Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick could rue the call that was made to allow striker Calum Kavanagh to leave for Bradford City during the January transfer window.
After securing a deal to play for the Bantams, signing on deadline day, Kavanagh took a little bit of time to settle. But he is now finding a rhythm that suggests the West Yorkshire outfit may have got themselves a very good player. That is certainly the view of Bradford boss Graham Alexander, who told the Telegraph & Argus:
“I like Kav. He’s aggressive, he’s energetic and on the front foot. He wants to do the right things and he’s an intelligent player. He’s had a bit of information about the position he plays, in and out of possession, and has picked that up really well.
“Yeah, he’s been a real bright spark for us since he came into the squad in January. I also think he’s been superbly supported by the players around him. They’ve helped him settle in as quickly as he has.”
Kavanagh has scored two goals and supplied one assist in the last two league games for Bradford, which included a superb finish into the top corner with his weaker foot against Sutton United. It leaves them just seven points off the play-offs.
The forward, who happens to be the son of former Middlesbrough midfielder Graham Kavanagh, came through the academy ranks on Teesside and was a prolific goalscorer during his time at the club, netting 47 times in 74 appearances.
Calum Kavanagh’s move drew criticism
The 20-year-old’s move to Bradford in a permanent deal drew some criticism at the time given the side’s misgivings up front. Although to offer balance, there were as many fans who trusted the club’s judgement, pointing to the fact that he was at an age where he would want to play regular football and at this point in time, he was not ready for first team action in the Championship.
There was also a question mark surrounding his stats when on loan at Harrogate and Newport County, but in fairness to him, a young player is sent on loan to see what senior football is all about. It is as much about learning and developing as a professional as it is improving upon their actual footballing technique.
As alluded to by the Bradford City manager, Kav is all about instinct and attacking aggression. He is being played as an attacking midfielder rather than an out and out striker, and appears to be growing with each game.
Permanent Middlesbrough exit was a surprise
Middlesbrough supporters are not naive enough to suggest that Kavanagh should have been a regular first team starter this season, but there was a definite element of surprise in the fact that he was allowed to leave permanently.
If you look at the breakthrough Josh Coburn had when he returned back from a successful loan spell at Bristol Rovers, there is a pathway that could be replicated. We all know just how much Boro’s Head Coach loves to give youth an opportunity.
It could be that Carrick and his coaching team believe that Sonny Finch and Daniel Nkrumah are better placed to make that transition into the first team squad. But you can’t help thinking that the decision to let Kavanagh go looks more disappointing by the month. Especially given the additional sales of Morgan Rogers and Matt Crooks.
Some will say that it is only two goals for a League Two team, but a goalscorer is a goalscorer, and given that Matthew Hoppe is clearly not trusted to make an impact, you could be forgiven for thinking that Kav could have played his part.
The experiment that has seen Greenwood, Silvera and McGree tried up top is yet to reap any real reward, could Bradford’s gain be Boro’s loss? Time will tell.