Exclusive: Brad Halliday Backs Bradford City to Win Promotion as Tribute to Injured Andy Cook

Brad Halliday wants Bradford City to get promoted for injured striker Andy Cook. 

Towering forward Cook has led the line at Valley Parade since January 2021, scoring 85 goals in 192 games.

The 34-year-old netted 15 times this season before he suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the Bantams’ New Year’s Day fixture at former club Barrow.

Cook is watching on from the sidelines as Graham Alexander’s side push for promotion. 

And team-mate Halliday told SportsBoom.com: “He’s been a massive part of our team and our group.”

“Obviously when he did his ACL back in January we knew he would spend a lot of the year injured. He probably won’t get back until later on this year.”

“We want to do it for him. We want to reward what he’s done for the club and the lads with a promotion added to his CV.”

PROMOTION ON THE MIND

The Bantams came close to returning to League One when they lost to Carlisle United in the play-offs two seasons ago. 

Halliday and Cook, who bagged 31 goals that season, were part of that painful near miss.

And Halliday, who also lost in the play-offs with Accrington Stanley in 2016, added: “It’s been a massive factor and determination for us.”

“I’ve come close a couple of times in my career in the play-offs. To get over the line and get promoted would be amazing.”

“Hopefully this is the season and we can get it done.”

“It’s cliche, but the team who is most consistent will go up. We’ve got to keep taking it one game at a time.”

“It’s about getting back on that winning track as soon as possible. We know we won’t win every game until the end of the season, but we don’t want those losses to add up.”

“A lot of teams probably go on good runs and bad runs. That’s all well and good when you’re picking up results. But when you have a bad result you need to put that to bed quite quickly.”

“The most consistent teams will get promoted. You can’t take it for granted when you’re on a good run as the last couple of games has proved.”

BIG EXPECTATIONS

It is Bradford’s sixth season in League Two, but they boast regular attendances of over 17,000 — by far the most in the division. 

“I think a lot of the players come to the club because of what it brings. It’s a big club in this division,” said Halliday.

“That brings a lot of pressure. But the players strive to play for that. If you didn’t you’re probably in the wrong job.”

“You want to play in these big games as much as possible.”

“We’re fortunate that most home games we get 16-17,000. It’s good for us.”

“When it’s not going so well it’s tough to take. But we’ve had plenty more good times this season and more to come hopefully.”