UNLIKELY scoring sensation Lewis Richards admits City must do things differently without the “exceptional” Andy Cook.
The wing-back has begun 2025 with a bang by netting in both games of the new year against Barrow and Grimsby.
Richards had never previously scored in a league game in his professional career but his two-in-two return are among five goals from the Bantams since Cook went off injured.
An announcement from the club confirming the striker’s situation is expected in the next couple of days.
But Richards has been pleased to see the goals coming from other sources with the top scorer missing.
“Even with Cooky in the team, it’s not just down to him,” said Richards. “He’s a striker but everyone in the team needs to be helping out.
“Some of the goals Cooky scores are just exceptional. He causes havoc with defenders and he’s a big presence up there.
“But we have to make tweaks because Kav (Calum Kavanagh) isn’t going to compete like Cooky does but it definitely worked on Saturday.
“We had to do things a bit different but it went well and that’s got to be a positive.”
Richards got the ball rolling at the weekend for a fourth straight home win to keep City just a point behind the play-offs. He made a run to the far post to sweep in a deep cross from Aden Baldwin.
Richards added: “I just gambled with it. Sometimes I stay outside the box but I thought this time I’d make the run when I knew he was going to cross it in.
“A few balls came over before but I wasn’t there, I was on the edge. So, I just thought I’d get myself in there and hope for the best.
“I just want to keep going and hopefully more will come.
“I couldn’t tell you where it’s come from! It’s just getting in the right place at the right time and showing the instinct to score goals.
“I always believe in myself but it’s just getting the confidence and I feel that’s definitely come. Hopefully it will continue.
“I hear a lot from the manager but it’s all positive things and encouragement from the sideline.”
City head into a free weekend on a run of three wins and a draw from their holiday games. Richards has mixed views of not being in action, while scheduled opponents Bromley are in FA Cup action at Newcastle.
“It’s been busy but we’re on a bit of a run, so we want to keep the momentum going. But I don’t mind a little rest either.
“We were really happy with the Christmas period to get 10 points out of 12. Hopefully we can keep that up.
“We’ve always been in touching distance, it’s just getting that killer instinct and consistency to push ourselves on.
“The momentum is definitely starting to build. There is a lot of confidence in the team.
“Key players have been out for a while and to have them back lifts the team and helps a lot.
“It’s really competitive in training. Everyone is fighting for a place in the team now and it keeps you on your toes.”
