Bobby Pointon

A look at some of the best players I’ve seen in the past few years at either U18s or U23s level or currently playing in non-league who've either left a really positive impression or whose careers I follow with genuine interest to see how they're doing every week.

Player: Bobby Pointon

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder/Winger

Club: Bradford City

I can't specifically recall the moment when I realised just what a good player Bobby Pointon is, but there was something special about his displays in Bradford’s title-winning U19s last season.

The best player in the North-East Youth Alliance (in my eyes and probably a few other people’s eyes), he was a joy to watch and performed well on every occasion I saw him.

Collecting his 'Young Player Of The Year' award (Photo: Bradford City AFC).

 

Usually operating on the right of a three-pronged attack and possessing enough technical intelligence and wherewithal to switch to the other flank and cause a whole heap of problems on that side, or even drift into other areas, he demonstrated a particular 'panache' to make things look effortless.

 

Relentless in the danger he posed and not someone to slack off when it came to hitting high standards either, he also had plenty of composure which is backed up by the fact he contributed around a dozen goals and 'double figure' assists throughout the season.

 

He often tormented opponents through his technical play, by having a good first touch (as shown in his last goal of the season) and through jinking footwork and movement which made him exceptionally difficult to mark. The last thing defenders wanted was Bobby Pointon running at them because they wouldn't be sure of what he'd do next or what he'd create or even how he'd do it. Having spoken to a few who came up against him, they all admit he was a good player with good qualities - thus proving he's earned their respect.

 

His ability shone at various points; whether it be at the start when he bagged against Everton in pre-season, in the winter when he skippered the Bantams in the FA Youth Cup and took just three minutes to score against Oldham at Valley Parade, or later in the campaign when his individual contributions played a key part in big wins before finally clinching the league title that both he and his team-mates worked tirelessly to get their hands on.

 

I don't know enough about Bobby’s background to do a ‘deep dive’ in the same way I would with some players, but I know that with him having been on Bradford's books from U9s level upwards, if their whole academy ethos was personified he would be the end product.

 

He does individually what the Bantams' academy teams are renowned for which is working hard, staying grounded, and showing a particular flair, style and confidence in how they go about the game. Even now, they've done well but there's so much more where they'll want to do even better!

Ultimately, that’s why they were champions. That's why he claimed the ‘Young Player Of The Year’ accolade and why I consider him and his team-mates to be the best Category Three team who I've watched anywhere in recent seasons.

From a selfish perspective, I hope I get to see Bobby play in the U19s next year because if that happens then I know I'm going to be treated to a talented player working hard to succeed. In other ways, I hope that whilst I'm primarily watching youth/development games, he's flourishing in a first team environment and taking the next step in his football journey whether that be at Bradford or out on a decent loan somewhere.

Whatever the next chapter brings, well done on a quality 2021/22 season where you earned the respect of several players, parents, scouts and spectators with how you performed and creating happy memories which you'll always be able to cherish.