Sure! Here’s a polished and expanded 1000-word version of your article with improved flow, structure, and clarity, while keeping the original points intact:
Three Perfect Strike Partners for Andy Cook at Bradford City in 2025-26
Andy Cook’s season-ending ACL injury back in January served as a stark reminder of Bradford City’s heavy reliance on their talismanic forward. At 34 years old, Cook was in fine form before his setback, notching 12 goals in just 22 appearances. Remarkably, he remains the club’s top scorer despite missing the second half of the season, with no teammate able to close the gap — a trio of players sit tied behind him on six goals each.
Cook’s importance to the Bantams cannot be overstated. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and consistent goal threat have long been crucial to Bradford’s attacking identity. Yet, with promotion ambitions now within touching distance — the club currently tops the League Two table with a three-point cushion over fourth-placed Doncaster Rovers — it’s clear that reinforcements up front are essential.
Whether the club seals its long-awaited return to League One or falls just short again, the summer window must mark a turning point in how they build their squad. Cook cannot shoulder the scoring burden alone, and the time has come to find a dynamic partner who can either complement his style or eventually take over the mantle as the club’s leading man.
With that in mind, here are three ideal strike partners for Andy Cook heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
1. Sam Bell (Bristol City)
Perhaps the most ambitious name on this list, Sam Bell represents a genuine coup if Bradford City secure promotion to League One. A product of the Bristol City academy, Bell burst onto the scene during the 2022-23 season and showed signs of promise throughout the 2023-24 campaign. However, the current season has been underwhelming for the 21-year-old. He has yet to start a league game and remains on the fringes of the first-team setup at Ashton Gate.
Given the lack of opportunities at Bristol City, a loan move could be the perfect scenario for all parties. For Bell, it provides the chance to reignite his development with consistent playing time. For Bradford, it would bring in a technically gifted, pacey, and versatile forward capable of playing both on the left wing and centrally.
Bell’s speed, agility, and ball control would serve as the perfect foil for Cook’s more physical, traditional number nine role. The contrast in their playing styles could create a well-balanced forward line, with Bell stretching defences and opening up space for Cook to operate in. And should Bell hit his stride, his goals could be the difference-maker in pushing the Bantams into the upper tiers of League One.
If the Bantams aim to follow in the footsteps of clubs like Wrexham AFC and Stockport County — both currently challenging at the top end of League One after recent promotions — then acquiring a player like Bell sends the right message: that Bradford aren’t just aiming to survive, but to thrive.
2. Rob Street (Lincoln City / Doncaster Rovers)
A more grounded but equally exciting option is Rob Street, currently on loan at Doncaster Rovers from Lincoln City. The 23-year-old striker has enjoyed a productive spell this season, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances and averaging a goal every 115 minutes. While his stint at Lincoln hasn’t quite worked out, Street has shown his quality in League One previously with Shrewsbury Town and Cheltenham Town.
What makes Street such a compelling candidate is his work ethic. He is a tireless presser of the ball and contributes immensely without possession — qualities that are becoming increasingly vital in the modern game. His intelligent movement, willingness to chase lost causes, and ability to disrupt opposition backlines make him an asset both on and off the ball.
From a stylistic perspective, Street’s high-energy approach complements Cook’s more measured, clinical style. While Cook excels in hold-up play and finishing inside the box, Street brings pace, pressing, and tenacity — traits that could form a dangerous partnership.
Should Bradford secure promotion, a permanent move could be within reach, especially if Lincoln are open to negotiations. However, even if the Bantams remain in League Two, a loan deal would make sense for both clubs and player alike. With his best years still ahead of him, Street could also develop into a long-term replacement for Cook over time.
3. Will Davies (Sutton United)
If Bradford decide to look further down the football pyramid, Will Davies from Sutton United could be a hidden gem worth investing in. The 25-year-old striker has enjoyed a prolific season in the National League, scoring 18 goals in 39 appearances — a bright spark in what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign for Sutton.
A former Ipswich Town academy player, Davies has taken the scenic route to reach this level, plying his trade at non-league clubs such as Woodbridge Town and Leiston before making the step up to Sutton. His journey is a testament to perseverance and natural goal-scoring instinct.
Davies is a lively and instinctive forward, similar in many ways to Rob Street in how he unsettles defenders. However, he arguably offers more in front of goal, with a proven record of putting the ball in the net from a variety of situations — whether that be poaching from close range or finishing with composure in one-on-one scenarios.
Currently under contract for another year, Davies wouldn’t command a hefty transfer fee. That makes him an especially attractive prospect if Bradford remain in League Two. Bringing in a hungry, ascending striker from the National League could be a smart and cost-effective move. At 25, he’s entering his prime and could grow further alongside an experienced forward like Cook.
Perhaps most intriguingly, Davies has the tools to eventually become the club’s main striker. Pairing him with Cook now would offer a blend of experience and potential — and as Cook nears the twilight of his career, Davies could seamlessly step into a leading role.
Final Thoughts
Bradford City find themselves on the cusp of change. Whether they end the season celebrating promotion or regrouping for another push, one thing is clear — the club must invest in its forward line. Andy Cook has served them incredibly well, but the next chapter must include a reliable partner who can lighten his load and, eventually, fill his boots.
Sam Bell represents ambition, Rob Street offers proven quality and youth, while Will Davies brings the hunger and raw talent of a player ready for the next step. Each option brings something different, but all three could play a vital role in building a Bradford attack fit for success in 2025-26 and beyond.
Let me know if you’d like a version tailored for your blog’s tone or optimized for SEO!
