Bradford clinches promotion at the expense of EFL competitors through a breathtaking last-minute strike in the final match of the season.
Bradford City's Incredible Leap to League One: A Six-Year Journey with Six Different Managers
After a nerve-wracking last-gasp victory over Fleetwood Town on the final day of the League Two season, Bradford City secured their promotion to League One. With a 1-0 win at home, the Bantams will now play in the third tier for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
With just a few minutes left in second-half stoppage-time, Antonio Sarcevic scored the crucial goal. The ball deflected off Sarcevic and rolled into the bottom corner, igniting wild celebrations at Valley Parade. The euphoria was so intense that fans stormed onto the pitch, causing the match to be temporarily delayed until the final whistle was blown in the 19th minute of stoppage-time.
The success of the 2024/25 campaign capped off a six-year struggle in the fourth tier for the Bantams. They experienced multiple managerial regimes, including:
- Gary Bowyer's stable tenure (2019–2021), who provided defensive structures but lacked offensive flair.
- Stuart McCall's emotional interim return (2020), a fan favorite who couldn't maintain promotional momentum.
- Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars' experimental co-management (2021), showcasing tactical innovation but yielding inconsistent results.
- Derek Adams’ pragmatic approach (2021–2023), that prioritized systemic rigidity but struggled to propel them into the playoffs.
- Mark Hughes’ high-profile appointment (2023), relying on Premier League experience but facing difficulties adapting to lower-tier demands.
The arrival of Graham Alexander in November 2023, however, proved transformative. His pragmatic and community-oriented leadership helped bridge the divide between the squad and supporters, fostering resilience that culminated in the dramatic victory against Fleetwood.
The win symbolized Bradford's perseverance and the city's broader resurgence as the 2025 UK City of Culture. Alexander's emphasis on mental fortitude, adaptability, and leveraging the community's spirit addressed longstanding issues that past managers struggled to resolve, making this promotion a significant milestone in Bradford's history.
Bradford will now field in League One alongside Doncaster and Port Vale after finishing third in the League Two table. With this, they bring an end to their six-year stint in the fourth tier and embark on a new chapter in their football journey.
- Despite past managerial changes, Bradford City's promotion to League One meant a fresh start for the Bantams, ending their six-year stay in the fourth tier.
- The win against Fleetwood Town resumed Bradford's journey towards football's European-leagues, a feat not achieved since the 2018/19 season.
- The appointment of manager Graham Alexander in 2023 proved crucial, as his pragmatic leadership helped the team navigate the Premier League-like challenges in League Two.
- The sports world is now set to witness the Bantams' football in League One, alongside clubs like Doncaster and Port Vale.
- As the 2025 UK City of Culture, Bradford City's promotion signifies the city's revival, showcasing resilience and community spirit that has long defined both the city and its beloved football club.
