The Voice - Match preview League One Playoff Semi-Final: Bradford City vs Bolton Wanderers Thursday 14th May 2026 8:00pm

Yeh a good pro and superb energy but he doesnt offer enough in the final 3rd. If he hangs around as a squad member fine but we need better on to push Bobby and Sarc.

 

Whilst last night obviously can't match the Arsenal and Villa ones, I really enjoyed the whole occasion.

Both sets of supporters did their clubs proud, with non stop noise. Despite the result, the City faithful were magnificent and stuck behind our team as we tend to do. It may not have come over on TV but the atmosphere was immense.

The gulf in resources between us and Bolton is huge, of course and not one of our players would get into the Bolton team. Having said that, we eventually caused them some problems and with a bit more of the rub of the green, we could have got something from the game.

Ironically, Bonham who were all saw as the week link before the game was their star player last night with some truly excellent, match winning saves.

Already looking forward to next season.

 

30 minutes to find a goal against a team we had scored once against in 420 minutes of football this season. This goes back to my 0-0 at HT comments....just 45 mins closer to exit. If we had got at them earlier it could have been different, they didnt threat at all and Walker had a very quiet night.

Who was happier with 0-0 at HT?

 

Fair comment. Credit to Alexander for getting that squad as far as he has.

 

Similar to the opportunity of the first leg where he chose to try buy a pen instead of getting a shot away.

He's a useful player but agree he's better out wide

 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing , but Bobby added nothing to be fair. Clearly not match fit . Did GA let his heart rule his head ? Who knows we aren’t here to knock him after such a brilliant 2 and a half years . Wright on the other hand was exceptional in both his cameos , as was Laps again . The only sour note was Humps , maybe clouded judgement , but again showed that lazy , couldn’t give a sh*t attitude?

Over two legs Bolton deserved progress and clearly 5 expensive loans made the difference compared to our cheap makeweight squad “ filler” loanees ?

I would think they will batter County at Wembley on the big pitch? ….Then most of their loans will go back?

 

Feels like we need to go 4231 if we have Lapslie and Sarce in 26/27? Both seem like good 10s, but maybe don't have the legs out wide for another full season? This team seriously lacks pace up top and plugging in guys like Pointon, Sarce and Lapslie to do the leg work when neither have a great quicky turn, really leaves us wanting.

I think we go 4231, Jackson just isnt a striker and drifts right anyway, Tyreik is a better threat on the left attacking the full back, get two widemen in to challenge too. Touray isnt a threating LWB but looks a good LB if h has someone infront of him doing the attacking side. Thank Tilt for a great career but he's back up at best in 26/27, Kelly moved on, i wouldn't be surprised if Wright or Pennington move on to want first team football at their ages. Get in a proper right back and a left footed CB. Obviously a new challenger for Walker too.

 

TBF thats what i was on about...!

 

I've gotta give credit to the Bolton away following, the best i've seen since we played Leeds at VP in the cup over 10 years ago, really was bouncing. Made for a memorable night unfortunately without the result we wanted.
I thought last mirrored a lot of our games last season, no lack of effort and determination but a lack of genuine quality throughout the squad and as you allude to a somewhat agricutlural approach with our passing, especially in the first half of games.
We have a great baser to build from but equally it will a strong division with the likes of Leicester and Wednesday coming down, teams like Luton and the DBs have money to strengthen.

 

Don’t be shy, say what you mean , reply to them instead of “ guessing” . Note other people’s opinions are just as valid as yours , no matter how much any of us / you think otherwise. Take the rough with the smooth matey.

 

Yes microphone replacement was pointed out ….caused by the ticketing arrangements of course which turned out to be pretty pointless perhaps for several reasons?

 

Spot on.

 

Baldwins passing hasn't been effective for at least 6 months now, since teams worked out all they have to do is shut down our wing backs. It's time to stop the 70 yard ball every single time and start to mix it up better as it clearly doesn't work given how we've struggled for goals and chances ever since November.

Power is always way too deep anyway, I'd be looking at alternative options there too because him and Metcalfe are too similar. We don't need both so next season, for me, we play one or the other alongside someone with real energy that can get up and down like a Pattison type player.

 

I’ll read it for you later when I get the time

 

Next season will be much tougher as you say. I dont want to be negative, but whilst I would obviously love to see us build on this seasons momentum and challenge again, being realistic, I fear that may be too big an ask.
My hopes for next season at present are pretty much the same as they were back in August. If we can go through the season without the threat of relegation and perhaps have a couple of good cup runs thrown in, that would be a satisfactory season in my view.
It would be fantastic if they exceeded those expectations again but we'll need a successful summer window regardless.

 

Maybe at speed fine, completely agree but the replays show a different tale imho. Yes he was close but they are given weekly in other games ? Happy to take your word for it “live” so to speak.

 

I don't think it does get given Kev, especially in the PL with VAR. I think they deem that his hand is in a "natural position' so no penalty.

 

First season on the back of momentum I think we surprised a few teams, ourselves included. That element of surprise has gone now, teams second half of the season did tend to wise up to what brought us success.
Can't wait for next season but with a higher quality of player available, especially upfront and in midfield.