Bantams chief executive Ryan Sparks discusses Jake Young

WHAT IS THE EXACT POSITION WITH JAKE YOUNG?

“After starting last season with a few goals for us, it then became clear Jake wasn’t going to be a part of the previous manager’s plans.

“It was disappointing, as with any player we sign, we want them to succeed. However, team selection is always down to the manager.

“Moving into this summer, it became once again clear that Jake wasn’t going to be in the previous manager’s plans. 

“I care about Jake as a person, as I do everyone connected to Bradford City. I’ve got a responsibility to consider the welfare of everyone involved in the club.

“We wanted to help Jake. There wasn’t a great deal of interest in his services in League Two, after he ended the season on loan at Barrow. 

“I’ve got a good relationship with Michael Flynn, and knew Swindon were looking for a striker.

“Michael gave Jake an opportunity, and he took it with both hands. The loan deal wasn’t particularly financially beneficial for us, but it was a good opportunity for Jake, and our priority was to support him.

“Graham Alexander was very keen to recall Jake from his loan after being named our manager, and we as a club were fully supportive of that.”

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF CARLISLE MANAGER PAUL SIMPSON’S COMMENTS?

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for managers or representatives of other clubs to publicly discuss a player who is contracted to another club.

“We have rejected three offers for Jake Young. One of those offers was tabled by Carlisle United.

"On Tuesday, I had a conversation with Carlisle’s owner Tom Piatak and he asked me about our position on Jake. 

“I was very clear and it was a constructive conversation which should have remained private.

"For some reason, however, Paul Simpson then chose to discuss the matter on more than one occasion following Carlisle’s game against Barnsley, which I thought was unacceptable, particularly given a similar conversation Paul had shared with Graham Alexander last week. 

“I’m not sure what the EFL’s opinion is on the matter, although I know what the rules and regulations state, and it will be interesting to see if any action is taken.”

DO YOU FEEL THE SPECULATION IS AFFECTING YOUNG?

“We’ve had three offers for Jake so far this month and all three have been rejected.

“When he came back, Jake reported pain and an injury, and our medical team are taking care of him. He was back out running on the grass on Tuesday.

“There is naturally a lot of speculation floating around, but we would never look to sell any player unless the club was comfortable in doing so and adequately compensated.

“Even at academy level, where we have traded half a dozen future potential Premier League players during my time in charge, we have rejected several other bids to ensure the right deal for the club, that will benefit Bradford City now, and in years to come.”

GRAHAM ALEXANDER HAS TALKED ABOUT CUTTING SQUAD NUMBERS IN THE WINDOW. IS THAT STILL THE PLAN?

“It was a bit of a spanner in the works when we lost Jamie Walker and Alex Pattison in the space of 20 minutes - in one game.

“They were setbacks that have slightly altered our plans for the transfer window, but we have reduced the size of the squad.

“We’ll continue to do that but there will potentially be players coming in because we want a little bit more in certain areas.”

Tyreik Wright was grinning from ear to ear on his return (Image: Thomas Gadd)

HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO GET TYREIK WRIGHT BACK?

“It was frustrating to lose Tyreik last January as we had hoped to sign him on a permanent contract.

“I was disappointed to see him leave but understood it because this a short career and players have to do what is best for them.

“When you come to a League Two club on loan and make such an impact, it is only natural that interest from higher divisions follows.

“Plymouth, who at the time were knocking on the door of the Championship, made him a fantastic offer, and it was a great move for him.

“However, it is brilliant to have Tyreik back, and he was delighted to have got the deal done.

“Bradford City is a club close to his heart. We gave him a chance to get his career going again, and he is coming back with a view to helping us get our season going again.

“He was on the bench for Plymouth at Huddersfield at the weekend. The plan was for him to potentially be involved for us against Colchester, but we couldn’t get the deal done in time.”

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SUGGESTIONS THAT SIGNING WRIGHT IS A “PR STUNT” FOR THE FANS?

“We sign players we feel will have a positive impact at our football club. It’s never for public popularity; it’s to win matches. If they are successful, popularity usually follows.

“Tyreik is really excited to be back at Valley Parade. I hadn’t seen him since last year, but his smile was ear to ear and he had the same energy he did the day he first walked in the building.”