Bradford City is set to welcome experienced midfielder George Lapslie, who has signed on for two and a half years, with his contract officially starting on January 1, 2025. The move signifies not just the arrival of Lapslie but also highlights Bradford's ambitions as they aim to bolster their squad.
Lapslie, hailing from London, expressed his enthusiasm about the transfer, stating, "I’m absolutely buzzing. I can't really believe my luck to have a side this size come in for me. Once I knew I had the chance to get here, I just tried to grab it with both hands." This sentiment captures the hopes of both the player and Bradford City as they look to improve their chances of success.
The announcement of Lapslie's signing was confirmed after negotiations between Bradford City and Gillingham reached fruition. Graham Alexander, manager of Bradford City, commented on the deal, saying, "We’re delighted to bring George in at the earliest opportunity so he can get up to speed with how we do things here. He will add energy, experience, and quality to our midfield. He’s versatile and competitive, so we are really looking forward to working with him.”
Lapslie’s footballing career began at Charlton Athletic, where he came through the youth ranks, making 54 first-team appearances and scoring three goals. His progression as he moved through the leagues continued with loan spells and later permanent transfers to clubs demanding his talents. Mansfield Town secured his services permanently in January 2021, where he proved to be instrumental, scoring 23 goals across 104 matches. After showcasing his abilities, Gillingham took him on board, where he contributed eight goals over 79 appearances.
His departure from Gillingham was described by Mark Bonner, Gillingham’s manager, who expressed gratitude for Lapslie’s contributions during his tenure, stating, "George departs with our very best wishes for the future having secured a move... " His exit is part of Gillingham’s strategy to reshape their squad and free up space for new acquisitions as they head toward the January transfer window.
The immediate future for Lapslie lies with Bradford, who currently holds 10th place on the Sky Bet League Two table. The team is eyeing promotion and sees Lapslie as pivotal to enhancing their chances. Alexander and his coaching staff are optimistic about what Lapslie can bring to the fold as they prepare for the second half of the season.
Bradford's supporters can expect to see Lapslie donning the number 32 jersey as he integrates with the squad. While he won't be registered for the upcoming match against Barrow, he could make his debut shortly thereafter, against Grimsby Town.
The club's management sees Lapslie's signing not just as filling numbers but as adding depth and proving reliability, particularly as they navigate the intricacies of League Two. Analysts believe his versatility, having played various roles, will provide Bradford with several tactical options as they combat the challenges posed by upcoming fixtures.
Having contributed significantly at Gillingham, Lapslie is poised to hit the ground running at Bradford. Fans and management alike hope his competitive spirit and prior experience will forge pathways to not only individual success but also collective achievements for Bradford City.