What do Bradford City expect?

They already spend a lot just to play at Valley Parade. Other clubs might see that as a sign they’re willing to splash out on players too. But players above League One often come with bigger price tags, and that’s why making use of free agents and free transfers really matters.

They’ve made some decent signings, but it feels like their plan is to spend in order to survive again. Other teams may think Bradford are happy to throw money at problems.

Does Ryan Sparks genuinely believe they can bring in players at their level without other clubs asking for more? That’s just how football works.

Crying about it isn't going to help them, either. This sort of thing made so early sounds more like excuses than reasons because it's down to the club to find the players at the right price. If they can't find affordable players, they need to rethink.

If they can't pay what the expectation is for jumping up a level and being closer to the second tier of English football, then they are in for a rude awakening.

What happens if their current squad harmony and new signings are enough for them to earn back-to-back promotions? Will he be back complaining that £200,000 isn't enough to find a quality Championship player? All Bradford City can do is try to unearth affordable gems; crying that the players costs have jumped up to me suggests a lack of understanding of the business that football is.

Playing budgets would have been set already by each and every EFL club. As we approach the first weekend, players still available will have to consult with their agents for a lesser salary..the fear of no salary post 2nd August!

It says more about their ability to deal with teams and players. If agents want more money than the club is willing to pay, then they should look for someone who’s worth the price they’re happy to offer.

That’s always been part of football. If they wanted to sign players early and have the squad ready for pre-season, there’s usually a premium.

Sometimes it’s better to wait until expectations drop, if that’s an option.

its nonsense to complain about it because it just brings awareness to the issue and clubs and players will still want more money. its the way football is, i do agree it will come back as an excuse.

I don’t like it when newly promoted teams complain about how expensive the step up is or say things are overpriced. Compared to what, League Two? It doesn’t make much sense unless they’re trying to set up excuses early. They should stay positive and get on with it. It sounds like they wanted other players but settled for cheaper ones. What would their new signings think? Maybe they should have asked for more wages.

Bradford City can’t really moan about higher fees if they rush into deals. Players want more these days, and it’s often better to wait and let things settle. If you buy anything the moment it’s released, you usually pay more than if you wait a few weeks. Football’s no different, but they’ve got other things they should be focusing on.