Bradford City Boost Attack With Jackson And Mullin Signings

Bradford City fans have reason to be excited as the club made headlines on January 30, 2026, by bolstering their attacking ranks with the signings of Kayden Jackson from Derby County and Paul Mullin on loan from Wrexham for the rest of the season. These moves come at a crucial time, as the club seeks to revive its League One promotion push following a disappointing run of three consecutive defeats.

The return of Kayden Jackson to his hometown is a story that tugs at the heartstrings of local supporters. The 31-year-old forward, born and raised in Bradford, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract that will see him don the claret and amber at Valley Parade. Jackson’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After being released by the Bradford City academy as a youngster, he carved out a career across the English Football League, racking up over 300 appearances for clubs including Grimsby Town, Accrington Stanley, Ipswich Town, and most recently, Derby County.

Jackson’s time at Derby saw him squeezed out of the first-team picture this season, prompting the move back to his roots. Speaking to the club’s website, Jackson couldn’t hide his delight: “I have been away from home for a long time. For my family to be able to come and see me week in week out now, on their doorstep, it is a special feeling.” The prospect of playing in front of his family and friends at Valley Parade has clearly reignited Jackson’s passion for the game, and supporters will be eager to see if his experience can help steady the ship after a rocky patch in the league.

Joining Jackson in the new-look Bradford attack is Paul Mullin, another 31-year-old forward whose reputation as a prolific scorer precedes him. Mullin arrives on loan from Wrexham, having spent the first half of the 2025-26 season with Wigan Athletic. His goal-scoring exploits are well documented: Mullin famously netted 38 league goals during Wrexham’s National League promotion campaign, playing a pivotal role as the Welsh side soared from the National League to the Championship in back-to-back seasons.

Mullin is no stranger to high expectations or the pressure of performing for ambitious clubs. On joining Bradford, he told the club’s website, “I love success and being around successful people – coming here offers exactly that. There is an expectation from the fans which is big – that is something which suits me.” Mullin’s hunger for more glory is palpable, and his knack for finding the net could prove invaluable as Bradford look to reignite their promotion charge.

These two signings bring the club’s total arrivals in the January transfer window to five, signaling a clear intent from the board and manager to address recent shortcomings and inject fresh energy into the squad. Alongside Jackson and Mullin, Bradford City have secured the services of Newcastle United duo Harrison Ashby and Joe White, as well as Oxford United midfielder Louie Sibley. Each of these additions brings something different to the table, and the hope among supporters is that this blend of youth, experience, and proven quality will help the team turn the corner as the season enters its decisive phase.

Bradford’s recent form has been a cause for concern. After a promising start to the League One campaign, a run of three straight defeats has left the club’s promotion hopes hanging in the balance. The timing of these signings couldn’t be better, as the team looks to arrest its slide and climb back into contention for a coveted spot in the Championship. The pressure is certainly on, but the arrival of battle-hardened professionals like Jackson and Mullin could provide the spark needed to galvanize the dressing room.

For Jackson, the move is as much about personal fulfillment as it is about professional ambition. Having spent six seasons at Ipswich Town before his stint at Derby, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the rigors of League One football. His versatility and work rate have been hallmarks of his career, and his ability to link play and stretch defenses will be key assets for Bradford in the coming months.

Mullin, meanwhile, is renowned for his clinical finishing and relentless work ethic. His journey from the lower leagues to the Championship with Wrexham is the stuff of footballing folklore, and his determination to succeed at Bradford is evident. “There is an expectation from the fans which is big – that is something which suits me,” Mullin reiterated, underlining his readiness to embrace the challenge that lies ahead.

The influx of new faces has already sparked debate among supporters and pundits alike. Can this revamped Bradford side gel quickly enough to mount a serious promotion push? Will Jackson and Mullin form a potent partnership up front, or will it take time for the new signings to settle in? These are the questions on everyone’s lips as the club prepares for the crucial fixtures ahead.

There’s also a sense of optimism around Valley Parade, with the return of a local hero in Jackson and the arrival of a proven goal-scorer in Mullin. The January transfer window is often a time for calculated gambles, and Bradford City have certainly rolled the dice in their bid to end the season on a high. With the likes of Ashby, White, and Sibley also joining the ranks, the squad suddenly looks deeper and more competitive than it did just a few weeks ago.

Of course, football is never played on paper, and the true test will come on the pitch. The next few games will be crucial in determining whether these signings can make an immediate impact and help Bradford City climb back up the League One table. The atmosphere at Valley Parade is sure to be electric as fans welcome their new heroes and hope for a change in fortunes.

As the window closes and the season heats up, all eyes will be on Bradford City’s new recruits. Will the return of Jackson and the arrival of Mullin prove to be masterstrokes, or will the club’s promotion hopes continue to falter? One thing’s for sure: the story is far from over, and the next chapter promises plenty of drama, excitement, and, perhaps, redemption for a club and its supporters hungry for success.

With the League One campaign entering a critical phase and the January reinforcements ready to make their mark, Bradford City fans have every reason to believe that the best may yet be to come at Valley Parade.