Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has urged league officials to base decisions on evidence before postponing entire rounds of League One fixtures for international breaks. His comments come after the club's scheduled home derby against Barnsley was called off due to players being selected for their national teams.
Alexander stated he is not yet convinced a blanket halt to the schedule is necessary. "I think there's an argument for it, but I'd have to see the evidence of both sides to see whether it is worth a complete blanket postponement," he said. The manager admitted uncertainty over how many League One matches are typically affected. "Without me jumping into it two-footed and just thinking about our scenario, I don't know how many games get called off regularly at this level when international breaks are on."
The postponement leaves Bradford, who currently sit third in League One with 12 points from six games, needing to find a new date for the Barnsley clash. This adds to a congested calendar, with midweek league fixtures and potential cup runs already putting pressure on the schedule. The team has been in strong form, winning their last three matches, a run which includes a 1-0 victory at Notts County. Their next fixture is an away trip to face Luton on 19 September.
Alexander's stance highlights a broader issue affecting Yorkshire's clubs, with Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town also seeing games postponed. None of the region's five League One sides were in action on the first Saturday of the recent break. Check the latest standings to see how the table shapes up around them.
More detail at Yorkshire Post
