Stockport County v Bradford City: 'Good characters' boost Graham Alexander plus positive update on key winger
WHEN form is patchy and winter kicks in, managers across the land prize character from their players that bit more.
Bradford City boss Graham Alexander is no different and while his side's run without a win in all competitions extended to six matches at Crewe Alexandra last weekend, a hard-earned point in trying circumstances was a step in the right direction and reflected well upon his dressing room.
The return of several players from significant injury issues is also something to enthuse Alexander amid a busy time of year.
Alexander said: "It’s no coincidence that we’ve got Aden Baldwin back and Alex Pattison and Ciaran Kelly back on the bench. The squad looks stronger.
"They are good players, good characters and good people and they’ve given those around them a lift as well.
"I still think we’ve got a couple more to come back in the group – Antoni Sarcevic and Tyreik Wright.
"If we can keep that group relatively strong, I believe that’s the level for the quality we have at this club.
"Unfortunately for the last two months, a lot of it has been stripped away from us."
Specifically in terms of Wright, Alexander has also provided a positive update regarding his rehabilitation ahead of his return to the first-team fold.
The former Aston Villa and Plymouth Argyle player damaged his quad in training ahead of the FA Cup tie with Aldershot Town on November 2 and had been expected to be out until the New Year.
Alexander, whose side are seeking to book a place in the last eight of the northern section of the EFL Trophy at Edgeley Park, continued: "He’s made great progress and is probably slightly ahead of where he was expected to be.
"I speak to him each week and he’s so positive about it. He’s desperate to be out there.
“He came here for a reason, he was desperate to stamp his mark as a senior, first-team player week in, week out with the club that he plays for.
"Unfortunately this injury has taken him out of action for a little bit, but he’s doing everything he can to be back as they all are.
"I don’t think anyone is dragging their feet and hiding in the shadows. They all want to be out there helping the team.
"It’s good to see them when they come back out on the grass because we do miss them stuck away in the gym for months on end – and I’m sure they miss us."