Bradford City v Stevenage: Antoni Sarcevic happy to leave holidays to others - again
WHEN asked if he has ever been 'on the beach' at this stage of a season in his long and successful career, Antoni Sarcevic let out a laugh.
Spring is the business end for the talismanic Bradford City number 10.
His numbers and more especially, his medal collection, back that up.
Behind the smiles and bonhomie, the Mancunian is one of the most decorated footballers in lower-division history regarding promotions – and this is the time to get serious.
Last May, he added to his haul by producing one of the most astonishing moments outside the top divisions in 2024-25 against Fleetwood Town, ending the Bantams' six-season exile from League One. 90+6 and all that..
It was Sarcevic's fifth promotion from the fourth tier, following earlier feats at Plymouth Argyle, Bolton Wanderers, Stockport County and Fleetwood - and eighth in his football journey.
The prospect of playing for nothing in April is simply incongruous.
Asked if he has ever been in that position, he said: "It's funny you say that, because it literally gets to every year where it's holidays or my little lads have got football tournaments and everyone's trying to book something.
"I said: 'Listen, I can't, unless it's June, forget me'. I'm proud of it.
"It's the reason why I play professional football; these are the games and the situations you want to be in.
"And luckily, throughout my career, I've enjoyed a lot of this.
"I'm getting on a bit now, so I'm taking every game that comes and I'm fortunate to be going through these situations.
"I'm so proud of what I've achieved and very fortunate to have achieved those things.
"And with football clubs and stuff, I don't take it for granted at all. I appreciate every second of being at Bradford City at the minute.
"We've got five games to go now to really enjoy something and really look back on in years to come to think what a special moment that was."
True to form, Sarcevic is fighting for something again, namely promotion number nine and the novelty never wears off.
He has particular incentive this time around as he strives to reach the Championship, a level he has never previously stepped out in.
The 34-year-old continued: "You'll have professional footballers that have played hundreds of games and maybe experienced a playoff or have never won a promotion. So, I'm fortunate.
"But if I can think back to what we all went through last summer, at the end of last season—if we can try and replicate that again and get that celebration of fans…
"I'm not thinking too far ahead. But they're the moments that I think back of and I look at some of the new signings and go: 'I'd love you to go through what we went through last season'.
"So, if that's the case, then we'll all be happy.
"Even if half the team in there hadn't gone through that, I feel like we, as a changing room - what we have inside there with the staff and the players—would all make sure everyone is comfortable in the situations we're going into.
"As a squad, we're excited. Five games to go, let's be excited about it."
Games take on a different edge at this time of year. There's a crackle in the air as there will be at Valley Parade today against sixth-placed Stevenage in a game of consequence.
"Every game now is mega important," Sarcevic added.
"If we were to go on the pitch and think that this is a game in September, then I wouldn't like to think we'd come on the right side of it.”