Ciaran Kelly is embracing the industrious approach of Bradford City’s new manager, Graham Alexander. Despite facing the challenge of adjusting to a third managerial change in less than two months, Kelly notes that the team is beginning to thrive under Alexander’s leadership.
The Bantams secured their inaugural victory with a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley in Alexander’s third League Two game in charge.
Kelly, who had been sidelined during Mark Hughes’ tenure, played a pivotal role in the team’s turnaround. His introduction as a half-time substitute during the 4-0 deficit against Notts County marked a turning point, leading to Bradford outscoring opponents 8-1 in five halves of football. Notably, Kelly contributed to Tyler Smith’s decisive goal against Accrington Stanley.
Reflecting on his performance, the 25-year-old Irishman expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’ve had that spell out, but if I’ve been waiting for my chance and hopefully I’ve taken that today. We have a massive squad and great players, we’re all pushing each other, and thankfully I got my chance.”
Kelly highlights Alexander’s strong work ethic, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to three different managerial voices, including Mark Hughes and Kevin McDonald. Despite the tactical variations, Kelly emphasizes the importance of adhering to the manager’s instructions as a football player. The team has been undergoing rigorous training sessions, with a focus on running, and Kelly believes that the squad is starting to synchronize with the new manager’s approach.
While acknowledging minor adjustments in tactics, such as corner set-ups, Kelly affirms that the team is gradually assimilating Alexander’s strategies into their game. Overall, the players are optimistic about the progress made under the new leadership, with Kelly stating, “It’s never going to be vastly different, just a few different things, but we’ve brought it into the games.
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