Bradford City Target Championship Return After 22-Year Absence
After more than two decades away from England’s second tier, Bradford City A.F.C. are mounting a serious push to return to the EFL Championship.
The Bantams currently sit fourth in the EFL League One table, placing them firmly in the promotion play-off positions as the season enters its decisive stage. With momentum building and confidence growing within the squad, optimism is rising around Valley Parade that the club could finally end its long wait for a return to the second tier.
Bradford City last competed at that level during the 2003–04 season, when the division was still known as the First Division before it was later rebranded as the Championship. Their relegation at the end of that campaign marked the beginning of what has now become a 22-year absence from the second tier of English football.
In the years since, the Yorkshire club has endured a turbulent journey through the lower divisions, including spells in both League One and League Two. Despite the ups and downs, Bradford’s supporters have remained among the most passionate in the country, regularly turning out in large numbers at Valley Parade and continuing to dream of a return to higher-level football.
Now, with the Bantams firmly in the promotion race, that dream suddenly feels closer than it has for many years.
There is still plenty of football left to play, but maintaining their position in the play-off places would give Bradford City a genuine opportunity to fight for promotion and potentially end their lengthy absence from the Championship.
For the club and its loyal supporters, a return to the second tier after 22 years would represent a remarkable milestone in Bradford City’s modern history.
