Bradford City v Doncaster Rovers: Bantams boss makes Tyler Smith prediction plus why Grant McCann’s glass is half-full IT has been a funny season so far for Bradford City striker Tyler Smith.
The Sheffield-born forward, who spent a loan spell at the Bantams’ next opponents Doncaster Rovers in 2018-19, has netted 10 times this term – but has recently found himself out of the club’s league line-up.
The former Hull City and Sheffield United player, who joined Bradford on a three-year deal last summer, has not scored at league level since the Bantams’ victory against Rovers in the reverse fixture just before Christmas.
His main goal contributions this season have been reserved for the EFL Trophy. His total of six goals makes him the competition’s leading marksman.
Despite Smith’s recent lack of game-time in the league – his last start was on January 27 – City manager Graham Alexander remains confident that he will get opportunities to shine again between now and season’s end.
Alexander, whose side have been frustratingly thwarted by the weather on the past two weekends with their last league outing coming back on February 17, said: “Whenever I pick a team, I know I’m leaving good players out of it.
“I don’t say I’ve got 11 good players and the others are poor. You do feel like you’re rejecting them every time you name the team.
“But hopefully they’ll see we’ve had more than 11 players playing in our wins. It’s always been a group ethic.
“All I want is positivity and respect for their team-mates.
“Tyler has done a great job for us when he has been in the team.
“(But) I thought he was part of the team just slowing up. As I did with Cooky (Andy Cook) recently, I just wanted to give him a reset and a refresh.
“I’m sure he’ll have his opportunities again and I’ll expect him to take them because he’s a good player.”
