Friday, August 07, 2009

Notts County v Bradford City: Preview

No worries for County

Defenders Stephen Hunt and Brendan Moloney have given Notts County boss Ian McParland the boost of a full strength squad to choose from for the Magpies' opening League Two fixture against Bradford at Meadow Lane.

The pair missed County's final pre-season friendly against a Liverpool XI, but both players have trained this week and are in contention.

Moloney, on loan from city rivals Nottingham Forest, could start at right-back after some impressive displays since his switch from the City Ground.

McParland faces a welcome selection dilemma in attack. Following the takeover of the club by middle-east consortium Munto Finance, the Scot has been able to considerably strengthen his striking options with the signings of Luke Rodgers, Lee Hughes and Karl Hawley.

Rodgers has been in blistering form during pre-season scoring seven goals and has already forged a good partnership with Hughes, while Hawley insists he is fit and ready to be thrown straight into the team following his arrival from Preston.

Delroy Facey, Sean Canham and Ben Fairclough complete the Magpies' six-man strikeforce.

Bradford's latest signing Steven O'Leary is one of nine new players who could be handed his debut.

O'Leary has joined on a five-month deal with a view to earning a longer contract and is expected to join Michael Flynn and Jamie O'Brien in the Bantams' squad.

Simon Eastwood, from Huddersfield, and Jon McLaughlin will vie for the goalkeeper's spot and former Macclesfield striker Gareth Evans will start alongside new skipper Peter Thorne up front, but ex-Guiseley forward James Hanson is also in the reckoning.

New defenders Simon Ramsden, Jonathan Bateson and non-league signing Steve Williams could all feature in a new-look back four.

Club captain Zesh Rehman, Omar Daley, Matt Clarke and Lee Bullock all served under Stuart McCall last season and are hoping to play their part, while Chris Brandon has finally put his long-term ankle injury behind him.


The Build up...

BFB Observations

http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/08/notts-county-vs-bradford-city-the-route-to-success/

Opening Days

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1692384,00.html

Away Coach is sold out!

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1746423,00.html


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