Bantams defender Sam Stubbs not interested in moving clubs

The defender was left out of Graham Alexander’s starting plans for eight league games following the Notts County in November.

There was speculation that could lead to Stubbs moving on during the transfer window as the Bantams chief looked to reduce squad numbers.

But having won his place back in the side, Stubbs insists a Valley Parade exit did not cross his mind.

He said: “That would probably have been the easy option and I didn’t want to do that.

“You just shield yourself from all that. I haven’t had conversations on anything like that.

“It’s probably the way I’ve been raised and the experience I’ve had.

“I love being here, I love the football club and the people in it.

“I love Saturday 3pm at Valley Parade. It’s brilliant.

“It’s a privilege to play for this club in terms of its size. It’s something in this league that you’re really lucky to do.

“It wasn’t something I was willing to give up easily.

“If it did happen, then I wanted to look back on the situation and know that I’d done everything I could to get back in the team and leave no stone unturned.

“I think I’ve done that.”

Stubbs made his mark with a goal-scoring display in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy win at Derby to keep the shirt against Colchester and Salford.

He used the lengthy spell out of the team for some self-improvement and reflection.

“You’ve just got to back yourself at times like that and I did,” he added.

“I understood that you’re never going to play every minute of every game. In your career, you’re going to have good times and bad times.

“I took it as a challenge to get better. I wanted to be physically fitter so if I did get a chance, I’d go into the team with no issues.

“The day you take your eye off the ball and start thinking about transfers, you’re thinking too far ahead.

“I just took it day-by-day with each training session. I’ve purely looked at it from the football side and what I can improve.

Sam Stubbs jumps highest to head home against Derby (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“As much as it’s a negative not playing, it gives you time to work on other aspects of you as an individual.

“I did my extras and tried to look at the positive of that situation. I wanted to be as fit as I could and be a better player for it.”

City remain languishing at the wrong end of League Two after a run of six games since the last win at Doncaster.

Stubbs can appreciate the bubbling discontent as they head to Swindon aiming to get out of the rut.

“With the world nowadays in terms of social media, getting asked questions (by the media) and the size of the club, it’s hard to not be aware of it.

“I’ve always said since I’ve been here that I understand where the fans are and where they see themselves.

“As a player, you have to accept the responsibility that comes with the shirt. You’re at a huge football club in general – and a huge one for the league that you’re in.

“Everyone involved understands what’s required and up to now, we’re not where we want to be.

“But there are a lot of games to go. Fans are probably fed-up hearing that but we won’t give up and feel sorry for ourselves.”