Richie Smallwood has taken a parting shot at Bradford City after joining League Two rivals Tranmere Rovers on a one-year deal.
The former Bantams skipper didn’t hold back in his assessment of his old club’s training facilities, comparing them unfavourably to those at his new side.
Smallwood Slams City Set-Up After Tranmere Switch
The 33-year-old midfielder, who captained Bradford over two seasons, took a clear swipe at the club during his unveiling at Prenton Park. Smallwood praised Tranmere’s Campus training base as one of the best he’s been in, suggesting it far outstripped the set-up at City’s Woodhouse Grove complex in Apperley Bridge.
“The building is one of the better ones I’ve been in, especially in the last couple of clubs,” he said. “The facilities off the pitch have not always been great. It’s really impressive and got everything you need and more. Apparently, the pitches are superb for the level anyway.”
His comments are likely to sting at Valley Parade, where concerns about infrastructure have been voiced before, but rarely so publicly by a former captain. Smallwood’s remarks draw a stark contrast between the League Two rivals and hint at deeper frustrations from his time in West Yorkshire.
Despite three seasons in claret and amber, there had been little transfer noise around Smallwood until Tranmere’s interest materialised. He admitted it had been a slow and frustrating summer, but praised the professionalism of Rovers manager Andy Crosby for moving quickly once contact was made.
Experience and Leadership the Key Appeal
Smallwood, who has won promotions from both League One and League Two during his career, is expected to play a major leadership role in a Tranmere side eager to rebound from last season’s bottom-half finish. The former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder cited his experience and readiness to guide younger players as key reasons for his arrival.
“I’ve done a few different leadership roles within the last couple of clubs and really enjoyed it. Hopefully people can learn off how I go about day to day and get ready for games,” he added.
Writer’s View
Richie Smallwood’s words won’t go unnoticed in Bradford. For a player who captained the club through some turbulent seasons, his blunt criticism of the facilities will cut deep—especially for fans already frustrated by the lack of progress off the field.
While his move to Tranmere may seem modest on paper, the comments highlight a growing perception that other clubs are now outpacing City in areas that matter. It’s more than just a training ground dig, it’s a warning sign that Bradford’s standing is slipping, even in the eyes of their own leaders.
