L2 v Barnet (h) W2-1 April 17th 2010

Matchday programme Notes
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2028218,00.html?
(see below for more on ground sharing)


Next match: (A) Chesterfield, Saturday April 24, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.

Football League Two - KO 15:00
Bradford      2 (0) - 1 (1)    Barnet
Luke O'Brien 79
Flynn 90
     Adomah 28
 
  At Valley Parade on 17-04-2010


Bradford: McLaughlan, Rehman, Threlfall, Bateson, Williams, Bullock, Grant (Luke O'Brien, 75 ) , Bolder, James

O'Brien (Flynn, 59 ) , Evans, Osborne
Subs not used: Glennon,Clarke,Kendall,Horne,Dean,

Barnet: Cole, Breen, Lockwood, Devera, Gillet, Jarrett, Micah Hyde, Livermore, Upson ( Deverdics, 84 ) , Adomah (

O'Neill, 89 ) , Furlong
Subs not used: James, Hart, Carpenter, Kamdjo, Hughes,

Bookings: Livermore (Barnet)
Attendance: 11138

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)

Stats

TEAM STATS
Bradford            Barnet
10(4)    Shots (on Goal)    13(9)
3    Fouls            9
4    Corner Kicks    3
0    Offsides    2
67%    Time of Poss.    33%
0    Yellow Cards    1
0    Red Cards    0
7    Saves            5

===========================


City 2, Barnet 1

It was the moment that a young fan's dreams became reality.

Sitting directly behind the goal in the Kop, Luke O'Brien had often fantasised how it would feel to score for City

in that very net.

Eighteen months after first stepping on to his own field of dreams in first-team colours, he finally find out.

Gareth Evans fired in a cross from the right wing, defender Joe Devera was caught in two minds trying to deal with

it and O'Brien was on hand to smack it into the far corner of the net.

Forget the fact that he had been on the pitch for just four minutes and it was only his second touch. It was a goal

that he had been waiting a lifetime to score.

O'Brien said: "It was so special to see it go in. I've always wanted to score like that in front of the Kop. I used

to have a seat behind the goal where the 'T' is in 'City'.

"Now our fans are in the TL Dallas Stand, the lads in the changing room are always on about which end they prefer

to score at, but it was always the Kop for me.

"It's the biggest stand and the one where I grew up in, so it was great to score my first Valley Parade goal

there."

City completed the fairytale feel when Michael Flynn, freshly out of sickbay, slammed the winner deep into stoppage

time. There was more than a hint of offside about his twice-taken finish but nobody in home colours was listening

to Barnet's complaints.

Flynn screamed and punched the air as if he'd won the cup final. Barnet, still needing three points to guarantee

their own survival, had the haunted look of someone who'd been mugged of a winning lottery ticket.

For 75 per cent of the game, the third-bottom visitors had looked the better team. They certainly possessed the

best player in Albert Adomah, City's regular nemesis.

Nobody has suffered more at Adomah's hands in recent meetings than O'Brien, so perhaps the substitute's instant

impact was a clear sign that the fortunes had shifted.

Adomah had the first say with his third goal in four matches against the Bantams after 28 minutes of non-descript

action.

City were unchanged from the Morecambe win in terms of personnel but the jaded performance that began Saturday was

light years away from the chase-everything, harrying effort that had unsettled the Shrimps.

They could not get the ball for starters as Barnet knocked it around with a swagger that belied their wretched

recent form and the typically unpredictable playing surface.

James O'Brien had already hacked off the line before Barnet struck on a counter attack. Paul Furlong, who Taylor

first coached at Enfield 24 years ago, flicked on keeper Jake Cole's clearance and Adomah turned on the

after-burner to slip beyond Adam Bolder.

Adomah has had a hit-and-miss season as his mind wanders waiting for a summer move higher up the league ladder. But

there was no disputing the quality of his half-volley finish which flew past Jon McLaughlin.

Peter Taylor questioned his keeper's positioning but Barnet, well orchestrated by another sprightly veteran in

Micah Hyde, were well worth their lead. City's traditional bogey side were at it again.

Stuart McCall was watching knowingly from the main stand. Taylor's predecessor had been given a huge ovation before

the game when the team from 1985 were announced on the pitch ahead of their fund-raising dinner that evening.

With City struggling to get out of first gear, McCall's return looked like being the highlight of the game.

The current boss, meanwhile, was contemplating a familiar scenario. Good City had morphed into bad City yet again

for no apparent reason. Thankfully the shock of Barnet's goal kicked a few backsides.

"Before that we weren't playing any football whatsoever," admitted Taylor.

