed their welcome in League Two. They are a big club with a huge fanbase and deserve to be higher up the football pyramid. Focus will now shift to stabilising in the third tier, where they can use last season’s third-placed finishers Mansfield Town as an example.
