Bantams striker Guthrie on a "manic" season with five bosses

Weeks and weeks without knowing when you would kick a ball in anger again drove even the most laid-back into despair at times.

But for Kurtis Guthrie, the long gap was almost an epiphany; the chance to take stock, clear his head, and commit himself to cracking it at City.

The striker, signed right on the deadline at the end of January, had made an inauspicious start to Valley Parade life.

Gary Bowyer’s final signing did not even get to play before the City boss was out the door.

Kurtis Guthrie takes on Huddersfield keeper Ben Hamer in Wednesday's friendly

Then one unconvincing start and sub appearance for Stuart McCall was followed by a knee injury before the pandemic stopped everything.

The unexpected break, in a funny way, could not have come at a better time.

“From a selfish view, it probably did me a bit of good because I’d had a manic season,” admitted Guthrie.

“A lot had happened. I’d gone through five managers.

“The break has probably done me the world of good.

“Sometimes you can get too wrapped up in it. Getting that chance to step away, I’ve come back more refreshed if that makes sense.”

Dino Maamria, Mark Sampson and Graham Westley all had a go leading struggling Stevenage by the time the season had reached halfway. Alex Revell would take over a fortnight after Guthrie had headed north.

Getting that chance to step away, I’ve come back more refreshed if that makes sense

But the 27-year-old was already on his second Bantams boss by that point.

“I hadn’t played much under Graham Westley because we didn’t really get on.

“I like to think I’m fairly confident anyway but I was lacking games when I signed.

“When it’s been so long, you need a boost and I thought I’d get that from playing for a manager that wants to sign you.

“But then a new one comes in straight away and you’re thinking, ‘here we go again’.

“You think it’s going to be a fresh start, then there’s another change of manager and COVID happens. You wonder what will be next.

Kurtis Guthrie signed just before the end of the January transfer deadline

“I was unlucky in some respects but at the same time I think it’s panned out for the best. It’s also nice to still have the same manager!”

Any doubts McCall may have had about inheriting the striker were dispelled by the way Guthrie reinvigorated himself during the extended time away.

As soon as the opportunity arose, he came back to Leeds to work in individual sessions with City fitness coach Ben Rome.

Guthrie knew it was make-or-break.

He said: “After a certain amount of time, I knew it could go one of two ways. I wanted it to go the right one.

“I wanted to give myself the best chance and make sure I commit to what I originally came here for.”

A couple of League Two clubs tested the water over Guthrie’s availability but he assured McCall that he wants to crack it with City.

“We had a good chat that I think was needed. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere that I’ve failed completely so I didn’t want this to be on my resume.

Kurtis Guthrie leaps for a header at the John Smith's Stadium

“It’s obviously a massive club, arguably the biggest in League Two and would be one of the biggest in League One as well. For that reason alone, it’s a great club to come to and do well for.

“I’m not one to turn down the challenge and I’m looking forward to what is ahead.”

Pre-season is going well for Guthrie, who weighed in with two goals against Doncaster and an assist for Dylan Mottley-Henry at Huddersfield in midweek.

“It’s been nice to get back out there. Obviously, it’s early days but we’re getting the work in we need to get done and hopefully we’ll get the rewards when the season comes.

“It’s going to be good. I know it will be a bit weird for the first half but if you can manage to park all that stuff, I think we’re going to have a good year.”

I don’t think I’ve been anywhere that I’ve failed completely so I didn’t want this to be on my resume

The prospect of playing at a deserted Valley Parade is not as unnerving for Guthrie as it might be for others after his grounding in the non-league game with the likes of Welling and Southport.

“It’s nice to have the fans there for obvious reasons but you’ve got to get past that, be professional and do your job.

“I’ve played in the lower levels when there haven’t been many people there anyway, so it doesn’t bother me too much – and the pitch is a lot nicer than when I first came.”