Bradford City manager Graham Alexander believes his squad has emerged from the winter transfer window far better equipped to trouble opposing defences than it was before January began. The club’s recruitment has not only added numbers, but also variety, giving Alexander a wider range of attacking options and tactical flexibility as the season moves toward its decisive phase.
During the window, the Bantams strengthened their forward line by bringing in three new attackers: Kayden Jackson, Ethan Wheatley, and Paul Mullin. They also added Joe White, a player capable of operating as one of the two attacking midfielders in Bradford’s 3-4-2-1 system, although White has taken some time to settle since arriving at Valley Parade. At the same time, centre-forwards Callum Kavanagh and Andy Cook departed the club, along with Alex Pattison, who had provided attacking threat from deeper positions.
While Bradford have built a strong defensive foundation this season — with only Bolton Wanderers among the League One top seven conceding fewer goals — their attacking output has lagged behind. They currently sit as the lowest scorers in that group, something Alexander has been keen to address. The new arrivals, he feels, give him multiple ways to solve that problem.
Wheatley, who has joined on loan from Manchester United, represents the modern striker profile: comfortable dropping away from the front line, linking play, and involving teammates. Mullin, by contrast, offers a more traditional presence up front as a target man. Jackson, meanwhile, showed his versatility by making his debut in an inside-right role against Doncaster Rovers.
Alexander explained that while all players must fit within Bradford’s overall playing philosophy, each individual brings a distinct set of attributes. He pointed to players such as Tyreik Wright and Bobby Pointon on the left side of the attacking trio as examples — both contribute positively to the team, but in very different ways. Having that kind of variety, Alexander believes, will be invaluable across different matches and different periods of the season.
He also stressed that technical ability alone is not enough. Desire, commitment, and a strong team ethic are non-negotiable qualities in his squad. Those values have been especially important given the injuries to Antoni Sarcevic and Will Swann, two of Bradford’s leading goalscorers. Losing both players at the same time has affected not only the team’s productivity in front of goal, but also the overall mood and momentum within the squad.
According to Alexander, the arrivals of Jackson and Mullin provided a noticeable lift, not just in quality but also psychologically. Their presence, he suggested, gave the entire group a mental boost, adding an extra edge and belief. He feels Bradford are a team that always carries a threat — capable of grinding through tight, physical contests while still possessing the firepower to land a decisive blow. Although that cutting edge had been missing in the couple of matches prior to the Doncaster game, Alexander felt it had returned at the weekend.
He highlighted the collective nature of Bradford’s attacking threat, noting contributions from players such as Stephen Humphreys, George Lapslie, and Ibou Touray, as well as Pointon, who already has seven goals this season. Even the wing-backs, Alexander pointed out, are capable of scoring, underlining the importance of shared responsibility across the team. Despite the progress made, he remains convinced there is still significant room for improvement.
Beyond the immediate impact on the pitch, the calibre of clubs loaning players to Bradford is seen as a major positive. Wheatley has arrived from Manchester United, while White and wing-back Harrison Ashby joined from Newcastle United. Midfielder Jenson Metcalfe is on a season-long loan from Everton. These deals suggest that top Premier League clubs view Valley Parade as a strong development environment for young talent.
Alexander believes that reputation is built through consistent behaviour and professionalism. Football, he said, is a close-knit community where information travels quickly between clubs, agents, and staff. For Bradford to continue attracting quality loan players, they must demonstrate reliable standards and a genuine commitment to player development.
He noted that Premier League clubs invest heavily in their young players, often from a very young age, and therefore take great care when deciding where to send them. Thorough research and observation are part of that process, and Alexander welcomes the scrutiny, seeing it as a way to ensure Bradford maintain high standards. The pressure of playing for a club with large crowds, high expectations, and a strong demand for results can be a valuable test for young players before they return to their parent clubs.
While Alexander admits he cannot be certain how every club views Bradford City, he believes the club has earned a positive reputation as a place with good habits, a strong environment, and an authentic approach.
In addition to the January loan signings, Bradford also moved early to add Louie Sibley and completed the return of former midfielder Lee Evans from Blackpool on deadline day, further strengthening Alexander’s options for the remainder of the campaign.
