Bradford City believe there is ‘risk and reward’ in signing of former Manchester United ace

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Bradford City have made an incredible start to life back in League One, as they currently sit in the play-offs, having been unbeaten in all competitions at this point in the campaign.

 The Bantams were expected to struggle upon their return to League One, despite their thrilling League Two campaign in 2024/25, with Bradford City clinching the third and final promotion spot on the final day of the season.

Graham Alexander has been clever in the transfer market this summer, restructuring his squad to prepare for life in League One without spending a penny despite bringing in 10 new additions.

EFL Analysis had tipped Bradford for a relatively successful season in our League One predictions for 2025/26; however, they have made us look foolish, as they sit in fourth place after four games unbeaten at the start of the season.

Alexander is hoping that a former Manchester United star can have a positive impact on the squad and continue their fine start to the campaign.

• READ MORE: How Bradford City used ‘platform’ in comeback vs Stockport County as flying start to season continues

Bradford City hopeful there is ‘risk and reward’ in Nick Powell signing

Nick Powell had his contract at Stockport County ended early in the last few weeks, with Bradford City taking the chance to sign the player who has had experience at the highest level with Manchester United.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post about the signing, Graham Alexander believes the reward from the risk to sign Powell will be worth it for Bradford.

He said: “Every signing you make has an element of risk. There’s also a leap of faith.

“You have to balance up the pros and cons, the length of the contract, the finance involved, the chat with the player – you have to put it all on the table before you actually decide.

“Everything we do is risk or reward. How we play, set pieces and signings – if you can get the balance more towards reward, then you’re in a good place.

“I feel the reward we could potentially get from Nick and what he could get from us is worth us coming together to try and have a relationship that’s successful for both.

“The technical side of his game is undoubted. I don’t think there’s anyone he’s ever worked with who would question his quality in possession or his football intelligence.

“It’s just injuries have hit him hard, certainly in the recent season that’s just gone. He didn’t play much football at all, probably for different reasons before his injury.”

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Bradford City’s reliance on experience

The signing of Nick Powell continued the club’s and Alexander’s reliance on experience, as the former Stockport County player is the latest player over the age of 30 to join the club.

There is a hope that Powell will bring his wealth of experience to the club and help them remain in the division, as Bradford City rebuild towards becoming one of the giants of English football again.

Alexander spoke about the decision to rely on experience with the Yorkshire Post, as he said: “We don’t want to give up on people. He’s still a young man; he’s only 31.

“You can still come back from things, continue to be a successful footballer and still enjoy your career. I think that’s what he’s got in mind when he comes to us.

“We have to understand what we’re bringing in, and he has to understand what he’s coming into. He’s doing that more and more day in, day out.

“It’s good that he knows a few of the players anyway who have bought into it from last season onwards: Byrner (Niall Byrne), Sarce (Antoni Sarcevic), Max Power, and Tilty (Curtis Tilt). You can see how integrated they are.”