Reviewing 2025/26

Unbeaten until early September, the Bantams found themselves in and around the top 6 for most of the season despite a lot of pre season negativity and low expectations amongst journalists. From early December they were out of all cup competitions, free to concentrate on the league and that showed in their performances eventually finishing 4th.

Two 1-0 defeats in the Play Off semi finals to Bolton put paid to their promotion hopes but all in all it was a very decent season.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

Early predictions are suggesting a struggle for the Bantams this time out. I'm wondering what I'm missing though. As far as I can see, they've brought in 5 or 6 very talented players for this level and only let go the players they were happy to see leave. Andy Cook and Max Power the two exceptions to that but both are in their 30's now and obviously didn't fit in with the clubs narrative.

Callum Connolly, John McCracken, Macaulay Gillesphey and Jake Beesley have all arrived but the signing of Adam Phillips is the one that stands out for me. He's 28 years old and arrives from just down the road at Barnsley, has lots of experience at this level, scores and assits. What more could you want marshalling your midfield?

Court Offside Tip

Most people didn't predict the Bantams to finish as high as they did last season and some are even predicting a repeat performance this time out. I'm not in that boat but I can see why. I've got them finishing 9th and just missing out on the play offs whilst the bookies seem to agree and currently have them priced at 2/1 to make it into the top 6.