Bradford City spell it out to “happy-go-lucky” Tommy Leigh.
Tommy Leigh has been advised to take his City career seriously. Graham Alexander delivered it to him straight after an unconvincing start at Valley Parade.
Leigh looked the part against Wycombe in central midfield, where he will now focus after being shuffled around several positions since his January arrival. And boss Alexander has made it clear that the 25-year-old, who was signed for a six-figure fee, must make an impact for the Bantams.
“I prefer players who are adaptable and versatile,” said the City manager. “But it can be difficult when you join a new club and are placed up front, in midfield, or on the left or right side of a front three.
“However, Tommy couldn’t use it as an excuse. He still needs to work hard, run hard, understand our game, and be serious about his career.
“That’s important to Tommy. He’s a very upbeat person who always smiles. “But I believe there is a time to buckle down, do the work, and be serious about who you are. “It’s beneficial to have positive people.
I love the vibe in the building about enjoying your life, training, and work. “But you have to take yourself seriously and recognise that you are a professional.
“I’m talking about everyone in general but these are the lines of the communication with Tommy about what he wanted to achieve in the game.”
Graham Alexander noticed a difference in Tommy Leigh during pre-season (Image: Thomas Gadd) Alexander explained it to Leigh during the end-of-season debrief with the squad, and he has noticed a difference since the players returned for preseason. He’s hoping he’s figured it out.
“We had a candid conversation about this season and whether he was a true competitor for our team or simply a squad player. “I want all of our members to be genuine competitors for the team. I don’t want anyone ticking off a day or a week simply because they enjoy being around the group.
“I believe Tommy struggled to adjust to life in MK after moving from Accrington. It did not go as well as he had hoped. “When he came here, things did not go as well as he had hoped. “What was he planning to do about it?
Bitch and moan about his past experiences, or get his head down and work to improve his future. “That was his choice, and the way he came back, he made the right decision to do something about it.
“I felt he had the qualities to be better and have a long and successful career. But he needed to make some minor changes, and we’re here to help him. “We brought him here because we believed in him when he first arrived.
There are different paths for different people, but we never give up on anyone. “We always believe that everyone has the potential to be a good player; otherwise, they would not be professional footballers.
We just need to find that player and encourage them; however, the player must want to do so.
“Tommy’s certainly put the work in and done that over the summer and in pre-season.”
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