Bradford promotion 'not just a football achievement'

Bradford City fans celebrated on the pitch after the club ended their six-year spell in the fourth tier

Saturday, 3 May 2025 could prove to be one of the most memorable, dramatic and historic days in Bradford City's long history.

The six-year wait for promotion out of League Two has, at times, felt an impossible task and so it was apt that it took until the final minute of time added on for City to score the winning goal against Fleetwood and set off chaotic scenes of celebration.

Many a manager has tried and failed to realise the long-standing potential that has always existed in BD8. Average home crowds of 18,000 in the fourth tier create a demand for success, but few have been able to deliver.

The steady approach of Gary Bowyer, the club-legend status of Stuart McCall, the up-and-coming style of managerial duo of Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars, the promotion CV of Derek Adams and the Premier League pedigree of Mark Hughes. All different avenues, all dead ends.

'Alexander the great' paves path to success

Little did we know that in November 2023, the humility and pragmatism of Graham Alexander's arrival would be the much-needed turning point for the club.

It was apparent in the early stages of his tenure that his understanding of the club, its supporters and the Bradford area was transcending onto the pitch. An acceptance they may not be the best but would go into every game with a 'work-hard' mentality; a culture reflective of Bradford's working-class roots.

However, a 3-0 loss at Harrogate in March 2024 would prove to be this promotion journey's starting point. A fourth straight defeat for the Bantams, where 13 goals had been conceded and just one scored, all but ended faint hopes of a play-off finish.

The former Fleetwood, Scunthorpe and Salford boss often describes his drive home that night as the reset point in his and the club's approach.

Temptations of going in a different direction again were ignored and instead the board backed him. A new head of football operations was appointed in former Wigan and Mansfield chief executive David Sharpe and the blueprint was set for their hopes of success.

Fast forward 15 months and Bradford City are now, finally, a League One club once more, and the scale of what Alexander and his staff have achieved in that time should not be understated.

City need a leader who exudes empathy. Its ever-loyal fanbase are the only true asset the club currently holds and having them with you is imperative to success. Alexander has that.

Home form has so often been the failing of his predecessors. Yet in the 2024-25 season, Valley Parade has become a fortress, boasting 55 points from 17 wins and four draws - the third-best return in the EFL, behind Championship winners Leeds United and runaway League One champions Birmingham City.

The fans, of which 23,613 were among the crowd of 24,033 for Saturday's fantastic finale, believe in the players and are once again proud to support their club.

Graham Alexander (right) celebrates promotion with captain Richie Smallwood

Promotion unites past, present and future

This was always going to be a big year for Bradford, both the city and the club.

The title of UK City of Culture has offered hopes of future prosperity, while the region remembers one of its darkest days on 11 May with the 40th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire disaster.

This promotion represents more than just footballing achievement. It shines a light on Bradford. It brings together the city's past, present and future and it is a moment for the region just as much as it is for the club.

Its people deserve this and it serves as a firm reminder what a simple game of football can do for the area it represents.