Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has spoken candidly about the shock exit of skipper Richie Smallwood, calling it the “hardest decision” of his 13-year managerial career.
The midfielder’s unexpected departure stunned supporters and Smallwood himself, who had anticipated a contract extension after leading the Bantams to promotion.
Speaking at a recent fans’ forum, Alexander acknowledged that his initial intention had been to keep the 33-year-old at Valley Parade.
Alexander Admits U-turn
“Richie’s right on one side of things,” he admitted. “My initial chat with him was to offer him a contract going forward. That was the week after promotion – I said that to his face.”
However, after taking time to reflect on the club’s direction, Alexander changed course. Despite discussing terms with Smallwood’s agent, he opted to revoke the offer, citing the need to prepare for the next challenge in League One.
Smallwood had expressed frustration in an exclusive interview last week, accusing the manager of blindsiding him after being led to believe he would continue. Alexander responded by explaining his actions and stressing the respectful way in which the conversation was eventually handled.
“I didn’t want to ruin his holiday, so I waited until he came back and drove to meet him in the North-East,” said Alexander. “I gave him my reasons. I knew he wouldn’t agree, but we shook hands, had a half-hour chat and wished each other well.”
Club Legacy Undiminished Despite Exit
Smallwood played 38 times during the 2023/24 campaign, captaining the team with distinction as they earned promotion. His leadership, particularly in a strong start to the season that included an opening day win at MK Dons, was a key pillar in City’s success.
Alexander insisted the former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder’s legacy at the club would remain intact, even if the ending was less than ideal.
“Whatever decision I made, it doesn’t diminish the impact he had,” he said. “He was a great player and a great captain – I just had to do what I believed was right for the future. I’d be shirking my responsibility if I didn’t.”
Alexander’s words highlight the often complex emotional terrain managers must navigate, particularly when success has been built on the leadership of a player now deemed surplus to requirements.
Writer’s View
Letting Richie Smallwood go was never going to be a popular decision, and Graham Alexander knows it. In explaining his side, he’s shown the human cost of leadership—balancing sentiment with pragmatism. Smallwood’s exit may hurt now, but Alexander is clearly looking beyond loyalty to prepare his squad for a tough League One campaign.
Whether the decision proves right or wrong will be judged in time, but in acknowledging the emotional weight of it, Alexander earns credit for transparency in a moment that easily could have been brushed under the carpet.
