SARCE TO MAKE THE CITY SWITCH | News

The Bantams secured their first new signing of the summer on Friday, welcoming seven-time promotion winner Antoni Sarcevic to the University of Bradford Stadium.

We caught up with the reigning Sky Bet League Two champions about his decision to cross the Pennines and sign for City…

Q: Antoni, welcome to Bradford City. First of all, how does it feel to be here?

A: Yes, I am invented now that everything is ready. I’m excited to be at Bradford City and can’t wait to get going.

Q: We’re not too far into the season and you’ve been promoted with Stockport. How did this movement materialize?

A: I was a free agent after the end of the season and there is talk in football. The gaffer and David Sharpe rushed to the phone and as a footballer all you want is to feel wanted and to feel loved. I’ve worked with the gaffer before and so, along with the size and stature of this club, it was an idea.

Q: Mention the size and stature of the club. What else attracted you to the club and how have those conversations with the manager gone so far?

A: The club needs to start climbing back up the leagues and this year, it’s essential to start coming back. The club came to me saying, with everything I’ve done in my career, I’m going to be a massive addition to the club in that regard.

Q: Do the seven previous promotions in your career so far help with what you can bring to the team?

A: Yes, I think it will be very helpful. Been there, done that and been out of this league many times. I hope he is a good signing for what is already a great team.

Q: How important is having that winning mindset to get into that habit? As we say, the last three clubs you’ve been to, you’ve been promoted.

A: It’s a tough league to get out of, as any league is. I’ve been there a few times now. I hope I can bring my standards, effort and winning mentality to the group already here, for the fans and the club. Hopefully we can get the job done and grow this year.

Q: In terms of experience in this league, you’ve been promoted out of this league five times now – some more recent than others. Does this widespread experience help?

A: Yes, the league changes every year. Clubs come up, clubs come down, but it’s always the same case. We are focusing on ourselves and making sure we are a team to be reckoned with in the league. The clubs come here with the stadium and the fan base that expects it and we have to be the ones who can handle that pressure and handle the excitement of everyone who expects us to do it. When we go on the field, we give it our all, so that by the end of the season we can all celebrate.

Q: You’ve played here many times, but for those who don’t know much about you, what kind of player would describe you?

A: As soon as I’m on that field, I give it my all. I like to add quality, get involved with goals and assists and make sure everyone around me is pulling in the same direction to get those three points every weekend.

Q: Being here in the stadium on a matchday with passionate fans and over 13,500 season tickets sold for next season, how much does that excite you as a player and do you want to feed off of that?

A: Yes, it is massive. Everyone knows how important the fans are here, especially with the support we’ll get at home. We have to make sure we have the fans on our side straight away and we have to be the ones on the pitch making sure the fans go home happy.

Q: You’re a winner on the field, and obviously the fans feed off that kind of energy. You also wore the armband at your previous clubs and most notably Stockport. What can we expect from you as a leader and the leadership standards of you and your teammates?

A: For the 90 minutes that I’m on that pitch, you’re going to see 100% from me every time and hopefully that will excite the team to be at that level because in some games you might not either way, but as players and individuals. we have to enjoy it. I’m always one to drive that and hopefully you’ll see that on the field.

Q: We’ll be back soon for the pre-season. How long are you looking forward to getting into the locker room with your teammates and building towards a successful season?

A: I can’t wait now. I feel like I’ve already had too much time off being a full-time dad with two kids for a few weeks, but no, I’m eager to get back out there because nothing beats being back with the boys. I’m very pleased.