Midfielder Jamie Walker eyes same longevity as Bantams boss

The Scot was a mainstay in the side that finished last season strongly but has had to wait to get back into the starting line-up.

Having impressed against Carlisle, Walker is geared up for a return to Walsall tomorrow – where he scored two goals, claimed an assist for Andy Cook and got sent off in City’s wild comeback win in April.

Walker is now in his fourth term at Valley Parade and boss Alexander is trying to keep him on the pitch more after previous lengthy injury absences often caused by his combative playing approach.

Walker said: “I speak to the gaffer quite often. The medical staff and sports science side changed a lot over the summer.

“The gaffer played a lot of games into his late 30s and he’s obviously looking at my numbers, my pressing and things like that.

Jamie Walker set up Andy Cook's first goal against Carlisle (Image: Tom Pearson)

“We do a bit extra on the pitch and in the gym. It’s something we’re looking to do going forward as well.

“It’s not just me, it’s for everyone – the younger ones, the older ones and those in the middle stage of their career.

“Any extra percent he can give to the players, any knowledge he can pass on, is only going to help us on a Saturday.

“I think the lads are buying into the hard work and the tactical side of it.”

Walker set up the opener in City’s latest win by hunting down Carlisle defender Jon Mellish and seizing on his heavy touch. The pressing style requires a lot of energy which suits the 31-year-old.

“It’s not just getting up to the ball but across the pitch and getting back. All elements of pressing that the gaffer wants.

“The foundations are there from a tough pre-season. We saw that from the two goals on Saturday when we won the ball back and scored from there.

“It always helps with the tactical side and the pressing if you’re getting success from it. If you’re winning football matches, you’ll buy into it a lot more.”

Walker and Clarke Oduor started as the attacking midfield duo with Alex Pattison and Bobby Pointon on the bench. There is fierce competition for the two spots, although Antoni Sarcevic is currently out of contention for a while.

“When the gaffer says you need more than 11 people to have a successful season, he’s not lying,” said Walker about his wait to be involved.

“Personally, it’s frustrating because I want to play football. I want to start matches and contribute to this season.

“But I kept working hard and my attitude was good. I knew if I got an opportunity like last Saturday that I could take it.

Jamie Walker's reaction says it all after his Walsall red card (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“It’s a big part of football. I’m obviously a bit older now and have seen all sides of it in my career.

“I’ve been out of teams before and not playing. You’ve just got to keep working hard, doing the right things and then take the opportunity when it comes – especially with the competition we have.

“For Alex and Bobby, we can help them. I’ve been in that position.

“It’s a team game. We’re going to need everyone.

“Everyone has played a part this far in and hopefully that will continue throughout the season.”

Going back to the Bescot Stadium will stir memories of his “strange” experience five months ago.

“It was eventful and emotionally a bit strange. I was obviously delighted with the two goals and setting up Andy’s header but then not when I got sent off.

“Thankfully we held on for the three points and hopefully it will be more of the same tomorrow – apart from the red card.”

Alexander is a big fan of Walker’s “street-fighting” style but feels he can still get more out of him.

The City boss said: “Nobody has to convince me about Jamie’s quality. But there are parts of his game that I feel he had to improve and spoke to him about it.

“He has shown that improvement and is getting the rewards now by being in the team.

“But he has to keep those standards high because it’s a really competitive squad.

“I know what he did last season but it’s right here, right now and I need to see it with all the players."