Bradford City currently sit second in the table on 17 points, level with Cardiff City — a club fresh from the Championship with far deeper resources — separated only by goal difference.
Although the Bluebirds still have a game in hand, Graham Alexander’s men have already proven they can mix it with the division’s best.
A huge factor in that bright start has been academy graduate Bobby Pointon, who is rapidly emerging as one of League One’s standout young talents.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been electric, scoring five times in just seven appearances — all inside a little over 400 minutes of football. His biggest moment yet came at Valley Parade last weekend, when he struck twice in the first half to seal a 3-1 derby triumph over Huddersfield Town.
“It’s a Yorkshire derby — I knew the fans would be up for it,” Pointon said afterwards. “To score twice and beat Huddersfield, it’s an unbelievable feeling. I dreamt of the goals last night, and that’s exactly how it happened.”
As a lifelong supporter, Pointon has captured the hearts of the Bantams’ faithful. A local lad leading his boyhood club’s charge up the table, his passion and flair make him a symbol of Bradford’s revival.
His goals have come in key moments too — against AFC Wimbledon, Luton Town, and Wycombe Wanderers — and with a strike in every home league game so far, he has already nearly matched last season’s tally of six goals and five assists in League Two.
Unsurprisingly, his form has not gone unnoticed. Bradford tied him down to a new contract until 2027 (with an option for a further year) during pre-season, making clear their belief that he is central to their long-term vision. Yet his productivity and homegrown status make him the type of player higher-league scouts will be circling when January arrives.
For a club with promotion ambitions, the prospect of losing him mid-season would be a major blow. The brace against Huddersfield not only thrilled fans, but also sent a message far beyond Valley Parade that Pointon’s talent is very real.
Whether the Bantams can resist the inevitable interest could hinge on their promotion push. Staying in the automatic spots by winter would strengthen their hand — but in modern football, contracts don’t always guarantee security.
For now, Bradford supporters can savour watching one of their own spearhead a dream start. But alongside the joy, there’s an uneasy truth: Bobby Pointon’s rise may soon trigger a transfer battle the Bantams can’t afford to lose.