Bradford City manager Michael Duff has highlighted Lincoln City’s success as an example of what can be achieved without the biggest budget.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Duff acknowledged that City’s achievements were the product of work carried out over several years. His comments came as Bradford prepared for Tuesday’s trip to Burton Albion, which ended in perhaps the most predictable 0-0 draw of all time.
City were understood to have been 17th in League One’s budget table last season, yet secured promotion on Easter Monday before wrapping up the title at Doncaster later in April. Our return to the second tier after 65 years provided a particularly striking reminder that spending power does not dictate every outcome.
Asked whether Lincoln offered a template for Bradford to follow, Duff pointed to the culture established at Sincil Bank. He also credited predecessor Graham Alexander with developing similar qualities during his time at Valley Parade.
“Again, that’s been built over time at Lincoln in terms of that ethic.
“What doesn’t cost money? Togetherness, spirit and attitude don’t cost any money.
“But getting that in football is difficult because everyone’s got an opinion. That’s what Graham (Alexander) did over the last two and a half years here.
“It was a difficult time when he first came in (back in November 2023) and it took a bit of time to get it where you need to get it to. But once you can get that, it can be a real positive.”
For Imps’ fans, perhaps the most significant part of Duff’s assessment is his recognition that those foundations take time. Last season’s success was spectacular, but it followed years of recruitment, development and decisions designed to give City a chance of competing beyond our financial standing.
Togetherness alone would not have won us the league, of course, and the quality within the squad deserved every bit as much recognition. However, getting talented players to buy into a shared approach, while accepting modest wages, helped turn a lower half budget into champions.
Matching that achievement is a considerable target, especially given the top teams in the division are currently Stockport and Huddersfield, at the top end of the budget table. Still, Bradford City might well want to foster some of that spirit, while high-flying Cambridge United are an example of a club ‘our size’ upsetting bigger opposition.
Comments Welcome!