sevendayweekender – Forward Arrives After Impressive Season as Andy Cook Departs. Bradford City have strengthened their attacking options by signing striker Jake Beesley from Burton Albion on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
The 29-year-old joins the Bantams after an impressive debut season with Burton. Where he scored 13 goals and was voted the club’s Player of the Season by his team-mates.
Beesley’s arrival comes as Bradford continue to reshape their squad following a promising return to League One.
The Bantams reached the play-offs in their first season back in the third tier but fell short of promotion after losing to Bolton Wanderers. Who ultimately secured a place in the Championship.
Bradford will now hope Beesley can provide the goals needed to mount another challenge next season.
The striker arrives with extensive experience across the English football pyramid.
He began his senior career at Chesterfield before going on to represent Salford City, Solihull Moors, Rochdale and Blackpool.
Last summer, Beesley moved to Burton Albion, where he quickly established himself as one of the club’s most important players.
His 13-goal return earned praise from supporters and team-mates alike. And he still had one year remaining on his contract before Bradford agreed to bring him to West Yorkshire.
The move gives the forward another opportunity to prove himself at League One level while joining a club with ambitions of earning promotion.
Beesley Replaces Club Legend Andy Cook
The signing of Beesley coincides with the departure of veteran striker Andy Cook. Whose five-year spell at Bradford has come to an end.
The 35-year-old leaves the club after scoring 80 goals in 193 appearances. Cementing his place as one of the Bantams’ most influential players in recent years.
Cook spent the second half of last season on loan at Grimsby Town and was subsequently released as Bradford opted to refresh their attacking options.
Replacing such a prolific figure will not be easy, but Beesley arrives with a strong reputation and the confidence gained from an excellent season at Burton.
His physical presence, experience and goal-scoring ability could make him an ideal fit for Bradford’s style of play.
Adding a proven striker with recent League One experience is an important step as the club looks to return to the Championship for the first time since 2004.
For Beesley, the move represents a chance to play for a club with higher ambitions and larger expectations.
For Bradford City, it is a statement signing that signals their intent to remain among the promotion contenders in League One.
With pre-season preparations approaching, supporters will hope Beesley can quickly settle into his new surroundings and help fill the void left by Cook’s departure.
If he can replicate the form he showed at Burton Albion. The Bantams may have secured one of the division’s most valuable attacking additions of the summer.
