Bradford City took the correct decision about a high-profile player who is splitting Valley Parade opinion. View
Richie Smallwood has divided Bradford City supporters’ thoughts, but the club’s choice to keep the players is a positive one.
Richie Smallwood is currently the Bradford City captain.
Richie Smallwood has made 103 appearances for the Bantams over two seasons.
Richie Smallwood has signed a one-year agreement with the club.
Every team in the three EFL divisions will have a player that divides opinions among supporters, and Bradford City’s current captain is Richie Smallwood.
The seasoned midfielder is now nearing the end of his playing career, but he has been a constant presence in the Bantams’ midfield since signing in 2022.
Smallwood was thought to be in great demand by a number of EFL teams when he signed for Bradford in EFL League Two, following a strong career spent primarily in the EFL Championship with Middlesbrough, Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers, and Hull City.
When Smallwood joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season, he was regarded as an impressive addition, having made 42 appearances for Hull in the previous EFL Championship season before moving down two levels to join Bradford
However, despite serving as captain under two separate managers, Mark Hughes and Graham Alexander, Smallwood has received a lot of criticism from Bradford fans.
Smallwood’s friendship with Bradford City fans
Smallwood has garnered conflicting reactions from supporters on social media and in the stands since his arrival at the club, partly due to the midfielder’s high expectations coming in as captain and from two levels above.
One of the primary criticisms leveled at Smallwood is his dead-ball delivery, which frequently elicits moans from the fans, particularly during home games at Valley Parade. It is frequently due to the corner or free-kick failing to pass through the first defender or the ball being struck too far and falling out of play cheaply.
Smallwood has nine assists in two seasons with the club across all competitions while making 103 appearances during this time, demonstrating that some of the criticism for his dead-ball delivery is justified, but it could also be argued that the players attacking the ball could do more from these positions to score.
However, in terms of general performance, Smallwood frequently protects the defenders behind him and seldom loses the ball when in control. Furthermore, his enthusiasm is constantly visible, as Smallwood is far from dispassionate on the field and isn’t hesitant to stick his foot in when required. Some fans may ignore the gritty labor he does in midfield, but it is ultimately an important factor in winning midfield fights.
Smallwood has been backed by both former manager Mark Hughes and current manager Graham Alexander, both of whom are highly respected in the game, and while his performances have not been spectacular, he has performed at times during the season, and it would be unfair to blame the team’s inconsistency on Smallwood during his two seasons at the club.
When it comes to Smallwood’s experience and leadership on the field, keeping him is a wise decision for the club and manager, Graham Alexander.
Although Smallwood has divided the crowd to some extent throughout his time at the club, he has never shied away from criticism, and his enthusiasm for the game is palpable. However, supporters would like to see more in terms of seizing a game by the scruff of the neck when necessary and rousing the troops when the players need to dig deep throughout the course of a season.
Ideally, free-kicks and corners should be left to other players as they progress through the club. Smallwood would therefore be removed from the firing line for criticism in this area, and more goals may result from these scenarios, making it a win-win for both the team and the fans.
Smallwood himself acknowledges: “I’m not the player with outstanding skills or perhaps one that catches the imagination of the fans, but I do a particular job for the team.”
However, it is worth mentioning that Smallwood, like the rest of the squad, improved dramatically in the last stretch of the 2023-24 season, and Smallwood was one of the standout performers during that period.
Smallwood is considerably more at ease in midfield with Jamie Walker and Bobby Pointon on each side of him, as seen by the change in formation. The defensive midfielder may concentrate on his defensive duties while leaving the creativity to the players around him. This technique appears to fit the player exceedingly well and has played a significant role in the Bantams’ recent success.
Smallwood will remain with the club for another year after triggering a condition in his contract during the season. Ultimately, the correct decision.
