‘Bradford is best place for Gilliead’
BRADFORD City boss Stuart McCall believes Valley Parade is the best place for Newcastle United youngster Alex Gilliead to continue to improve.
The 21-year-old has been the subject of transfer interest from Championship clubs of Sunderland, Hull and Millwall after making a positive start to the season with the Bantams.
Bradford have only secured Gilliead on a loan deal until January, but are keen to nail him down until the end of the season.
Newcastle have not yet finalised their plans for Gilliead in terms of the rest of the season, but despite Championship interest, McCall insists Bradford is the best place for him to be.
“I’ve seen a lot of cases of people going up a division and then they don’t play. For me, as a young kid there’s nothing better than playing,” the City boss told the Telegraph and Argus.
“It happened a lot in Scotland where I’d work with a younger player and they’d jump to England to earn more money – and never kick a ball. For two years, they’d grow stale just doing nothing.
“I’m not saying that happens all the time but it can do. Players take a step up a level but then only play reserve football or come on as sub for two minutes.
“I know Gilly’s enjoying it here. It’s not a lack of ambition if you’re playing regular football, relishing it as he is and keep improving.”
Gilliead has started in 18 of Bradford’s 21 games this season and has been a key part of the side who are challenging at the top end of the League One table.
The winger returned for a second loan spell at Bradford after almost helping them achieve promotion to the Championship last season.
McCall accepts he is learning and improving all the time, but feels that he can continue to do so, should he choose to remain in West Yorkshire until the summer.
“He knew if he came back he’d get his chance and he’s done that. He’s played in the majority of games and is learning all the time,” added the ex-Motherwell boss.
“Gilly is adding different bits to his game and we’re working with him in the training, not just to be an out-and-out winger but to go looking for the ball, get in the box and try to be a threat.”