"Credit Barnet, because some of the football they played was difficult to cope with. But I thought we got slightly

better after they scored. It was a very poor goal to give away but after that we improved a little bit.

"The players show me at times that they are nervous and then they show me they can play some good football."

Gavin Grant had slipped back into his shell and failed to cash in on a clear sight of goal, firing straight at

Cole. Barnet argued that the striker was well offside; it was not the only time the protests fell on deaf ears.

But Robbie Threlfall raised the pulse with an explosive 30-yard first-timer which flew narrowly over and at least

indicated that the hosts were trying to do something about the deficit.

Leon Osborne was lively but needs that bit of composure in and around the box. Taylor suggested that the youngster

can expect lots of shooting practice on the training ground after spurning two big chances to equalise.

The first, just two minutes after the restart, was the worst miss. Evans found plenty of space to collect a long

pass from Steve Williams and set up Osborne for what appeared a simple finish but the striker screwed it wide.

Then the best move of the match, involving Grant and substitute Flynn, worked an opening for Osborne straight

through the middle but again he got his angles wrong as the ball brushed the post.

Taylor had switched to 4-4-2 with Flynn up front alongside Evans and City had a stronger look about them. Barnet,

for the first time, were getting pinned back.

Luke O'Brien was thrown into the fray with a quarter of an hour left and made his spectacular entry as the game

belatedly exploded into life.

O'Brien's cross was met by a looping header from Adam Bolder that bounced off the Barnet bar.

Within a minute, the visitors had broken devastatingly from a City corner and Albert Jarrett picked out Adomah.

O'Brien slipped in his pursuit, giving him room to fire off a curler bound for the top corner, but McLaughlin was

equal to it with a brilliant tip on to the woodwork.

Barnet were holding their heads in disbelief – and it got even worse for them three minutes into the added time.

O'Brien's cross was nodded out by Gary Breen as far as Osborne lurking by the D. He scuffed the ball back into the

danger zone where it landed at the feet of Flynn.

As Barnet froze for a flag that never came, his first shot was parried by Cole. But the rebound came straight back

and this time the Welshman made absolutely no mistake.

City had secured their first win over Barnet in six attempts since returning to the basement and in doing so they

got some payback for the late goals that the Bees always seem to come up with.

City had played much better in previous encounters with little to show for it. Penny for McCall's thoughts, anyone?

Attendance: 11,138


==================

For those who couldn't make it to the 84/85 reunion dinner last night (Saturday), the following players were in

attendance.
 
Chirs Withe, Stuart McCall, Peter Jackson, Dave Evans, Greg Abbott, John Hawley, Don Goodman, Mark Ellis, Martin

Singleton. Also in attendance was Ces Podd who sat next to Mark Lawn and the only current player at the dinner was

Zesh Rehman. City's current assistant manager Wayne Jacobs was there sitting in between McCall and Abbott.
 
Highlight of the evening for me was Grag Abbotts impromptu and heartfelt spech about attending the evening (he'd

driven down from Carlisle after their home game today) and what it meant to him to play with such a group of

players and how they all had to get on with the job of getting through the aftermath of the terrible tragedy at VP

on May 11th 1985.
 
Lowlight was Neil "Razor" Ruddock mocking Greg for his 'boring' speech during his part in the entertainment of the

evening. I know that it was said in jest and both Abbo and Ruddock seemed to have a jovial word afterwards, but it

was crass and insensitive and proved that Ruddock was only there to earn ' a wedge' and had no real idea about why

we were all there. It certainly not really there to see him for sure.  
 
Another highlight was during the auctioning of John Hawley's shirt and shorts (auctioned by John himself) from the

84/85 season Chris Withe stood on the top table modelling them!
 
Followed by another lowlight with the disabled comedian saying "I hate effing auctions, especially ones done by

professional auctioneers". As you may know, John Hawley is an antiques dealers and auctioneer in East Yorkshire.

Once again, no need to go for a cheap laugh having totally forgotten or not fully understood what the evening was

all about.
 
Other than that, a good night was seemingly had by all.
 
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent




===========================

CITY IN SHOCK GROUND-SHARE CALL

By Will Kilner (T&A)

Bradford City FC's co-chairman has today called for City and the Bradford
Bulls to ground-share at Valley Parade.

Mark Lawn says it would prevent Bradford Council "wasting" £15 million of
taxpayers' money on the Odsal Sports Village (OSV) project, which ran into
financial difficulties last month.

He said the "only sensible option" was for the Council to sell Odsal stadium
and re-invest money in Valley Parade for both clubs to play at the stadium.

