McCall Stays
Official announcement
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1643927,00.html
"The Monday after Dagenham I was almost certainly gone," McCall told the club's official website. "But I've spoken to a lot of people since to get a level of perspective and the support I've received from the fans has been humbling.
It's been an emotional time but to top it off and sway my mind was the club's decision to cut back the budget. I didn't want to be seen as walking away from the challenge.
"Since last Monday it's ebbed and flowed but meeting Mark (Lawn) and Julian (Rhodes) made my mind up."
BTW 2009/2010 fixtures to be released June 17th
===========================
Other reaction
T&A
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4333166.McCall_remains_as_City_boss/
BfB
http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/04/30/stuart-stays/
YP
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/BREAKING-NEWS-Bradford-City-manager39s.5223319.jp
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8022524.stm
Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has decided to stay at the League Two club.
The 44-year-old had been discussing his future over the past few days after initially saying he would leave if they did not reach the play-offs.
The former Scotland and Bantams midfielder will also be taking a pay cut, as the club seeks to reduce its overall costs.
McCall is due to meet with eight players on Thursday to discuss their current contracts with the club.
He must make "substantial" budget cuts next season if he decides to stay on at the club.
It is thought as much as a third of the League Two side's £1.9m player budget will need to be cut.
Bradford's budget is one of the highest in League Two but failure to make the play-offs means savings have to be made ahead of the new campaign.
That means that some of the top earners at the club are sure to move on, while the future of some of the coaching staff could also be in doubt.
Eighteen of the current squad are out of contract in the summer so it could be a very different Bradford side next season.
Joint chairman Mark Lawn told the Telegraph & Argus: "Stuart is facing some strong decisions. That's why he wants to talk to the players first before announcing anything about himself.
"He has got to talk to some of the players on two-year contracts. With the budget how it's going to be, if we kept them all we'd only have about six players.
"We wouldn't be able to afford any more pros, only kids - and that would be a recipe for disaster.
"Decisions have to be made and Stuart needs to talk to certain players to make them realise the situation."
The former Scotland international made his threat to leave in March after the Bantams' 4-1 away defeat by Bournemouth.
Because of a poor end to the season, which has seen McCall's side win just one in 10 games, Bradford will finish outside the play-offs.
Fans held up a 'Save our Stuart' banner during the 3-0 win over Rotherham and local figures, including sports minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, have also voiced their support.
===========================
Community Sunday May 3 2009
Come to Valley Parade this Sunday to enjoy a Fun Day out for all the family.
There will be the usual mix of football on the pitch and entertainment in
the Banqueting Suites from 9.00am to 5.00 pm. Entrance is FREE. Many
thanks to the Cooperative Group for sponsoring the event once again this
year.
The local Schools and junior clubs five-a-side tournaments will take place
from 9.00 am to 11.00 am and from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm. The main game on the
big pitch kicks off at 3.00 pm between Manningham All Stars and Thackley
Reserves.
Singers and dancers from BRADfactor entertainment will be in action from
11.00am to 1.30 pm, and over fifty arts and craft, leisure and information
stalls will be open from 10.00 to 3.00 pm in the Banqueting suites at
Valley Parade. Plus Hair braiding, Henna, Face Painting, Bouncy Castles
and Go-Carts for all the family.
COME AND ENJOY!
===========================
Deal me in, pleads Nix
Feisty Kyle Nix is pleading to beat the Valley Parade axe so he can
make up for a season of frustration.
Nix is one of the 18 City players who are sweating on their future as
contracts run out.
It has been a tough second year for the battling midfielder, who has
featured only sporadically after an impressive debut campaign.
But he reacted to a surprise call-up against Rotherham with a typically
all-action effort and is hoping that will convince the club he is worth
another deal.
Nix said: "I've always given 100 per cent, whether I'm having a good
game or not. The gaffer and the other lads know that I'm going to give
it my all if it's in training or playing.
"That's what I tried to do last week. It's what I've done all season,
even when I've not been involved."
Stuart McCall will finally end the speculation about his own future
today but the question marks will remain over his squad as City look to
slash their budget for next season.
Despite his personal frustration, Nix remains firmly behind his manager
– and wants to show that support on the field.
He added: "I'd love to still be here but even if I'm not, I think all
the lads want the gaffer to give it at least another year.
"You can't buy his passion and desire. You can't just put that into
somebody else.
"That's why this season I've been a little frustrated. People see my
passion and desire and I want to give 100 per cent to this club.
"But obviously, for whatever reason, I've been overlooked. I'm not
complaining because that's football but it's hard to take.
"I don't think I've really done that much wrong to be left out in the
cold as much as I have. It's a big squad but I don't think I've been
given a chance."
Nix had not begun a game since the home draw with Dagenham in early
December. It was only his ninth start of the season – and 18th
appearance in total – compared with 44 outings last term, when he netted
eight goals.
He added: "Saturday was another opportunity to prove a point. But I feel
I've proved points quite a few times, like when I was being given
one-month contracts.
"People have done well to stay in the team and I've had to bide my time
but I was so glad to get my chance against Rotherham.
"It was also nice to get a good ovation from the fans when I went off.
It's something to remember if that was my last home game."
City could finish eighth – and possibly just two points behind the
play-off positions – if they sign off with a win over Chesterfield at
Saltergate. But the near-miss is scant consolation for Nix, who scored a
cracker in last season's 1-1 draw there.
He added: "With eight to ten games to go, I thought we would definitely
be in the play-offs.
"I just can't believe we're going into the Chesterfield match and both
teams are playing for nothing. I'm just baffled by it.
"Nobody can explain the run we've been on but it's not down to the
gaffer – everyone's got to look at themselves in the mirror.
"Whoever is still here next year, it's up to them to put it right."
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
L2 v v Rotherham (h) W3-0 April 25th 2009
STUART McCALL admits the "humbling" support of Bradford City fans could
yet play a part in persuading him to stay at Valley Parade.
The Bantams manager will
**** decide by Monday ****
whether to quit after branding
his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost certain
failure to reach the play-offs.
<Full article below>
==================
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (2) 3 Thorne 12, 32, Jones 73
Rotherham (0) 0
Att: 13,242
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 2. Paul Arnison, 5. Graeme Lee, 33. Zeshan Rehman
(80), 19. Luke O'Brien, 22. Kyle Nix (67), 23. Dean Furman, 8. Lee Bullock,
24. Nicky Law, 25. Steve Jones (90), 10. Peter Thorne.
Subs: 4. Paul McLaren (90), 6. Mark Bower (80), 14. Michael Boulding, 15.
Joe Colbeck (67), 35. Paul Mullin.
Rotherham: 1. Andy Warrington, 5. Ian Sharps, 6. Nick Fenton, 12. Marc
Joseph (59), 2. Dale Tonge, 28. Jason Taylor (59), 4. Danny Harrison, 25.
Pablo Mills, 19. Jamie Green, 23. Reuben Reid (82), 20. Ryan Taylor.
Subs: 9. Mark Burchill (82), 10. Mark Hudson (59), 22. Drewe Broughton (59),
24. Andrew Nicholas, 30. Steven Cann (GK).
Stats: Bradford C - Rotherham
Possession: 49 - 51%
Shots on target: 11 - 9
Shots off target: 5 - 7
Fouls: 14 - 6
Corners: 10 - 7
Ref: Andy Hall (West Midlands)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Bullock (72 min)
Rotherham: Fenton (44 min)
Final match:
(A) Chesterfield, May 2, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
CITY WIN BUT PLAYOFFS OUT OF REACH
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City turned on the style to sign off at Valley Parade with their first win
in ten games.
It was too little too late in terms of the play-offs with Dagenham's victory
at Notts County putting a top-seven finish beyond them.
But at least the Bantams regained some pride - and produced their own show
of support for boss Stuart McCall.
Peter Thorne opened the scoring after 12 minutes with the faintest of
touches from Dean Furman's volley, though Rotherham were furiously
protesting that the striker was offside.
There was no doubt about his second 20 minutes later as Thorne struck with a
sweet volley after great play from Nicky Law.
The second half was one-way traffic and City would have racked up five or
six but for the outstanding Andy Warrington.
Rotherham's keeper pulled off four superb saves before he was finally beaten
by Steve Jones, a just reward for his lively showing.
The game finished as it had started with a huge chant for McCall. Now we
wait to see what his decision will be.
===========================
===========================
McCALL TO MEET CHAIRMEN - DECISION EARLY NEXT WEEK
By Richard Sutcliffe and Richard Wheatstone (YP)
Exclusive
STUART McCALL has promised to give Bradford City an answer over his future
by early next week.
The Bantams manager is mulling over whether to stay at Valley Parade after
branding his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost
certain failure to reach the play-offs.
McCall insisted last month he would walk away if City did not finish in the
top seven of League Two and his subsequent comments after last weekend's
defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge hardly suggested there had been a softening
of his stance.
Despite that, Bradford hope the former Scotland international will stay and
honour the two-year contract that he signed in February.
What joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn are also mindful of,
however, is the need for a quick decision from McCall to ensure the club are
not left behind in terms of finalising their squad ahead of next season.
Rhodes said last night: "We have spoken to Stuart and told him that we need
a decision to be made as soon as possible. He has promised to get back to us
by early next week.
"What we don't want to end up in is a situation where the better players
have been signed by other clubs before we have made our move. There are also
several players out of contract this summer so decisions have to be made.
"If Stuart decides to stay, those decisions will be made by him. But if
Stuart decides to leave, then we will have to find a new manager who will
then make the decisions about next season's squad.
"Stuart is aware that time is pressing and that we need a decision as early
as possible."
McCall, who has confirmed to the Yorkshire Post he plans to sit down with
the two joint chairmen on Monday, took charge at Valley Parade in the summer
of 2007 and, after a difficult start, led the club to a 10th-place finish in
his first season.
Hopes were high of City winning promotion this season but a shocking run of
results since mid-March has condemned the club to another year in the
basement division. A section of the Valley Parade faithful have turned on
McCall but many remain loyal.
Alan Carling, chair of the Supporters' Trust, said: "Stuart is definitely
the best man for the job. People forget it is only his second season as a
manager, which is a very different discipline to being someone's assistant.
"What the club needs to do, and what Stuart needs to do, is to sit down and
see how things can be improved for next season."
Carling feels the blame for the run of just three points from the last nine
games cannot all be laid at McCall's door with poor refereeing decisions and
injuries playing a part. He added: "Stuart needs to be given more time to
learn from his mistakes and do things a bit differently next time around.
"We have suffered horrendously from injuries, which in League Two where
managers don't have the biggest squads, has a big impact on performances.
There have also been some catastrophic refereeing decisions given against
us, and bad luck has been a big contributing factor."
===========================
PENNEY NOT RUSHING INTO DECISION
Darlington manager Dave Penney has revealed he will not consider his future
until the Quakers have completed their campaign this season.
Penney has already been reportedly linked with the job at Bradford City,
should current manager Stuart McCall stick to his word and leave if the
Bantams fail to reach the play-offs.
But Penney told PA Sport: "When we went into administration I said I would
continue until the end of the season, go on holiday and get back and see
where we are as a club before making any decisions."
Former vice-chairman Raj Singh has tabled a bid to buy the troubled Quakers.
And when asked if a successful takeover of the club would increase his
chances of staying, Penney added: "It depends who comes in, there are a lot
of parameters, a lot of players may leave and there is a lot to look into."
===========================
From the T&A
Rueful Stuart McCall reckons that a nasty approach to referees gets
you further than being nice.
The City boss still feels aggrieved at the 'goals' his side have been
denied in the last three games.
McCall believes Peter Thorne could have had another three on his tally
and Michael Boulding was also denied a legitimate strike against Lincoln.
If the key calls had gone the other way, City could be sitting in a
play-off place now instead of praying for an absolute miracle.
McCall admits his policy of going easy on officials has ultimately done
him no favours.
He said: "I worked under Neil Warnock for a few years and learned good
and bad things off him. He would constantly blame officials for results
and I've never been into that.
"People say things like it can cost them a job and I've not followed
that. But you look at the last three games and there have been decisions
against us which have cost us maybe seven points.
"We should have been 2-0 up at Morecambe and I'm sure would have seen it
out. Then right on half-time against Lincoln, Boulders scores a goal
when he's a clear yard onside.
"And last week Thorney has a perfectly good header ruled out when the
referee has seen a foul from somewhere, not to mention another which was
wrongly given offside.
"The referee has not only got a decision wrong that's cost us the game –
he's cost me my dream and the club's dream of going to Wembley.
"Being nice to officials hasn't worked for me. I should have taken
Neil's approach instead."
McCall has already received three apologies this season from refereeing
boss David Allison about mistakes made by men in the middle.
The City chief said: "I've sent him the DVDs from certain matches and he
can't believe how the decisions have been so wrong.
"I never have been one of these managers who always blame refs. You see
Sir Alex (Ferguson) going mental over the penalty incident in the FA Cup
last week but you can watch it ten times and still not be sure.
"I'm always honest with the assessments on match officials and try to
give them good marks. So because I try to go the other way, it sounds
like I'm making excuses – but I'm not.
"I know David Moyes sent a load of DVDs to the FA last season with a
list of penalties Everton should have had. I could do the same sort of
thing but I know it won't get us anywhere.
"No beating round the bush, I've under-achieved and so have the team.
But if the correct decisions had been given in the last three games, we
would still be right in there and that's hard to take."
===========================
STUART McCALL admits the "humbling" support of Bradford City fans could
yet play a part in persuading him to stay at Valley Parade.
The Bantams manager will decide by Monday whether to quit after branding
his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost certain
failure to reach the play-offs.
McCall insisted last month he would walk away if City did not finish in
the top seven of League Two and his comments after last weekend's defeat
at Dagenham hardly suggested there had been a softening of that stance.
Since then, however, support has come pouring in from fans and former
colleagues and McCall last night told the Yorkshire Post: "It has been
very difficult, though it has also been a very humbling week for me
personally. The e-mails and letters of support I have received since we
lost at Dagenham have really touched me.
"The vast majority have said I must not leave, while a couple said I
should give it one last go next season. There was only one that was
critical of me.
"He criticised my substitutions and accused me of being too negative
away from home. But then, at the end, even he wrote that he wanted me to
stay.
"To get support like that has really lifted me and it left me feeling
quite emotional.
"It has also been a nice surprise to get so many calls and texts from
ex-managers and ex-players that I know. They have made me look at
certain things in a different light.
"The important thing now, though, is that I do what is best for Bradford
City. If that means leaving, then so be it. I will decide over the weekend."
Joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn are keen for a quick decision
in case they have to find a new manager.
McCall, who only signed a two-year contract extension in February,
added: "It is a time to reflect and maybe I have put myself under too
much pressure. This season has been a major disappointment and there is
no getting away from that.
"I will have a long hard think about the situation over the weekend and
then speak to Mark and Julian on Monday. By then, I will have made my
decision."
If McCall does depart, he will become the seventh manager to leave
Valley Parade since 2000.
===========================
Here's a link to the Macca interview straight after the Rotherham game.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8018758.stm
===========================
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Stuart McCall "don't be stupid" by jacking
in the City helm.
McCall's future will be finalised in the next 24 hours after talks with
joint chairmen Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes.
McCall is expected to stay and work with a reduced wage budget next
term, though Lawn said it would still be among the top third in the
division.
Fans made their backing clear for the boss during Saturday's 3-0 home
win over Rotherham – City's first victory for ten games.
And McCall revealed that even Old Trafford supremo Fergie had been in
contact, telling him to finish the job.
He said: "Sir Alex sent an e-mail reminding me I've only been in the
game two minutes and get a bloomin' grip.
"I've had so many other managers telling me similar and saying not to do
anything stupid. (Rotherham boss) Mark Robins gave me a hug in the
tunnel afterwards and called me a nugget for talking about leaving.
"Last Monday morning I was 99.9 per cent certain I was going because I'd
failed. I've not given the fans what they hoped.
"No other club at this level has 12,000 following them. No other club
takes 1,500 to 2,000 away and there's a sense of letting those people down.
