Ibou Touray, a Gambian international, has signed a two-year contract with Bradford City.
After two years with Stockport County, where he led the Hatters to the League Two championship in 2024 with new teammates Antoni Sarcevic and Neil Byrne, the 30-year-old left-back joins Valley Parade.
He then helped the Hatters finish third in League One this interview with the club’s media staff, Bradford manager Graham Alexander—who previously handled Ibou during a stint at Salford City—expressed his excitement over the deal.
“Ibby’s signing gives the team another outstanding performer. His steady attitude and method will be very helpful to us.
“I am confident that he will be a huge success for us in the upcoming seasons because he can attack and defend with quality.”
What Touray has in store for Bradford
In addition to providing defensive stability and an essential offensive threat from full-back, Ibou Touray will contribute a wealth of critical experience to Bradford’s defence.
After playing non-league football for a number of years, Touray joined Salford City in 2017 and led them to consecutive promotions from the National League North to League Two.
Salford’s ascent, however, halted, and Touray left Peninsula Stadium at the end of his contract to sign with the Hatters following a 2023 playoff semi-final loss to Stockport County.
Touray’s contribution to County’s team during their promotion from League Two made that decision instantly justified. The next season, he played 43 games as Stockport lost to Leyton Orient in the playoff semi-final, barely missing out on a second straight promotion.
In addition to his EFL achievements, Touray has 23 Gambia caps and participated in the 2024 African Cup of Nations. His experience playing against international opponents will be invaluable in critical matches during the season, even though it will prevent him from playing during international breaks.
Although Alexander stated in his interview that his promotion-winning experience will be crucial to Bradford’s success in League One, Touray’s defensive skills and attacking threat will also strengthen Bradford’s backline.
In fact, it is evident from the underlying facts that Touray is a superb all-around fullback in League One. Last season, he excelled defensively, winning 6.21 duels on average per game and being in the top quarter of League One full-backs in terms of crossing accuracy.
Additionally, with an average of 1.04 chances per game, Touray provided an attacking outlet at Edgeley Park. As County sought promotion, he recorded three assists, notably setting up Tanto Oloafe’s vital game-winning goal against rivals Bolton Wanderers.
Additionally, with an average of 1.04 chances per game, Touray provided an attacking outlet at Edgeley Park. As County sought promotion, he recorded three assists, notably setting up Tanto Oloafe’s vital game-winning goal against rivals Bolton Wanderers.
He will be an important defensive and offensive weapon for Graham Alexander’s team the next season if he can maintain his impressive play in Yorkshire.
He will be an important defensive and offensive weapon for Graham Alexander’s team the next season if he can maintain his impressive play in Yorkshire.
What does Bradford City want to achieve in the upcoming season?
Following the success of Wrexham and Stockport County, Bradford City hopes to instantly challenge at the top end of the division after securing promotion to League One last season.
With Touray joining Josh Neufville, Curtis Tilt, and Joe Wright as defensive reinforcements and Max Power contributing crucial League One experience to their midfield, the Bantams have already made great strides this summer.
Bradford is well-positioned to succeed in their debut season in the third division since 2019 with these new players. Prior to hoping to move up the table and earn a return to the second tier for the first time since 2004, they will first try to establish themselves.
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