He said it would need £6 million or £7 million to create a ground-share at
Valley Parade, with £5.5 million for buying back the stadium and the rest to
make the pitch suitable for rugby league.

The playing area would have to be increased by taking out seats and a more
resilient pitch created.

He said: "We are digging the pitch up to do some work this summer so, if the
Bulls are coming down here, we need to know as soon as possible. But no-one
has been in touch, so they're obviously not thinking about it as an option."

Last month, plans for the £75.5m Odsal scheme were hit by a funding crisis.
The Council, which has committed £15 million to the project, has now come up
with five scaled-down options.

Mr Lawn claimed the Council was effectively giving another £15 million to
the Bulls – a move he described as the "latest gesture" from a Council that
had never displayed similar interest in supporting Bradford City.

He said: "I'm a Bulls fan myself but I'm against the bias that has been
shown towards a minority sport. I know we are in the lower league, but we
get more people coming through our gates than they do and we bring more
people into the city centre every two weeks than any other business."

Bulls chairman Peter Hood said Mr Lawn was an astute businessman who was
passionate about Bradford City and had put his money where his mouth is.

"On this occasion, however, Mr Lawn has got his facts badly wrong," he said.

"First, no-one – least of all the Council – ever 'gave' the Bulls 'another
£15m' or indeed any millions for that matter.

"I suspect Mr Lawn is thinking about the £5 million or so we received from
the Council upon returning from Valley Parade to Odsal in 2002. On that
occasion we negotiated a deal which enabled the Council to buy themselves
out of their obligations under our previous lease that would have cost
ratepayers an estimated £20 million. In my judgement that was a very good
deal for the taxpayer."

In terms of the £15m from the Council, Mr Hood said: "It has been committed
as part of the funding for the OSV which is not all about Bradford Bulls as
Mr Lawn seems to think.

"On the contrary, it will deliver sport, recreation and leisure facilities
for all the people of the district by replacing an ageing Richard Dunn
centre with a state-of-the-art facility and pool, as well as providing
education for our young people via Bradford College."

He said the OSV would be owned and operated by a not-for-profit Trust
managed by the stakeholders, including in particular the Council.

"That's where the £15m will go, together with the Odsal stadium site – not
to Bradford Bulls.

"Mr Lawn is free to describe ours as a 'minority sport' if he wishes.
However, in terms of positive profile for the City of Bradford, being on Sky
as often as we are, and often also on terrestrial BBC, plus the numbers of
'away' supporters who travel here to watch their team go head-to-head with
the Bulls, plus the media coverage we get locally, regionally, nationally
and internationally – it is no contest."

Alan Carling, chairman of Bradford City Supporters' Trust, said: "It is a
significant development that Bradford City FC has now come out in favour of
ground-sharing with the Bulls at Valley Parade."

He said the Valley Parade solution was the best way forward.

Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's strategic director for culture, tourism
and sport, said: "The Council is not giving £15m to the Bulls. The Council
with its partners, is investing in a sports village for the whole community.

"The Council provides sponsorship and grants to Bradford City to develop
community programmes and is disappointed that this is not acknowledged by
Mark Lawn."


===========================

Trivia Corner

There are a few IFs here but...........
 
IF Taylor is manager of City next season he could be up against 4 of the teams that he has previously managed
 
IF Gillingham, Wycombe and Southend are relegated from League one plus Stevange who have just been promoted.
 
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent

===========================

O'BRIEN: PLAYERS WAITING ON BOSS

Bradford City defender Luke O'Brien has revealed several players are waiting
for manager Peter Taylor to decide whether he will commit to the club.

Taylor, who agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season when he
replaced Stuart McCall in February, has yet to confirm he will be extending
his stay and the uncertainty is having a huge bearing on the playing staff.

O'Brien told the club's official website: "Nobody knows if the gaffer is
going to be here next season or not. That's up to him.

"But there are a lot of players out of contract, myself included, and
everything is still up in the air. We're all playing for our future.

"I want to stay, of course I do. This is my club. I've been here since I was
a little lad and I don't want to think about playing for someone else.

"But it all depends on who the manager is. A new one might come in and bring
in 15 to 20 different players."

===========================

Peter Taylor expects his Valley Parade future to be sorted by May 1.

Both Taylor and City want a decision to be made before the season is up.

And the Bantams boss, currently contracted until the end of next
month, sees no reason why a deal cannot be done in time for the final
home game against Northampton a week on Saturday.

Taylor, who has won six of his 15 games at the helm, does not want any
uncertainty lingering into the summer break.

If he gets the job full-time, he intends to maximise the off-season in
preparing for next term.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned, personally speaking I would
expect it to be done before our last home game.

