Smallwood Has Left The Building

A rather strange article, he saying he got a phone call to meet up with Alexander who told him the club would not be making him an offer surely his reply would have been why, Alexander comes across as a stand up manager you'd have thought they would have given the clubs reason even if Alexander didn't agree on the final decision?.

 

Maybe Smallwood does have an answer as to why he didn't get a deal - but either wont accept it or is too ashamed to admit it.

Sounds like the Ibiza thing may have some legs. Would certainly explain GA's sudden u-turn.

 

So York maybe going down the “ experienced” route.? They aren’t worried about money being an issue . Decent commute from Redcar as opposed to Roverum @Jab88 ?

 

Anyone read today’s T & A article on him leaving ? I’m not a subscriber so unable to access.

 

RICHIE Smallwood insists his time at Bradford City has not been tainted by his acrimonious departure.



The Bantams skipper was released a week ago today, when he and his agent were expecting to sign a new deal.

Instead, the club decided to wave him goodbye after 156 appearances and one, never to be forgotten, automatic promotion from League Two.

In an explosive exclusive with the T&A last week, Smallwood said he felt blindsided by City boss Graham Alexander, claiming he had had no indication the manager was looking to move him on.


But despite him leaving the club unexpectedly and suddenly, he has fond memories of his time at Valley Parade, especially last month’s promotion.

He told us: “It doesn’t dampen anything, because we achieved something amazing for the football club and the community.

“The fanbase has been immense and while I didn’t envisage promotion taking so long, we got there in the end.

“We’ve given the supporters something to cheer about, and it was a monumental moment for the team and the city.

“For us, as staff and players, to be the first City team this century to be automatically promoted, it’s something we’re proud of.”

He added: “I gave it my all, it’s a lot of games, 156 in three seasons, a number I don’t think many players will have been able to get to across the Football League in that time.

Richie Smallwood marks his 156th and final appearance for City with automatic promotion. (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I’m really happy with that, it’s something I take a lot of pride in, being available whenever possible.

“We (my agent and I) didn’t want it to end in this way, but at least we finished on a high and we achieved what we set out to do from the off.”

It is on to pastures new then for 34-year-old Smallwood, who told us: “I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.

“I’ve just had one of the best seasons of my career and I don’t feel that I’m slowing down.

“I’ve never really had any speed to lose really, so I just feel like I’m someone who keeps playing, keeps getting more experience, which I think makes me even better and more influential.

“I still feel like I can do a job in League One or Two, and I feel my style of play can suit a lot of teams.

“Hopefully a good opportunity at another club arises for me.”

Smallwood is sad to be leaving behind some close friends though, with the large North-East contingent during his time at City forming a particularly strong bond, the likes of Andy Cook, Brad Halliday, Alex Gilliead and Harry Chapman among them.

Redcar native Smallwood said: “Us North-East lads, it was a real special time for us.

“That got taken out of season by season, which is always sad to see, because you build up a strong bond with people you’re with for multiple hours a day.

“You play with them, you train with them, you’re in the car with them, but that’s come to an end now, like all good things.

“It’s a shame, but I’ll be willing all those lads on in the future, that’s for sure.”

Richie Smallwood and Brad Halliday are both from Redcar, and both arrived at City in the summer of 2022, so they are naturally close. (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Smallwood will miss City’s fans too, saying in a parting tribute: “They’ve been amazing and they’ve turned out in staggering numbers.

“It sent shockwaves through League Two, because no-one else comes close to those numbers.

“I’m really proud to look back and to have helped give them the season they were dreaming of.

“I appreciate all their support, they’ve welcomed my family and I to the football club and I wish them nothing but the best.

“Hopefully they keep turning out in force and wherever I end up, I’m not too sure the numbers will ever top theirs.

“That’s just a thing City have got that’s unbeatable really, that amazing turnout, that amazing atmosphere and that amazing stadium to play in.

“They could make it a fortress, like it was last season, and long may that continue for them.”

 

Time to give over with all this and move on
Ritchie really is trying to paint himself in a good light and is protesting too much for my liking
Could there be any truth in the Ibiza rumour

 

Much appreciated thanks.

 

Just copy the headline from the T &A website.

Enter a website called 12ft ladder and then paste it onto their search bar.

Opens up everything behind a paywall.

Why anybody would subscribe to the T & A is beyond me.

 

News reports written by children
Really is a shadow of the paper it was

 

That’s brilliant didn’t know that. Yes I agree, Simon Parker is probably the laziest journo out there.

 

That’s how it comes across . He ASSUMES he was getting a new deal (without? ) any negotiations taking place and he seems to be the one suffering from “ Acrimony”.

Why resurrect an old story ?

 

or Print Friendly works too.

 

I'm torn between whether this article has been done as Nathan Atkinson is really struggling for stories whilst Simon Parker is on holiday so he's used 1 interview with Smallwood to cover 2 days or if he is doing this story knowing it will get views.

I still find the way this has played out in public very strange as it was Smallwood who announced he was leaving first rather than the club and there's still not been 1 comment from anyone at the club about him leaving and there's not been a mention of it on the website, not even the usual generic that he's leaving and a quote saying we wish him well.

 

Something has definitely happened behind the scenes. Maybe one day on a podcast the truth will come out, alas he’s 34 and we move on!

 

He’s jumped the gun , out of annoyance maybe? This journo is burning his bridge , if he had one, with the club. At least Parker got hand fed titbits from the club , could this put it in jeopardy?

The regurgitated story , nigh on repeating what was said in the first “ revelation” , I just don’t get.

 

The journo is just doing his job, reporting the news. The views were of Smallwood and not the T&A. The club surely know this...I dont think there was anything damaging in the article, GA had a change of heart and Smallwood moves on, that was the crux of the story? I think the club may want to settle the score with their side of the story but they arent been petty and going to the T&A. No doubt a response will be given to tomorrow night.

Whether City like it or not, they need the T&A.

 

Where we thinking Smallwood ends up? Pretty certain he will get a 2 year deal somewhere. I think money talks on this one as a few clubs will want him and its probably his last deal so Im thinking...

League One
Doncaster - McCann link up
Rotherham - Sentimental & opportunity

League One
Harrogate - Location
Oldham - Money & challenge
Salford - Money

Non League
Carlisle - Money & Hughes
York - Location

1 or 2 might be a reach but Id be surprised if he doesnt land at one of the above.

 

You don’t need to be a subscriber.
Just go to printfriendly.com and paste in the URL of the article and then you can read it.

 

I think any of those are credible possibilities apart from Carlisle. He definitely wasn't Hughes biggest fan and I can't see him wanting to play under him again, or Hughes being interested in taking him for that matter.

 

I never picked up on those vibes....what makes you say that?