NICK POWELL admits to having some fun at Bradford City in 2025-26.

It was overdue fun given a difficult spell at previous club Stockport County and there's a chance that it might continue into next season.

The 32-year-old, who joined the club last August, is in talks over a new deal. Despite an injury-hit time of it in West Yorkshire, he has enjoyed his time with the Bantams immensely and has bought into the full experience at a club which seems to be a happy one.

One-time Manchester United player Powell, who left Stockport after the Cheshire club agreed to terminate his contract early, said: "It is a good group. The fact that we have older players I think helps in a dressing room.

Bradford City's Nick Powell directs a header towards goal during the Sky Bet League One play off semi-final second leg match against Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bradford Stadium, Bradford. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

placeholder image — Bradford City's Nick Powell directs a header towards goal during the Sky Bet League One play off semi-final second leg match against Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bradford Stadium, Bradford. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

"But you have to get those characters right and I feel like Graham (Alexander) has done that and David (Sharpe) and Sparksy (Ryan Sparks).

"I think we've all done that as a collective to get a good group.

"And 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.

Bradford City's Nick Powell, pictured in the League One game at Doncaster Rovers last autumn.

"I have seen it from the other side when they've done really bad. So it's nice to sort of be in that period of being at Bradford when it's going well. And I think the story should continue.

"I didn't want to end the season doing nothing, so it's been a real fun time for me in the last six weeks.

"From the start of the season, I remember doing an interview and said I'm here to help in whatever way possible, whether that's from the bench, or starting, or being an older player in the dressing room, I'm here to help the team, and I feel like I've done that."

Powell, who made 10 appearances from the bench this term, has delivered some telling substitute cameos in his limited game-time at the club.

More especially as a replacement, he offers something different - hence why the door has not been closed on him remaining at Valley Parade.

Speaking recently, City chief Alexander was effusive in his words towards Powell.

A 'nightmare' for defenders, he ventured and someone capable of making a 'massive impact' from the bench. High praise indeed.

Powell has had some much-documented ups and downs at the likes of United, Wigan Athletic and Stoke City, but is confident that he still has something to give, heading into the winter of his career.

Crucially, he retains the appetite to do so.

He continued: "I've known people and friends that have had to retire because of injuries (and) a lack of love of the game because of injuries.

"So it's hard for me to say things will always get better, because it doesn't.

"It is a short career and I think anyone who gets past a 10-year career has done really well in football, so fair play to anyone that's done that.

"But personally, I feel like I've got a lot left to give. It is one of the hardest things in football when you can't do the job that you want to do, but it is also a very rewarding career."