Exclusive: Don Goodman makes clear Bradford City transfer claim amid Andy Cook burden | OneFootball

Don Goodman has given his take on whether Bradford City need to make an addition up front alongside Andy Cook.

Don Goodman has admitted that promotion may see Bradford City make wholesale changes across the squad, rather than focusing on key positions, such as a new partner for Andy Cook.

The Bantams are pushing for automatic promotion from League Two in the final stretch of the season, but their recent stuttering form has piled on the pressure.

W

ith just two wins in their last nine outings, the momentum has swung in favour of the likes of Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale, both of whom have enjoyed far stronger runs during that period.

Still, with two games remaining, Graham Alexander's side are clinging to that third-place spot, hopeful that Walsall's continued poor form could see them sneak back into League One.

Remarkably, they've managed to stay in contention without their star striker, Andy Cook. The 34-year-old netted 12 goals in his first 22 appearances of the campaign, but an ACL injury sustained on New Year’s Day has kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season.

In his absence, the Bantams have coped admirably - yet no player has managed to eclipse the 12-goal tally he set nearly four months ago. It’s led to growing speculation over whether reinforcements up front will be required next season, regardless of the division they find themselves in.

Don Goodman expects Bradford City to have a busy summer

Speaking exclusively to Don Goodman, Football League World asked the former Bantams frontman whether Bradford City will need to bring in a new striker this summer to help ease the burden on Cook.

To this, he responded: "I think if Bradford City were promoted, they would probably be looking to strengthen the whole squad for a campaign at a higher level - so certainly a striker to come in.

"I know the season isn't ending how they would have wanted it to - four losses in their last nine games, three draws and just two wins - but they have scored plenty of goals. A 4-1 win over Colchester United; yes, they lost 5-4 at Swindon, but they scored four, and a 3-3 draw at Chesterfield in their last game - scoring goals doesn't seem to be an issue.

"I think Bradford City would look to strengthen generically in order to compete well at League One level."

A busy summer would likely include a new striker for Bradford City

Andy Cook has surpassed all expectations since arriving at Valley Parade. Joining permanently following a short loan spell in 2020-21, he has gone from strength to strength and his emphatic 31-goal season in 2022-23 is one that will live long in the memory for Bantams fans.

His record for the club now stands at 85 goals in 192 appearances, but a jump to League One may just be too much to ask for a 34-year-old recovering from an ACL injury.

While the current options in Calum Kavanagh and Tommy Leigh are by no means poor, Bradford will need a proven League One finisher if they are to make the step-up.