Bradford City Association Football Club has kicked off their first League One campaign in six years — but not without disruption. Two key matches have been postponed due to international call-ups, while their trip to Huddersfield Town Football Club has been moved to a midday kick-off, adding another layer of complexity to what was already a high-stakes return to England’s third tier. The 2025-26 season, the club’s 123rd, began on August 2, 2025 with a home win over Wycombe Wanderers Football Club at Valley Parade, and fans are already feeling the ripple effects of a congested calendar.
Postponed Fixtures Due to International Duty
Matchday 12 against Lincoln City Football Club and Matchday 16 versus Plymouth Argyle Football Club were both officially postponed by the English Football League after several Bradford players received national team call-ups. The EFL’s standard practice — particularly during international windows in October and November — is to delay matches involving clubs with multiple players away on duty. This isn’t unusual, but for a team rebuilding momentum after years in League Two, every point matters. The club’s manager, Gary Bowyer, told local reporters: "We’ve got lads in the squad who’ve never played for their countries before. You can’t say no. But it does throw a spanner in the works."Huddersfield Match Moved to Midday Kick-Off
On November 18, 2025, Huddersfield Town Football Club announced their home fixture against Bradford City — originally scheduled for a 3 PM Saturday kickoff — would now start at 12:30 PM. The match will be played at the John Smith’s Stadium (marketed as the Accu Stadium in promotional material), in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The club cited "broadcasting and operational logistics" as the reason, a common justification when TV networks prioritize earlier slots for regional derbies or promotion battles. For Bradford fans traveling from West Yorkshire, the change means earlier departures and tighter schedules — but it also means a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere. "It’s not ideal," said fan group leader Darren Hargreaves, "but at least we know when to be there. Better than a last-minute switch on a Friday night."EFL Trophy Run Adds to Fixture Congestion
While League One fixtures dominate headlines, Bradford’s EFL Trophy campaign has been just as demanding. Their group stage included home games against Grimsby Town Football Club (September 2, 2025 — 4,771 attendance) and Everton U21 (October 19, 2025 — 4,170 attendance), both played at Valley Parade. A 1-0 win over Grimsby and a 2-1 defeat to Everton left them second in Group C behind Doncaster Rovers Football Club. That meant a tough away tie in the Round of 32: a trip to Toughsheet Community Stadium in Horwich to face Bolton Wanderers Football Club during the week commencing December 1, 2025. With League One matches every Saturday, midweek trips like this are physically grueling — and financially taxing for smaller clubs without deep squads.Widespread Disruptions Across League One
Bradford isn’t alone. The Radio Times reported on November 18, 2025 that "four League One teams are in midweek action as postponed fixtures from October are completed." Among them: Luton Town Football Club, a promotion hopeful whose schedule has been shuffled multiple times. The pattern is clear: clubs with higher-profile players, stronger squads, or TV appeal are seeing their matches moved to Tuesday or Wednesday nights, often at short notice. This creates an uneven playing field — teams without deep benches struggle to rotate, while those with resources can manage the grind. "It’s becoming a two-tier system within the league," said former League One referee Paul Marsden, who officiated Bradford’s Grimsby match. "The clubs fighting for promotion get treated differently. It’s not malicious — it’s commercial. But it’s unfair."
What’s Next? The Push for Promotion
Bradford City currently sit in 8th place after 14 matches, five points off the playoff spots. Their next key fixtures include a home game against Northampton Town Football Club on January 11, 2026 — their first meeting since the 2018-19 season — and the rescheduled Huddersfield clash on January 24. A win at the John Smith’s Stadium could be a turning point. Manager Bowyer has emphasized squad depth, with three new signings in the January window expected to bolster the midfield. "We’ve got a chance," he said. "But we’ve got to be smarter than everyone else. That means managing fatigue, staying injury-free, and taking points wherever we can."Historical Context: Bradford’s Rise from the Depths
Bradford’s return to League One is more than a promotion — it’s a redemption arc. After financial collapse in 2019 and relegation to League Two, the club spent three seasons rebuilding under new ownership. Their 2023-24 League Two title win was celebrated as a triumph of community spirit over corporate neglect. Valley Parade, with its iconic red-brick stands and steep terraces, has become a symbol of resilience. The 4,771 fans who turned out for the Grimsby match were the most since 2017. This season isn’t just about points — it’s about proving the club belongs back in the spotlight.Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Bradford City’s matches postponed due to international call-ups?
The English Football League routinely postpones League One matches when three or more players from a single club are called up for international duty, especially during FIFA-mandated windows in October and November. Bradford had five players across three national teams — including Ghana, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland — triggering the rule. This ensures player welfare and avoids club vs. country conflicts, but it creates scheduling headaches for mid-table teams with limited squad depth.
Why did Huddersfield move their match to 12:30 PM?
Huddersfield cited broadcast logistics and stadium operational needs as the reason for the early kick-off. TV networks often prefer midday slots for regional derbies to maximize viewership across the UK and avoid clashes with Premier League fixtures. The move also reduces pressure on local transport and parking, though it affects fans’ travel plans and may impact gate receipts from casual attendees who prefer evening matches.
How has the EFL Trophy affected Bradford’s League One campaign?
Playing four EFL Trophy matches in three months — including two home games and a midweek away trip to Bolton — has stretched Bradford’s squad thin. With only 21 registered first-team players, rotation has been constant. Manager Gary Bowyer has used 28 different starters across all competitions, and fatigue was evident in a 1-1 draw against Rochdale in late November. The extra games also mean less recovery time between league fixtures, increasing injury risk.
Are other clubs facing similar fixture congestion?
Yes. Luton Town, Plymouth Argyle, and Shrewsbury Town have all had multiple fixtures moved to midweek slots since October. The EFL confirmed 17 League One matches were rescheduled between October and December 2025 due to international breaks, TV scheduling, or weather. Promotion contenders are prioritized for prime-time slots, leaving mid-table sides like Bradford to absorb the logistical fallout — a growing criticism among lower-league clubs.
What’s the significance of Bradford’s return to League One?
After financial collapse in 2019 and a three-year stint in League Two, Bradford’s promotion in 2024 marked the first time since 2007 they’ve been in the third tier. With Valley Parade’s average attendance up 38% from last season and community outreach programs expanding, this season is about restoring pride. For a city still recovering from deindustrialization, the club’s success is a symbol of resilience — and a rare source of collective joy.
