BRADLEY’S OUT TO WIN OVER DOUBTERS

DAN BRADLEY is ready to take the National League North by storm with Alfreton – and wants to lay to rest any doubts about his character. The 25-year-old, pictured left, thinks the Reds – where he is captain – is the best place for him to achieve his Football League goal.

Bradley joined Barnet two years ago, but U-turned straight back to Alfreton after a misunderstanding over his living arrangements.

The England C midfielder explained at the time that going through with the move would have left him in a financial predicament.

He feels the episode still hangs over him and he’s determined to show preconceptions are wrong.

“The Barnet thing was a long time ago,” Bradley said. “I was doing what was right for me, but people look at it and think,‘ What went on there?’

“I’ve had clubs who have been quite keen since, but asking my agent Jake Speight, ‘Won’t he move away?’ It’s nothing to do with that. If you’re moving away, it has to be right.

“Hopefully, this year I can show enough with my performances to take that question mark away.

“It’s not nice thinking people have the opinion that you might be a funny character.

“I’ve come across funny characters and I’d like to think I’m not like that.

“I’m straightforward and down to earth, so it’s not nice to think people think that. It would be nice to change any of those opinions and do well this year.

Valued

“For people playing in Non-League, the ultimate aim is to get into the Football League. There are two ways of looking at it. People might say, ‘He’s comfortable at Alfreton, that’s why he’s signed there again’.

“The way I look at it is, I have everything in my favour at Alfreton and that gives me the best chance to push up. That’s what I’ve got to do now.

“I’m captain, I get on with everyone, I’m well looked after and that shows by the fact I sorted my contract before the summer started. It’s feeling valued.

“I know last season I had a terrible start with suspension and then injury, so it wasn’t a brilliant year. I need to be more consistent and I’m determined, on a personal note, to take the league by storm.”

Bradley feels manager Nicky Law is the perfect person to keep guiding him in his career – and he’s positive they can push for a return to Non-League’s top flight.

“Nick’s not an arm-around-the-shoulder type manager,” Bradley said. “But I-’ve learned he does have your best interests at heart. His record speaks for itself with moving players on to the League.

“A lot of the lads we’ve got can, and will, go on to bigger things. We’ve got a good platform to build on. It’s just getting that good start to the season.

“We started slowly last year, but after Christmas we went on a run.We were playing games, sometimes not playing well, but getting the results. It’s getting that momentum going. It can take you a long way.”