Exclusive:'Knows what he's doing' - Bradford City boss Michael Duff verdict issued by ex-Bantams man Matthew Kilgallon
Matthew Kilgallon has offered his verdict on Bradford City’s decision to turn to Michael Duff
Former Bradford City defender Matthew Kilgallon has offered his backing to new Bantams boss Michael Duff.
Graham Alexander’s decision to depart for Championship strugglers Preston North End rocked the Bantams, but they did not drag their feet when it came to lining up a replacement.
Ex-Barnsley and Huddersfield Town boss Duff, who was axed by Wycombe Wanderers in September, was handed the reins earlier this month.
He has since overseen three draws and a win, keeping the West Yorkshire outfit in the League One promotion race.
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Matthew Kilgallon on Michael Duff
Kilgallon, who represented the Bantams between 2016 and 2018, told The Yorkshire Post via Players Time: “I tell you what, it looks like he's doing alright, doesn't it? They're sitting third in the league now, people are coming to watch them.
“Does he play the same sort of football as Alexander? Yeah, I think he does a little bit, to be honest. Does he have to change too much? Probably not. He's got to look after them players, get them playing how they were, keep that confidence high.
“[It was a] big loss losing Alexander, but that's what happens when you start doing well - people come sniffing for you. I think it's two games on the bounce now that they've drawn, so maybe there's something there where they need to maybe work on a little bit of attacking play. What can they do different?
“But Michael Duff knows what he's doing. I don't think it's a bad replacement at all.”
Bradford City aiming to go up
Bradford only escaped the fourth tier in 2025 but immediately surged into the League One promotion picture.
They suffered play-off semi-final heartbreak as they were beaten by Bolton Wanderers last term, although will be hoping to make a long-awaited return to the Championship next year.
Kilgallon said: “I would love to see Bradford City come up. I think it's a fantastic club. They're still getting 16,000, 17,000 at home games. It's absolutely fantastic. I wish them all the best.”