Bradford’s Nick Powell has revealed he is considering retiring in January after going through a “dark period”.
He came on as a substitute and scored twice to help the Bantams win as Bradford lost 1-0 to Newcastle in the EFL Under-21s on Tuesday night.
The 32-year-old spoke after the game and gave an honest interview about his previous struggles, contemplating hanging up his boots, but now finding his love for the game again.
“I was planning to retire in January. It was a dark time for me.”
In a remarkably honest and reflective conversation, Nick Powell reveals how close he came to ending his career.
The striker scored twice as a substitute as a substitute in Bradford City’s EFL Trophy match against Newcastle U21s.#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/OG8dQTTloM
— BBC Sports West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) September 22, 2026
Listen to the full interview with Nick Powell @BBC Voice.#BCAFC | #BBCFootball | #BBCEFL
— BBC Sports West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) September 22, 2026
An almost perfect hat trick! 👀
Now hear what Nick Powell had to say after winning last night’s episode of BantamsTV. 🗣️
Watch ➡️ https://t.co/HYAHiGfmQL#BCAFC | @BradfordLifts pic.twitter.com/m0SUEPRovj
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) September 23, 2026
He told BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “Yes, I was planning to retire in January. It was a dark time for me. Obviously, I couldn’t see a future here. And this is one of the places I really want to continue.
“I actually knocked it down and came back last season and then did the whole pre-season. Like I said, earned the contract and got praise from everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I want more time.”
Interviewer: “If you were at a certain stage, a certain stage within the past year, that must have made you view the game so differently, and you’re at this stage now, after that stage, do you look at the game differently now?”
gap: “Yes, you do. Anyway, I feel like I’ve looked at it differently in the past few years. I couldn’t do what I could do between 18 and 25, whatever that was.
“I think the good thing for me is that I can adapt to anything on the football field. The problem is on the football field, so the fact that I’ve played more this season, yeah, I’m really happy about it and hopefully like I said, my target is to play 50 games.
“We’re obviously going to play games with at least 55 men or at least 54 men. It doesn’t bother me if I can play a role in every one of those games, like I did tonight, it’s an under-21 team.
“I want to play because I want to play every game because my minutes are limited. So whatever I can do in such a short period of time, I want to play every game.”
Interviewer: “During that time, did you learn about yourself from a physical standpoint, from a spiritual standpoint?”
gap: “Physically, yeah. Listen, I probably didn’t take care of my body mid-career or early in my career and it had a huge impact on me now. I’m who I am because of what I didn’t do.
“But you can’t dwell on it. Listen, I’m enjoying every second of it. If I finish with 33 points, if I finish with 35 points, that’s it.
“My perspective changed a long time ago. I enjoy every second of the game. So, like I said, whether I’m a substitute or a starter, I’m going to cherish every moment.”
Nick Powell is a cut above him. He plays at a different level than most and was outstanding in both goals. His movements and composure are outstanding. Should have scored a hat-trick. The launch of Pointon has made such improvements. Ibison is doing well. A story of two halves. #bcafc @BBCWYS
— Jamie Raynor (@JamieRaynor) September 22, 2026
Graham Alexander reacts without hesitation to Bradford’s comeback win over Newcastle U21s
Nick Powell’s career:
youth cause
1999–2010 – Crewe Alexandra
advanced
2010–2012 – Crewe Alexandra – 64 games (16 goals)
2012–2016 – Manchester United – 9 games (1 goal)
2013–2014 → Wigan Athletic (loan) – 41 games (12 goals)
2014–2015 → Leicester City (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
2016 → Hull City (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2016–2019 – Wigan Athletic – 99 games (29 goals)
2019–2023 – Stoke City – 119 games (28 goals)
2023–2025 – Stockport County – 45 games (4 goals)
2025 – Bradford City – 25 games (5 goals)
international career
2009–2010 – England U16 – 7 games (1 goal)
2010–2011 – England U17s – 17 games (5 goals)
2012 – England U18 – 1 game (0 goals)
2012–2013 – England U19s – 2 games (1 goal)
2012–2013 – England U21 – 2 games (0 goals)
Here’s how social media users reacted after Bradford player Nick Powell revealed he was considering retiring in January after going through a “dark period”…
@runningobsessed: Absolutely love this guy and so happy for him. What a player too. It’s inspiring to see people’s gratitude and recognition of how lucky he is to still be doing this. Humility brings out the best in everyone.
@KennethPet83293: You are a true asset to the Knicks club
@Andrewjj1964: class behavior
@elitelifestyle: Great player! great guy
@RichSowden78756: He was as good as his manager. And it’s not just his ability… the difference between Humphries and Swan was made clear to everyone last night. His attitude is top notch. That’s why he’s involved a lot and the other two aren’t.
@wardes273: Fells can now only look forward and be happy he didn’t hang up his boots in January. GA DS RS obviously all help, but these are things we can’t see👏
@ian187： He is like a captain without the armband. What a leader and player for young players to look up to.
@ProsightMatt: Last night I thought back on the past years and felt that I was very good. Many thanks to him for opening up about his mental struggles in this interview
