 Following the departure of Parsons and Wood in 1900–01, 23-year-old Bradley found himself as the most experienced midfielder at the club.Now partnered by Tom Holford and George Baddeley this new half-back line helped keep Stoke in the First Division for five more years.The press described Bradley as 'a model of consistency' but he was also a skilful player who became one of the first to use tricks.