Aden Baldwin says Bantams are all in it together this season

The centre half has settled well at City since making the summer move from Notts County.

Graham Alexander has spoken about stacking the squad with recent promotion winners who know exactly what it takes to be successful.

Baldwin was a big figure in the Magpies’ return from the National League two seasons ago during that epic showdown with Wrexham.

And he sees building the right culture at the club as the main foundation for creating a campaign to remember.

“We created a very positive culture at Notts County,” he said. “You have to have that at a team trying to get promoted.

“You need everyone going towards the same project.

“I feel we’ve got the right personalities in the squad. We haven’t got a bad egg or someone who’s going to affect that culture.

“It’s not just the players, it’s the staff, those working in the back room, even the fans.

“We all need to be in it together to be successful.”

Alexander has stuck with the same starting 11 in the three league games so far and may well opt to do that again at Grimsby this weekend.

But Baldwin knows how important it is to keep those currently not in the side feeling involved because they will be needed.

“It’s never nice to not be in the team.

“You’ve got to look in the mirror first and foremost and be the best professional you can be. Be prepared to be ready for when the gaffer needs someone.

Aden Baldwin was City's fourth signing in the window (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“You’ve got to be ready to put in a performance whoever we’re playing.

“I look at the squad in general. There’s a great cohesion and I think it’s all positive at the minute.”

Notts County’s 2022/23 National League season was the stuff of legend.

They racked up a phenomenal 107 points, scoring 117 goals along the way and only lost three times.

But that was still only good enough for second place behind Phil Parkinson’s all-conquering Wrexham.

Notts had to go the play-off route – with Baldwin scoring twice in a dramatic semi-final win over Boreham Wood before they edged past Chesterfield on penalties at Wembley.

It taught the 27-year-old about the pressure of never letting up – something he insists City will face if they are to feature in the promotion picture.

Baldwin added: “You need to go on long unbeaten runs to be successful, to be up there and get that promotion.

“We can’t slip off anywhere. If there is a loss, we have to bounce back.

“If we don’t, we’re done – it’s as simple as that.

“Hopefully that won’t be the case and we can have a great season.”

Baldwin knows that opposiing teams will raise their game going to Valley Parade. He saw that with Notts County last season – despite missing out on their March visit through suspension.

“I was gutted about that because I really wanted to play and showcase what I can do. But the lads were all saying what a stadium it is.

“Teams need to be threatened by the atmosphere and the environment when they come here.

“That’s what we want. We need to use that to our advantage.”

Aden Baldwin protests after his header is handled against Bromley (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Baldwin’s arrival was announced at the end of May among the clutch of early signings in the window.

Having had plenty of time to get used to his surroundings, he won’t be getting caught up in all the circus of deadline day.

“Obviously, you see Sky Sports and all the moves being made. But we don’t really chat about that.

“I told my agent that I needed something sorted early on. That was the key thing for me.

“We looked at what we could do and this was the best outcome for me and where I am in my career.

“Hopefully it’s looking good so far.

“I’m enjoying it and getting used to everything. I’ve never been up north before so I’m getting used to the area and stuff like that.”

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