Kemp in, Taylor out: The dream start to Bradford City’s summer transfer window

The summer transfer window, which will see players enter the team and others leave through the door at Valley Parade for Bradford City during the next few months, is one of the most exciting times of the year for fans.

Bradford fans have been dissatisfied with some of the team’s and individual players’ on-field performances following an unimpressive 2023–24 season for the team, despite a late play-off drive and an exciting finish.

There have been more misses than hits at the club during the entire season, despite certain highlights such as the development of young Bobby Pointon and the reliability of Brad Halliday, who was also named to the NFL League Two Team of the Season.

During the previous summer transfer window, the team brought in a number of new players and let go of a significant number of players. Similar plans are in store for this summer as new football operations chief David Sharpe and manager Graham Alexander work to reorganise the team.

Due to their contracts expiring, a number of players have already departed the team, while several who are still under contract are probably going to stay. In the same way, new people will join the club.

Let’s examine two players now: one who should depart this summer with a dream start to the window and another who could sign with the Bantams and reconnect with an old friend.

In: Dan Kemp

Due to an unfortunate injury that kept him out of action for the final few months of the 2023–24 season, Jake Young will be a new addition to the Bantams when he plays again the following season.

One player who might join Young at Valley Parade the following season is former teammate Dan Kemp, who is scheduled to depart MK Dons in June 2024 when his contract expires.

Alongside another loanee, Jake Young, the attacking midfielder spent the first part of the season at Swindon Town. Before departing the team in January to rejoin their parent clubs, MK Dons and Bradford City, respectively, they had combined for 30 goals and 12 assists.

Due to his relationship with Young and the fact that the team could use more creativity in the lineup to give attackers Andy Cook and Calum Kavanagh more opportunities to score, Kemp might be a smart addition for the Bantams.

Jamie Walker has not yet agreed to a new deal with the team, so Kemp would have fierce competition for a starting spot if he decides to stay, but Walker might be a terrific replacement should he decide to leave.

Out: Ash Taylor

After leaving Kilmarnock FC in the Scottish Premier League, the towering 6’3 defender signed with the team last summer under the management of previous boss Mark Hughes.

Taylor was signed to provide presence to a new-look system that mostly used a back three, with Taylor likely being the most central of the three, after Mark Hughes decided to forgo the 4-2-3-1 configuration that led the team to the EFL League Two play-offs the previous season.

Sadly, it appears that Taylor’s greatest days are behind him. The defender was clearly having trouble keeping up with the speed at which many teams attack, as he was frequently caught chasing the ball out of position.

Taylor isn’t at the level required in the division, even though his dedication to attempting on the pitch is undeniable, as modern football becomes less violent as time goes on.

Although Taylor’s contract with the team runs out at the end of the 2024–25 campaign, his time with the Bantams is probably coming to an end as he hasn’t played a single minute of football since the team’s 2-0 loss to Swindon Town in January 2024.