Promoted Bradford in talks with captain Smallwood

Richard Smallwood made 53 appearances in all competitions for Bradford City this season

Bradford City are in talks with four out of contract players, including captain Richard Smallwood, about extending their stays.

The 34-year-old midfielder has made 130 league appearances in three seasons with the Bantams and helped them win promotion back to League One this campaign.

Goalkeeper Sam Walker, 33, and defenders Ciaran Kelly, 26, and Lewis Richards, 23, are also in discussions about new contracts.

Defenders Romoney Crichlow, 25, Sam Stubbs, 26, and midfielders Callum Johnson, 28, and Jamie Walker, 31, and striker Vadaine Oliver, 33, have all been released.

Player/goalkeeper coach Colin Doyle, 39, is also in talks about a new playing deal.

Veteran defender Paul Huntington, 37, is out of contract but has been invited back for pre-season training.

'No room for sentiment' - Analysis

BBC Radio Leeds' Bradford City reporter Jamie Raynor:

After such a dramatic promotion, the looming announcement of Bradford City's retained list always threatened to be a sobering thought after such celebrations.

The release of Walker and Crichlow serves as a firm reminder that football, sadly, holds no room for sentiment. Their efforts and affiliation to the club over the years will forever be remembered though.

It makes sense for the club to hold talks with club captain Smallwood. His leadership has been invaluable over the past 12 months. His experience will be welcomed in the third tier. As will goalkeeper Walker's, another senior member of the squad who you would expect to agree a new deal.

I would be surprised if the club were not exploring the possibility of bringing back some of the loan players who have returned to their parent clubs. Barnsley defender Jack Shepherd and Crystal Palace midfielder Tayo Adaramola, in particular, the standouts.

Now we await the next few months of summer activity, as the club gets ready for League One once again.