Valley Parade
Valley Parade stirred beneath a pale March sky, the stands filling steadily two hours before kickoff. No European glamour today, no cup spectacle—just the harsh reality of Championship football with eight matches remaining.
Players went through warm-ups with methodical focus. No wasted movements, no excessive chatter. Bradford's home hadn't witnessed a defeat since November, but United's shadow still loomed large from Manchester.
Jake stood in the tunnel, watching Leicester's players conclude their preparations. Cooper had shaped them into a more disciplined side than the one Bradford faced in October—more direct, more aggressive in transition.
Chapman passed on his way back to the dressing room, already wearing the captain's armband. He nodded once to Jake—not a greeting, but an acknowledgment. A promise.
