Bradford City Sign Lee Evans for Promotion Push

Yorkshire Team

News • February 4th, 2026

There's a familiar face heading back to Valley Parade, and it's a name that will get plenty of Bradford City AFC fans talking. On the 2nd of February 2026, the club announced the return of midfielder Lee Evans, this time on a permanent signing from Blackpool. For those who remember his last stint, this feels like a significant bit of business for the Bantams.

Evans joins on a deal that runs until the end of the season, bringing a massive amount of experience and a history of success that could be just what the team needs. This isn't just any player; it's someone who already knows what it's like to pull on the claret and amber shirt and fight for promotion in front of the Valley Parade faithful.

A familiar face returns to Valley Parade

For many supporters, the name Lee Evans will bring back good memories. He's no stranger to the University of Bradford Stadium, having spent a memorable loan spell with the club back in the 2015/16 season. During that time, Evans played 41 games and was a key part of the squad that battled its way into the League One play-offs. That experience of a high-pressure promotion push with this very club is something you just can't buy. He knows the city, he knows the expectations of the fans, and he knows what it feels like to chase success at this football club.

Now, after his time away, which included a stint at Blackpool, Evans is back for good. The permanent signing shows a real statement of intent from Bradford City AFC. Getting a player of his calibre is a big boost for the current squad. He's not just a player filling a gap; he's a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of what it takes to win in this division. The Bantams have secured a midfielder who already has a connection with the fans and the stadium, which should help him settle in straight away and make an immediate impact for the rest of the season.

What Evans brings to the Bantams

So, what exactly is Bradford City AFC getting with Lee Evans? In a word: experience. But it's more than just having played a lot of games. It's a specific kind of experience—winning experience. Evans has an incredible track record when it comes to getting out of the third tier. Think of it like this: if you were climbing a mountain, you’d want a guide who has already reached the summit multiple times. That's Lee Evans in League One.

His promotion CV is seriously impressive. He's been a part of four teams that have successfully gained promotion from this level. This isn't just a fluke; it points to a player who has the mentality and quality needed to succeed when the pressure is on. This kind of know-how is vital for any group with ambitions of moving up.

ClubAchievement in Third TierWolvesSky Bet League One Title WinnerWiganSky Bet League One Title WinnerPortsmouthSky Bet League One Title WinnerIpswichRunner-up (Promotion in 2022/23)

On top of that incredible promotion record, he's played over 200 games in the third tier and a further 122 in the Championship. Playing in the Championship is a whole different ball game, a faster and more demanding league. Having that on his CV shows he can handle a higher level of football, and bringing that quality down to League One is a massive advantage for the club. He’s a midfielder who knows how to control a game, and that’s a huge asset.

Words from the man himself

It's clear that Evans himself is thrilled to be back in West Yorkshire. A player's attitude is a massive part of any successful signing, and his enthusiasm is obvious. He spoke about his return with genuine excitement for the challenge ahead.

“I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Valley Parade, my first time here was full of great times, and I am looking forward to creating some more.” “I cannot wait to be back out on that pitch in front of all you fans, giving my all for this club. The lads have made a brilliant start this season, and I am excited to come in and help both on and off the pitch and continue our progress and fight for every point.”

His words show a real desire to reconnect with the fans and give everything for the shirt. He remembers his first loan spell fondly and wants to build on that legacy. Crucially, he acknowledges the great start the current group of players has made this season. He isn't coming in to disrupt things; he's here to add his quality and experience to an already progressing team. For the supporters, hearing a new signing talk with such passion for the club is exactly what they want.

The gaffer’s take on the new signing

The manager, Graham Alexander, was also full of praise for his new midfielder. A manager needs to know that a new player will fit into the system and the dressing room, and Alexander seems confident that Evans will do just that. He highlighted the exact qualities that made Lee Evans such an attractive target.

“Lee will bring us great experience and added strength in central midfield.” “He competes well and has an excellent passing range. His track record of success adds another winner to the group, and we are very happy to have him join us.”

Alexander’s comments underline just how important this signing is from a footballing perspective. He points to Evans's strength in central midfield, a key area on the pitch where games are often won or lost. The mention of an "excellent passing range" is also telling. It means Evans can dictate the play, switching from short, simple passes to long, defence-splitting balls. And again, that word "winner" comes up. Graham Alexander is clearly building a group of players who know what it takes to succeed, and Lee Evans fits that mould perfectly. This move strengthens the core of the team and adds another leader to the group.

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