Bradford City are shelving key contract decisions as they head into a make-or-break final day in the League One promotion race.
With a play-off place still to be secured, manager Graham Alexander has confirmed that discussions over expiring deals have not taken place, as full focus remains on results.
Several important players are approaching the end of their contracts, including Antoni Sarcevic, Aden Baldwin and Tyreik Wright. All three have been influential across the campaign, although injuries have disrupted recent involvement for Sarcevic and Wright, while Bobby Pointon has also been sidelined.
Sarcevic, who has scored ten goals this season and collected the club’s Player of the Season award, could return for the trip to Exeter City, a game that will determine whether Bradford extend their season.
Final day pressure
Bradford sit fifth heading into the final round of fixtures, knowing a draw should be enough to secure a play-off spot. However, with multiple teams still in contention, there remains a scenario in which they could climb as high as third or drop out of the top six altogether.
That uncertainty has led to a delay in contract discussions, with Alexander keen to avoid making decisions without clarity on which division the club will be competing in next season.
“I haven’t at all, to be honest. It’s a difficult scenario to dictate when you make decisions,” he said.
“Next season is the last thing on my mind right now. I apologise for that to people whose futures are a part of that.
“We need to get this job done and Saturday’s the next opportunity to do that.”
Sticking to identity
Despite the stakes, Alexander has ruled out a cautious approach against Exeter. While a draw could be enough, he insists Bradford will stick to the attacking style that has driven their promotion push.
“Setting our stall out to draw a game is an accident waiting to happen. I don’t think it’s in our nature.
“We think it’s effective and it wins games over a consistent period of time and points. That’s why we play how we do.”
Exeter, meanwhile, must win to have any chance of avoiding relegation, ensuring a high-pressure contest for both sides.
Bradford’s focus is clear, secure the result first, then deal with the bigger picture. Until their fate is confirmed, everything else, including the futures of key players, remains on hold.
