MASSIVE BLOW: Bradford City Lose Cook and Sarcevic for Tomorrow’s Crucial Stockport Clash
BRADFORD – Bradford City AFC head coach Graham Alexander has confirmed that two of the club’s most influential players – striker Andy Cook and midfielder Antoni Sarcevic – will be unavailable for tomorrow’s highly anticipated fixture against Stockport County, dealing a significant setback to the Bantams’ promotion ambitions.
The announcement, made at this afternoon’s pre-match press conference, comes as a major blow to Bradford ahead of the League Two showdown at Valley Parade. Alexander revealed both players have been ruled out due to ongoing fitness issues that have prevented them from reaching match readiness. “This is obviously not the news we wanted heading into such an important game,” said the manager. “Andy and Antoni are leaders on and off the pitch, and their presence will be missed, but we have to focus on the players we have available and prepare for a tough battle.”
Cook, Bradford’s captain and all-time leading scorer in the modern era, has been in outstanding form this season, netting 22 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions. The 33-year-old’s physical presence and clinical finishing have been central to the team’s rise up the table, with his partnership with fellow forward Vadaine Oliver proving to be one of the most potent in the division.
Sarcevic, who joined the club last summer from Bolton Wanderers, has been equally vital in midfield, contributing six goals and 11 assists while orchestrating Bradford’s attacking play. His experience and ability to control the tempo of matches have been key to the team’s success in tight encounters this term.
Tomorrow’s opponents Stockport County arrive at Valley Parade sitting second in League Two with 72 points from 37 games, while Bradford occupy fourth place with 67 points – just three points behind their visitors and two adrift of the automatic promotion spots. With only five matches remaining in the regular season, every point is critical in the race for promotion to League One.
Stockport have been in formidable form of late, winning four of their last five matches and scoring 14 goals in the process. Their manager Dave Challinor has built a fast-paced, attacking side that has proven difficult for opponents to contain, and they will be looking to capitalise on Bradford’s absentees to extend their advantage in the promotion race.
Despite the setback, Alexander remains confident his squad can rise to the occasion: “We have a deep and talented group of players who have shown time and again that they can step up when needed. Valley Parade will be rocking tomorrow, and our fans will play a huge part in driving us forward. We know what’s at stake, and every player wearing the Bradford shirt will give everything they have.”
