Video summary
Nick has signed a new one-year contract with Bradford City, expressing deep satisfaction with the deal after successfully navigating the preseason period. He believes he earned this agreement through his strong performance at the end of last season and feels confident about contributing to another successful year for the club. Nick highlights that staying with the team was driven by both personal pride in a well-finished campaign and the evident strength of the squad, noting that the group has cohesively integrated new players while maintaining its competitive spirit.
The atmosphere within the changing room plays a significant role in his decision to remain, as he reports getting along very well with existing teammates and finding immediate chemistry with those who have joined recently. This sense of unity extends to their tactical approach, where the mantra of tackling every match individually remains central to their strategy for securing victories throughout the season. Nick is particularly eager about upcoming fixtures such as the cup tie against Rotherham this Saturday, viewing early competitive games like these as essential appetizers that prepare both players and fans for the full demands of league football ahead.
Nick also reflects positively on his transition into a new role playing primarily as a number nine, stating that he truly enjoys being deployed in that position where he can effectively influence matches. He credits his fitness levels achieved during last season's final stretch and maintained throughout the offseason with allowing him to secure minutes and score goals immediately upon returning for training camp. Rather than relying on age or potential alone, which often influences contract offers for younger players, Nick feels a strong sense of deserving this opportunity based on his current form and professional attitude over the past five years.
Looking forward, Nick emphasizes that he genuinely loves football and intends to continue playing at Bradford City as long as possible despite the increasing physical challenges associated with aging athletes. He is fully excited about starting tomorrow's match against Rotherham after a productive preseason where he tested his abilities repeatedly in training sessions. The return of competitive matches back at Embank Valley holds special significance for him, not only because it allows players to showcase their skills but also because the fans have missed experiencing live football as much as the squad has been eager to deliver positive results once again on the pitch.
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Nick, new one-y year deal here at
Braford City. How pleased is it to get
that done?
>> Yeah, very happy. Um, had to get through
preseason and I felt like I earned the
the contract after the end of it. Um,
but really happy to sign and it's a it's
a hopefully a good season coming.
>> What was it about this club that made
you want to stay?
>> Well, I had a good ending. Um, on a
personal note, I think obviously the
lads had a a really strong season. Um,
so it was one of them where I I felt
like the club is in a good place and if
I can help in any way this season, it's
it's another good year. Yeah,
>> I guess the change room as well. The
lads that are here, the lads that have
come in, what role did they play that
decision?
>> Yeah, I got on well with all the lads
last year, the new lads that have come
in um have jelled really well and I've
got on with a lot of them. So, uh, it
it's a really good group again and
hopefully we can achieve something again
this season.
>> To be as close as we were last season,
the mantra of taking it game by game,
looking to be competitive is something
that you're looking forward to this
season. Hopefully trying to be most
successful again.
>> Yeah. Well, I think obviously the club
and the manager always say we take it
game by game, which we'll do this
season. Um, with even like Rodale in the
cup this this Saturday, so we we'll do
that again this season. Hopefully we're
on the right side of it again.
>> Obviously a good preseason for yourself
as well. on the thing quite a few times.
How have you found the new role as that
number nine?
>> Yeah, really enjoyed it. Um I kind of
came to it near probably April last
season. Um I did a few stints at the
start of the season coming on. Um really
enjoy it. Feel like I can um really
affect the game in that position and um
the lads sort of know how I play there.
We we gel off each other. We bounce off
each other. So hopefully many more games
this season. The manager spoken a lot
about how you put your fitness in at the
back end of last season, stayed fit, and
obviously come back preseason. How
confident are you in that now?
>> Yeah, it was one of them is obviously
we'll have to manage the way the way
things happened this season. Um, but we
were open with the conversation we had
in the offseason. Like I said, I I
thought like I had a quite a good ending
to the season. So, my my main priority
was coming in and giving preseason a
right go and I feel like I've done that.
Um, managed to get the minutes, get the
goals. So, uh, yeah, just raring to go.
>> What's that experience been like for
yourself on trial at this stage of your
career? Do
>> you know what? I I really enjoyed it. It
was one of them where I felt like I've
earned this contract. There's there's
maybe times where you're younger and you
get given a contract cuz your age or the
potential that you have. Um, but I feel
like I really deserve this at that stage
of my career. So, I really enjoyed it.
Um, and to get it given it when I feel
like I've earned it, it's it's a lot
better. Yeah. I guess that's a clear
indication of your hunger to carry on
playing at the best level you can.
>> Yeah, I said it last season. Um, and
I'll say it again till I retire. I
really enjoy football. Um, yeah, it's
probably been more professional over the
last 5 years of my career cuz it's it's
harder with the older that you get. Um,
but it's something I really want to do
for as long as I can and I'm I'm glad
it's at a club like Bradford.
>> Now, after having a full preseason
behind you, how excited are you to get
going now tomorrow against Rodale?
>> Yeah, fully. Um, we've been waiting for
the season to start. I think it's a it's
a good thing nowadays to have the cup
game so early. Um it gives you that
taste for the start of the season and
then gets you ready for the league. So
yeah, I'm really happy.
>> I guess just competitive football being
back here at Embank Valley Praise is an
experience that everyone's really
looking forward to.
>> Yeah, the fans probably have missed it
as much as the players. Um we got a
little bit of a taste against Preston
and it was nice to come on the uh the
right result of that one. So hopefully
Saturday is the same.