"I can't give everything away but it can't be done now. There are
a few little things that need agreeing on.

"But I honestly don't see there being a problem and I'm really
hopeful it's all done and dusted by Northampton.

"I want to get it sorted because all of a sudden August will be here
again and you can't let this go on too far.

"I'm very pleased we've won six matches but there is still an
awful lot of planning needed to be done before pre-season.

"And for the club's benefit, the quicker it's done the better.
Even if I wasn't staying, it will give them time to get on with
things."

When Taylor was appointed in February, City made it clear that they
would remain open-minded over other options. A couple of potential
candidates have indicated their interest if the former Hull chief does
not stay on.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "We agree with Peter. We would like to
get it sorted as soon as possible and we're working towards that."

Meanwhile, Omar Daley is expected to return at Chesterfield. The
winger is back in training after recovering from a pulled hamstring.

Taylor said: "Omar trained with us on Friday and I was very tempted
to put him on the bench against Barnet. But if I had, I would have
been tempted to put him on and I couldn't take the risk.

"I didn't want to take any chances because I really want to finish
the season with nearly everybody fit for the last three matches.

"He trained Saturday as well with the staff and as long as he gets a
good week, I'm looking for him to be involved against Chesterfield.

"I'm still hopeful (James) Hanson might have a bit of a chance as
well."

===========================

BBC


Bradford City to train at Leeds University
Bradford City

Bradford City are set to move their training facilities for next season to the University of Leeds.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn told BBC Radio Leeds: "We've agreed the deal more or less, we just have to sign contracts.

"The place is top class, a very good facility and a lot better than what we've got and certainly up to Championship

standard."

"There's some very good facilities for us to use, Bulgaria trained there during Euro '96."

The move to Weetwood could attract some controversy as it sees the club moving out of Bradford, but Lawn feels they

had no other option.

"It would have been very nice if Bradford Council had done something, but if they don't offer anything then we have

to go where we can go," he added.

The transfer of training facilities is thought to have been recommended by current Bradford manager Peter Taylor,

who is still in negotiations with the club board over a deal for next season and beyond.

"We're moving on with it," Lawn said. "I think we've come to an agreement with Peter, there's only the odd bits and

pieces to sort out.

"I won't say what they are as they are personal to Peter, but it's certainly not the facilities or the budget we've

given him."

While the negotiations continue Lawn admits that he has been happy with how Taylor has turned City's season around.

"He came in and steadied the ship, got rid of some of the high wages very quickly which helped us, and then brought

some people in which obviously got us the points that made us safe," he said.

"I've got to be honest I was panicking a bit at one stage."

Lawn has warned that if not enough fans take advantage of their cut-price season ticket off then they will not be

able to do the same next season.

Fans have until 9 May to buy adult season tickets at £184, and Lawn is hoping there is enough interest in the deal

but admits tickets are not selling as fast as he would like.

"It's very, very slow," he said. I think some of them are looking to see what sort of manager we're going to get.

"We're about at present 3,000 short and we need to get those people down and more if we can."

"Even more if we can, the more we get, the more money we can give Peter Taylor."

"The one thing that [fellow joint-chairman] Julian Rhodes and myself do is not take anything out of this club, so

whatever we get in goes into the facilities and the players."

"We've had great backing from the fans, we can't turn around and thank them enough for what they've done," he

added.

"But there is a reality, if we don't get 10,000 at this sort of price then we wont be able to do it again, and next

year we'll have to take it back to normal prices.

"We've had the fan-base, and I know that over the last seven or eight years they've not had a lot to shout about.

But the one thing that they've had is value."

===========================

DELPH INJURY AFFECTS PAYOUT

Chairman Ken Bates insists the implications of Fabian Delph's injury on the
money owed to Leeds in transfer fees is "of secondary importance".

Delph progressed through the Thorp Arch academy into the first team as a
teenager at Leeds before being sold to Aston Villa last summer for a fee
that could rise up to a reported £8million in add-ons.

The 18-year-old has been ruled out for eight months after rupturing his
cruciate knee ligament in training and further money due to Leeds - and
Bradford, who Delph left aged 12 - based on his first-team appearances at
Villa has now been put on hold.

But Bates said: "Nobody wants to see a player seriously injured and we wish
him luck.

"We have received a proportion of the guaranteed element of the fee with the
rest being due in the future, an eighth goes to Bradford City, but that
really is of secondary importance.

"This is when you find your character and he will pick himself up and dust
himself down."