"But things have been put in perspective and I've had a proper
reflection. People say I wasn't a quitter as a player so why start now?
"Management is 24/7 and I take it home with me. I do need a break to
refresh the batteries but in two weeks' time when the season's over I'll
be desperate to do something again."
Lawn revealed the budget will be cut "quite substantially" from its
current £1.9m – a figure which is thought to include the coaching staff
and insurance fees as well as the squad wages.
He said: "We'll go right into the details with Stuart. It's only fair he
gets to see what the budget means and how much he can spend.
"Dagenham were on a third of our budget more or less, people like Barnet
lower than that.
"But it's still going to be in the top eight. Depending on the credit
crunch, some people will lose big sponsors so we might even be in the
top five or six.
"The last week has been hell and I'm feeling it like every fan. But give
me a few days to come round again."
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
yet play a part in persuading him to stay at Valley Parade.
The Bantams manager will
**** decide by Monday ****
whether to quit after branding
his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost certain
failure to reach the play-offs.
<Full article below>
==================
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (2) 3 Thorne 12, 32, Jones 73
Rotherham (0) 0
Att: 13,242
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 2. Paul Arnison, 5. Graeme Lee, 33. Zeshan Rehman
(80), 19. Luke O'Brien, 22. Kyle Nix (67), 23. Dean Furman, 8. Lee Bullock,
24. Nicky Law, 25. Steve Jones (90), 10. Peter Thorne.
Subs: 4. Paul McLaren (90), 6. Mark Bower (80), 14. Michael Boulding, 15.
Joe Colbeck (67), 35. Paul Mullin.
Rotherham: 1. Andy Warrington, 5. Ian Sharps, 6. Nick Fenton, 12. Marc
Joseph (59), 2. Dale Tonge, 28. Jason Taylor (59), 4. Danny Harrison, 25.
Pablo Mills, 19. Jamie Green, 23. Reuben Reid (82), 20. Ryan Taylor.
Subs: 9. Mark Burchill (82), 10. Mark Hudson (59), 22. Drewe Broughton (59),
24. Andrew Nicholas, 30. Steven Cann (GK).
Stats: Bradford C - Rotherham
Possession: 49 - 51%
Shots on target: 11 - 9
Shots off target: 5 - 7
Fouls: 14 - 6
Corners: 10 - 7
Ref: Andy Hall (West Midlands)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Bullock (72 min)
Rotherham: Fenton (44 min)
Final match:
(A) Chesterfield, May 2, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
CITY WIN BUT PLAYOFFS OUT OF REACH
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City turned on the style to sign off at Valley Parade with their first win
in ten games.
It was too little too late in terms of the play-offs with Dagenham's victory
at Notts County putting a top-seven finish beyond them.
But at least the Bantams regained some pride - and produced their own show
of support for boss Stuart McCall.
Peter Thorne opened the scoring after 12 minutes with the faintest of
touches from Dean Furman's volley, though Rotherham were furiously
protesting that the striker was offside.
There was no doubt about his second 20 minutes later as Thorne struck with a
sweet volley after great play from Nicky Law.
The second half was one-way traffic and City would have racked up five or
six but for the outstanding Andy Warrington.
Rotherham's keeper pulled off four superb saves before he was finally beaten
by Steve Jones, a just reward for his lively showing.
The game finished as it had started with a huge chant for McCall. Now we
wait to see what his decision will be.
===========================
===========================
McCALL TO MEET CHAIRMEN - DECISION EARLY NEXT WEEK
By Richard Sutcliffe and Richard Wheatstone (YP)
Exclusive
STUART McCALL has promised to give Bradford City an answer over his future
by early next week.
The Bantams manager is mulling over whether to stay at Valley Parade after
branding his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost
certain failure to reach the play-offs.
McCall insisted last month he would walk away if City did not finish in the
top seven of League Two and his subsequent comments after last weekend's
defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge hardly suggested there had been a softening
of his stance.
Despite that, Bradford hope the former Scotland international will stay and
honour the two-year contract that he signed in February.
What joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn are also mindful of,
however, is the need for a quick decision from McCall to ensure the club are
not left behind in terms of finalising their squad ahead of next season.
Rhodes said last night: "We have spoken to Stuart and told him that we need
a decision to be made as soon as possible. He has promised to get back to us
by early next week.
"What we don't want to end up in is a situation where the better players
have been signed by other clubs before we have made our move. There are also
several players out of contract this summer so decisions have to be made.
"If Stuart decides to stay, those decisions will be made by him. But if
Stuart decides to leave, then we will have to find a new manager who will
then make the decisions about next season's squad.
"Stuart is aware that time is pressing and that we need a decision as early
as possible."
McCall, who has confirmed to the Yorkshire Post he plans to sit down with
the two joint chairmen on Monday, took charge at Valley Parade in the summer
of 2007 and, after a difficult start, led the club to a 10th-place finish in
his first season.
Hopes were high of City winning promotion this season but a shocking run of
results since mid-March has condemned the club to another year in the
basement division. A section of the Valley Parade faithful have turned on
McCall but many remain loyal.
Alan Carling, chair of the Supporters' Trust, said: "Stuart is definitely
the best man for the job. People forget it is only his second season as a
manager, which is a very different discipline to being someone's assistant.
"What the club needs to do, and what Stuart needs to do, is to sit down and
see how things can be improved for next season."
Carling feels the blame for the run of just three points from the last nine
games cannot all be laid at McCall's door with poor refereeing decisions and
injuries playing a part. He added: "Stuart needs to be given more time to
learn from his mistakes and do things a bit differently next time around.
"We have suffered horrendously from injuries, which in League Two where
managers don't have the biggest squads, has a big impact on performances.
There have also been some catastrophic refereeing decisions given against
us, and bad luck has been a big contributing factor."
===========================
PENNEY NOT RUSHING INTO DECISION
Darlington manager Dave Penney has revealed he will not consider his future
until the Quakers have completed their campaign this season.
Penney has already been reportedly linked with the job at Bradford City,
should current manager Stuart McCall stick to his word and leave if the
Bantams fail to reach the play-offs.
But Penney told PA Sport: "When we went into administration I said I would
continue until the end of the season, go on holiday and get back and see
where we are as a club before making any decisions."
Former vice-chairman Raj Singh has tabled a bid to buy the troubled Quakers.
And when asked if a successful takeover of the club would increase his
chances of staying, Penney added: "It depends who comes in, there are a lot
of parameters, a lot of players may leave and there is a lot to look into."
===========================
From the T&A
Rueful Stuart McCall reckons that a nasty approach to referees gets
you further than being nice.
The City boss still feels aggrieved at the 'goals' his side have been
denied in the last three games.
McCall believes Peter Thorne could have had another three on his tally
and Michael Boulding was also denied a legitimate strike against Lincoln.
If the key calls had gone the other way, City could be sitting in a
play-off place now instead of praying for an absolute miracle.
McCall admits his policy of going easy on officials has ultimately done
him no favours.
He said: "I worked under Neil Warnock for a few years and learned good
and bad things off him. He would constantly blame officials for results
and I've never been into that.
"People say things like it can cost them a job and I've not followed
that. But you look at the last three games and there have been decisions
against us which have cost us maybe seven points.
"We should have been 2-0 up at Morecambe and I'm sure would have seen it
out. Then right on half-time against Lincoln, Boulders scores a goal
when he's a clear yard onside.
"And last week Thorney has a perfectly good header ruled out when the
referee has seen a foul from somewhere, not to mention another which was
wrongly given offside.
"The referee has not only got a decision wrong that's cost us the game –
he's cost me my dream and the club's dream of going to Wembley.
"Being nice to officials hasn't worked for me. I should have taken
Neil's approach instead."
McCall has already received three apologies this season from refereeing
boss David Allison about mistakes made by men in the middle.
The City chief said: "I've sent him the DVDs from certain matches and he
can't believe how the decisions have been so wrong.
"I never have been one of these managers who always blame refs. You see
Sir Alex (Ferguson) going mental over the penalty incident in the FA Cup
last week but you can watch it ten times and still not be sure.
"I'm always honest with the assessments on match officials and try to
give them good marks. So because I try to go the other way, it sounds
like I'm making excuses – but I'm not.
"I know David Moyes sent a load of DVDs to the FA last season with a
list of penalties Everton should have had. I could do the same sort of
thing but I know it won't get us anywhere.
"No beating round the bush, I've under-achieved and so have the team.
But if the correct decisions had been given in the last three games, we
would still be right in there and that's hard to take."
===========================
STUART McCALL admits the "humbling" support of Bradford City fans could
yet play a part in persuading him to stay at Valley Parade.
The Bantams manager will decide by Monday whether to quit after branding
his two-year reign as "a failure" following the club's almost certain
failure to reach the play-offs.
McCall insisted last month he would walk away if City did not finish in
the top seven of League Two and his comments after last weekend's defeat
at Dagenham hardly suggested there had been a softening of that stance.
Since then, however, support has come pouring in from fans and former
colleagues and McCall last night told the Yorkshire Post: "It has been
very difficult, though it has also been a very humbling week for me
personally. The e-mails and letters of support I have received since we
lost at Dagenham have really touched me.
"The vast majority have said I must not leave, while a couple said I
should give it one last go next season. There was only one that was
critical of me.
"He criticised my substitutions and accused me of being too negative
away from home. But then, at the end, even he wrote that he wanted me to
stay.
"To get support like that has really lifted me and it left me feeling
quite emotional.
"It has also been a nice surprise to get so many calls and texts from
ex-managers and ex-players that I know. They have made me look at
certain things in a different light.
"The important thing now, though, is that I do what is best for Bradford
City. If that means leaving, then so be it. I will decide over the weekend."
Joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn are keen for a quick decision
in case they have to find a new manager.
McCall, who only signed a two-year contract extension in February,
added: "It is a time to reflect and maybe I have put myself under too
much pressure. This season has been a major disappointment and there is
no getting away from that.
"I will have a long hard think about the situation over the weekend and
then speak to Mark and Julian on Monday. By then, I will have made my
decision."
If McCall does depart, he will become the seventh manager to leave
Valley Parade since 2000.
===========================
Here's a link to the Macca interview straight after the Rotherham game.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8018758.stm
===========================
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Stuart McCall "don't be stupid" by jacking
in the City helm.
McCall's future will be finalised in the next 24 hours after talks with
joint chairmen Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes.
McCall is expected to stay and work with a reduced wage budget next
term, though Lawn said it would still be among the top third in the
division.
Fans made their backing clear for the boss during Saturday's 3-0 home
win over Rotherham – City's first victory for ten games.
And McCall revealed that even Old Trafford supremo Fergie had been in
contact, telling him to finish the job.
He said: "Sir Alex sent an e-mail reminding me I've only been in the
game two minutes and get a bloomin' grip.
"I've had so many other managers telling me similar and saying not to do
anything stupid. (Rotherham boss) Mark Robins gave me a hug in the
tunnel afterwards and called me a nugget for talking about leaving.
"Last Monday morning I was 99.9 per cent certain I was going because I'd
failed. I've not given the fans what they hoped.
"No other club at this level has 12,000 following them. No other club
takes 1,500 to 2,000 away and there's a sense of letting those people down.
"But things have been put in perspective and I've had a proper
reflection. People say I wasn't a quitter as a player so why start now?
"Management is 24/7 and I take it home with me. I do need a break to
refresh the batteries but in two weeks' time when the season's over I'll
be desperate to do something again."
Lawn revealed the budget will be cut "quite substantially" from its
current £1.9m – a figure which is thought to include the coaching staff
and insurance fees as well as the squad wages.
He said: "We'll go right into the details with Stuart. It's only fair he
gets to see what the budget means and how much he can spend.
"Dagenham were on a third of our budget more or less, people like Barnet
lower than that.
"But it's still going to be in the top eight. Depending on the credit
crunch, some people will lose big sponsors so we might even be in the
top five or six.
"The last week has been hell and I'm feeling it like every fan. But give
me a few days to come round again."
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Thursday, April 23, 2009
McCall : Stay or go?
===========================
Bradford City count the cost of failing to achieve ambitions
JOINT chairman Mark Lawn last night warned that Bradford City's playing
budget for next season will have to be dramatically reduced following
the failure to win promotion.
City have suffered a horrendous end to the campaign with the last nine
games having yielded just three points to leave manager Stuart McCall
contemplating his future.
The Bantams chief suggested last month that if his side failed to finish
in the top seven then he would walk away in the summer.
And his subsequent comments after Saturday's defeat at Dagenham &
Redbridge hardly pointed to a change of heart with McCall admitting: "I
just feel I have let everyone down – the club, the fans and my own family.
"The wheels have come off and that is my responsibility. Unfortunately,
I have not been able to put them back on."
Mathematically, City could still clinch a play-off place but everyone at
Valley Parade is preparing for another season in League Two. Lawn and
co-owner Julian Rhodes plan to sit down with the former Scotland
international, who only signed a new two-year deal in February, after
the final game of the season against Chesterfield on May 2 to discuss
the way forward.
But the City joint chairman, who recently loaned the club £1m to cover
the cost of chasing promotion this term, has warned that whoever is in
charge will have to work on a reduced budget.
Lawn told the /Yorkshire Post/: "Stuart still has a two-year contract
with the club and the plan is to sit down with him and see how he feels.
"Often, emotion can take over straight after a game when a manager is
talking to the press so we will have to wait and see what Stuart has to say.
"Obviously, everyone is very disappointed with how the season has turned
out, probably none more so than me. Myself, Julian and his father all
sat down at the start of the season and decided to push the boat out to
try and win promotion.
"Unfortunately, it has not worked and I put in the £1m (loan) to cover
that deficit recently.
"Basically, I have put my children's inheritance on the line and I
simply have not got another £1m to do the same for next season, which
means the club will have to operate within a smaller budget."
Bradford's wage bill this season is believed to have been the highest in
League Two, just ahead of both Shrewsbury Town and Darlington with Luton
Town also having been among the highest payers in the basement division.
Lawn declined to reveal the size of the wage bill at Valley Parade but
did add: "The budget will still be competitive next season and certainly
similar to what most other clubs in the top half have been operating with.
"But there will be some clubs that, in terms of wages, we might not be
able to compete with such as Rotherham because we simply cannot afford
to push the boat out again like we have done this time."
It looks like being another hectic summer at Valley Parade with several
members of McCall's squad being out of contract in June.
Some players persuaded to drop down to the basement division a year ago
also have clauses in their current deals whereby they can leave at the
end of this season if City fail to win promotion.
It is the future of McCall, however, that is most pressing in the minds
of supporters and Lawn continued: "If caring about the club was a
guarantee of success then Bradford City would be above Manchester United
right now.
"Stuart is down, as we all are. And if we could put our finger on where
it has all gone wrong then we would have sorted it out by now.
"When we beat Aldershot (on March 7), we thought we would be unlucky not
to get automatic promotion. But it has just not happened."
Lawn, who joined the board in 2007, is at pains to stress that it is not
all doom and gloom at Bradford in terms of the future with more than
9,500 fans having already bought season-tickets for 2009-10.
He added: "What I will say to Bradford City fans is we are here for the
long term and we will turn it round."
===========================
I have just been able to manage to post Stuart's interview on Radio Leeds on YouTube as I was in the perfect position to video it.
The link to the clip is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYWKIGhyb0
===========================
Mark, Neil Warnock feels Stuart is a young inexperienced manager...see his words from a recent article in the independant.
"The other promotion places are up for grabs but I'd love to see Keith Hill, who played for me at Plymouth, take Rochdale up. I think they were last promoted 40 years ago. He is one of the last people you'd think would become a manager, but he's done brilliantly. Another old boy involved is Stuart McCall. I hear he's said he may call it a day if Bradford are not promoted but that is what you get when you are a young manager starting off. You get frustrated at times, but Stuart is a super coach. He was tremendous for me at Sheffield United and, irrespective of whether they go up, Bradford can only be a better place with Stuart around. I hope he understands it is all a matter of experience as he will go on to bigger things. When you are a young guy you do let disappointment get to you too much."
