"Devastated" - Player reacts as Bradford City exit is confirmed | OneFootball

The defender is set to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

Romoney Crichlow has admitted that he is "devastated" to be released by Bradford City following their promotion to League One.

The Bantams revealed their retained/released list for this summer on Tuesday, 10 days on from the most magical day in the club's recent history.

The players who got to experience the euphoria of being inside Valley Parade when that goal went in in the 97th minute against Fleetwood Town to send them up to League One will never forget it.

Romoney Crichlow's devastated reaction to being released by Bradford City

The players who are definitely not going to be a part of Graham Alexander's side for next season are as follows: Crichlow, Callum Johnson, Vadaine Oliver, Sam Stubbs, Gabe Wadsworth and Jamie Walker.

The former Peterborough United defender has been part of Bradford's last two promotion pushes, the last time being in 2023 when they were beaten in the play-off semi-final by Carlisle United. He finally got to taste what promotion with the Bantams was like, but will not get to experience Valley Parade as a League One ground - a reality that he has admitted he is "devastated" by.

Crichlow played 10 times for the club after re-joining them in the winter window from the Posh, but was an unused substitute on the final day.

"Devastated isn’t the word but ultimately grateful I had the opportunity to come back to the club I love," admitted the 25-year-old on X following his official release from Bradford.

"Short but sweet and absolutely no regrets as we achieved the ultimate goal in the end. Getting the Bantams to League 1!!

"The last week has been the best week of my life & I truly wish the lads nothing but the best and I love them all. 1329 signing out!"

Bradford needed to be harsh with their decision-making this summer

What would also be devastating for the club would be to just be a flash in the pan in the third tier. After so many years in League Two, they have no intentions of heading back down the ladder come the end of next season.

To stay up, they need to get their recruitment right and can't afford to be sentimental with players who they don't believe will be good enough to help them survive in League One.

Bradford have to prioritise Bradford in this situation, as much as it's a sad way for players like Crichlow to be brought back down to earth after the elation of promotion.