JASON MCKEOWN

@ Thewidthofapost

Last season was incredibly frustrating. The football under Derek Adams was dreadful, and he alienated fans. It was a relief when he was sacked.

The big talking point is can Mark Hughes [ above] lead us to promotion? Changing our recruitment strategy by appointing Middlesbrough’s Stephen Gent means we’re bringing in signings who aren’t the usual journeymen. This season will be different because we will actually play good football. At the end of last season under Hughes, the team became fun to watch.

I won’t be happy unless we challenge for promotion. This is our fourth season in League Two. It’s time to push on.

Our key player will be defender Yann Songo’o [ below]. His whole- hearted approach could really see him flourish.

The opposition player who grinds my gears is Swindon’s Harry Mckirdy, who made himself unpopular by making derogatory comments about Bradford, among others, on social media. The active player I’d love to have back is Nahki Wells. He seems unloved at Bristol City. Come on, Nahki. Please?

Our most underrated player is Reece Staunton. He has found opportunities really difficult to come by, but there’s a player of talent there.

Fans think our ground is slightly past its best- before date. Valley Parade hasn’t had any major improvements since the Premier League days. The thing my club really gets right is affordable football. Our policy of cheap season tickets has lasted for 15 years, resulting in healthy matchday crowds.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is very good. Hughes comes across like he is pleased to be here. There is a real bond between him and the fans. The player I’d happily drive to

another club is Oscar Threlkeld, as he is on good money and doesn’t seem to be in Hughes’ plans.

The pantomime villain will be the cryptocurrency owners at Crawley, WAGMI United, after their unsuccessful attempts to buy us last term. The one change I’d make would be to buy back Valley Parade – every season, we’re spending a fortune in rent that could be put to better use.

We’ll finish in the play- offs, I hope!

FFT VERDICT

4TH

Considering that Richie Smallwood started 40 Championship games last season while Timi Odusina won numerous man of the match awards at Hartlepool, Bradford have recruited well under Hughes. It’s looked good on paper for them before, though – it’s time to deliver.