===========================
McCall: Jakes has been a rock
Stuart McCall today defended assistant manager Wayne Jacobs and
declared: I wish all my other signings had been as good for me.
McCall is keen to destroy the notion that City have come up short this
season because he has not had experienced back-up.
Some have suggested he should have called in an older hand to help when
the going got sticky.
But McCall is adamant that Jacobs has been the perfect number two – and
pointed to City's recent history as evidence that a youthful partnership
can pay off.
He said: "You only have to look back at the last 20-30 years. The four
or five pairings that have done well were all young.
"Roy McFarland and Mick Jones were here when I started, then Trevor
Cherry and Terry Yorath. Kammy (Chris Kamara) was in charge with Martin
Hunter and Jags (Paul Jewell) had Chris Hutchings. None of those
managers had the experience behind them that people are talking about.
"Jakes has been an absolute rock of support. Nobody could ask for a
better assistant.
"He is a very, very good coach who knows and understands the game and
he's certainly not a yes man in any way."
The likes of Terry Dolan have been touted as a back-up with plenty of
lower-league experience but McCall believes that Jacobs has become a
soft target with disenchanted fans who are reluctant to attack him
personally.
He added: "It's a cop out. There are many different reasons why we
haven't succeeded this season but that's definitely not one of them.
"It's the easiest thing in the world to point fingers. That's the blame
culture we live in.
"People don't want to criticise me so they blame somebody else.
"Certain things haven't gone to plan like a couple of players I've
brought in haven't paid off. But there are far bigger factors than
having no experienced older man alongside me.
"Jakes and Wethers (David Wetherall) have been outstanding in their
commitment. Wayne has sure done far more for me than I did for Neil
Warnock at Sheffield United. His dedication to the job has been over and
beyond what I could expect and I just wish all my other signings had
worked as well."
===========================
McCALL WON'T CALL IT A DAY
22/04/2009
Football Spy
Stuart McCALL is ready to do a U-turn and stay with Bradford - after being swamped by letters from fans.
Bantams legend McCall has been talking of leaving after his side slipped out of the promotion race, but the response from supporters is giving him a change of heart. McCall opened discussions on his future with the board last night, but insiders believe he will carry on next season and honour his new two year contract - rather than let down the fans.
===========================
Daley: Please stay Stu
Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:28 pm (PDT)
Omar Daley is desperate to play for Stuart McCall again at City.
The Jamaican flyer has been ruled out until November after an operation
to repair the damaged cruciate ligament in his right knee.
And he is keeping his fingers crossed that McCall will still be the man
in charge when his comeback date finally dawns.
Despite missing the last two months, Daley has been voted into the
League Two team of the season by fellow players and insists a lot of the
credit for that should go to his boss. So he is urging McCall to think
twice about his threat to walk away.
Daley said: "If anyone knows the gaffer, he's a winner. It must be so
frustrating for him to see the position the team is in.
"He's a young manager who is eager to achieve big things and I think he
will.
"The understanding between the gaffer and me has been really good. He
might be on the sideline but he coaches with a passion.
"At first when he'd just come in, I didn't realise that and I used to
get angry whenever he said things to me. But I soon realised that he is
a passionate coach and needed you to do well.
"Hopefully the situation will be resolved quickly – and I'm hoping he's
going to still be at this club because he's really settled me in."
Daley's absence has been one of the biggest factors in City's
spectacular slump. In the 13 games since he was stretchered off against
Darlington in mid-February, they have picked up just eight points to
crash out of the promotion reckoning.
The fear his lightning pace on the ball strikes in opponents is evident
with his selection to the division's elite.
Daley added: "Whenever I play in a game, I go out to terrorise teams. It
doesn't always work but I'm happy that people can see the effort that I
try to put in for this team.
"I do not treat it like a big joke. I really take my job seriously and
Stuart McCall and the coaching staff have really helped. I have to give
them the praise.
"I'm injured and frustrated that I'm not playing but I'm not losing my
head.
"I had the offer to go home early to Jamaica but I'm happy to stay here.
That shows how settled I am."
===========================
Graeme Lee believes the final home game gives City's players and fans
the perfect chance to show how much Stuart McCall means to them.
The skipper is hoping that McCall will be persuaded to stay on at Valley
Parade for next season – and he reckons Saturday's clash with Rotherham
is the ideal stage for everyone to get behind him.
Lee said: "The manager is the right man for the job. He's the man to
take this club forward and we just hope and pray that he does stay.
"I'd like to think that this game is the chance to really get behind
him. I'm sure the fans will show what he means to everyone.
"As captain, I want him to carry on and finish the job off here. I
haven't spoken to him one-to-one on what his thoughts are yet but I'd
like to think he can be talked round into staying.
"He's got such a passion and love for this club and it would be a big
loss if the gaffer did move on."
Lee admitted the players were guilty of not rewarding the boss with at
least a play-off spot.
He said: "You can understand him being so frustrated. We've let him down
as a team and he probably feels he should take the blame.
"We haven't done ourselves justice and know we should have done much
better. It's so disappointing and frustrating to look back at what could
and should have happened this season.
"We'll be trying to finish off well in the last two games and hopefully
that, as well as the reaction of the fans, will persuade the manager to
give it another go."
Lee has recovered from the tight thigh muscle he suffered against
Dagenham and could line up this weekend alongside Zesh Rehman.
With City still not out of it mathematically, McCall will resist the
chance to throw in youngsters but he has promised Rehman a start at
centre half.
McCall said: "We've played Zesh at right back and left back and, to be
fair, he's only had two games in the centre. He had a tough time here
against Lincoln but that was not at his strongest position."
Dean Furman, who won the T&A most consistent player title at this week's
awards dinner, is back in training. He has missed the last three games.
McCall anticipates a fierce Yorkshire derby against a Millers side who
would be chasing an automatic promotion place if they had not been
docked 17 points.
The City boss said: "Mark Robins has done an outstanding job to keep
them right at it and it won't be an end-of-season game.
===========================
*Bradford City joint chairman Mark Lawn has told BBC Radio Leeds that he
is hopeful manager Stuart McCall will stay at Valley Parade after all.*
McCall said last month that he would walk away if Bradford failed to
make the League Two play-offs.
Tentative talks were first held between McCall and the board on Tuesday.
And Lawn said on Thursday that indications given by McCall led them to
believe that their manager is now happier with life at City.
Lawn also stated that McCall had not handed in his resignation.
More discussions are planned with the City boss as the directors want to
go through next season's player budget.
McCall has also confirmed that he will be sitting down with Julian
Rhodes and Mark Lawn after the Chesterfield match to review the season
and discuss future matters.
Fans are also doing what they can to convince McCall to stay - giant
banners begging the City manager not to go have been made and will be
displayed on Saturday at the final home league game of the season.
Monday, April 20, 2009
L2 v Dag & Red (a) April 18th 2009
Coca-Cola League Two
Dag & Red (0) 3 Saunders 57, Benson 81, Strevens 86
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 1,883
Dagenham & Redbridge: 6. David Button, 19. Danny Foster, 2. Magnus
Okuonghae, 34. Mark Arber, 12. Scott Griffiths, 7. Sam Saunders (86), 25.
Solomon Taiwo, 33. Peter Gain, 3. Matt Ritchie (77), 14. Paul Benson (90),
18. Ben Strevens.
Subs: 27. David Hogan (GK), 8. Glen Southam (77), 15. Anwar Uddin, 22.
Graeme Montgomery (90), 30. Jamie Guy (86).
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 2. Paul Arnison, 5. Graeme Lee (61), 12. Matthew
Clarke, 19. Luke O'Brien, 11. Chris Brandon (60), 4. Paul McLaren, 8. Lee
Bullock, 25. Steve Jones (73), 35. Paul Mullin, 10. Peter Thorne.
Subs: 6. Mark Bower (61), 14. Michael Boulding (73), 15. Joe Colbeck, 24.
Nicky Law (60), 33. Zeshan Rehman.
Stats: Dag & Red - Bradford C
Possession: 52 - 48%
Shots on target: 9 - 1
Shots off target: 4 - 5
Fouls: 9 - 12
Corners: 6 - 3
Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire)
Yellow cards: None
Last two matches:
(H) Rotherham, Saturday April 25, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Chesterfield, Saturday May 2, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
McCALL PONDERS FUTURE
Bradford City boss Stuart McCall admitted he might well walk away from the
club at the end of the season after his side were beaten 3-0 at Dagenham.
McCall had stated prior to this match he would leave Valley Parade if his
side did not make the play-offs. And goals from Sam Saunders, Paul Benson
and Ben Strevens left the Bantams four points away from seventh with just
two games remaining.
He said: "I'm going to sit down at the end of the season, I gave myself two
years and have underachieved and failed.
"Our wage budget is right up there with the top three definitely but I've
let the club down. I'll speak to (joint chairmen) Mark (Lawn) and Julian
(Rhodes) and see what goes from there."
McCall walked over to speak to the travelling Bradford fans at the end of
the game and revealed what he said afterwards, he added: "I just apologised
for how things have worked out this season and in this game.
"They have given us great support and when there's the tiniest glimpse of a
chance of the play-offs, you've got to go for it."
===========================
DAGGERS STAB DOUBT INTO McCALL FUTURE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Dagenham & Redbridge 3, Bradford City 0
You didn't need to be a mind reader to see how Stuart McCall was feeling.
The emotion was etched over his face as he swallowed hard to hold back the
tears during the post-match press chats.
Minutes earlier, his heart was on his sleeve as the City boss walked towards
the away end to console in defeat with the fans. His fans.
The message to them was simple: "You didn't deserve that and neither did
we."
And now it looks a certainty that McCall doesn't need it either.
All the stress, the strain and, ultimately, the crushing disappointment of
seeing the club, his club, falling short again.
McCall did not tender his resignation at the final whistle but his comments
straight afterwards sounded like it.
It's difficult to see how the City chairmen, if they want to, will succeed
in changing his mind when they all sit down two games from now.
McCall looked and sounded like a man who had nothing more to give. Every
ounce of effort and determination has been drained away by this appalling
nine-game run.
If he quits, some cynics may see it as running away. Nothing could be
further from the truth.
A driven individual as a player, his approach in his first management job
has been exactly the same. And two years down the line, he feels he has
failed the City public. His City public.
As McCall rightly pointed out, Saturday was a microcosm of City's season.
Good - no, make that great - scoring chances scorned; a blatantly wrong
decision against them; awful defending to turn an uneven final scoreline
into a shockingly lop-sided one.
The game was effectively up with the referee's whistle to signify a foul
that never was on debutant home keeper David Button.
Peter Thorne was mid-celebration, as he had been eight days earlier at
Morecambe, when the official intervened to rule out his header for a
supposed foul by Paul Mullin. Yet nobody from Dagenham had complained.
Button later confirmed to McCall that he had simply misjudged the flight of
the cross from Steve Jones and slipped in the melee of bodies. Those were
not the words the distraught gaffer wanted to hear.
Like Morecambe, the home side rode their luck and cashed in soon after with
a goal of their own. From 1-0 up to 1-0 down; City's hopes had blown away.
The script was all too familiar for the Bantams and the 434 fans who had
made the trek south to keep the dream alive.
How ironic that the big boys of League Two - the club who can boast home
attendances others can only fantasise about - were finally put to bed in
front of their smallest audience of the season.
But then 1,800 is par for the course for Dagenham, whose wage budget for
players is less than half of City's. And therein lies the problem.
You don't have to be a City fan to be mystified by the current collapse.
Supporters everywhere cannot believe how they have fallen apart so
spectacularly over the last six weeks.
A Daggers supporter turned to me and asked: "Look at the team you've got.
You should be winning this league by 20 points."
A season of "under-achievement" is the polite way of putting it. Decent
players with decent reputations have not done themselves anywhere near
justice.
Which is why McCall, having put his squad together, feels he should carry
the can for their shortcomings.
Not that Saturday was the meek roll-over that the final margin of defeat may
suggest. Far from it.
With the stakes so high for both sides, City had to be up for the battle and
prepared to meet Dagenham yard for yard.
That's how it's got to be against John Still's lot. They are like a street
fighter who will use anything to gain an advantage.
The ball was whipped about the pitch at 100 miles per hour. Tackles flew in;
throw-ins taken quickly just to keep the game rattling along. Every sinew is
strained to keep pace with this lively young bunch.
It did not make for the most aesthetic of football games but it sure was an
exciting one.
After 20 minutes of frenzied stalemate, the chances suddenly came in a
bundle. Two fell for City, both headers which should have been buried.
Chris Brandon, back in midfield, started a bright move with one of several
positive touches on halfway. Jones and Lee Bullock combined neatly down the
left before the winger stood up the perfect cross for Brandon running in
unmarked at the far post.
He shaped to direct the ball downwards but did so too much and the ball
cannoned off the hard turf in the goalmouth and over the Dagenham bar.
Within a minute, Peter Gain let rip at the other end. The shot scorched past
Rhys Evans but fortunately Paul Arnison, another player back in favour, was
in the perfect spot to block on the line, although I doubt he knew much
about it.
Back we went with City on the offensive to force their first corner. Paul
McLaren picked out Peter Thorne but, with Button blocked out of contention
by Mullin, City's top scorer ballooned the header over.
Two gilt-edged opportunities down the plug hole and we all feared what would
happen next. But City rode those blows and seemed to have fashioned the
perfect answer nine minutes into the second half.
Another inviting cross from Jones completely deceived the nervy Button, who
fell to the floor as Thorne crashed home the header from close range. Then
came Pat Miller's whistle ...
Graeme Lee was struggling with a hip injury and City needed to make a
change. But before that happened, Sam Saunders cut in from the left wing to
seize on Lee's hesitancy and use the room for a crashing drive into the top
corner of the net.
Matt Ritchie nodded against the bar and Ben Strevens scooped over from eight
yards out as Dagenham pushed to put the game beyond the stunned visitors.
City's approach was growing more frantic as panic set in. Route one was the
only order of the day, Mullin's bonce battered by the constant flow of high
balls sent towering in his direction.
His shout for a penalty was ignored and then Bullock looped a header against
the far post. That proved City's final chance.
Strevens missed another chance but then made no mistake when Paul Benson
sent him free on goal. City were in tatters.
The misery was complete when Evans made a complete hash of claiming a
through-ball and coughed it up for Strevens to tap in.
McCall, his head down, made for the City fans. Unless there is a dramatic
sea change, it seems that they won't be seeing much more of him.
Attendance: 1,883
===========================
Crushed Stuart McCall has admitted: I've let everyone down.
The City boss edged nearer the Valley Parade exit after Saturday's loss
at Dagenham effectively slammed the door on the play-offs.
City dropped to 11th spot – their lowest position of the season – and
are now four points off seventh with only two games left.
McCall will sit down with the two chairmen after the final match at
Chesterfield to discuss his position but it looks like his mind is
already made up.
He said: "This has been mental anguish for me; mental torture. We've
massively under-achieved as a team and I've under-achieved as a manager.
"I just feel I've let everyone down; the club, the fans, my own family –
even my little lad, who thought it was nailed on that we were going to
Wembley.
"I put this squad together and felt we'd have a good crack at promotion.
I felt we'd definitely finish in the top seven – that was the minimum of
what would be required.
"In the first two-thirds of the season, we scored lots of goals and
played some good stuff. We were always around the top three or four.
"But nobody could have predicted the horrendous run we've had in the
last nine games. It's hit us hard.
"The wheels have come off and that's my responsibility. Unfortunately
I've not been able to put them back on."
City's winless slump stretched to a ninth game as Dagenham drilled three
second-half goals. But they had missed good chances before that and saw
a legitimate-looking Peter Thorne header chalked off for a foul on home
keeper David Button.
McCall said: "Saturday was a picture of the last nine games. We missed
three well acceptable chances, there was poor defending and a crucial
decision went against us.
"The ref thought that Mullers (Paul Mullin) had impeded the keeper but
he didn't do anything. They haven't complained about it and afterwards
the keeper said he'd just slipped.
"For the first hour, you wouldn't have said we were a team lacking in
spirit or confidence or anything. We looked a decent side.
"Decisions like that don't just change the outcome of games but seasons.
The referee said he would apologise if he got it wrong but that doesn't
help anyone.
"But it's all right saying this and that. The bottom line is I've not
produced. I've put this squad together this season and not been able to
deliver."
Omar Daley, whose cruciate injury in February looks a significant reason
behind City's sudden collapse, has been named in the PFA League Two team
of the season.
McCall said: "There have been factors, like the injuries at crucial
times, but with the standard of player we've got at this club, it's
still hugely frustrating and disappointing that we are where we are."
Dag & Red (0) 3 Saunders 57, Benson 81, Strevens 86
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 1,883
Dagenham & Redbridge: 6. David Button, 19. Danny Foster, 2. Magnus
Okuonghae, 34. Mark Arber, 12. Scott Griffiths, 7. Sam Saunders (86), 25.
Solomon Taiwo, 33. Peter Gain, 3. Matt Ritchie (77), 14. Paul Benson (90),
18. Ben Strevens.
Subs: 27. David Hogan (GK), 8. Glen Southam (77), 15. Anwar Uddin, 22.
Graeme Montgomery (90), 30. Jamie Guy (86).
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 2. Paul Arnison, 5. Graeme Lee (61), 12. Matthew
Clarke, 19. Luke O'Brien, 11. Chris Brandon (60), 4. Paul McLaren, 8. Lee
Bullock, 25. Steve Jones (73), 35. Paul Mullin, 10. Peter Thorne.
Subs: 6. Mark Bower (61), 14. Michael Boulding (73), 15. Joe Colbeck, 24.
Nicky Law (60), 33. Zeshan Rehman.
Stats: Dag & Red - Bradford C
Possession: 52 - 48%
Shots on target: 9 - 1
Shots off target: 4 - 5
Fouls: 9 - 12
Corners: 6 - 3
Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire)
Yellow cards: None
Last two matches:
(H) Rotherham, Saturday April 25, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Chesterfield, Saturday May 2, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
McCALL PONDERS FUTURE
Bradford City boss Stuart McCall admitted he might well walk away from the
club at the end of the season after his side were beaten 3-0 at Dagenham.
McCall had stated prior to this match he would leave Valley Parade if his
side did not make the play-offs. And goals from Sam Saunders, Paul Benson
and Ben Strevens left the Bantams four points away from seventh with just
two games remaining.
He said: "I'm going to sit down at the end of the season, I gave myself two
years and have underachieved and failed.
"Our wage budget is right up there with the top three definitely but I've
let the club down. I'll speak to (joint chairmen) Mark (Lawn) and Julian
(Rhodes) and see what goes from there."
McCall walked over to speak to the travelling Bradford fans at the end of
the game and revealed what he said afterwards, he added: "I just apologised
for how things have worked out this season and in this game.
"They have given us great support and when there's the tiniest glimpse of a
chance of the play-offs, you've got to go for it."
===========================
DAGGERS STAB DOUBT INTO McCALL FUTURE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Dagenham & Redbridge 3, Bradford City 0
You didn't need to be a mind reader to see how Stuart McCall was feeling.
The emotion was etched over his face as he swallowed hard to hold back the
tears during the post-match press chats.
Minutes earlier, his heart was on his sleeve as the City boss walked towards
the away end to console in defeat with the fans. His fans.
The message to them was simple: "You didn't deserve that and neither did
we."
And now it looks a certainty that McCall doesn't need it either.
All the stress, the strain and, ultimately, the crushing disappointment of
seeing the club, his club, falling short again.
McCall did not tender his resignation at the final whistle but his comments
straight afterwards sounded like it.
It's difficult to see how the City chairmen, if they want to, will succeed
in changing his mind when they all sit down two games from now.
McCall looked and sounded like a man who had nothing more to give. Every
ounce of effort and determination has been drained away by this appalling
nine-game run.
If he quits, some cynics may see it as running away. Nothing could be
further from the truth.
A driven individual as a player, his approach in his first management job
has been exactly the same. And two years down the line, he feels he has
failed the City public. His City public.
As McCall rightly pointed out, Saturday was a microcosm of City's season.
Good - no, make that great - scoring chances scorned; a blatantly wrong
decision against them; awful defending to turn an uneven final scoreline
into a shockingly lop-sided one.
The game was effectively up with the referee's whistle to signify a foul
that never was on debutant home keeper David Button.
Peter Thorne was mid-celebration, as he had been eight days earlier at
Morecambe, when the official intervened to rule out his header for a
supposed foul by Paul Mullin. Yet nobody from Dagenham had complained.
Button later confirmed to McCall that he had simply misjudged the flight of
the cross from Steve Jones and slipped in the melee of bodies. Those were
not the words the distraught gaffer wanted to hear.
Like Morecambe, the home side rode their luck and cashed in soon after with
a goal of their own. From 1-0 up to 1-0 down; City's hopes had blown away.
The script was all too familiar for the Bantams and the 434 fans who had
made the trek south to keep the dream alive.
How ironic that the big boys of League Two - the club who can boast home
attendances others can only fantasise about - were finally put to bed in
front of their smallest audience of the season.
But then 1,800 is par for the course for Dagenham, whose wage budget for
players is less than half of City's. And therein lies the problem.
You don't have to be a City fan to be mystified by the current collapse.
Supporters everywhere cannot believe how they have fallen apart so
spectacularly over the last six weeks.
A Daggers supporter turned to me and asked: "Look at the team you've got.
You should be winning this league by 20 points."
A season of "under-achievement" is the polite way of putting it. Decent
players with decent reputations have not done themselves anywhere near
justice.
Which is why McCall, having put his squad together, feels he should carry
the can for their shortcomings.
Not that Saturday was the meek roll-over that the final margin of defeat may
suggest. Far from it.
With the stakes so high for both sides, City had to be up for the battle and
prepared to meet Dagenham yard for yard.
That's how it's got to be against John Still's lot. They are like a street
fighter who will use anything to gain an advantage.
The ball was whipped about the pitch at 100 miles per hour. Tackles flew in;
throw-ins taken quickly just to keep the game rattling along. Every sinew is
strained to keep pace with this lively young bunch.
It did not make for the most aesthetic of football games but it sure was an
exciting one.
After 20 minutes of frenzied stalemate, the chances suddenly came in a
bundle. Two fell for City, both headers which should have been buried.
Chris Brandon, back in midfield, started a bright move with one of several
positive touches on halfway. Jones and Lee Bullock combined neatly down the
left before the winger stood up the perfect cross for Brandon running in
unmarked at the far post.
He shaped to direct the ball downwards but did so too much and the ball
cannoned off the hard turf in the goalmouth and over the Dagenham bar.
Within a minute, Peter Gain let rip at the other end. The shot scorched past
Rhys Evans but fortunately Paul Arnison, another player back in favour, was
in the perfect spot to block on the line, although I doubt he knew much
about it.
Back we went with City on the offensive to force their first corner. Paul
McLaren picked out Peter Thorne but, with Button blocked out of contention
by Mullin, City's top scorer ballooned the header over.
Two gilt-edged opportunities down the plug hole and we all feared what would
happen next. But City rode those blows and seemed to have fashioned the
perfect answer nine minutes into the second half.
Another inviting cross from Jones completely deceived the nervy Button, who
fell to the floor as Thorne crashed home the header from close range. Then
came Pat Miller's whistle ...
Graeme Lee was struggling with a hip injury and City needed to make a
change. But before that happened, Sam Saunders cut in from the left wing to
seize on Lee's hesitancy and use the room for a crashing drive into the top
corner of the net.
Matt Ritchie nodded against the bar and Ben Strevens scooped over from eight
yards out as Dagenham pushed to put the game beyond the stunned visitors.
City's approach was growing more frantic as panic set in. Route one was the
only order of the day, Mullin's bonce battered by the constant flow of high
balls sent towering in his direction.
His shout for a penalty was ignored and then Bullock looped a header against
the far post. That proved City's final chance.
Strevens missed another chance but then made no mistake when Paul Benson
sent him free on goal. City were in tatters.
The misery was complete when Evans made a complete hash of claiming a
through-ball and coughed it up for Strevens to tap in.
McCall, his head down, made for the City fans. Unless there is a dramatic
sea change, it seems that they won't be seeing much more of him.
Attendance: 1,883
===========================
Crushed Stuart McCall has admitted: I've let everyone down.
The City boss edged nearer the Valley Parade exit after Saturday's loss
at Dagenham effectively slammed the door on the play-offs.
City dropped to 11th spot – their lowest position of the season – and
are now four points off seventh with only two games left.
McCall will sit down with the two chairmen after the final match at
Chesterfield to discuss his position but it looks like his mind is
already made up.
He said: "This has been mental anguish for me; mental torture. We've
massively under-achieved as a team and I've under-achieved as a manager.
"I just feel I've let everyone down; the club, the fans, my own family –
even my little lad, who thought it was nailed on that we were going to
Wembley.
"I put this squad together and felt we'd have a good crack at promotion.
I felt we'd definitely finish in the top seven – that was the minimum of
what would be required.
"In the first two-thirds of the season, we scored lots of goals and
played some good stuff. We were always around the top three or four.
"But nobody could have predicted the horrendous run we've had in the
last nine games. It's hit us hard.
"The wheels have come off and that's my responsibility. Unfortunately
I've not been able to put them back on."
City's winless slump stretched to a ninth game as Dagenham drilled three
second-half goals. But they had missed good chances before that and saw
a legitimate-looking Peter Thorne header chalked off for a foul on home
keeper David Button.
McCall said: "Saturday was a picture of the last nine games. We missed
three well acceptable chances, there was poor defending and a crucial
decision went against us.
"The ref thought that Mullers (Paul Mullin) had impeded the keeper but
he didn't do anything. They haven't complained about it and afterwards
the keeper said he'd just slipped.
"For the first hour, you wouldn't have said we were a team lacking in
spirit or confidence or anything. We looked a decent side.
"Decisions like that don't just change the outcome of games but seasons.
The referee said he would apologise if he got it wrong but that doesn't
help anyone.
"But it's all right saying this and that. The bottom line is I've not
produced. I've put this squad together this season and not been able to
deliver."
Omar Daley, whose cruciate injury in February looks a significant reason
behind City's sudden collapse, has been named in the PFA League Two team
of the season.
McCall said: "There have been factors, like the injuries at crucial
times, but with the standard of player we've got at this club, it's
still hugely frustrating and disappointing that we are where we are."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
L2 v Lincoln City (h) D1-1 April 13th 2009
Bradford 1 (0) - 1(0) Lincoln
Bullock 6 Hutchinson 47
Bradford: Evans ,Rehman (Arnison ,86 ) ,Lee ,Clarke ,O'Brien ,Colbeck (Law ,56 ) ,McLaren ,Bullock ,Jones ,Thorne ,Michael Boulding (Paul Mullin ,56)
Subs not used: Brandon,Gillespie,
Lincoln: Burch ,Green ,Swaibu ,Kovacs ,Beevers ,N'Guessan (John-Lewis ,60 ) ,O'Connor ,Kerr ,Aaron Brown ,Hutchinson (Wright ,76 ) ,Horsfield (Mullarkey ,82)
Subs not used Hone,Clarke,
Bookings: None
Attendance: 12932
Referee: F Graham (Essex)
Game Statistics
City / imps
9 Goal Attempts 12
4 On Target 8
9 Corners 3
9 Fouls 6
0 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
36 % 64
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4287608.City_back_to_basics_but_still_can_t_buy_a_win/
City back to basics but still can't buy a win
6:41pm Monday 13th April 2009
City 1, Lincoln 1
City have spent the last few weeks enjoying a lock-in at the last-chance saloon.
While the recent results suggested they were doing their level best to toss the play-offs away, those teams around them have kept hope flickering thanks to their own shortcomings.
Sooner or later, the Bantams have to do it off their own back. But after another mediocre and frustrating afternoon at Valley Parade, time has still not been called on Stuart McCall's Wembley dream.
City hardly looked like a side capable of stringing a run together that will take them to the May 23 showpiece.
But draws elsewhere for Chesterfield and Shrewsbury and Dagenham's loss at Gillingham mean City are still there in the pack. And having now gone eight games since the last win, that is a miracle in itself.
City's line-up had a back-to-basics feel, with the three changes giving it a strong resemblance to the side that began the season like a storm.
Those halcyon days saw five wins reeled off in the first six games – how McCall's men could do with finishing in the same vein.
Lee Bullock resumed his central partnership with Paul McLaren and up front, Michael Boulding was back alongside Peter Thorne. Paul Mullin could feel a bit miffed to be on the bench after leading the line well at Morecambe.
Bullock was involved from the off and twice tried to slide in Boulding with well-judged passes. Goalkeeper Rob Burch, a target of McCall's last summer, grabbed the first but there was brief panic in the Lincoln ranks when he could only push the other out as far as Thorne, who was unable to get in a shot.
Boulding was looking hungry in the early stages and rolled centre half Janos Kovacs on the edge of the box before firing a rising drive over the bar.
There was a subdued atmosphere, perhaps not surprising considering the horrific form of late. The sight of Peter Jackson on the touchline in t-shirt and tracky bottoms rather than trademark designer coat added to the low-key air to proceedings.
But City's play betrayed the tension, with too many loose passes under no real pressure. Zesh Rehman, in particular, was having a tough time at right back, giving the ball away three times in as many minutes and then missing a tackle against Aaron Brown.
Lincoln had offered little other than a wild lash wide from winger Dany N'Guessan. City were looking for Boulding to run in behind the defence at all times, although Joe Colbeck nearly got Thorne away from a promising four-man break.
But the frequent groans from the fans summed up the frustration as moves broke down before the penalty box, Colbeck wasting another when he drifted a cross well beyond Boulding.
Colbeck's head was dropping and another pass flew into touch on the halfway line as intended target Rehman chose not to push forward. The murmurs of discontent were growing louder.
It was a poor, error-strewn contest, with City showing none of the quality of their first-half performance at Christie Park three days earlier. But Lincoln were no better and neither keeper had been called into any kind of action as half-time approached.
Steve Jones, who had come in for Chris Brandon on City's left flank, tried to lift the tempo with a burst over the halfway line but he ran straight into Paul Green. It remained a grim spectacle.
Boulding did get the ball in the net right on the interval but the assistant's flag was well up. I bet McCall couldn't get in the dressing room quick enough to stir up his lethargic troops.
Surprisingly there were no changes for the second half – but the mood darkened ten fold when Lincoln grabbed the lead two minutes after the restart.
The goal came from a horrible error by Graeme Lee after he had intercepted a Lee Beevers through ball. The City skipper dwelled on the ball and then criminally gave it away to teenage striker Andy Hutchinson.
The 17-year-old debutant was left with a clear run on goal and seized on the gift to fire the ball between the legs of Rhys Evans.
It was a shocker to concede and the angry Valley Parade faithful immediately vented their feelings. An ironic chant of "you don't know what you're doing" came from the TL Dallas Stand as boos rang round.
McCall shuffled his pack with a double switch – which was greeted with a contrasting reaction.
While Colbeck's departure produced some cheers, something that will not have helped the winger's brittle confidence, the sight of Boulding's number going up was jeered. Boulding had looked the best of a poor bunch in the first half.
City changed to 4-3-3, with Mullin and Jones up front alongside Thorne – and the shuffle nearly did the trick straight away.
Newly-arrived substitute Nicky Law delivered a peach of a cross which Jones nodded on and Thorne turned on to the bar; perilously close but no cigar.
Law's introduction injected a much-needed spark into the team and the fans, who were at least seeing City have a bit of a go – and they hit back with an equaliser midway through the half.
Rehman's cross into the box picked out Thorne, who held off Kovacs enough to push the ball back to Bullock. The midfielder had time to pick his spot and drilled past Burch from 15 yards for his third goal of the season.
The pendulum swung again as City had 24 minutes to find a winner with the fans back onside and the crowd appreciated it as Jones chased down a seemingly lost cause to force a corner from Green.
Thorne won another big header to find Bullock again and he supplied Jones for a snap-shot which cannoned off Moses Swaibu and could have gone anywhere.
Lincoln had numbers behind the ball – pretty strange numbers as sub Sam Mullarkey came on wearing N'Guessan's shirt after they had left some of the kit at home.
City's number was nearly up as time ticked away and Jones' frantic shout for handball in the box was ignored by referee Fred Graham.
Suddenly there was a real chance as Mullin's header got Thorne goalside of Kovacs but the leading scorer was stretching as he shot and his contact was weak.
Then Mullin was clear for a second but a lack of pace showed as Brown made a great recovery to whip the ball away on the edge of the Lincoln box.
Ben Wright nodded a free header wide for the visitors as the three added minutes began. City were hurling men forward but could not find a way through.
Another week, another chance gone begging. Yet somehow, they are still alive.
Attendance: 12,932
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Bradford-City-1-Lincoln-City.5167497.jp
Bradford City 1 Lincoln City 1: Bullock rescues point with City equaliser
MIDFIELDER Lee Bullock fired home his first goal since September to earn a point for the Bantams, but Stuart McCall's men face an anxious final three games of the season.
Bradford looked to be heading for defeat after Lincoln's teenage striker Andy Hutchinson stunned the home fans with the opener just after the break, but Bradford staged a late rally to snatch a point.
The Bantams dominated the early exchanges without really testing Imps goalkeeper Robert Burch and it was a real body blow when 17-year-old Hutchinson marked his first start with a cool finish after 47 minutes.
The youngster took full advantage when Bradford captain Graeme Lee lost possession and his bearings 30 yards out giving Hutchinson a clear run on goal.
The teenager drilled the ball between Rhys Evans's legs and with Bradford's play-off hopes hanging by a thread McCall was forced to make a change.
Winger Steve Jones was pushed up front alongside Peter Thorne and Paul Mullin and the switch almost paid dividends.
Jones's flick fell into Thorne's path, but from close range the striker's shot hit the bar.
The Bantams levelled when Thorne's lay-off was met by a low shot from Bullock, but with a draw no good for either side's promotion hopes it was Bradford who finished strongly.
Jones saw his shot deflected wide of goal by Paul Green and Thorne latched onto Mullin's header only to see his shot comfortably covered by Burch. In the closing stages Lincoln substitute Ben Wright headed over.
Bradford City: Evans, Rehman (Arnison 86), Lee, Clarke, O'Brien; Colbeck (Law 55), McLaren, Bullock, Jones; Thorne, M Boulding (Mullin 55). Unused substitutes: Brandon, Gillespie.
Lincoln City: Burch, Beevers, Kovacs, Swaibu, Green; N'Guessan (John-Lewis 59), O'Connor, Kerr, Brown; Horsfield (Mullarkey 82), Hutchinson (Wright 75). Unused substitutes: Hone, Clarke.
Referee: F Graham (Essex).
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4287790.Wembley_dream_still_alive/
Wembley dream still alive
7:00am Tuesday 14th April 2009
Stuart McCall labelled City's current form "a disaster" – but still refused to rule out a Wembley finish to the season.
Yesterday's 1-1 draw with Lincoln at Valley Parade was their eighth game without a win.
But they remain two points behind the last play-off spot, with rivals Dagenham and Chesterfield to face in the run-in.
McCall said: "Six points might be enough to get in the play-offs or we might have to do what we did at the beginning of the season. We won the first three and we might have to win the last three.
"I just hope we can go into the Chesterfield game on the last day with everything to play for. I would accept that right now."
Lee Bullock saved City with an equaliser after Graeme Lee's blunder let in 17-year-old Andy Hutchinson for a debut goal straight after half-time. Peter Thorne also hit the bar but it was another slack display from the home side.
McCall said: "Confidence is obviously fragile but I can't go round and give everyone a pill to suddenly change that.
"We got in good areas in the first half but our decision-making was poor and we played the wrong pass.
"I didn't feel under any threat and thought we would kick on after half-time. Then we gifted them such a soft goal.
"It would have been easy to crumble but we came back, although the bottom line is that we've failed to win again.
"But I genuinely believe we'll get promoted if we get in the play-offs. People will say I'm talking rot after this performance because it wasn't a good game but the dream is still alive."
City have still not won since thrashing Aldershot 5-0 five weeks ago and Bullock's goal was only their fourth in eight games since.
McCall admitted: "Our form in the last third of the season has been a disaster. But on the first two thirds, we deserve to be up there.
"We lost to the worst goal in the world at Exeter, had those two penalties at Rochdale and then the ball's a foot over the line at Morecambe and it doesn't get given.
"That eats your confidence away and we've gone from looking a really good side to one that's bang average.
"But we could have just died off and taken a 1-0 defeat. Instead we stuck in there and got the goal we deserved.
"I can't say we're going to Dagenham next week full of confidence but we're still full of belief. We just need one win to turn things round.
"It should have been at Morecambe but it wasn't; could have been yesterday but it wasn't; let's hope it's going to be at Dagenham."
The result ended Lincoln's outside play-off shot and Peter Jackson is now rooting for McCall to make it with his old club.
"It was such a big game for both clubs and nobody really wanted the draw," said the Imps boss.
"I thought we'd go on and win if we took the lead but full marks to Bradford, who came back and put us under pressure. The players had a go for Stuart.
"Bradford are on a bad run at the moment and we've been through it. You have to stick together and their players were certainly doing that.
"It's going to be the side who hold their nerve and show the most consistency who will get in the play-offs. Bradford are still hanging in there and hopefully they will do it."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4289858.Wembley_should_be_huge_incentive/
Wembley should be huge incentive
7:10am Wednesday 15th April 2009
Lee Bullock has challenged City to win their "mini-league" to prove they are still worth a shot at the play-offs.
City face promotion rivals Dagenham on Saturday before finishing off with Rotherham at Valley Parade and a potentially critical final-day trip to seventh-placed Chesterfield.
The Bantams, without a victory in eight games, realistically need to win at least twice in the five-club battle for the final play-off spot.
Midfielder Bullock said: "If we're going to get in the play-offs, these next three games are a mini-league against decent teams.
"If we can take the pressure and get the wins, it will build confidence. If we can't, then we don't deserve to be in there; it's as simple as that.
"We want to get to Wembley. We want to get promoted. We want a day out that we can remember for the rest of our lives. That should be a massive incentive."
Bullock's equaliser rescued a point against Lincoln on Monday but, with teams around them also tripping up, it was another opportunity wasted to make up vital ground.
"The other sides must be just as gutted and feeling the pressure the same as us," said Bullock.
"The atmosphere changed after we scored and it was a different game. Thorney (Peter Thorne) went through and maybe if he hadn't played Friday, he would have banged that in.
"But at least we were making the chances and not hanging on at the other end.
"We are having a rough time but it's not like other teams are capitalising. You come in down after the game and then see the other results and it's strange.
"There's a lot of pressure now and it's affecting everybody. You don't want to be that man who makes the mistake that can wreck the dream of promotion.
"It is difficult but you are out there for a reason. You've got to get the ball, get it into the box and be a man."
City have the worst current form in the whole of League Two – play-off dark horses Morecambe have picked up 12 points on them over the past eight games and second-placed Exeter 11.
But Bullock is hoping the slump can still be halted with a win in Essex.
He said: "It might be a case of trying to do what teams do when they come to us – keep it tight and try to nick a goal on the break and frustrate the home fans.
"I don't think anyone will be backing down from the challenge. It might look ugly at times but we've got to get the ball up there in and around the box and nick the three points.
"We've got to do whatever it takes to get that ball across the line. We'll take any goal at the minute."
===========================
===========================
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Bullock 6 Hutchinson 47
Bradford: Evans ,Rehman (Arnison ,86 ) ,Lee ,Clarke ,O'Brien ,Colbeck (Law ,56 ) ,McLaren ,Bullock ,Jones ,Thorne ,Michael Boulding (Paul Mullin ,56)
Subs not used: Brandon,Gillespie,
Lincoln: Burch ,Green ,Swaibu ,Kovacs ,Beevers ,N'Guessan (John-Lewis ,60 ) ,O'Connor ,Kerr ,Aaron Brown ,Hutchinson (Wright ,76 ) ,Horsfield (Mullarkey ,82)
Subs not used Hone,Clarke,
Bookings: None
Attendance: 12932
Referee: F Graham (Essex)
Game Statistics
City / imps
9 Goal Attempts 12
4 On Target 8
9 Corners 3
9 Fouls 6
0 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
36 % 64
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4287608.City_back_to_basics_but_still_can_t_buy_a_win/
City back to basics but still can't buy a win
6:41pm Monday 13th April 2009
City 1, Lincoln 1
City have spent the last few weeks enjoying a lock-in at the last-chance saloon.
While the recent results suggested they were doing their level best to toss the play-offs away, those teams around them have kept hope flickering thanks to their own shortcomings.
Sooner or later, the Bantams have to do it off their own back. But after another mediocre and frustrating afternoon at Valley Parade, time has still not been called on Stuart McCall's Wembley dream.
City hardly looked like a side capable of stringing a run together that will take them to the May 23 showpiece.
But draws elsewhere for Chesterfield and Shrewsbury and Dagenham's loss at Gillingham mean City are still there in the pack. And having now gone eight games since the last win, that is a miracle in itself.
City's line-up had a back-to-basics feel, with the three changes giving it a strong resemblance to the side that began the season like a storm.
Those halcyon days saw five wins reeled off in the first six games – how McCall's men could do with finishing in the same vein.
Lee Bullock resumed his central partnership with Paul McLaren and up front, Michael Boulding was back alongside Peter Thorne. Paul Mullin could feel a bit miffed to be on the bench after leading the line well at Morecambe.
Bullock was involved from the off and twice tried to slide in Boulding with well-judged passes. Goalkeeper Rob Burch, a target of McCall's last summer, grabbed the first but there was brief panic in the Lincoln ranks when he could only push the other out as far as Thorne, who was unable to get in a shot.
Boulding was looking hungry in the early stages and rolled centre half Janos Kovacs on the edge of the box before firing a rising drive over the bar.
There was a subdued atmosphere, perhaps not surprising considering the horrific form of late. The sight of Peter Jackson on the touchline in t-shirt and tracky bottoms rather than trademark designer coat added to the low-key air to proceedings.
But City's play betrayed the tension, with too many loose passes under no real pressure. Zesh Rehman, in particular, was having a tough time at right back, giving the ball away three times in as many minutes and then missing a tackle against Aaron Brown.
Lincoln had offered little other than a wild lash wide from winger Dany N'Guessan. City were looking for Boulding to run in behind the defence at all times, although Joe Colbeck nearly got Thorne away from a promising four-man break.
But the frequent groans from the fans summed up the frustration as moves broke down before the penalty box, Colbeck wasting another when he drifted a cross well beyond Boulding.
Colbeck's head was dropping and another pass flew into touch on the halfway line as intended target Rehman chose not to push forward. The murmurs of discontent were growing louder.
It was a poor, error-strewn contest, with City showing none of the quality of their first-half performance at Christie Park three days earlier. But Lincoln were no better and neither keeper had been called into any kind of action as half-time approached.
Steve Jones, who had come in for Chris Brandon on City's left flank, tried to lift the tempo with a burst over the halfway line but he ran straight into Paul Green. It remained a grim spectacle.
Boulding did get the ball in the net right on the interval but the assistant's flag was well up. I bet McCall couldn't get in the dressing room quick enough to stir up his lethargic troops.
Surprisingly there were no changes for the second half – but the mood darkened ten fold when Lincoln grabbed the lead two minutes after the restart.
The goal came from a horrible error by Graeme Lee after he had intercepted a Lee Beevers through ball. The City skipper dwelled on the ball and then criminally gave it away to teenage striker Andy Hutchinson.
The 17-year-old debutant was left with a clear run on goal and seized on the gift to fire the ball between the legs of Rhys Evans.
It was a shocker to concede and the angry Valley Parade faithful immediately vented their feelings. An ironic chant of "you don't know what you're doing" came from the TL Dallas Stand as boos rang round.
McCall shuffled his pack with a double switch – which was greeted with a contrasting reaction.
While Colbeck's departure produced some cheers, something that will not have helped the winger's brittle confidence, the sight of Boulding's number going up was jeered. Boulding had looked the best of a poor bunch in the first half.
City changed to 4-3-3, with Mullin and Jones up front alongside Thorne – and the shuffle nearly did the trick straight away.
Newly-arrived substitute Nicky Law delivered a peach of a cross which Jones nodded on and Thorne turned on to the bar; perilously close but no cigar.
Law's introduction injected a much-needed spark into the team and the fans, who were at least seeing City have a bit of a go – and they hit back with an equaliser midway through the half.
Rehman's cross into the box picked out Thorne, who held off Kovacs enough to push the ball back to Bullock. The midfielder had time to pick his spot and drilled past Burch from 15 yards for his third goal of the season.
The pendulum swung again as City had 24 minutes to find a winner with the fans back onside and the crowd appreciated it as Jones chased down a seemingly lost cause to force a corner from Green.
Thorne won another big header to find Bullock again and he supplied Jones for a snap-shot which cannoned off Moses Swaibu and could have gone anywhere.
Lincoln had numbers behind the ball – pretty strange numbers as sub Sam Mullarkey came on wearing N'Guessan's shirt after they had left some of the kit at home.
City's number was nearly up as time ticked away and Jones' frantic shout for handball in the box was ignored by referee Fred Graham.
Suddenly there was a real chance as Mullin's header got Thorne goalside of Kovacs but the leading scorer was stretching as he shot and his contact was weak.
Then Mullin was clear for a second but a lack of pace showed as Brown made a great recovery to whip the ball away on the edge of the Lincoln box.
Ben Wright nodded a free header wide for the visitors as the three added minutes began. City were hurling men forward but could not find a way through.
Another week, another chance gone begging. Yet somehow, they are still alive.
Attendance: 12,932
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Bradford-City-1-Lincoln-City.5167497.jp
Bradford City 1 Lincoln City 1: Bullock rescues point with City equaliser
MIDFIELDER Lee Bullock fired home his first goal since September to earn a point for the Bantams, but Stuart McCall's men face an anxious final three games of the season.
Bradford looked to be heading for defeat after Lincoln's teenage striker Andy Hutchinson stunned the home fans with the opener just after the break, but Bradford staged a late rally to snatch a point.
The Bantams dominated the early exchanges without really testing Imps goalkeeper Robert Burch and it was a real body blow when 17-year-old Hutchinson marked his first start with a cool finish after 47 minutes.
The youngster took full advantage when Bradford captain Graeme Lee lost possession and his bearings 30 yards out giving Hutchinson a clear run on goal.
The teenager drilled the ball between Rhys Evans's legs and with Bradford's play-off hopes hanging by a thread McCall was forced to make a change.
Winger Steve Jones was pushed up front alongside Peter Thorne and Paul Mullin and the switch almost paid dividends.
Jones's flick fell into Thorne's path, but from close range the striker's shot hit the bar.
The Bantams levelled when Thorne's lay-off was met by a low shot from Bullock, but with a draw no good for either side's promotion hopes it was Bradford who finished strongly.
Jones saw his shot deflected wide of goal by Paul Green and Thorne latched onto Mullin's header only to see his shot comfortably covered by Burch. In the closing stages Lincoln substitute Ben Wright headed over.
Bradford City: Evans, Rehman (Arnison 86), Lee, Clarke, O'Brien; Colbeck (Law 55), McLaren, Bullock, Jones; Thorne, M Boulding (Mullin 55). Unused substitutes: Brandon, Gillespie.
Lincoln City: Burch, Beevers, Kovacs, Swaibu, Green; N'Guessan (John-Lewis 59), O'Connor, Kerr, Brown; Horsfield (Mullarkey 82), Hutchinson (Wright 75). Unused substitutes: Hone, Clarke.
Referee: F Graham (Essex).
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4287790.Wembley_dream_still_alive/
Wembley dream still alive
7:00am Tuesday 14th April 2009
Stuart McCall labelled City's current form "a disaster" – but still refused to rule out a Wembley finish to the season.
Yesterday's 1-1 draw with Lincoln at Valley Parade was their eighth game without a win.
But they remain two points behind the last play-off spot, with rivals Dagenham and Chesterfield to face in the run-in.
McCall said: "Six points might be enough to get in the play-offs or we might have to do what we did at the beginning of the season. We won the first three and we might have to win the last three.
"I just hope we can go into the Chesterfield game on the last day with everything to play for. I would accept that right now."
Lee Bullock saved City with an equaliser after Graeme Lee's blunder let in 17-year-old Andy Hutchinson for a debut goal straight after half-time. Peter Thorne also hit the bar but it was another slack display from the home side.
McCall said: "Confidence is obviously fragile but I can't go round and give everyone a pill to suddenly change that.
"We got in good areas in the first half but our decision-making was poor and we played the wrong pass.
"I didn't feel under any threat and thought we would kick on after half-time. Then we gifted them such a soft goal.
"It would have been easy to crumble but we came back, although the bottom line is that we've failed to win again.
"But I genuinely believe we'll get promoted if we get in the play-offs. People will say I'm talking rot after this performance because it wasn't a good game but the dream is still alive."
City have still not won since thrashing Aldershot 5-0 five weeks ago and Bullock's goal was only their fourth in eight games since.
McCall admitted: "Our form in the last third of the season has been a disaster. But on the first two thirds, we deserve to be up there.
"We lost to the worst goal in the world at Exeter, had those two penalties at Rochdale and then the ball's a foot over the line at Morecambe and it doesn't get given.
"That eats your confidence away and we've gone from looking a really good side to one that's bang average.
"But we could have just died off and taken a 1-0 defeat. Instead we stuck in there and got the goal we deserved.
"I can't say we're going to Dagenham next week full of confidence but we're still full of belief. We just need one win to turn things round.
"It should have been at Morecambe but it wasn't; could have been yesterday but it wasn't; let's hope it's going to be at Dagenham."
The result ended Lincoln's outside play-off shot and Peter Jackson is now rooting for McCall to make it with his old club.
"It was such a big game for both clubs and nobody really wanted the draw," said the Imps boss.
"I thought we'd go on and win if we took the lead but full marks to Bradford, who came back and put us under pressure. The players had a go for Stuart.
"Bradford are on a bad run at the moment and we've been through it. You have to stick together and their players were certainly doing that.
"It's going to be the side who hold their nerve and show the most consistency who will get in the play-offs. Bradford are still hanging in there and hopefully they will do it."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4289858.Wembley_should_be_huge_incentive/
Wembley should be huge incentive
7:10am Wednesday 15th April 2009
Lee Bullock has challenged City to win their "mini-league" to prove they are still worth a shot at the play-offs.
City face promotion rivals Dagenham on Saturday before finishing off with Rotherham at Valley Parade and a potentially critical final-day trip to seventh-placed Chesterfield.
The Bantams, without a victory in eight games, realistically need to win at least twice in the five-club battle for the final play-off spot.
Midfielder Bullock said: "If we're going to get in the play-offs, these next three games are a mini-league against decent teams.
"If we can take the pressure and get the wins, it will build confidence. If we can't, then we don't deserve to be in there; it's as simple as that.
"We want to get to Wembley. We want to get promoted. We want a day out that we can remember for the rest of our lives. That should be a massive incentive."
Bullock's equaliser rescued a point against Lincoln on Monday but, with teams around them also tripping up, it was another opportunity wasted to make up vital ground.
"The other sides must be just as gutted and feeling the pressure the same as us," said Bullock.
"The atmosphere changed after we scored and it was a different game. Thorney (Peter Thorne) went through and maybe if he hadn't played Friday, he would have banged that in.
"But at least we were making the chances and not hanging on at the other end.
"We are having a rough time but it's not like other teams are capitalising. You come in down after the game and then see the other results and it's strange.
"There's a lot of pressure now and it's affecting everybody. You don't want to be that man who makes the mistake that can wreck the dream of promotion.
"It is difficult but you are out there for a reason. You've got to get the ball, get it into the box and be a man."
City have the worst current form in the whole of League Two – play-off dark horses Morecambe have picked up 12 points on them over the past eight games and second-placed Exeter 11.
But Bullock is hoping the slump can still be halted with a win in Essex.
He said: "It might be a case of trying to do what teams do when they come to us – keep it tight and try to nick a goal on the break and frustrate the home fans.
"I don't think anyone will be backing down from the challenge. It might look ugly at times but we've got to get the ball up there in and around the box and nick the three points.
"We've got to do whatever it takes to get that ball across the line. We'll take any goal at the minute."
===========================
===========================
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
L2 v Morecambe (a) L1-2 April 10th 2009
Coca-Cola League Two
Morecambe (0) 2 Drummond 56, Howe 75
Bradford C (1) 1 Clarke 37
Att: 4,546
Stats: Morecambe - Bradford C
Possession: 51 - 49%
Shots on target: 7 - 6
Shots off target: 5 - 6
Fouls: 6 - 9
Corners: 4 - 9
Ref: Nigel Miller (Durham)
Yellow cards:
Morecambe: Artell (50), Curtis (77), Yates (84), Howe (90+2).
Bradford C: Colbeck (25 min), Clarke (90+2).
Morecambe: 1. Barry Roche, 2. Adam Yates, 4. David Artell, 5. Jim Bentley,
25. Danny Adams, 9. Wayne Curtis, 16. Stuart Drummond, 8. Garry Hunter (90),
11. Neil Wainwright (86), 7. Michael Twiss, 10. Rene Howe.
Subs: 12. Lewis Edge (GK), 14. Diarmuid O'Carroll, 15. Fraser McLachlan
(86), 18. Mark Duffy, 23. Henry McStay (90).
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 33. Zeshan Rehman, 5. Graeme Lee, 12. Matthew
Clarke, 19. Luke O'Brien, 15. Joe Colbeck, 24. Nicky Law (82), 4. Paul
McLaren, 11. Chris Brandon (77), 35. Paul Mullin, 10. Peter Thorne (73).
Subs: 2. Paul Arnison, 8. Lee Bullock (82), 14. Michael Boulding (73), 22.
Kyle Nix, 25. Steve Jones (77).
Next matches:
(H) Lincoln City, Monday April 13, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Dag & Red, Saturday April 18, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM
===========================
HOWE'S THAT!
Bradford City's League Two promotion hopes were dented by a controversial
2-1 defeat to Morecambe at Christie Park, where Rene Howe hit the winner.
The Bantams let slip a 1-0 lead after Matthew Clarke's first-half header had
given them the advantage at the break.
Stuart McCall's side looked to have scored a second just after the half-time
interval when Peter Thorne's header slipped through Barry Roche's grasp and
looked to be over the line but the goal was not given.
The much-debated decision gave Morecambe hope and after a poor first half
the home side took a foothold in the game. Stewart Drummond headed them
level in the 55th minute after a header from Danny Adams's left-wing cross.
And the home side took the three points with a stunning strike from Howe,
whose 30-yard right-footed drive flew past goalkeeper Rhys Evans with 15
minutes to go.
Steve Jones had a late chance for Bradford but headed wide when he nipped in
between defenders and goalkeeper.
===========================
Bradford boss Stuart McCall was left fuming after his side's play-off
hopes were dealt another blow at Morecambe.
The Bantams' boss was angered by a decision not to award Bradford a
second goal just a minute after the restart when Peter Thorne's header
looked to have beaten Barry Roche and cleared the line before the keeper
pulled it back.
But the linesman failed to spot it and the goal was not given in a
pivotal decision that gave Sammy McIlroy's side a clear lift.
"I've been told by several people, even some from Morecambe that the
ball was over the line and when the officials don't do their jobs
properly that is disappointing because at 2-0 the game was over," said
McCall.
"It was an incident that really turned the game and it gave them a lift
but we should have coped better than we did.
"We were excellent in the first half and should have scored more but we
didn't and there is huge disappointment around the dressing room at the
minute."
===========================
Peter Thorne was convinced City were robbed at Morecambe by the "goal"
that never was.
The Bantams squandered a first-half lead to go down 2-1 at Christie Park
– and could be left four points adrift of the play-offs before they play
again on Monday.
But controversy raged after Thorne's header early in the second half
appeared to be fumbled behind the line by keeper Barry Roche.
That would have put City two up at a stage when they were bossing the
game. But referee Nigel Miller did not give it after checking with his
assistant.
A fuming Thorne said: "It was over without a doubt – even their players
were saying it was in. The ref couldn't see it but you go on their
reaction and you could tell the defenders thought it was a goal.
"Things like that kill you and it's a shock that we've come away with
nothing from a game we should have won."
City, who scored through Matt Clarke, were pegged back within minutes by
Stewart Drummond's header before going down to a long-range blast from
Rene Howe.
Thorne added: "We've got to react better. We weren't a patch on how we'd
played in the first half when I felt we battered them.
"We're absolutely devastated. We had that many away fans again and we
keep letting them down."
Television pictures of the 47th-minute incident were inconclusive
because of the position of the cameras.
But Stuart McCall spoke to the assistant concerned afterwards.
The frustrated City chief said: "Our nearest two lads thought it was
over the line and their centre half said the same.
"It was a big decision from the linesman so I asked him if he was sure
he was correct. Most in that situation would say 'yeah, definitely' but
he just said 'I hope I've got it right'.
"That could cost us the season. At 2-0 up, the game would have been over
but instead they've got a lift from it.
"We don't pick up properly from a throw-in and they equalise with a
header. Then their lad strikes a wonder shot which hits the post and
goes in.
"We'd set off at a good tempo and desire and really put the pressure on.
But it's another game where we've ended up with nothing to show from it.
But that's the way it's been going for us. It's a cruel game."
McCall singled out Luke O'Brien for special praise at left back.
"OB epitomised everything we would want. He's a lad who's been at the
club so long and gave everything he had.
"He was up and down the pitch and his desire and effort was outstanding.
He didn't deserve to be on the losing side.
"But it's exactly the same as last season. We're all feeling numb."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4283806.City_rue_the_goal_that_never_was/
City rue the goal that never was
7:00am Saturday 11th April 2009
Morecambe 2 City 1
Stuart McCall had hoped to wipe away memories of his Morecambe nightmare.
Instead he suffered a terrifying flashback as the spectre of missing out on the play-offs looms larger.
Good Friday? A flamin' horrible one for City more like.
For 55 minutes it had gone so well. City were leading and cruising – and complaining bitterly that a second goal, from Peter Thorne, had been chalked off.
Then Morecambe – and lightning – struck twice. And by Monday, when Lincoln come to Valley Parade, City could be four points off that seventh spot if Chesterfield beat Darlington today.
City had settled into their stride straight away and were on top in the opening skirmishes.
Joe Colbeck, back on the right wing, was into the action from the off with two decent crosses. Graeme Lee nodded the first over and David Artell just managed to clear the second from the head of the waiting Peter Thorne.
Having struggled to get out of their half for ten minutes, Morecambe created a moment of discomfort. Rene Howe shrugged off Luke O'Brien too easily and his low cross at the near post was palmed out by Rhys Evans before Paul McLaren whacked clear.
Sammy McIlroy's programme notes warned City not to expect any respect from his side. But there was a hunger and edge about the visitors' early play; an approach summed up by Thorne's ambitious chip from 30 yards out.
But you could see why Morecambe have kept so many clean sheets in recent games. Whenever City had the ball, the two wing-backs tucked in defensively to make up a five-man backline.
Morecambe had a half-hearted shout for hand ball when Lee blocked Stuart Drummond before the skipper got enough of a touch on Howe's through ball aimed at Wayne Curtis to allow Matt Clarke to clear.
Colbeck was booked for a mistimed challenge before setting up Chris Brandon for an effort from the edge of the box that was deflected wide. Unfortunately, the standard of City's corners in the first half hour let them down.
City, though, were still hoovering up the majority of loose balls in midfield and showing an extra zip in their game that was certainly not there in the last away outing at Chester.
It felt more like a City home game with the number of Bantams fans around the ramshackle ground, though a good proportion of them were getting wet in the appropriately-named Carwash stand.
They were nearly singing in the rain on the half hour as Mullin came within a whisker of his first goal for the club.
The on-loan targetman cleverly left Colbeck's cross for Thorne to turn and latch on to his partner's flick-on. Suddenly he had a sight of goal but keeper Barry Roche just got enough on his well-struck cross-shot to turn it past the far post.
Within seconds, City went close again as Thorne seized on an error by centre back Jim Bentley but whipped the loose ball wide from 12 yards.
Evans was forced into proper action for the first time on 32 minutes with a regulation catch from Garry Hunter's header. But it was against the tide as City continued to ask questions – and got their answer five minutes later.
Roche conceded a cheap corner when he fumbled Colbeck's sliced cross. And how City made him pay for the error.
Law's dead-ball delivery was much better and Clarke met it with a decisive header into the bottom corner.
It was no more than City deserved, though no doubt a few minds were cast back to their last visit when another centre half, Mark Bower, had scored first before Morecambe hit back to snatch it at the death.
Their top scorer, Howe, tried to instigate some kind of response before half-time but, despite a few nice touches around the box, his attempted curler looped harmlessly into the mass of City fans behind the goal.
The supporters were certainly in great voice as the whistle sounded. They had witnessed the side's most impressive 45 minutes away from home since Gillingham way back in January and it looked comfortable.
McCall, too, would have been pleased but knew the job was only half done. No doubt the message about what happened here 18 months earlier would have been rammed home in the dressing room.
O'Brien began the second half with a really forceful run down the left flank, working with Mullin to win City an immediate corner. And City were convinced they had a second goal from it.
Thorne met Law's kick with a powerful low header which Roche fumbled on his line – and appeared to let the ball roll behind it.
The players and fans were certainly adamant that it had gone in and started to celebrate but referee Nigel Miller looked to his assistant to make sure and when no confirmation was forthcoming, he allowed play to go on.
A goal at that moment could have killed off Morecambe but City were not knocked out of their stride and another drive forward from O'Brien ended with a crude foul from David Artell, who was rightly booked.
Next it was Law's turn to eat up yards and his deep cross was headed downwards by Mullin but this time Roche made a cleaner save.
Even Zesh Rehman got upfield, although Mullin could not get any direction on his header from Colbeck's resulting cross.
But then, having hardly threatened, Morecambe hit back with a sucker punch after 56 minutes.
Danny Adams drilled a ball towards the far post where Stewart Drummond rose well to thump the ball beyond the stretching Evans.
It was harsh on City, especially considering the contentious "no goal" just before, and they faced a test of character to lift the game again.
The supporters were temporarily stunned as Morecambe started to come more into it, Neil Wainwright shooting wide after a decent move down the left.
Lee had to be alert to cut out a Howe cross before Evans carefully clutched a lob above his head. Howe went much closer when he sprung the offside trap, cut past Clarke and squeezed a shot towards the near post which Evans turned away with a strong hand.
It was a very different game since the equaliser. Morecambe had a spring in their step while City, totally in control up to the goal, were now defending for their lives.
Wainwright found himself in loads of room out wide but overhit his cross, then Michael Twiss whistled one a few inches over City's bar. Colbeck delivered an inviting ball across the other goalmouth but nobody was in there to capitalise.
McCall made his first change with 18 minutes left as Michael Boulding replaced Thorne – a decision which was greeted with a few boos.
But before the sub had touched the ball, City found themselves behind to a stunning goal. Howe had not scored for two months but he ended his duck in spectacular fashion, City backing off to allow him to keep advancing and then let fly from 25 yards with a rocket that flew beyond Evans.
Now City had it all to do and McCall introduced Steve Jones for the quiet Brandon. Then Law made way for Lee Bullock.
The silence that descended over at least half the ground spoke volumes as City tried to come again.
They almost got an equaliser with four minutes left when a cross bounced up invitingly for Jones ghosting in at the far post. But his header was poor and he glanced wide – it was a gilt-edged chance gone begging.
City now need a big favour from Darlington at Saltergate.
===========================
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/yorkshire-soccer/City-are-left-all-at.5163222.jp
City are left all at sea by disallowed strike
Morecambe 2 Bradford City 1
Bradford City's play-off hopes were dealt a massive blow as they suffered a controversial defeat at Morecambe.
Stuart McCall's side were looking comfortable at the break, leading 1-0 thanks to a Matt Clarke header on 36 minutes, and they looked to have scored a second goal through Peter Thorne a minute into the second half.
The veteran striker reacted sharply in the box to head towards goal and his effort beat Barry Roche and seemed to have cleared the line by a big margin – but the goal wasn't given.
It was a decision that the Bantams never seemed to recover from and they lost their composure – and their grip on the game – as Morecambe came back strongly.
The Shrimps pulled one back on 55 minutes when the Bradford defence failed to spot the danger from midfielder Stewart Drummond, who raced into the box to head a cross from former Huddersfield Town man Danny Adams past Rhys Evans from 12 yards out.
And the large band of travelling fans were left stunned 15 minutes from time when Morecambe striker Rene Howe scored a stunning winner.
The on-loan Peterborough man took the ball 35 yards from goal and unleashed a fierce right-foot effort that flew into the top corner of the Bradford net.
The Bantams staged a late revival with a Joe Colbeck cross inches too high for Paul Mullin and substitute Steve Jones nipping in between defenders and goalkeeper to head just wide of the right-hand post.
It all looked so different for Bradford at the break after they dominated the first half.
The visitors had the better chances of the opening period with Roche saving superbly from Mullin on 28 minutes after the on- loan Accrington Stanley striker shared a neat one-two with Thorne.
Thorne himself then came close with a shot that fizzed across the six-yard box after a mistake by Jim Bentley before the pressure finally paid off with an opening goal on 36 minutes.
Nicky Law swung in a right-wing corner and Clarke was left unmarked to head past Roche from six yards out.
Morecambe, who had lost just one game in 14 before this one, struggled to make headway but Garry Hunter forced Evans into a neat save from a header and Drummond had a claim for a penalty turned down when his shot was beaten down by Graeme Lee.
Morecambe: Roche, Yates, Bentley, Artell, Adams, Wainwright (McLachlan 85), Hunter (McStay 89), Drummond, Curtis, Howe, Twiss. Subs not used: Edge, Duffy, O'Carroll.
Bradford: Evans, O'Brien, Clarke, Lee, Rehman, Brandon (Jones 76), Law (Bullock 82), Colbeck, McLaren, Mullin, Thorne (Boulding 72). Subs not used: Arnison, Nix.
Referee: N Miller (Durham).
ATTENDANCE: 4,546.
===========================
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Morecambe (0) 2 Drummond 56, Howe 75
Bradford C (1) 1 Clarke 37
Att: 4,546
Stats: Morecambe - Bradford C
Possession: 51 - 49%
Shots on target: 7 - 6
Shots off target: 5 - 6
Fouls: 6 - 9
Corners: 4 - 9
Ref: Nigel Miller (Durham)
Yellow cards:
Morecambe: Artell (50), Curtis (77), Yates (84), Howe (90+2).
Bradford C: Colbeck (25 min), Clarke (90+2).
Morecambe: 1. Barry Roche, 2. Adam Yates, 4. David Artell, 5. Jim Bentley,
25. Danny Adams, 9. Wayne Curtis, 16. Stuart Drummond, 8. Garry Hunter (90),
11. Neil Wainwright (86), 7. Michael Twiss, 10. Rene Howe.
Subs: 12. Lewis Edge (GK), 14. Diarmuid O'Carroll, 15. Fraser McLachlan
(86), 18. Mark Duffy, 23. Henry McStay (90).
Bradford C: 1. Rhys Evans, 33. Zeshan Rehman, 5. Graeme Lee, 12. Matthew
Clarke, 19. Luke O'Brien, 15. Joe Colbeck, 24. Nicky Law (82), 4. Paul
McLaren, 11. Chris Brandon (77), 35. Paul Mullin, 10. Peter Thorne (73).
Subs: 2. Paul Arnison, 8. Lee Bullock (82), 14. Michael Boulding (73), 22.
Kyle Nix, 25. Steve Jones (77).
Next matches:
(H) Lincoln City, Monday April 13, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Dag & Red, Saturday April 18, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM
===========================
HOWE'S THAT!
Bradford City's League Two promotion hopes were dented by a controversial
2-1 defeat to Morecambe at Christie Park, where Rene Howe hit the winner.
The Bantams let slip a 1-0 lead after Matthew Clarke's first-half header had
given them the advantage at the break.
Stuart McCall's side looked to have scored a second just after the half-time
interval when Peter Thorne's header slipped through Barry Roche's grasp and
looked to be over the line but the goal was not given.
The much-debated decision gave Morecambe hope and after a poor first half
the home side took a foothold in the game. Stewart Drummond headed them
level in the 55th minute after a header from Danny Adams's left-wing cross.
And the home side took the three points with a stunning strike from Howe,
whose 30-yard right-footed drive flew past goalkeeper Rhys Evans with 15
minutes to go.
Steve Jones had a late chance for Bradford but headed wide when he nipped in
between defenders and goalkeeper.
===========================
Bradford boss Stuart McCall was left fuming after his side's play-off
hopes were dealt another blow at Morecambe.
The Bantams' boss was angered by a decision not to award Bradford a
second goal just a minute after the restart when Peter Thorne's header
looked to have beaten Barry Roche and cleared the line before the keeper
pulled it back.
But the linesman failed to spot it and the goal was not given in a
pivotal decision that gave Sammy McIlroy's side a clear lift.
"I've been told by several people, even some from Morecambe that the
ball was over the line and when the officials don't do their jobs
properly that is disappointing because at 2-0 the game was over," said
McCall.
"It was an incident that really turned the game and it gave them a lift
but we should have coped better than we did.
"We were excellent in the first half and should have scored more but we
didn't and there is huge disappointment around the dressing room at the
minute."
===========================
Peter Thorne was convinced City were robbed at Morecambe by the "goal"
that never was.
The Bantams squandered a first-half lead to go down 2-1 at Christie Park
– and could be left four points adrift of the play-offs before they play
again on Monday.
But controversy raged after Thorne's header early in the second half
appeared to be fumbled behind the line by keeper Barry Roche.
That would have put City two up at a stage when they were bossing the
game. But referee Nigel Miller did not give it after checking with his
assistant.
A fuming Thorne said: "It was over without a doubt – even their players
were saying it was in. The ref couldn't see it but you go on their
reaction and you could tell the defenders thought it was a goal.
"Things like that kill you and it's a shock that we've come away with
nothing from a game we should have won."
City, who scored through Matt Clarke, were pegged back within minutes by
Stewart Drummond's header before going down to a long-range blast from
Rene Howe.
Thorne added: "We've got to react better. We weren't a patch on how we'd
played in the first half when I felt we battered them.
"We're absolutely devastated. We had that many away fans again and we
keep letting them down."
Television pictures of the 47th-minute incident were inconclusive
because of the position of the cameras.
But Stuart McCall spoke to the assistant concerned afterwards.
The frustrated City chief said: "Our nearest two lads thought it was
over the line and their centre half said the same.
"It was a big decision from the linesman so I asked him if he was sure
he was correct. Most in that situation would say 'yeah, definitely' but
he just said 'I hope I've got it right'.
"That could cost us the season. At 2-0 up, the game would have been over
but instead they've got a lift from it.
"We don't pick up properly from a throw-in and they equalise with a
header. Then their lad strikes a wonder shot which hits the post and
goes in.
"We'd set off at a good tempo and desire and really put the pressure on.
But it's another game where we've ended up with nothing to show from it.
But that's the way it's been going for us. It's a cruel game."
McCall singled out Luke O'Brien for special praise at left back.
"OB epitomised everything we would want. He's a lad who's been at the
club so long and gave everything he had.
"He was up and down the pitch and his desire and effort was outstanding.
He didn't deserve to be on the losing side.
"But it's exactly the same as last season. We're all feeling numb."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4283806.City_rue_the_goal_that_never_was/
City rue the goal that never was
7:00am Saturday 11th April 2009
Morecambe 2 City 1
Stuart McCall had hoped to wipe away memories of his Morecambe nightmare.
Instead he suffered a terrifying flashback as the spectre of missing out on the play-offs looms larger.
Good Friday? A flamin' horrible one for City more like.
For 55 minutes it had gone so well. City were leading and cruising – and complaining bitterly that a second goal, from Peter Thorne, had been chalked off.
Then Morecambe – and lightning – struck twice. And by Monday, when Lincoln come to Valley Parade, City could be four points off that seventh spot if Chesterfield beat Darlington today.
City had settled into their stride straight away and were on top in the opening skirmishes.
Joe Colbeck, back on the right wing, was into the action from the off with two decent crosses. Graeme Lee nodded the first over and David Artell just managed to clear the second from the head of the waiting Peter Thorne.
Having struggled to get out of their half for ten minutes, Morecambe created a moment of discomfort. Rene Howe shrugged off Luke O'Brien too easily and his low cross at the near post was palmed out by Rhys Evans before Paul McLaren whacked clear.
Sammy McIlroy's programme notes warned City not to expect any respect from his side. But there was a hunger and edge about the visitors' early play; an approach summed up by Thorne's ambitious chip from 30 yards out.
But you could see why Morecambe have kept so many clean sheets in recent games. Whenever City had the ball, the two wing-backs tucked in defensively to make up a five-man backline.
Morecambe had a half-hearted shout for hand ball when Lee blocked Stuart Drummond before the skipper got enough of a touch on Howe's through ball aimed at Wayne Curtis to allow Matt Clarke to clear.
Colbeck was booked for a mistimed challenge before setting up Chris Brandon for an effort from the edge of the box that was deflected wide. Unfortunately, the standard of City's corners in the first half hour let them down.
City, though, were still hoovering up the majority of loose balls in midfield and showing an extra zip in their game that was certainly not there in the last away outing at Chester.
It felt more like a City home game with the number of Bantams fans around the ramshackle ground, though a good proportion of them were getting wet in the appropriately-named Carwash stand.
They were nearly singing in the rain on the half hour as Mullin came within a whisker of his first goal for the club.
The on-loan targetman cleverly left Colbeck's cross for Thorne to turn and latch on to his partner's flick-on. Suddenly he had a sight of goal but keeper Barry Roche just got enough on his well-struck cross-shot to turn it past the far post.
Within seconds, City went close again as Thorne seized on an error by centre back Jim Bentley but whipped the loose ball wide from 12 yards.
Evans was forced into proper action for the first time on 32 minutes with a regulation catch from Garry Hunter's header. But it was against the tide as City continued to ask questions – and got their answer five minutes later.
Roche conceded a cheap corner when he fumbled Colbeck's sliced cross. And how City made him pay for the error.
Law's dead-ball delivery was much better and Clarke met it with a decisive header into the bottom corner.
It was no more than City deserved, though no doubt a few minds were cast back to their last visit when another centre half, Mark Bower, had scored first before Morecambe hit back to snatch it at the death.
Their top scorer, Howe, tried to instigate some kind of response before half-time but, despite a few nice touches around the box, his attempted curler looped harmlessly into the mass of City fans behind the goal.
The supporters were certainly in great voice as the whistle sounded. They had witnessed the side's most impressive 45 minutes away from home since Gillingham way back in January and it looked comfortable.
McCall, too, would have been pleased but knew the job was only half done. No doubt the message about what happened here 18 months earlier would have been rammed home in the dressing room.
O'Brien began the second half with a really forceful run down the left flank, working with Mullin to win City an immediate corner. And City were convinced they had a second goal from it.
Thorne met Law's kick with a powerful low header which Roche fumbled on his line – and appeared to let the ball roll behind it.
The players and fans were certainly adamant that it had gone in and started to celebrate but referee Nigel Miller looked to his assistant to make sure and when no confirmation was forthcoming, he allowed play to go on.
A goal at that moment could have killed off Morecambe but City were not knocked out of their stride and another drive forward from O'Brien ended with a crude foul from David Artell, who was rightly booked.
Next it was Law's turn to eat up yards and his deep cross was headed downwards by Mullin but this time Roche made a cleaner save.
Even Zesh Rehman got upfield, although Mullin could not get any direction on his header from Colbeck's resulting cross.
But then, having hardly threatened, Morecambe hit back with a sucker punch after 56 minutes.
Danny Adams drilled a ball towards the far post where Stewart Drummond rose well to thump the ball beyond the stretching Evans.
It was harsh on City, especially considering the contentious "no goal" just before, and they faced a test of character to lift the game again.
The supporters were temporarily stunned as Morecambe started to come more into it, Neil Wainwright shooting wide after a decent move down the left.
Lee had to be alert to cut out a Howe cross before Evans carefully clutched a lob above his head. Howe went much closer when he sprung the offside trap, cut past Clarke and squeezed a shot towards the near post which Evans turned away with a strong hand.
It was a very different game since the equaliser. Morecambe had a spring in their step while City, totally in control up to the goal, were now defending for their lives.
Wainwright found himself in loads of room out wide but overhit his cross, then Michael Twiss whistled one a few inches over City's bar. Colbeck delivered an inviting ball across the other goalmouth but nobody was in there to capitalise.
McCall made his first change with 18 minutes left as Michael Boulding replaced Thorne – a decision which was greeted with a few boos.
But before the sub had touched the ball, City found themselves behind to a stunning goal. Howe had not scored for two months but he ended his duck in spectacular fashion, City backing off to allow him to keep advancing and then let fly from 25 yards with a rocket that flew beyond Evans.
Now City had it all to do and McCall introduced Steve Jones for the quiet Brandon. Then Law made way for Lee Bullock.
The silence that descended over at least half the ground spoke volumes as City tried to come again.
They almost got an equaliser with four minutes left when a cross bounced up invitingly for Jones ghosting in at the far post. But his header was poor and he glanced wide – it was a gilt-edged chance gone begging.
City now need a big favour from Darlington at Saltergate.
===========================
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/yorkshire-soccer/City-are-left-all-at.5163222.jp
City are left all at sea by disallowed strike
Morecambe 2 Bradford City 1
Bradford City's play-off hopes were dealt a massive blow as they suffered a controversial defeat at Morecambe.
Stuart McCall's side were looking comfortable at the break, leading 1-0 thanks to a Matt Clarke header on 36 minutes, and they looked to have scored a second goal through Peter Thorne a minute into the second half.
The veteran striker reacted sharply in the box to head towards goal and his effort beat Barry Roche and seemed to have cleared the line by a big margin – but the goal wasn't given.
It was a decision that the Bantams never seemed to recover from and they lost their composure – and their grip on the game – as Morecambe came back strongly.
The Shrimps pulled one back on 55 minutes when the Bradford defence failed to spot the danger from midfielder Stewart Drummond, who raced into the box to head a cross from former Huddersfield Town man Danny Adams past Rhys Evans from 12 yards out.
And the large band of travelling fans were left stunned 15 minutes from time when Morecambe striker Rene Howe scored a stunning winner.
The on-loan Peterborough man took the ball 35 yards from goal and unleashed a fierce right-foot effort that flew into the top corner of the Bradford net.
The Bantams staged a late revival with a Joe Colbeck cross inches too high for Paul Mullin and substitute Steve Jones nipping in between defenders and goalkeeper to head just wide of the right-hand post.
It all looked so different for Bradford at the break after they dominated the first half.
The visitors had the better chances of the opening period with Roche saving superbly from Mullin on 28 minutes after the on- loan Accrington Stanley striker shared a neat one-two with Thorne.
Thorne himself then came close with a shot that fizzed across the six-yard box after a mistake by Jim Bentley before the pressure finally paid off with an opening goal on 36 minutes.
Nicky Law swung in a right-wing corner and Clarke was left unmarked to head past Roche from six yards out.
Morecambe, who had lost just one game in 14 before this one, struggled to make headway but Garry Hunter forced Evans into a neat save from a header and Drummond had a claim for a penalty turned down when his shot was beaten down by Graeme Lee.
Morecambe: Roche, Yates, Bentley, Artell, Adams, Wainwright (McLachlan 85), Hunter (McStay 89), Drummond, Curtis, Howe, Twiss. Subs not used: Edge, Duffy, O'Carroll.
Bradford: Evans, O'Brien, Clarke, Lee, Rehman, Brandon (Jones 76), Law (Bullock 82), Colbeck, McLaren, Mullin, Thorne (Boulding 72). Subs not used: Arnison, Nix.
Referee: N Miller (Durham).
ATTENDANCE: 4,546.
===========================
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***
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***
Monday, April 06, 2009
L2 v Brentford (h) D1-1 April 4th 2009
Bradford 1 (0) - 1(0) Brentford
Thorne 90 Clarke 63
Bradford: Evans ,Rehman ,Lee ,Clarke ,O'Brien ,Gillespie (Jones ,64 ) ,McLaren (Michael Boulding ,74 ) ,Furman ,Brandon (Law ,69 ) ,Thorne ,Paul Mullin
Subs not used: Arnison,Bullock,
Brentford: Hamer ,Osborne ,Bennett ,Powell ,Dickson ,Newton ,Hunt ,Bean ,Wood ,Clarke (Sam Williams ,84 ) ,Spencer
Subs not used Simon Brown,Phillips,Halls,Dobson,
Bookings: McLaren ,Paul Mullin (Bradford) Bean ,Dickson ,Spencer (Brentford)
Attendance: 12832
Referee: Dave Foster (Newcastle)
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4268293.McCall__This_result_could_change_our_season/
McCall: This result could change our season
7:00am Monday 6th April 2009
Peter Thorne has thrown City a play-off lifeline, relieved boss Stuart McCall insisted today.
Thorne rescued a point against leaders Brentford with a last-gasp equaliser.
And McCall believes Satur-day's stoppage-time strike can breathe new life into their faltering promotion bid.
McCall said: "I said before the game that this result could change our season. Even though we've only got one point, it's the manner we've done it that will lift everybody.
"It feels like a win in so many ways and we're still in there fighting."
None of the four sides competing for the final play-off spot won at the weekend.
Barry Conlon's third goal in as many games for Grimsby ensured Shrewsbury, who currently occupy seventh place, remain only a point ahead.
McCall added: "The points difference is still the same and we've had the hardest game. We might have expected Chesterfield to win at Macclesfield and we certainly thought Shrewsbury would beat Grimsby at home.
"The morale in the dressing room is totally different to how it would have been if the game had finished two minutes earlier and the lads will come in to training with a spring in their step.
"I'd take scoring in the 91st minute all day long. It's happened a few times against us this season.
"We didn't play great football but we were up against a really well-organised side who were always a threat because of their height and physical presence.
"It was a hard battle but you've got to defend and we did that reasonably well. I'm pleased with the effort and endeavour and the point was fully merited."
Brentford, the division's best travellers, went in front just after the hour through Billy Clarke. Manager Andy Scott conceded: "If you come to Bradford and are disappointed to have only drawn, it shows we've got the will to do well. They didn't creat any chances other than the long balls."
But McCall is now heading for Morecambe on Good Friday in high spirits.
"We'd have liked three but that point and the way it came about could have just as positive an effect. People would have said we were dead and buried if we'd got beaten. Now other teams and managers will see we stuck at it and have still got that dream."
===========================
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/yorkshire-soccer/Bradford-City-McCall-is-keeping.5143803.jp
Bradford City: McCall is keeping the faith
Stuart McCall was accentuating the positives after Peter Thorne's last-gasp strike earned Bradford a priceless point against leaders Brentford.
A stoppage-time equaliser from top scorer Thorne rescued City and kept their play-off hopes alive, with boss McCall hoping it will kick-start their season.
He said: "I thought we did enough to merit a goal when we did. It would have been an injustice had we lost the game and a draw was a fair result.
"In fact, to score a late goal like that feels like a win.
"When you see the way the other results have gone, you believe there is everything to play for. That result could kick-start our season. We are still in there fighting and we have got to keep at it."
Brentford looked set for victory as the match went into stoppage time when Steve Jones played the ball into Thorne and, although his first shot was blocked by keeper Ben Hamer, Thorne managed to squeeze the rebound into the net.
Brentford controlled large sections of the match and deservedly went in front in the 63rd minute with a near-post header from Billy Clarke following Ryan Dickson's cross.
Karleigh Osbourne and Damian Spencer both went close as Brentford dominated the first half hour, but Chris Brandon missed a great chance to put Bradford in front two minutes before half-time when he was left with only Hamer to beat, but he could find no way past the Bantams stopper.
Bradford City: Evans; Rehman, Lee, M Clarke, O'Brien, Gillespie (Jones, 63), Furman, McLaren (Boulding, 74), Brandon (Law, 69), Mullin, Thorne. Subs not used: Arnison, Bullock.
Brentford: Hamer; Osborne, Powell, Dixon, Bean, Bennett, Newton, Hunt, Wood, B Clarke (Williams, 84), Spencer. Subs not used: Phillips, Brown, Halls, Dobson.
Referee: Dave Foster.
Attendance: 12,382.
===========================
===========================
===========================
===========================
Julian Rhodes is demanding City's players repay the loyalty of the
fans with a run of big performances.
City have six games to save their promotion dream, starting with
tomorrow's Valley Parade showdown with leaders Brentford.
After a horrible March, Stuart McCall's men urgently need a win to
revive public belief and stay in the play-off reckoning.
And Rhodes believes City owe it to the supporters who have backed them
to the hilt home and away through the campaign.
The club are still finalising the take-up figure from their early-bird
season-ticket offer for next term. But they confidently estimate between
9,500-10,000 will eventually sign up, matching the current tally.
Joint-chairman Rhodes is now expecting the players to keep their end of
the bargain.
He said: "You can't ask for any more from our fans. Over the last few
years they have been absolutely magnificent.
"It hurts everybody when things aren't going well and I could have
easily understood if anybody watching recently was having second
thoughts about renewing their season-tickets. Luckily the vast majority
have done and we give a big thanks to them.
"Now it's up to the team to repay that faith and start performing again."
City are currently locked in a four-way fight for the final play-off
spot. But bullish Rhodes insists they should set their sights high – by
aiming to win EVERY game of the run-in.
And he sighted Huddersfield's barnstorming finish four seasons ago, when
they came from nowhere with a late run, as proof that it can be done.
Rhodes added: "We've been on a bad run but that doesn't make them bad
players overnight.
"Stuart has to do whatever he can to restore confidence and send a team
out which doesn't just aim to win one game but six on the bounce.
"Mark (Lawn) and I had a meeting with Stuart this week and he was very
positive. Stuart should be telling the players that we're looking for
six wins from the last six games.
"I remember when we beat Huddersfield here in 2005 which left them near
the bottom.
"Peter Jackson was asked afterwards whether he was worried because they
were staring down the barrel of relegation. He said it meant they'd just
have to go out and win the last nine games to get promoted.
"As it was they won eight and drew one because of a 95th-minute
equaliser and only missed out on the play-offs by one point.
"So there's no harm in setting ourselves a tough target.
"If any of the players are not up for it, there are plenty who are. If
any are suffering from a confidence crisis, Stuart has got a big enough
squad to sort those issues."
City have not lost to any of the sides above them at Valley Parade and
Rhodes is confident they can maintain that form against League Two's top
dogs.
"Wycombe were flying high and we beat them. We've also beaten Rochdale
and Bury and murdered Exeter.
"We've played well at home against the top sides and Brentford won't be
relishing coming to us. They aren't guaranteed automatic promotion yet.
"In reality, we are still only one point off the play-offs and a lot of
the teams up there will be playing each other.
"It's definitely in our hands against Chesterfield because we've got to
play them. Even if they win their game in hand, we'll go above them by
beating them on the final day.
"Who knows, if we win three on the bounce we might be back in with a
shout for automatic promotion, depending how other results pan out.
"It could well end up with being a record low total for third position
so there is still all to play for."
Damien Spencer, one of four loan players signed just before the
deadline, could make his first start for Brentford.
Cheltenham striker Spencer is in line to replace Charlie MacDonald, who
is out with a dislocated shoulder. Spencer was sent off on his only
previous visit to Valley Parade – a game which also saw David Wetherall
red-carded.
MacDonald is the third Brentford forward to be crocked following Nathan
Elder, who came "within a millimetre" of being blinded according to his
surgeon after a clash with Rotherham's Pablo Mills, and Ipswich loanee
Jordan Rhodes.
===========================
Silver Trust Award
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1614110,00.html
===========================
===========================
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***
Thorne 90 Clarke 63
Bradford: Evans ,Rehman ,Lee ,Clarke ,O'Brien ,Gillespie (Jones ,64 ) ,McLaren (Michael Boulding ,74 ) ,Furman ,Brandon (Law ,69 ) ,Thorne ,Paul Mullin
Subs not used: Arnison,Bullock,
Brentford: Hamer ,Osborne ,Bennett ,Powell ,Dickson ,Newton ,Hunt ,Bean ,Wood ,Clarke (Sam Williams ,84 ) ,Spencer
Subs not used Simon Brown,Phillips,Halls,Dobson,
Bookings: McLaren ,Paul Mullin (Bradford) Bean ,Dickson ,Spencer (Brentford)
Attendance: 12832
Referee: Dave Foster (Newcastle)
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcheadlines/4268293.McCall__This_result_could_change_our_season/
McCall: This result could change our season
7:00am Monday 6th April 2009
Peter Thorne has thrown City a play-off lifeline, relieved boss Stuart McCall insisted today.
Thorne rescued a point against leaders Brentford with a last-gasp equaliser.
And McCall believes Satur-day's stoppage-time strike can breathe new life into their faltering promotion bid.
McCall said: "I said before the game that this result could change our season. Even though we've only got one point, it's the manner we've done it that will lift everybody.
"It feels like a win in so many ways and we're still in there fighting."
None of the four sides competing for the final play-off spot won at the weekend.
Barry Conlon's third goal in as many games for Grimsby ensured Shrewsbury, who currently occupy seventh place, remain only a point ahead.
McCall added: "The points difference is still the same and we've had the hardest game. We might have expected Chesterfield to win at Macclesfield and we certainly thought Shrewsbury would beat Grimsby at home.
"The morale in the dressing room is totally different to how it would have been if the game had finished two minutes earlier and the lads will come in to training with a spring in their step.
"I'd take scoring in the 91st minute all day long. It's happened a few times against us this season.
"We didn't play great football but we were up against a really well-organised side who were always a threat because of their height and physical presence.
"It was a hard battle but you've got to defend and we did that reasonably well. I'm pleased with the effort and endeavour and the point was fully merited."
Brentford, the division's best travellers, went in front just after the hour through Billy Clarke. Manager Andy Scott conceded: "If you come to Bradford and are disappointed to have only drawn, it shows we've got the will to do well. They didn't creat any chances other than the long balls."
But McCall is now heading for Morecambe on Good Friday in high spirits.
"We'd have liked three but that point and the way it came about could have just as positive an effect. People would have said we were dead and buried if we'd got beaten. Now other teams and managers will see we stuck at it and have still got that dream."
===========================
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/yorkshire-soccer/Bradford-City-McCall-is-keeping.5143803.jp
Bradford City: McCall is keeping the faith
Stuart McCall was accentuating the positives after Peter Thorne's last-gasp strike earned Bradford a priceless point against leaders Brentford.
A stoppage-time equaliser from top scorer Thorne rescued City and kept their play-off hopes alive, with boss McCall hoping it will kick-start their season.
He said: "I thought we did enough to merit a goal when we did. It would have been an injustice had we lost the game and a draw was a fair result.
"In fact, to score a late goal like that feels like a win.
"When you see the way the other results have gone, you believe there is everything to play for. That result could kick-start our season. We are still in there fighting and we have got to keep at it."
Brentford looked set for victory as the match went into stoppage time when Steve Jones played the ball into Thorne and, although his first shot was blocked by keeper Ben Hamer, Thorne managed to squeeze the rebound into the net.
Brentford controlled large sections of the match and deservedly went in front in the 63rd minute with a near-post header from Billy Clarke following Ryan Dickson's cross.
Karleigh Osbourne and Damian Spencer both went close as Brentford dominated the first half hour, but Chris Brandon missed a great chance to put Bradford in front two minutes before half-time when he was left with only Hamer to beat, but he could find no way past the Bantams stopper.
Bradford City: Evans; Rehman, Lee, M Clarke, O'Brien, Gillespie (Jones, 63), Furman, McLaren (Boulding, 74), Brandon (Law, 69), Mullin, Thorne. Subs not used: Arnison, Bullock.
Brentford: Hamer; Osborne, Powell, Dixon, Bean, Bennett, Newton, Hunt, Wood, B Clarke (Williams, 84), Spencer. Subs not used: Phillips, Brown, Halls, Dobson.
Referee: Dave Foster.
Attendance: 12,382.
===========================
===========================
===========================
===========================
Julian Rhodes is demanding City's players repay the loyalty of the
fans with a run of big performances.
City have six games to save their promotion dream, starting with
tomorrow's Valley Parade showdown with leaders Brentford.
After a horrible March, Stuart McCall's men urgently need a win to
revive public belief and stay in the play-off reckoning.
And Rhodes believes City owe it to the supporters who have backed them
to the hilt home and away through the campaign.
The club are still finalising the take-up figure from their early-bird
season-ticket offer for next term. But they confidently estimate between
9,500-10,000 will eventually sign up, matching the current tally.
Joint-chairman Rhodes is now expecting the players to keep their end of
the bargain.
He said: "You can't ask for any more from our fans. Over the last few
years they have been absolutely magnificent.
"It hurts everybody when things aren't going well and I could have
easily understood if anybody watching recently was having second
thoughts about renewing their season-tickets. Luckily the vast majority
have done and we give a big thanks to them.
"Now it's up to the team to repay that faith and start performing again."
City are currently locked in a four-way fight for the final play-off
spot. But bullish Rhodes insists they should set their sights high – by
aiming to win EVERY game of the run-in.
And he sighted Huddersfield's barnstorming finish four seasons ago, when
they came from nowhere with a late run, as proof that it can be done.
Rhodes added: "We've been on a bad run but that doesn't make them bad
players overnight.
"Stuart has to do whatever he can to restore confidence and send a team
out which doesn't just aim to win one game but six on the bounce.
"Mark (Lawn) and I had a meeting with Stuart this week and he was very
positive. Stuart should be telling the players that we're looking for
six wins from the last six games.
"I remember when we beat Huddersfield here in 2005 which left them near
the bottom.
"Peter Jackson was asked afterwards whether he was worried because they
were staring down the barrel of relegation. He said it meant they'd just
have to go out and win the last nine games to get promoted.
"As it was they won eight and drew one because of a 95th-minute
equaliser and only missed out on the play-offs by one point.
"So there's no harm in setting ourselves a tough target.
"If any of the players are not up for it, there are plenty who are. If
any are suffering from a confidence crisis, Stuart has got a big enough
squad to sort those issues."
City have not lost to any of the sides above them at Valley Parade and
Rhodes is confident they can maintain that form against League Two's top
dogs.
"Wycombe were flying high and we beat them. We've also beaten Rochdale
and Bury and murdered Exeter.
"We've played well at home against the top sides and Brentford won't be
relishing coming to us. They aren't guaranteed automatic promotion yet.
"In reality, we are still only one point off the play-offs and a lot of
the teams up there will be playing each other.
"It's definitely in our hands against Chesterfield because we've got to
play them. Even if they win their game in hand, we'll go above them by
beating them on the final day.
"Who knows, if we win three on the bounce we might be back in with a
shout for automatic promotion, depending how other results pan out.
"It could well end up with being a record low total for third position
so there is still all to play for."
Damien Spencer, one of four loan players signed just before the
deadline, could make his first start for Brentford.
Cheltenham striker Spencer is in line to replace Charlie MacDonald, who
is out with a dislocated shoulder. Spencer was sent off on his only
previous visit to Valley Parade – a game which also saw David Wetherall
red-carded.
MacDonald is the third Brentford forward to be crocked following Nathan
Elder, who came "within a millimetre" of being blinded according to his
surgeon after a clash with Rotherham's Pablo Mills, and Ipswich loanee
Jordan Rhodes.
===========================
Silver Trust Award
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1614110,00.html
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Texas Bantams Blog
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CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
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