Bradford City has confirmed its 2026‑27 squad numbers, with striker Jake Beesley taking the coveted No 9 shirt as the Bantams depart for a week‑long training camp in Austria this afternoon. The announcement marks a fresh start after Andy Cook’s five‑year spell in the number nine role.
Who wears which number?
The club released a full list of numbers on Thursday. Goalkeeper Sam Walker retains No 1, while defender Ibou Touray stays in No 3 and midfielder Joe Wright holds No 4. Young centre‑back Macaulay Gillesphey will sport No 5, and midfield engine Callum Connolly is assigned No 6. Josh Neufville keeps No 7, and Adam Phillips moves up to No 8.
Jake Beesley, the former Burton striker, now dons No 9, replacing Andy Cook who departed the shirt after five seasons. Veteran midfielder Antoni Sarcevic remains in No 10, and forward Stephen Humphrys continues in No 11. Defender Aden Baldwin is listed at No 15, while Tyreik Wright wears No 17.
Kayden Jackson returns in No 19, and 20‑year‑old Henry Cartwright takes No 20. Goalkeeper Jon McCracken is allocated No 21, and Bobby Pointon appears in No 23. Will Swan holds No 24, with Matt Pennington in No 28, Harry Ibbitson in No 29, and academy graduate Oscar Lunn given No 30. The squad also includes Zac Hadi (31) and George Lapslie (32). The number two shirt, previously worn by Brad Halliday, is currently vacant.
Why the changes matter for the Bantams?
Swapping Andy Cook’s No 9 for Jake Beesley signals a shift in attacking intent. Beesley, who scored 12 goals for Burton last season, brings a different physical presence and aerial threat that could suit Bradford City’s direct style under manager Mark Hartley. Retaining seasoned players like Sarcevic and Humphrys in their traditional numbers provides continuity, while promoting younger talents such as Gillesphey and Connolly reflects the club’s focus on home‑grown development.
The vacant No 2 spot may hint at an upcoming signing or a promotion from the academy, keeping fans guessing about the final squad composition before the season opener in August.
What’s next after the numbers are set?
The team will fly to Austria on Friday for a seven‑day training camp at the Alpine Sports Complex. The camp, scheduled from 22 July to 28 July, will feature intensive fitness work, tactical drills, and a friendly match against a local Austrian side on 26 July. Coach Hartley expects the camp to cement the new squad hierarchy and allow the players to gel before the League One campaign begins.
Bradford City’s preseason fixtures include a home game against League Two rivals on 4 August, followed by a trip to face a Championship side on 11 August. The squad numbers will appear on the new 2026‑27 kits, which will be unveiled at the club’s official store on 30 July.
Fans can purchase the new shirts online or at the Odsal Stadium shop, with early‑bird discounts running until 5 August. The club’s social media channels will continue to provide behind‑the‑scenes updates from Austria, giving supporters a front‑row seat to the preparation process.
How will the numbers influence the season?
Historically, a change in the number nine shirt often coincides with a tactical overhaul. If Beesley can replicate his Burton form, the Bantams could see an increase in goals from set‑pieces and a stronger hold‑up play. Meanwhile, the promotion of younger players like Gillesphey and Connolly suggests a more energetic midfield that may dominate possession against lower‑ranked opponents.
The squad’s composition, now fully disclosed, gives analysts a clearer picture of Bradford City’s strengths and potential weaknesses. As the club heads into the Austrian camp, the focus will be on integrating the new number nine, sharpening defensive organization, and building the chemistry needed for a successful League One push.
The upcoming weeks will be decisive, and the new numbers will be a constant reminder of the ambitions the Bantams carry into the 2026‑27 season.
