GRAHAM Alexander had a go at Bradford City striker Ethan Wheatley at Vale Park on Wednesday evening - and the reason why conveyed everything you need to know about the Bantams’ second outstanding season in a row.
On the night, the young Manchester United loanee saw his wait for a first goal in City colours continue in the promotion-chasers’ 2-0 win against hosts Port Vale.
He had his chances, for sure, including a glorious one when he raced clear in the first period.
Alexander’s issue had nothing to do with his goal drought extending into an eighth game. It arrived when he came over during a brief break in play following his first-half miss.
Bradford City's Ethan Wheatley takes on Rotherham United's Emmanuel Adegboyega in the recent Yorkshire derby at Valley Parade. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpeplaceholder image
Bradford City's Ethan Wheatley takes on Rotherham United's Emmanuel Adegboyega in the recent Yorkshire derby at Valley Parade. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
The City chief said: "There's a lot of young players especially who I feel are beating themselves up at the drop of a hat. And Ethan's got that side to him.
"I think when someone got injured, he came over for a drink and was shaking his head.
"And I just said: 'Don't dare let me see you shaking your head, because you've missed one chance.’ Just keep getting in there.
"We don't live looking in the past and (think) 'woe is me', it's the next action. You've got another opportunity, just fully commit to it.
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)placeholder image
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)
"And I thought he did that. And you could hear the supporters in how much they appreciated what he'd done when he was coming off.”
In the modern-day social media-driven environment when the emotions of many football fans are often depressingly knee-jerk, the intelligence of City followers who acclaimed Wheatley - a player who has not found the net for any team since November 22 - when he was substituted on 70 minutes was refreshing to see.
It also spoke volumes about a club going the right way on and off the pitch.
Those present saw what Wheatley brings to the table. Pace, athleticism, strength, movement and an ability to link up play. A team player too.
Play like this and his time will come in the scoring stakes. Fourteen different players have netted at league level for City this term. This group share the load.
Alexander, whose fourth-placed side ended a run of five successive away losses in fitting fashion, continued: "Scoring a goal for yourself is success for yourself. Helping a team win consistently is success for your team. And that's what a career is about.
"Ethan's got that side to him. He will score goals throughout his career because he's got the character to do that.
"But if he ever just relies on his goals and not the rest of his game, then I think he'll be letting himself down because he's got some really good attributes that are very offensive and very hard to play against. I thought he was absolutely unplayable.”
Wheatley kept going, as did City, despite passing up numerous opportunities to add to an early lead given to them by Bobby Pointon in a game they totally dominated.
There was much to be enthused about from a City perspective in the Potteries.
Their ability to get to grips with a tricky surface quickly and still play their own brand of football; complete with pace on the flanks, quick-fire passing - both long and short - spatial awareness and smart switches of play was chief among them.
They dictated as opposed to letting the pitch dictate. It spoke of a team with a clear identity. It was also showcased in their previous away game at Reading.
That may have ended in a tough, unjust late loss, but good sides don’t panic. Nine times out of ten, City's display would have yielded victory.
Alexander, whose side head to Wigan Athletic on Saturday – where they will be backed by a sell-out 4,600 contingent of travelling fans - added: "We did that at Reading and that's what I was proud of. We didn't get anything from the game, but showed what we're about and showed we're a top team.
"I think if you do that more often than not, then you get your rewards.”
Wheatley's goalscoring garlands must wait, for the time being.
On the night, they belonged to Bobby Pointon and Tyreik Wright as City moved level on points with Bolton Wanderers, in third. More importantly, they increased their buffer over Reading, the side currently just outside of the play-off positions, to 10 points.
Pointon scored on the road for the first time in 2025-26; his previous eight goals had all been at Valley Parade. Low Moor's finest proved that he is not purely a home-bird.
After his fabulous volley to settle the issue against Doncaster Rovers, Wright's penchant for the spectacular in 2026 struck again when he netted an unstoppable drive from just outside of the box which flew into the net at a rate of knots. It was another stunner from one of the division's form players, let alone City's.
As for which strike was the best, Wright said: "I think I have to say this one (at Vale) because it was with my weaker foot. But they're both not bad, to be fair."
That's an understatement in fairness.