Bradford City hand one-year contract extension to promising academy graduate

The 19-year-old will be part of the first-team squad at Bradford next season as Mark Hughes takes charge of his first full campaign as Bantams manager.

Wood made his professional debut for Bradford in a Papa John’s Trophy fixture against Oldham Athletic in November 2020, after coming through the ranks at the club.

Last season, he spent time on loan at non-league outfit Ossett United.

He was a key part of Martin Drury’s Under-19s side that secured their first EFL Youth Alliance title in close to 10 years last season. He scored in the 2-0 win at Grimsby Town which sealed the title.

Wood said: “I am very pleased and have been working very hard for this for the past three or four years now. I am glad to have the opportunity to progress into the first team.

“We had a great season in the Under-19s, winning the league and playing some great football, so I am delighted for everyone in the academy and pleased to be representing it in a positive light.

“I am looking to take my experiences from last year into this year and try to progress even more.

“It has been a privilege to be involved with first-team training so far, and working with the gaffer has already really helped me. The knowledge he has will be great going forward, and hopefully I can keep improving by the day.”

Hughes added: “Charlie is a player we are pleased to be having with us in and around the first-team set-up over the next year.

“This contract extension is richly deserved and reward for the hard work Charlie has put in over the course of the past few seasons.

“He is a talented young player with a fantastic attitude towards working hard and improving, and he has the opportunity now to continue his development with us.

“We have been impressed with how he has conducted himself while training with the group so far this season, and when he was involved with us last year, and are looking forward to seeing him continue to work hard.”