Exclusive:Matt Kilgallon urges Bradford City to back Graham Alexander and delivers Nick Powell verdict
Matthew Kilgallon assesses Nick Powell’s appeal to Bradford City - and delivers a Graham Alexander verdict
Nick Powell’s experience may have convinced Bradford City not to release him, believes ex-Bantams defender Matthew Kilgallon.
There were few surprises when Bradford published their retained list earlier this week, although there were some raised eyebrows over the announcement regarding Powell.
The 32-year-old playmaker did not make a single League One start for Bradford during the 2025/26 campaign, but the club have confirmed talks over a new contract are taking place.
Ex-Bradford City man’s view on Nick Powell
Kilgallon, who made 58 appearances for Bradford between 2016 and 2018, told The Yorkshire Post via Lucky Rebel Sportsbook: “I just think that Graham Alexander might be looking for someone to manage that changing room a little bit.
“Don't get me wrong, Nick Powell's still got quality - he's a very good player. But he's not played that much, he only came on for half an hour in the [second] play-off game against Bolton. He didn't make that much of an impact but it’s hard off the bench.
“It might just be one of those ones where Graham Alexander has thought ‘he's a good lad, he's good around the place, he's still got the quality, he's still fit’. It is quite a young squad at Bradford City. You do still need those sort of players with that experience to help the young players through.”
Powell, who counts Manchester United and Stoke City among his former employers, joined Bradford from Stockport County in August last year.
He may not have featured regularly in his debut season as a Bantam, but Powell has enjoyed his time in West Yorkshire so far.
In a recent interview, he said: “When it's fun to come into training, it does help. I've really enjoyed this year. I think all the lads have.
"Listen, I wasn't here last year, so I can't comment on how good it must have felt to go up from League Two, which obviously the club was trying to do for many years.”
Praise for Graham Alexander
Bradford will have their sights set on promotion next season and Alexander has made it clear he wants their recent heartbreak to be used as fuel.
Kilgallon wants to see Bradford’s boss backed in the summer transfer window to ensure a “fantastic” season is built upon.
He said: “[It was] absolutely a fantastic season for Bradford City, considering they've just come up from League Two. Graham Alexander's got them playing a certain way. Is it the best football or most attractive? No it's not, but everyone's bought into the way he wants to do it.
“To do back-to-back promotions, it's unbelievable. They weren't far off from doing that, but what do they do now? You've got to back him again, surely.
“You've got to back Graham Alexander, say, ‘here you go, we're going to have a couple of players we're going to splash out on’. Give them them high wages for League One and let's see if we can do it again. Do one better and get up.”