Bradford City have secured the services of defender Lewis Richards for another season after agreeing to new terms.
The full-back was ruled out of play for much of Bradford City’s promotion push which ultimately ended in success, after damaging his hamstring against Bromley in February. Richards also had to undergo surgery for a shoulder issue, limiting him just to 22 appearances last season.
Deal Agreed
Competing with Crystal Palace loanee Tayo Adamarola for a starting spot in the Bantams’ side, Richards held his own and proved to be a reliable rotation option at left wing-back, and has since been rewarded for his efforts with a new contract, which was announced today. He will stay with City for their first season back in League One and extends his stay at Valley Parade to its third year.
Speaking about his new deal, the 23-year-old former Harrogate Town loanee said:
“I am really pleased to have re-signed with the club and extend my stay, especially after last season.
“The ambition of the club is massive and a real driving factor in me extending my stay, being promoted last season, I saw how big the club is and it was incredible to see.”
His manager, Graham Alexander, added:
“Lewis has had a difficult time with injury, but we believe he is a very good player with lots of potential in him.
“He has shown his quality whenever he has played and we look forward to having him back out on the pitch with us real soon.”
Writers’ View
This is an important deal for Bradford City to make. Lewis Richards, despite his injury woes, was arguably the better of him and Tayo Adamarola last season, even if the Crystal Palace player got well-earned plaudits for his contribution towards promotion. Whilst injury will certainly see him miss the opening games of the season, he will have a lot to contribute as the Bantams will aim to build a solid foundation entering League One. However, he now faces new competition to make the starting eleven, with former Stockport County and Salford City man Ibou Touray now at the club.
