Can Bradford pull clear of the relegation scrap?

After a dark few months, Bradford City’s recent run has given their fans some much-needed hope.

David Hopkin stressed the need for patience when he took over at Valley Parade in September. Now he’s starting to deliver. Off the pitch, the departure of Edin Radic has transformed the mood too.

The Bantams were rock bottom of League One not too long ago. But four wins from six games has seen them climb up to 21st. Only second-placed Luton Town have picked up more points over that period.

They’re a point clear of the drop zone and still just 2/1 to go down. Can they keep their recent run going?

Improvement at both ends

Bradford were leaking goals in the early months of the season. Letting in as many goals as they were is a sure-fire way to put yourself in trouble.

They had to tighten up to have any chance of surviving. And that’s just what they’ve done lately.

The West Yorkshire club have only conceded once – to promotion-chasing Sunderland – in their last five games. They’ve brought in Leeds defender Paudie O’Connor for extra reinforcement too.

Bradford have also found their shooting boots at the other end of the pitch. They only scored more than once in just three games between August and November. Now they’ve done it in all but one of their games since December.

Big tests ahead

Bradford’s recent run has seen them beat Walsall, Scunthorpe United, Rochdale and Accrington Stanley. All of those sides are in the bottom half.

The next three games against Barnsley, Southend United and Burton Albion could go a long way to shaping the rest of the campaign. They’re 11/2 outsiders against Barnsley on Saturday.

A few good results will keep the optimism going and moods high. But any setbacks could see the club drop back into the bottom three.

Can Hopkin maintain their recent improvement? It could be key to staying up this term.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication