News May 20 2008

********* FIXTURES OUT MONDAY JUNE 16TH www.football-league.co.uk The season will kick-off on Saturday 9th August 2008.
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Pre season friendlies (as of May 16)

Wed 16th July - Harrogate Town - Away Sat 19th July - Bradford Park Avenue - Away Mon 21st July - Guiseley - Away Tues - 29th July - Altrincham - Away Wed 30th July - Burnley- Home Sat 2nd August - Oldham Athletic - Home

 

Jim Brown, Jon Pepper and now it's Steve Redmond! Fri May 16, 2008 5:26 am (PDT) City will also be looking for a new physio as Steve Redmond, who has done the job for the last 13 years, has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the month. Pre season friendlies Fri May 16, 2008 6:58 am (PDT) I think a couple of these have just been announced and also there's been a couple of date changes. Wed 16th July - Harrogate Town - Away Sat 19th July - Bradford Park Avenue - Away Mon 21st July - Guiseley - Away Tues - 29th July - Altrincham - Away Wed 30th July - Burnley- Home Sat 2nd August - Oldham Athletic - Home Todd: I could have saved City from relegation Editors note: blah blah blah ... I include the following as rumours abound that Jim Brown left the Club because of his involvmenet in this autobiography. Sun May 18, 2008 11:35 pm (PDT) Colin Todd admits it is a "crying shame" to see City playing in the bottom division. Todd, now in charge of Randers FC in Denmark, was sacked in February last year - three months before the Bantams were relegated to League Two. In his new autobiography Toddy', the former boss revealed he had probably taken the club as far as he could. But Todd still maintains he would have pulled the team out of the tail-spin which eventually sent them tumbling into the league basement. Todd said: "When I was dismissed we were not in the bottom four. We had endured a bad run (three wins from 20 games) but in my opinion it wasn't disastrous. "Yes, we needed to raise our game but we had been in this situation before and come through it. There were plenty of games left to turn it round - it was a crying shame that they didn't make it. "I took no pleasure in Bradford's relegation. I had enjoyed my time there and I was leaving behind some good players and nice people. "If I am totally honest, I had reached a point with Bradford where I could not take the club any further forward. "The club needed investment in a big way if it was to have any chance of restoring former glories." In his book, which has been co-written with former City vice-chairman Jim Brown, Todd talks in detail about the financial struggles that cursed his second spell at the club as Bryan Robson's number two and then manager. He even reveals that part of his wages helped pay another club employee. Todd said: "Administration brings any football club a whole host of problems. You simply stagger from match to match without any light at the end of the tunnel. "Your best players are up for grabs, usually at discounted prices, your loan options are at best severely restricted or disappear completely and staff just vanish. "I agreed to take the lowest wage possible and even allowed a proportion of that wage to be paid to another member of staff just to keep the club going. "Just when you think you have seen everything, something happens to stop you in your tracks." Todd admitted the fateful 2006-07 campaign had begun with "the worst pre-season I have endured in all my times in football", with City losing five out of their six friendlies. The Bantams still began that season with a bang but results dropped off dramatically from October and they slumped down League One. Yet Todd was still caught unawares when the axe fell after a 1-0 defeat at Gillingham. He said: "There is a saying that it's not over until the fat lady sings. Unbeknown to me, she had the microphone in her hand. "I never thought my job was under threat until I received a call after the Gillingham game to see the chairman on Monday morning. This set alarm bells ringing as it was an unusual request. "I had enjoyed a good relationship with Julian Rhodes and was full of admiration for what he and his family had done for the club but it did not make it any easier. "He only wanted the best for the football club, which I could understand, but I was a little miffed to find out I was the only one of the management team that had been sacked. "I put that down to the financial constraints the club was under. Nobody ever said life was fair." Rhodes said: "I hope that history will be kind to Colin's tenure. I know it should be." Toddy' is published by Breedon Books. Colin Todd will be signing copies of his book at Waterstones in Hustlergate on Thursday, May 29 between midday and 1pm. NO RETURN TO BRADFORD FOR LOACH Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach will not return to Bradford City next season, BBC Radio Leeds understands. The 19-year-old impressed during his loan spell at Valley Parade this season and City had hoped to re-sign him for next season's League Two campaign. However, the Hornets have decided to keep him at Vicarage Road after their failure to win promotion back to the Premier League. Loach made 20 City appearances and has been scouted by Premier League clubs. CITY SLICKERS FOR McCALL NOT SLACKERS Stuart McCall will come down hard on any City players that enjoy their summer break to excess. McCall was unhappy that several turned up for pre-season last year in less than tip-top shape. And he has made it clear that he will not accept a repeat when the squad returns to training on July 1. While the City boss wants the players to let off some steam during the off-season, he expects them to come back fit and ready for action. Each player has been given an individual fitness programme to follow during the summer and McCall will not stand for any slacking. "There were a few let themselves down last summer," he admitted while talking to the Telegraph & Argus. "We had to have a little splinter group doing their own running when we started off because they weren't up to joining in with the rest. "That won't happen again and I want all of them starting at a similar level physically. "It's changed since my day as a player when everyone used to come back half a stone overweight. We'd all spend the first week being sick because the only thing we did was run. "Now we want to get into ball work early on and start working on things and obviously you've got to have a decent level of fitness to do that." McCall has been pleased with the improvement in Omar Daley's fitness over the season. He was one of those who struggled at the start. Barry Conlon, having signed a new six-month deal, will be another one the manager will be keeping a close eye on. "He needs to come back in a better physical shape than before so he can put himself up for selection early on," added McCall. "But you've seen how he has improved markedly in that area during the season. "Of course central midfielders and lads like Kyle Nix are going to be able to run for a lot longer than strikers but you must be up to a certain level. "There's no need spending three weeks of pre-season running because you're not gaining anything from that." City set to miss out on Thompson By Dave Craven T&A City look like being beaten in the race to sign their top transfer target - Garry Thompson. The Morecambe winger has been in talks with Stuart McCall but seems certain to now turn the Bantams down. League One outfit Scunthorpe are thought to have seen off a host of other clubs to nail the in-demand wideman.

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This match report available online at The Texas Bantam Blog

New age fan waits for 2008/2009 DVD

A new virus threat emerged today as an online "certificate not valid" warning appeared on a City supporters computer screen.

"I'm shocked" said the fan who wished to remain anonymous, although his screename is "Mccallisgodnoquestion".

"I thought grounds were safe now. All seater, no smoking, but this "certificate not valid" warning made me fear for my safety. What if I was at the game and my mobile caught a virus? I can't take the chance that my MP3's might be deleted or my text messaging to my mum to see what we're having for tea might be changed to ask what we're having for dinner. "

"I've renewed my season ticket, but I'm not going to any games. I'll wait for the shacky supporters videos to appear on youtube or for the hightlights DVD to be realease by the Club. "

Asked what he would do with his extra time on a Saturday the fan replied " I'll spend another 6 hours on the Xbox with FIFA 2008. I can get City promoted and win the Champions league in that time."

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This post inspired by the inactive certificate at
https://bcafc.livewwware.com/renewal
as noted by a post to
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bcfc/messages

L2 May 3rd (a) L1-2 v Wycombe Wanderers

Game Summary:

From the cauldron of Middlesbrough on the Premiership's opening day to a low-key finale at Wycombe, it's been some journey for David Wetherall. Three divisions lower and nine years on, Adams Park could never hope to compare with the Riverside. But Wetherall's memories of his 330th appearance in claret and amber will be every bit as fond as his first.

The true professional that he is, the result of his last outing will irk. Particularly the two goals in the against column. But City's new first-team coach will never forget the rousing farewell he received from the fans.

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2008/2009 fixtures

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Match Video and Picture Links

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Highlights (UK only) Virgin Media

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Match Stats

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Game Statistics

Wycobe / Wetheralls Last Game

11 Goal Attempts 9 7 On Target 7 11 Corners 3 5 Offside 2 8 Fouls 12 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0 51 % 49

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BCFC Report (from the T&A )

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Wetherall given rousing send-off

By Simon Parker

From the cauldron of Middlesbrough on the Premiership's opening day to a low-key finale at Wycombe, it's been some journey for David Wetherall.

Three divisions lower and nine years on, Adams Park could never hope to compare with the Riverside. But Wetherall's memories of his 330th appearance in claret and amber will be every bit as fond as his first.

The true professional that he is, the result of his last outing will irk. Particularly the two goals in the against column.

But City's new first-team coach will never forget the rousing farewell he received from the fans.

A week after Valley Parade said its own goodbye, the 600-strong travelling army - including joint chairman Mark Lawn in his replica shirt - delivered their own special encore.

As the non-stop chorus boomed from behind the goal, Wetherall was clearly moved.

"It was fantastic from the moment I first came on the pitch," he admitted in an emotional voice. "The support I've had since being at the club has been magnificent.

"I'm extremely fortunate to have made my living up to now by playing football. When you can do that and experience what I have, the last couple of weeks is really special.

"I don't think supporters sometimes realise the effect they have on people and what their backing does. It has made a massive difference to me and I really do appreciate it."

Wetherall's career change starts on Tuesday when he sits down with Stuart McCall as his freshly-appointed first-team coach.

The fact he has already been supplied with a company mobile suggests a busier summer break than he would have enjoyed previously with the "old job".

"A lot of thoughts went through my head when the final whistle went. The chief one was thinking that once I got off the pitch that was it - the last bit of the last game.

"That's when it finally hits you. But times change and you can't keep doing the same things forever."

Having made his mark as City's best centre half in recent times, Wetherall played out his final moments at centre forward!

McCall added to the sense of occasion in the last ten minutes by replacing Luke Medley with defender Simon Ainge to allow his skipper to maraud up top.

We all hoped for that dream scenario; one cross; one header; one emotional equaliser. Sadly it didn't happen, although Wetherall was not too far away from getting something on Paul Heckingbottom's centre right at the death.

As referee Nigel Miller called time, Wetherall was smothered in a hug by opposing centre half Leon Johnson. The respect was clear as the tribute chorus rang down from behind the goal.

McCall said: "It would have been nice if the big man had got on the end of something. But it's such a mark of the man that in his last season he has played every second of every game.

"I've told the rest of the lads that if they achieve even a quarter of what Wethers has done then they will have a good career. He's been a terrific servant, both for us and Leeds, and a great ambassador for this club.

"As much as I'm disappointed that he won't be putting his boots on for us next season, I'm excited that we're getting another coach."

Wetherall may not have had a Paul Gascoigne to contain, as he did on his City debut, but there was a Spaniard called Torres. Midfielder Sergio Torres was among the Wycombe big-hitters recalled by Paul Lambert for their final dress rehearsal before Sunday's play-off with Stockport.

By contrast, City fielded a side of mix-and-match variety. Scott Phelan was given a rare start in the week that he had been bombed out - two others of the unlucky 13, Alex Rhodes and David Brown, were named on the bench.

It looked a mis-match on paper and Wycombe needed only five minutes to show why. Youngster Matt Phillips carved through the midfield before teeing up the much-travelled Delroy Facey to score via the foot of the far post.

The lead was doubled after 25 minutes.

City had just survived a scare as Scott Loach flapped at a Torres free-kick, David McCracken outjumping Barry Conlon to nod against the bar. The ball was scrambled behind for a corner but Wycombe were not finished.

Mike Williamson won the flick-on and Leon Knight, so often a thorn in City's side, reacted quickly from close range to hook home.

Things were looking bleak for the Bantams but not that you'd have known it from the private party going on behind Loach's goal. The away fans, quite a few in fancy dress, had created their own carnival atmosphere from well before kick-off and weren't going to let the small manner of a lop-sided scoreline to spoil the fun.

They sung and danced and tried regularly to get the rest of an apathetic crowd to join in the Mexican wave - even getting McCall to join in at one stage.

Maybe the Wycombe fans were keeping their powder dry for next week. Without the constant banter from the travelling army, you'd have been able to hear a pin drop.

Barry Conlon went off with a knock to give Brown his final chance and the little terrier made a quick impact when he chased a well-placed through ball from Ben Starosta.

Brown's speed got him to the ball a fraction before keeper Frank Fielding in the corner of the area and had his legs taken away.

The fans shouted for Wetherall to take it, which he laughed off with a shrug on the halfway line; instead it was young Luke Medley's chance to mark his full debut by confidently sending the keeper the wrong way.

That was it for the scoring, though City threatened to pull level in an improved second-half display.

Wycombe always looked capable of moving up a gear or two but there was nothing half-hearted about Fielding's magnificent save to deny Omar Daley. City also had a decent penalty shout ignored after Phelan was blatantly shoved over by Craig Woodman.

On another day it could have been a major point of grievance but City's thoughts, both on and off the field, were concentrated on one man.

The banner unfurled before the game carried the words "Wetherall legend". It is impossible to argue.

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Opposition Report

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Official match report

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Post match reaction

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Yorkshire Post

Wycombe Wanderers 2 Bradford City 1 DAVID WETHERALL ended his 17-year professional career as a makeshift striker but his efforts were not enough to see Bradford City sign off with a victory. Central defender Wetherall, who goes into coaching at City in the summer, was pushed up front in the closing stages of his 330th appearance as Stuart McCall's side pressed strongly for an equaliser at Adams Park. Wycombe, however, held on to go into the play-offs by finishing seventh. They finished 16 points clear of Bradford, who ended the season in 10th after being undone by goals from players who have both had stints with derby-rivals Huddersfield Town. Huddersfield-born and former Bradford loan striker Delroy Facey struck in the sixth minute after Matt Phillips ran through midfield unchallenged to set up the chance. One-time Chelsea prospect and striker-partner Leon Knight made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute when a deflected header from David McCracken struck the bar and went for a corner from which Knight prodded home from Mike Williamson's knock-down. Goalkeeper Scott Loach made some fine saves as Wycombe threatened to add to their tally, although some of their finishing was poor. City took advantage and struck just before the break when substitute David Brown, on for the injured Barry Conlon, was brought down by goalkeeper Frank Fielding and the referee pointed to the spot. The 600-plus City fans shouted for Wetherall to be given the spot-kick but, instead, Luke Medley stepped up to his score on his full debut. Fielding pulled off a great save from Omar Daley after the break as City showed greater resolve and substitute goalkeeper Craig Woodman was tested by Alex Rhodes and full debutant Sean Taylforth. Woodman also appeared to shove Scott Phelan to the ground but referee Nigel Miller refused to award City a further penalty. Wycombe Wanderers: Fielding (Young 57), Johnson, Williamson, McCracken, Woodman, Phillips (Oakes 78), Holt, Doherty, Torres, Knight, Facey (McGleish 78). Unused substitutes: Martin, Sutton. Bradford City: Loach, Starosta, Wetherall, Bower, Heckingbottom, Daley (Rhodes 75), Phelan, Nix, Taylforth, Conlon (Brown 28), Medley (Ainge 84). Unused substitutes: O'Brien, Sharry. Referee: N Miller (Durham). City man of the match: David Wetherall.

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Other News

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Conlon signs six-month deal Exclusive By Simon Parker

Barry Conlon has declared himself "as happy as Larry" to sign a new deal for City - for only six months. The big striker is confident he has made the right move, even though the contract runs out in January. Conlon, forced off early in the 2-1 defeat at Wycombe after a knock in the ribs, said: "There are other clubs in this league and the one above that I could have gone to but I'm delighted to be here. "That's the main thing at this stage of my career. I want success and I believe that can happen at this club. "This season's been frustrating for me but I'm as happy as Larry to stay because I think the next one will be good. "The six-month contract works in favour of both the club and me but I'm confident enough in myself and back my ability to take it on from there." Stuart McCall has earmarked another striker among his transfer targets for the summer, which will push Conlon down the pecking order. The Irishman, who netted seven times, has made as many substitute appearances as starts and accepts he will have a fight on his hands to play regularly. He added: "The gaffer will have his own ideas about who he wants to bring in and he spoke to me about strengthening the squad. "He's looking for another striker but I'm happy with that. I don't mind that whatsoever because I am up for the challenge. "Everybody says the same things at this time of the year about having a good season next time but I'd rather be here than at the clubs who just talk about it. I really believe we can be successful." After spending recent years as a football nomad around the lower divisions, Conlon insists he will benefit from not being involved in the traditional summer scramble for out-of-contract players. "This time last year I didn't have a clue what was happening. I was away on my summer holiday when I got the phone call from the gaffer to come here. "At least now I won't have to leave it until the last minute. I've got a head start on people, which is always a bonus, and I'll make sure I stay on top of things and come back fit for pre-season."

Let's talk, says free agent Brandon Exclusive By Simon Parker

Chris Brandon today opened the door for a possible switch to hometown club City. Brandon has been released by new Huddersfield boss Stan Ternent after four years at the Galpharm. And the Bradford-born midfielder indicated that he would welcome an approach from the Bantams. Brandon said: "I'm open to offers at the moment and I'd be happy to talk to Bradford if they are interested. "I've been left in limbo a little bit as Gerry Murphy wanted to keep me at Hudders-field but the new manager has come in and made his decision, even though he's never seen me play." The 32-year-old grew up a City fan and used to idolise Stuart McCall as a youngster. He still lives within ten minutes of Valley Parade and has made no secret that he would love to play for his boyhood club one day. But despite the pulling power of his Bradford roots, City still face plenty of competition for his signature. His wages at Huddersfield are also believed to be above what they would be prepared to offer. "My agent has been contacted by about a dozen clubs," he added, "so we'll just have to wait and see what happens." Brandon began his career at Park Avenue and did not turn pro until 23 when he joined Torquay. After moving to Chesterfield, Peter Jackson brought him back to West Yorkshire in July 2004 and he played 148 games for Huddersfield, scoring 14 goals. Brandon can play anywhere across the midfield and Murphy briefly played him up front when he took temporary charge after Andy Ritchie was sacked. But Brandon sat out the last three games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the derby win over Leeds. Having released 13 players last week, McCall is busy finalising his transfer targets and will be watching the play-off games closely. The City boss said: "There are a lot of play-offs in the next couple of weeks where players might be available. There are also players that have got year options on their contracts and the clubs will be deciding whether to take that up. "I could go out now and get five or six players but are they going to be better than we've got? We want to aim high and try to get the best possible. "The phone calls are flying about and it's nice to hear agents saying that a player might have x, y or z to go to but he'd really like to speak to you."

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Should they stay or should they go?

 

Stuart McCall admitted that swinging the axe through the City squad was his toughest job as a manager.

Eddie Johnson headed a hit-list of 13 players released by McCall during a three-hour culling session at Valley Parade yesterday.

Darren Williams, Paul Evans, Tom Penford and Alex Rhodes have also gone along with Craig Bentham, Scott Phelan and youngsters David Brown, Damian Hopkins and Luke Morgan. All three contracted keepers - Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and Jamie Waite - have been released.

Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix were the only remaining out-of-contract regulars to be offered new deals but McCall also hopes to keep Luke Medley, Luke O'Brien and Sean Taylforth.

 

 

 

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Next game(s) :  Upcoming fixtures

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http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc

Johnson one of 13 axed by City
By Simon Parker

Eddie Johnson was the big-name casualty this afternoon as Stuart McCall swung the axe through his City squad.

High-earner Johnson, pictured, was among 13 players to be released by McCall, along with the likes of Darren Williams, Paul Evans, Tom Penford and Alex Rhodes.

Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix are the only senior players coming out of contract to be offered new ones. There are also deals on the table for Luke Medley, Luke O'Brien and Sean Taylforth.

Johnson played 71 times since joining City two years ago, scoring eight goals. But having arrived as a striker, he has appeared most of this season in central midfield.

Right back Williams has made 31 appearances and midfielder Evans 28 in his second spell at the club.

Craig Bentham and Scott Phelan are both out the door as well as all three contracted keepers - Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and Jamie Waite - and youngsters David Brown, Luke Morgan and Damian Hopkins.

 

 

McCall: Eddie axe a knife-edge call
By Simon Parker

Stuart McCall admitted that swinging the axe through the City squad was his toughest job as a manager.

Eddie Johnson headed a hit-list of 13 players released by McCall during a three-hour culling session at Valley Parade yesterday.

Darren Williams, Paul Evans, Tom Penford and Alex Rhodes have also gone along with Craig Bentham, Scott Phelan and youngsters David Brown, Damian Hopkins and Luke Morgan. All three contracted keepers - Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and Jamie Waite - have been released.

Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix were the only remaining out-of-contract regulars to be offered new deals but McCall also hopes to keep Luke Medley, Luke O'Brien and Sean Taylforth.

McCall said there were some knife-edge calls on both sides, particularly with Johnson, who had made 71 City appearances since Colin Todd signed him instead of Luke Beckett in 2006.

"I've only been here a year but you get to build up a rapport with people and a close relationship," said McCall. "It is tough when you know a lot of the lads want to be here.

"It went right down to the wire with Eddie. He's got terrific energy, a good engine and has enjoyed himself at this club.

"It was touch and go with him in midfield at the start of the season but he had a stormer at Lincoln and was feeling his way into the position. Unfortunately he then got the disc problem and missed two months - and never came back the same player.

"If we hadn't had Lee Bullock already on the books as an attacking midfielder I might have offered Eddie something. He will make a living in the game because of his technical ability but he needs to nail down a position."

McCall intends to beef up the spine of the team for next term, targeting two goalkeepers, a central defender to succeed David Wetherall, a midfield "leader" and another striker. He will also be looking for a right back to replace Williams.

Nix has earned his deal after winning over McCall with his non-stop enthusiasm, as well as chipping in with eight goals from midfield.

McCall added: "Kyle is an infectious character on and off the pitch and sometimes he will lift training for us. He's got a great all-round attitude to succeed and has been one of the bright spots of the season."

Conlon has also been given the carrot of a fresh deal - but his manager wants to see the Irishman hit the net more often.

"You bring in strikers to score goals and it doesn't take a genius to see Baz hasn't produced enough. He will be the first to admit that.

"But he has given everything and does bring other things to the team. I've had Neil Shipperley at Sheffield United and he was at Crystal Palace when Andy Johnson was scoring for fun - sometimes you need a foil to play with.

"I know how highly Peter Thorne rates playing with him and he does take the burden off other strikers. Paul Ince was saying on Saturday how Baz had given his defence a really hard time.

"If Baz had chipped in with 15 goals, it would have been a no-brainer. If he accepts the deal, and it's not the greatest offer in the world, the bottom line is that I need him to score more."

Saynor makes farewell appearance
By Simon Parker

Axed goalkeeper Ben Saynor will play his final game in a City shirt tonight (Wednesday) as the reserves end their season at Leicester.

Saynor is the only one of the 13 players released yesterday to be in second-string action.

Former Coventry defender Callum Burgess gets another run-out in a very young side that also includes trialists Ryan Burge from Birmingham and Boston United striker Adam Rowntree.

(Game ended 0-0)

McCALL DISMISSES MOORE LINK
By Lewis Rutledge

Bradford City boss Stuart McCall has played down speculation linking Derby
defender Darren Moore with a return to Valley Parade.

Moore was at Bradford when they the Bantams won promotion to the Premier
League nine years ago and there have been rumours he could be on his way out
of Derby this summer.

And McCall, who played alongside Moore, admits he would love to bring in his
former team-mate but says it would be "extremely unlikely".

"If we could manage to get someone of the calibre of Darren Moore to our
football club, it would be the biggest coup since I came back," McCall told
the Telegraph & Argus.

"He would be the type of professional I would love to have at the club. He
has matured since my time as a player with him and is the sort of character
and leader that would be an absolute joy to have here.

"It would be an unbelievable signing if that was ever to come about."

However, McCall does no believe he has much chance of landing Moore.

He explained: "I would rate it extremely unlikely and he has another year on
his contract at Derby anyway, so that will quash that rumour.

"I don't know where the rumours have come from. The last time I spoke to
Darren was a couple of months ago.

"I remember Paul Jewell saying that Darren has been one of their most
consistent players during a horrible season and, if he was to become
available, I'm sure there would be at least another 30 clubs higher than us
in for him."

Bradford have climbed steadily up the League Two table after a disappointing
start to the season but McCall is already looking ahead to next term and has
released 13 players.

Eddie Johnson heads the list, while Darren Williams, Paul Evans, Tom Penford
and Alex Rhodes have also been told they have no future at the club.

Craig Benham, Scott Phelan, David Brown, Damian Hopkins and Luke Morgan have
also been let go, along with goalkeepers Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and
Jamie Waite.

Out-of-contract duo Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix have been offered new deals,
but McCall admits it was difficult to wield the axe.

"I've only been here a year but you get to build up a rapport with people.
It is tough when you know a lot of lads want to be here."

CONLON READY TO SIGN NEW CONTRACT

Bradford City striker Barry Conlon is set to sign a new deal to stay at the
club for another year, reports BBC Radio Leeds.

The 29-year-old striker is one of only five players to be offered a 'take it
or leave it' deal as manager Stuart McCall continues his clear-out.

"I am luckily enough to have been offered a new contract and I want to
stay," Conlon told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I came here for success and I believe I can still get that here. I am still
very hungry for it."

McCall has already released 13 out of the 18 players who will be out of
contract this summer.

Loach bids sad farewell to City fans
Scott Loach's love affair with the City fans has left him lost for words.

Saturday's trip to Adams Park marks the young keeper's final game of his loan before going back to Watford.

Loach has relished every minute of his time with Stuart McCall's side. But he has reserved special praise for the supporters who have backed him since his debut in January.

"I'm speechless with their reaction," he admitted. "The fans have welcomed me with open arms and supported me all the way.

"I will really miss walking out in front of 14,000 people every other week. Watford only just get that now and again.

"I will be sad to leave - if anything, my time here has gone too quickly.

"The atmosphere has been fantastic and this club really is a sleeping giant. I'm sure the fans will help them go higher next season."

Whether Loach, who won the T&A's most consistent player trophy, is back again in August is anyone's guess. The keeper, certainly, knows nothing about it.

But if this is his farewell, Loach will leave with fond memories.

"I'm only 19 so it's been good of Bradford to give me the games and I think it's benefited Watford more than anyone. Overall they are very pleased.

"I don't know what's going to happen next season - it all really depends on Watford and what they are thinking.

"If I'm back here next year, that would be great. I'd be happy to play.

"If I'm at Watford, then hopefully I will be pushing for a first-team place.

"But if I'm only going back to play for the reserves again, I would bite their hands off to come back here. It's hard to explain but when you start playing at a proper level - no matter whether it's Championship or League Two - you just want to be out there and involved week in, week out.

"Bradford have given me that opportunity and it's been a really good start for hopefully a good career to come."

Loach has an added incentive to impress against Wycombe because Watford goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain will be in the crowd.

The home side will again be resting half a team to prepare for the start of the play-offs next week. And McCall will also use the chance to give a few youngsters an outing after the squad-culling.

But Loach insists he will not be easing off the pedal and would love to bow out with a clean sheet and victory.

"From the moment I got here, the lads knew we could never really get to the play-offs but every game we've gone out and given our all and it will be the same tomorrow."

And Loach will take extra care to check his rear-view mirror after he was caught out by Aaron Wilbraham rolling the ball out against MK Dons.

He laughed: "It was a total lapse of concentration and I didn't think to look. I won't do it again.

"Lucky enough, I reacted and didn't give him much time to shoot but as soon as I saw the ball bounce back off the bar, I just wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible."

 

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