Bradford City fans understand the significance of the FA Cup, as the club won it in 1911 by defeating Newcastle United 1-0 thanks to a Jimmy Spiers goal.
In the 2014-15 season, the Bantams required a rematch following a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Millwall. In the end, they won 4-0 in the replay at Valley Parade. This is significant since Bradford also eliminated Chelsea from the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge that season, with a thrilling 2-4 victory.
That season was ultimately a success for Chelsea under José Mourinho, as the club won both the Premier League and the League Cup. However, Bradford were the only team to beat Chelsea during the season at Stamford Bridge in all competitions.
Why is this relevant? Well, without that FA Cup replay against Millwall, the game against Chelsea may never have happened, and the money that came with the cup run, with the club reaching the quarter-finals that season, wouldn’t have helped the club financially, which the club needed at that time.
The FA announced on 18 April 2024 that FA Cup replays would be scrapped from the 2024-25 season. This announcement was unpopular among clubs across the EFL and non-league, with the EFL urging the FA to ‘re-evaluate their approach’, and Bradford CEO Ryan Sparks also commented on the decision.
Sparks stated: “We’re really disappointed on a number of levels.” In addition, the club also released a statement strongly condemning the removal of FA replays.
Although the FA has committed to review the judgement to ensure that EFL and National League clubs do not lose out, clubs like Bradford may be able to see the situation positively and use it as inspiration to move forward.
Finally, events such as the FA Cup and League Cup give lower-league clubs with attractive revenue opportunities via gate receipts and TV broadcasts, in addition to promotion and advancement up the EFL ladder.
Bradford’s fifth season in EFL League Two concludes with a tie. It may be argued that the club is significantly underperforming. A club the size of Bradford should not be hovering around mid-table in the lowest tier for five seasons.
Back in the 2017-18 season, Luton Town had just finished second in EFL League Two, sealing promotion. Now, the Hatters have had an iconic rise to the Premier League and are still fighting to stay in the division as the season comes to a close.
Let’s not forget that 23 years ago, Bradford were at one time a Premier League club, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, which now seems such a long time ago.
If Bradford and comparable teams, which many may regard as underachieving or’sleeping giants’, want success, they might take inspiration from clubs like Luton Town and Brentford, who have risen the leagues and are now experiencing the benefits of doing so, and from which the Bantams can draw motivation. Given last week’s news, that spot at the summit of English football has never seemed more crucial.
The club’s recent appointment of David Sharpe as head of football operations is undoubtedly a positive development. Stefan Rupp, the club’s owner, also recently issued a statement assuring fans that the team will “compete in the transfer market” next season. Furthermore, in the same statement, Rupp vows to be more visible and seeks the “most favourable outcome for the club” in terms of the stadium.
On-field performances have improved dramatically in recent weeks, and intriguing young talents such as Bobby Pointon, Noah Wadsworth, and under-19s goalscoring prodigy Harry Ibbitson have impressed this season at their various levels, the Bantams’ future appears bright both on and off the pitch.
Although many clubs and supporters throughout the divisions, including Bradford, believe that eliminating replays from the FA was a foolish choice, the club and fans should remain hopeful and motivated for the future. Without the possibility of winning a cup, success on the pitch and rising the leagues is the most effective approach to increase income by playing in the top levels of English football.
