Pointon stays: What to expect from Bradford City's retained list this summer

01/05/2024 14:02

Bradford City will now turn their attentions to preparing for the summer following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign.

Bradford City ultimately came up short in their late bid to break into the play-offs, but their improved form over the second half of the season should be encouragement for the new campaign.

The Bantams will likely have a busy few months ahead as Alexander gears up for his first summer transfer window in charge at Valley Parade. While new signings are needed, decisions will also be made over the futures of those currently on the books.

A number of out of contract players will see their fates confirmed sooner rather than later as clubs start to announce their retained lists. With that said, we look at what to expect from Bradford City when they confirm their’s.

New Bobby Pointon deal

At the top of the Bantams’ to-do list should be tying young star Bobby Pointon down to a new deal.

The Bradford-born 20-year-old sees his contract expire this summer and having emerged as a first-team player over the season, he’s one who will have interest from elsewhere if he’s allowed to move on.

Pointon’s Transfermarkt profile states there is a one-year extension option in his deal. If that is the case, Bradford City must either secure a completely new agreement or trigger that to ensure he remains beyond this summer.

Players to be released

Of those out of contract this summer, there are a handful you can see moving on from Valley Parade.

Veterans Matt Derbyshire and Colin Doyle have featured sparingly and may make way when their deals expire. Harry Chapman has been in the Bradford City squad but a lack of starts under Alexander could point to him not featuring in the plans going forward.

Liam Ridehalgh had featured regularly but a drop out the side for the 33-year-old over April may well spell the end of his time at the club after three years.

Potential extensions

Along with the earlier mentioned Pointon, a selection of Bantams regulars are out of contract and their prevalent roles in the side may well earn them stays with the club.

Bradford City captain Richie Smallwood is among them. Matty Platt, Brad Halliday and Jamie Walker have also been consistently selected. The same goes for Sam Stubbs, though he’s been out in recent months with a fractured skull.

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