Tommy says farewell
Tommy Bradford has informed the club of his intention to move on following a career at Carshalton Athletic that can only be described as truly exceptional.
Tommy Bradford’s name is woven into the modern history of Carshalton Athletic Football Club. A product of the Robins’ youth academy, he became one of the first players to progress from the club’s academy pathway into the senior side, going on to build an exceptional long-term career at Colston Avenue.Bradford made his senior debut for Carshalton Athletic as a 17-year-old in early 2013, during a difficult Ryman Premier League relegation battle. He quickly announced himself as a player of real promise, scoring his first senior goal in memorable fashion as part of a hat-trick in a 3–0 win against Hampton & Richmond on 1 April 2013. Two of those goals came inside the first five minutes, and the third was a penalty, calmly converted after he took responsibility from Nathaniel Pinney.
Over the years that followed, Bradford developed from an academy prospect into one of the club’s most important attacking players. He became known for his work rate, technical quality, eye for goal and loyalty to the Robins. His consistency in front of goal made him a major figure during the club’s rise.
The 2015–16 season was an important one in Bradford’s Carshalton career. He scored 24 goals and was named Players’ Player of the Year, confirming his status as a fans’ favourite and one of the leading players in the squad.
Bradford then enjoyed one of the most prolific spells of his career across the following seasons. Between 2016 and 2018 he hit double figures in three consecutive campaigns, with his best return coming in 2016–17 when he scored 28 goals, including three hat-tricks. That period established him as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Isthmian League.
One of his defining moments came in the 2017–18 promotion-winning season. Bradford scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Whyteleafe, a goal that helped seal Carshalton Athletic’s return to the Bostik Premier Division. It remains one of the standout moments of his Robins career and a goal remembered by supporters as part of a major chapter in the club’s recent history.
In February 2019, Bradford reached another major milestone when he scored his 100th goal for Carshalton Athletic. Fittingly, it came in spectacular fashion: a superb free kick into the top-left corner during a 3–3 draw with Worthing. By that point he had already secured his place as one of the club’s great modern goalscorers.
As the years went on, Bradford’s role evolved. He remained a threat in attack but also became an experienced leader within the squad. By the 2024–25 season he was vice-captain and continued to make a major contribution. That season he made 51 appearances, the third-highest total in the squad, and scored eight goals. His goals included important strikes in the FA Cup, league and cup competitions, including a close-range finish against South Park Reigate, a half-volley against Dover, a poacher’s goal against Melksham, and a header against Hashtag United from a Luke Read cross.
Bradford’s longevity is one of the most remarkable parts of his Carshalton story. In 2025 the club confirmed that he would remain with the Robins for the 2025–26 season, marking what was described as his 14th consecutive campaign in a Carshalton shirt. In modern non-league football, that level of loyalty and consistency is rare.
Tommy Bradford leaves Carshalton Athletic as far more than a long-serving player. He leaves as an academy graduate, a promotion winner, a 100-goal forward, a vice-captain, a supporters’ favourite and one of the defining Robins of the modern era. His story represents loyalty, goals, leadership and a deep connection with Carshalton Athletic FC.greats.
Club Owner – Paul Dipre, paying tribute to Tommy had this to say about Tommy “I’ve always been a fan of Tommy Bradford. I remember very clearly meeting him at the club to sign his first contract when he was a teenager. Tommy has not only been great player, but a great ambassador for the club both on and off the pitch. I know many fans will miss watching him – as I will – he will always be welcome at Colston Avenue”
