Why Zac Hadi Is Staying at Clitheroe

Ever wondered what happens to promising young footballers before they burst onto the big stage? It’s not like they just show up one day, ready to go. A lot of hard work, training, and, crucially, real-match experience goes into making a top player. For Bradford City’s young goalkeeper, Zac Hadi, that experience is getting a massive boost, as it was announced on 19th February 2026 that he's sticking around with Clitheroe for the rest of the season. And it’s a move that has everyone talking, especially after his recent performances.

So, what's a loan stay all about?

Right, let's get this sorted. In football, a 'loan stay' sounds a bit like something from a bank, but it's much more exciting. Think of it like a work placement for a footballer. A young, talented player at a big club, like Zac Hadi, needs to play regular, competitive games to get better. But sometimes, it's tough to get into the first team when there are more experienced players ahead in the queue. So, the parent club agrees to let the player join another club temporarily. It's a brilliant deal for everyone involved.

• The Player: Gets to play week in, week out. This builds confidence, skill, and an understanding of the beautiful game under real pressure. This is exactly what a promising shot-stopper needs.

• The Loan Club: In this case, Clitheroe, gets a quality player to strengthen their squad without having to pay a massive transfer fee. They get a motivated young talent ready to prove themselves.

• The Parent Club: Bradford City gets to see their player develop in a competitive environment. When his loan stay is over, he returns as a more experienced and valuable player. It's a smart investment in the future of the club.

So, when you hear about a loan stay, it's a sign that a club really believes in a player's potential. They're not just sending them anywhere; they're giving them a platform to shine. For Zac Hadi, this extension until the end of the season shows that his time at Clitheroe has been a proper success.

Making a name for himself at Clitheroe

And a success it has certainly been. A goalkeeper, or shot-stopper as they’re often called, is judged by a few key things, and Zac Hadi is ticking all the right boxes. He’s already made 13 appearances for the Blues, which is a solid number of games. Consistent appearances are exactly what a young keeper needs to find their rhythm. But it’s the clean sheets that really make people sit up and take notice. A clean sheet is when the goalkeeper and their defence manage to go a full game without letting the other team score. It's the ultimate badge of honour for a shot-stopper.

Hadi has already bagged three clean sheets during his time at Clitheroe. That’s three whole matches where the opposition, no matter how hard they tried, simply couldn’t get a ball past him. It shows he’s organised, he’s a great communicator with his defenders, and when it comes down to it, he's a fantastic shot-stopper. This kind of performance is what turns a temporary loan stay into a season-long partnership. It's clear the club trusts him between the sticks for the rest of the season.

The day a hero was made against York

Every player dreams of a moment where they become the hero. A moment that gets written into the club's recent history books. For Zac Hadi, that moment came back in December during a nail-biting FA Trophy match. Clitheroe were up against York, a tough opponent, in a massive cup game. The match was a tense affair, and after full time, neither team could be separated. It all came down to the most nerve-wracking decider in football: penalties.

This is where the spotlight shines brightest on the goalkeeper. It’s a one-on-one battle of wits and reflexes. The pressure is immense. But this is where heroes are made. Zac Hadi stepped up and became that hero for Clitheroe. His saves during the penalties secured a famous victory for the club, causing a huge upset and sending the fans wild. Pulling off a win on penalties against a team like York is a huge achievement and a moment that will be remembered all season. That single performance, securing that incredible victory, showed everyone what this young shot-stopper is capable of. It’s no wonder the club was so keen to extend his loan stay.

Looking ahead for the rest of the season

With the loan stay now confirmed until the end of the season, Zac Hadi can focus on helping Clitheroe finish their campaign as strongly as possible. He has already proven to be a reliable and sometimes heroic figure for the club, and this extension gives both him and the team stability for the final push. More appearances are on the horizon, and with them, the chance for more clean sheets and match-winning moments.

Everyone at his parent club, Bradford City AFC, will be watching on with pride, pleased to see their young player thriving. The experience he is gaining – from the routine league matches to the high-stakes drama of an FA Trophy victory on penalties – is invaluable. The goal of this loan stay was to help him grow, and he's done that and then some. When he eventually returns, he’ll be a much more rounded and resilient player. It's a move that benefits the player, his temporary club, and his home club. A real footballing win-win-win.