Enjoyment sought as Stuart McCall eyes return to good times for Bradford City

Once again, Bradford City are.

The romantic return of manager Stuart McCall, the man who just cannot stay away from Valley Parade, could not solve the biggest problems the Bantams faced in punching their weight last season so it was hugely encouraging that they should start 2020-21 with an away win – and against a Bolton Wanderers side expected to be among he division’s front-runners to boot.

It was the first time since October Bradford had won outside of West Yorkshire after McCall lost his first four attempts before the coronavirus lockdown. It means the new league campaign can start with real optimism.

The squad is smaller, but looks leaner, not weaker. A couple of years too late, financial reality is dawning. McCall has signed players he knows and brought in experience. As importantly, those who do not want to be at the club no longer are.

McCall had hoped to keep James Vaughan, reasoning City could only be stronger with the centre-forward who is still the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer, leading their line.

Working with him this summer quickly disabused McCall of that idea and an expensive mistake was cancelled.

Likewise, Eoin Doyle might have been League Two’s top-scorer and player of 2019-20, but seven matches in claret-and-amber only drew blanks.

The pair could yet do damage to the Bantams by scoring goals for Tranmere Rovers and Bolton respectively, but it is better than reluctantly having them around.

McCall’s enthusiasm provides a refreshing contrast to the pair, just as his bright football should banish memories of Gary Bowyer’s dour reign.

Those strikers still need to be replaced – though one should do it – but a happy Bradford City ought to be an attractive option for a League Two striker, particularly once the Valley Parade gates are reopened to those season-ticket holders.

Bums on seats do not and never should equal points on the board but if McCall can keep the smiles on his players’ faces, the fans should be able to add something once they get chance.

Who knows if Bradford will live up to expectations, but at least the way they are doing it ought to be more enjoyable.

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Thank you, James Mitchinson. Editor.