BRADFORD City releasing nine players has been met with an element of shock by supporters.
Anthony O’Connor, Billy Clarke, Clayton Donaldson, Connor Shanks, Connor Wood, Harry Pritchard, Lee Novak, Will Huffer, and Zeli Ismail, have all been shown the exit door.
The overriding feeling is the biggest misses will be that of defenders O'Connor and Wood, and striker Novak.
The first two had been at the club since 2018, and made well over 100 appearances each in City colours.
Meanwhile, the latter netted seven goals in 18 games in the season just gone, making him the club's second highest scorer.
Anthony O’Connor being let go#bcafc pic.twitter.com/C6MB2UV7qy
— Tom (@Sunter_Tom) May 12, 2021
Expected Wood to leave this summer but surprised by the inclusion of both AOC and Novak on the released list. #bcafc https://t.co/0ZTckC2cvZ
— Joshua Chapman (@JRCSport) May 12, 2021
I felt like AOC’s performances this season and his versatility probably warranted a new deal #BCAFC
— Thomas Bailey (@ThomasB2013) May 12, 2021
Big error not offering A O’Connor a new contract. He’s turned the opinion of a whole host of #bcafc fans and shown he IS actually bothered. Not to mention versatile and experienced. He won’t struggle to get a club. With Novak, I can only assume fears over long term fitness...
— John (@JohnHutchinson) May 12, 2021
Incredibly harsh on Novak, I get he's had some injuries this season but it's his 2nd season of sub 25 appearances, the other was in the championship. Can only think AOC is financial. Wood is still young and still has big potential #bcafc https://t.co/xEscxYEfpj
— Joe (@Calvey94) May 12, 2021
Novak going? Don't understand that at all. When fit he will bang goals in. #bcafc
— AS Bradford (@AS_Bradford) May 12, 2021
Needed a clear out. Only one I'm sort of surprised at is Novak but with his recent injuries and age, I get it. Wood and A'OC have had far too many bad experiences at City, fresh starts needed by all #bcafc
— Jordan (@Jordan91Dixon) May 12, 2021
The Valley Parade faithful were pleased to see who was on the retained list though.
It read: Callum Cook, Charles Vernam, Elliot Watt, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Gareth Evans, Levi Sutton, Niall Canavan, Ollie Crankshaw, Paudie O’Connor, Reece Staunton, and Richard O’Donnell.
The Bantams have also confirmed that Jorge Sikora, Kian Scales, Matty Foulds and Sam Hornby have all been offered new contracts.
Loanees Andy Cook, Jordan Stevens and Rumarn Burrell have returned to their respective parent clubs following the expiry of short-term agreements.
Shocked at AOC and Wood but with POC, Canavan and Staunton imagine we add a 4th choice CB and prioritise funds elsewhere #bcafc https://t.co/tyeyMEEVcq
— Adam Ryko (@AdamRyko) May 12, 2021
Completely agree with this we’ve kept our best players at the end of the day there are better alternatives out there for the rest of them #bcafc https://t.co/LlbU0p0Q4k
— Jacob (@SlatorJacob) May 12, 2021
I like that. Not sure why people are so against it😂 #bcafc https://t.co/lx2KTIHymM
— Macca (@maccabcafc) May 12, 2021
big summer needed now, get some quality in for once #bcafc https://t.co/iF7iBIukYT
— joe (@JoeLister12) May 12, 2021
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