Bradford coach explains why Harambee Stars winger was loaned to New Saint

Bradford City head coach Graham Alexander has revealed that Adam Wilson's desire for more playing time was the motivation behind his loan move to New Saint.

The Harambee Stars prospect completed a move-back to Wales earlier this week, where he will spend the 2024–2025 season.

The winger, who still has two years left of his Valley Parade contract, made his debut for the Saints on Thursday in their 3-0 win over Lithuanian side Panevezys in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers game.

Wilson was recruited by Mark Hughes last summer, but he made just four starts in 16 appearances, scoring once—a memorable equalizer at home to Wrexham in October.

He hardly featured since Graham took charge, with only two sub-outings since November.

The last was at Harrogate five months ago, when he came on for the final half-hour.

Harambee Stars winger joins Welsh side

In an interview with the Telegraph and Argus, Graham noted Wilson needed to move elsewhere to play regular football since he was part of a big squad at Bradford that needed to be trimmed.

“Adam was part of a very big squad when we got here,” he started.

“We had to go with certain players, and then the shape we’ve gone to meant out-and-out wingers were out of the equation.

“He’s missed too much football already in the past year, I would say, and he needed to go somewhere else to get that.

“I had a conversation with Adam at the end of last season, and, to be fair, he’s trained diligently in pre-season. He’s been with us the whole time.

“But at this stage of his career, he’s got a lot of years in front of him and needs to be out there playing on someone’s team and hopefully showing everyone what he can do.

“I think he’ll start to enjoy his football again, and the future is in his hands now.”

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Alexander had words of encouragement for the 24-year-old, who was called up by Kenya in the last international break.

The gaffer tipped the player to flourish in the Wales top tier since it is a league he understands better.

“I tell all young players that when they are moving on from a club or going out on loan, go somewhere where you think you’ve got a realistic chance of being on the first team.

“Being out on the pitch, playing week in, week out, is the only place where you can make your career progress. That’s not going to happen sitting on someone’s bench for a long time or not being in the squad.

“Even if it means taking a step back, it’s not really because you’re out on the green stuff every matchday. That, for me, is a step forward for a young player like Adam.

“He’s going to a level and a club he knows, so he’ll be able to hit the ground running.

Wilson scored seven goals in 23 games as the New Saints won the Welsh League and Cup double in 2023 before his move to England.