The decision to fire Richie Smallwood, the captain of Bradford City, has been described by Graham Alexander as the “hardest decision” he has ever had to make.
Smallwood won the club’s Player of the Season award and led the Bantams to automatic promotion to League One in spectacular manner, so many were shocked to learn that his time with Bradford was coming to an end.
In the 2024–25 season, the 34-year-old former Hull City captain participated in 43 of City’s 46 league games and will need to be replaced.
Although he was amenable to Alexander’s desire for a 12-month contract, he informed the Telegraph & Argus that he preferred a two-year agreement. However, that offer was never made, and Smallwood was told by the supervisor that he would not be retained on
Richie Smallwood’s shocking choice is explained by Graham Alexander.
At the club’s supporters’ forum on Wednesday, Alexander said that the decision to cut ties with the 34-year-old was taken with the future in mind. Smallwood stated in his T&A interview that he was unsure of the reason behind his dismissal.
“It was without a doubt the hardest decision I’ve made in my 13 years as a manager,” the Bradford manager stated, as reported by Jamie Raynor. “I travelled to the northeast to have a face-to-face conversation with him. I gave an explanation of my thinking and choice. I didn’t think he would concur.
It involved looking forward and attempting to predict the difficulties that lie ahead. the characteristics we required. At the time, I thought I
It involved looking forward and attempting to predict the difficulties that lie ahead. the characteristics we required. At the time, I thought I had to make a really difficult choice. Going ahead, I must choose what I believe is best for the squad.
“What he has done for this club should never be diminished by it. He will always be the captain of a Bradford City squad that won promotion.
Despite the Smallwood defeat, Bradford has had an extremely successful summer thus far.
Bradford has taken action to seize Smallwood’s place in the Valley Parade home changing room. Max Power, a former midfielder for Wigan Athletic, has agreed to a two-year contract. He has extensive experience in both League One and the Championship, but especially in the latter.
Since the Bantams were promoted to the third division, they have made a number of impressive additions, including him. Josh Neufville, a wing-back for AFC Wimbledon, is the most recent addition to the team, joining center-backs Curtis Tilt and Joe Wright. Sam Walker, their goalie, has also agreed to new contracts before his current one expires. He is committed to Bradford for the next two years, just like Power.
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