Bobby Pointon, a Bantams teen, is praised by Alex Gilliead.
Despite being a rookie, BOBBY Pointon has earned the respect of his City teammates.
The longtime Bantams supporter has started the previous two games and has been one of the key factors in two painful home draws.
On the senior stage, the 19-year-old has not appeared out of place, and Alex Gilliead thinks he has a bright career ahead of him.
“The big thing about him is that he’s got quality,” declared Gilliead. “You see a lot of (young) boys who have talent but the wrong mindset.
“Bobby has got the right attitude. If he keeps his head down and we can get him out there as many games as possible.
“He’ll have some tough times, but he has shown he’s got the quality, more than enough, to do well at this level. We are all buzzing for him in there and hope he kicks on.
“He’s a great lad and a good personality to have around the dressing room.
“He’s only a young lad but you can tell he wants to learn and get better.”
Pointon has been going to games at Valley Parade since he was five and had a season ticket in the Kop until recently – his dad Michael still does.
That lifelong affinity with the club has increased the spotlight on the midfielder but Gilliead is confident he can cope.
Bobby Pointon, Dylan Youmbi, left, and Harvey Rowe (Image: Bradford City)
“I think it does put a bit of pressure on him being a local lad but I am sure he’ll be all right.
“Bobby’s grounded and has got good people around him. I don’t think they will get carried away with that.
“You see him out there and you can tell he loves the club and wants to work hard for us. We just him to keep learning and who better to learn from than the gaffer and Glyn (Hodges).”
Pointon and fellow young pros Dylan Youmbi and Harvey Rowe were filtered into training sessions last season and have stepped up since signing new one-year deals in the summer.
Gilliead added: “Last year, the young lads came and trained with us and there was him, Dylan and Harvey.
“They are all training with us full-time now and don’t look out of place. They all want to do well and learn.
“Bobby has got his chance at the minute and is taking it and doing well. We are all happy for him and buzzing for him.
“He wants to learn, that’s the main thing and I am sure he’ll kick on and have a good career.”
