So… What Makes a Bradfordian, Eh?

Before turning to writing, Bradford actor Jason Croot spent over two decades in acting and indie filmmaking. His earlier memoir, My Ego Screwed My Acting Career, told the raw, unfiltered story of his journey through fame, ego, loss, and self-discovery. In today’s guest article, Jason takes a look at what it truly means to be a Bradfordian.

“Put Cheers on, luv, ta…”

Back in 1983, Cheers hit our tellies — It was all about Bostonians, and the theme tune was about longing to be back in the place where everyone knows your name.

The thing is, we Bradfordians already had that. Bradford’s always been that kind of place.

As years have passed and life has moved on at rocket speed, Bradford has remained a city of comfort, familiarity, and proper community. A city where, more often than not, someone knows your cousin, your mam, or a mate you grew up with.

And even if you didn’t think you had a connection, you’ll usually find one. Because in this big city, you’ll almost certainly find that it’s still a small world. Why? Because people genuinely talk to each other. People stop. People help. People laugh together.

Whether it’s the bloke behind the bar, the bus driver, the woman sat next to you on the bus having a natter, or the lad who’s had one too many in the chippy queue — we’ve always known how to connect.

There’s no airs or graces. Just warmth, honesty, and a tad of banter.

“What payment do you accept, pal?”

“We accept any type of payment — just so long as it’s not magic beans,”

said one of the friendliest bus drivers I’ve met in recent years.

There’s no place quite like Bradford, and there’s no folk quite like us Bradfordians.

It’s in the way we speak — and say it as it is.

It’s in how we carry ourselves — with no fuss.

It’s in how we muck in — when it matters.

You hear it in the way folk talk:

“Ey up, lad — City won again!”

“Go on, luv — you were before me.”

“You alright, pal? Not seen you in yonks.”

You see it in the little, everyday things:

Someone keeping the door open with their foot — shopping bags and all.

A lad legging it after you with your dropped bus pass — no thanks needed.

“D’you want a shove with that, mate?” When your car breaks down on Wakefield Road.

It’s nowt fancy. It’s just Bradford. It’s just us.

Always has been. Still is.

That’s the spirit, soul, and togetherness I wanted to capture in Bradford, Eh? — my new book: a nostalgic trip down memory lane through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. From shopping down Broadway to Friday night fish and chip suppers. From shouting on City at Valley Parade to having a few jars in packed pubs and clubs.

It’s not a history book. It’s a journey of fond recollections — a celebration of the little things that make this city ours.

Tasmin Archer wrote the foreword.

Stuart McCall penned the afterword.

Two Bradford legends. Two different paths — but both part of the same story. Our story.

If you grew up here, lived here, or just passed through and never forgot it, you’ll probably find something that rings a bell.

Jason’s latest book, Bradford, Eh?, is a heartfelt tribute to the city that raised him, a nostalgic look at life in Bradford during the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. With stories of fish and chips, shopping, club nights, music, football, and unforgettable characters, Croot captures the grit, warmth, and charm of working-class Yorkshire life with vivid detail and affection.

Bradford, Eh? is available now on Amazon.

Find out more about Jason at: https://www.jasoncroot.com/

Featured Image: BRADFORD 10TH SEPTEMBER 1988 YORKSHIRE RIDER – Copyright Paul Coupland