===========================

STARS LINE UP FOR BANTAMS FIRE VICTIMS

Former Bradford stars Dean Windass, Stuart McCall and Peter Beagrie will
take part in a memorial match for the Valley Parade fire victims.

The trio will form part of the 'Old Boys' side, who will take on The
Co-operative Challenge Trophy Cup Lancashire Winners, on Sunday, May 9 at
3pm in a match aiming to help raise £100,000 for the Bradford Plastic
Surgery and Burns Research Unit. Entry is free but donations are welcome and
can be made on the day.

In addition, the two supporters placing the highest bids could play
alongside some of their heroes. Any male over the age of 16 who has
experience playing football should email their name, age and contract
details to bid2play@thebantams.co.uk, with their offer in the subject line.

Peter Ryan, regional operations manager at The Co-operative Food said: "We
have two places up for grabs. The two highest bidders will get the chance to
play for up to 45 minutes with the old boys and live out their fantasies of
playing at Valley Parade.

"This really is what all Bradford City F.C fans dream of and we're making it
possible."

Meanwhile, the Bantams will move to a new training ground next season after
agreeing a five-year lease to rent the University of Leeds playing fields at
Weetwood.

===========================

L2 v Morecombe (h) W2-0 April 13th 2010

Football League Two - KO 19:45
Bradford      2 (0) - 0 (0)    Morecambe
Rehman 69
Bolder 90
       
  At Valley Parade on 13-04-2010


Bradford: McLaughlan, Rehman, Threlfall, Bateson, Williams, Bullock, Grant, Bolder, James O'Brien (Dean, 76 ) , Evans, Osborne
Subs not used: Glennon,Luke O'Brien,Sharry,Kendall,Horne,Cutler,

Morecambe: Roche, Haining, Artell, Parrish, Wilson, Stanley, Drummond, Hackney ( Wainwright, 75 ) , Duffy, Jevons, Mullin
Subs not used: Moss, McLachlan, Panther, Scott Davies, Bentley, Hunter,

Bookings: James O'Brien (Bradford)
Attendance: 11027

Referee: C Sarginson ()

TEAM STATS
Bradford            Morecambe
12(5)    Shots (on Goal)    10(5)
11    Fouls            7
4    Corner Kicks    4
1    Offsides    6
50%    Time of Poss.    50%
1    Yellow Cards    0
0    Red Cards    0
4    Saves            3


===========================

THREE YEAR SPONSOR DEAL WORTH £300,000 ANNOUNCED

Map Group UK has renewed its shirt sponsorship of English League Two soccer
team Bradford City for another three years.

The deal is likely to be worth around £100,000 a season. Communications
technology provider Map Group took the decision to extend its partnership
with the Bantams after the club's chairman, Mark Lawn, announced a new
scheme making 5,000 season-tickets available to fans at bargain prices.

Describing the offer as "quite unbelievable", Map Group operations director
Andrew Long said: "That really tipped the scales for us to commit to
extending our sponsorship deal. This will give the club stability. As a
supporter and coming from Bradford, it was only right we also showed
long-term commitment to the club and supporters."

Bradford director of operations David Baldwin added: "It's an improvement on
the current deal and a consistent figure for the next three years. It gives
us great budgeting planning. There are always concerns when success on the
pitch makes the commercial element of the business so much easier. But one
thing the fans and sponsors see is that things are going right off it."





===========================

Taylor's speedy youngsters give their all to snuff out Morecambe
7:30am Wednesday 14th April 2010
By Simon Parker

Peter Taylor saluted his "hungry" City players as they ended a seven-game hunt for a win by sinking play-off contenders Morecambe.

The youthful Bantams side, again missing all their key injuries, triumphed 2-0 last night at a chilly Valley Parade.

Delighted Taylor said: "I'm pleased for the players because of late we haven't had results and performances that have been good enough.

"But we kept grafting away and it was a young, athletic, hungry team that worked exceptionally hard on and off the ball.

"I think Morecambe are an excellent team. They are always going to test you and create chances, which they did, but the little bit of luck you need in the box fell to us.

"Whenever they were needed, somebody came up and did their job well. If I was a supporter, I'd have been pleased with that performance and we'd love to repeat it on Saturday."

Taylor covered the absence of a big centre forward by fielding a three-man frontline full of pace.

Leon Osborne got his first start of the season and Gavin Grant produced his liveliest display in a City shirt.

"It was a front three that can all sprint exceptionally well and run around for a long time," said the City boss.

"I was a bit happier with Gavin Grant because that's how I know he can play. Gareth Evans always does that and Leon Osborne has got a real future if he keeps working hard.

"Gavin didn't get a pre-season and things like that are going to affect you. But he opened his legs up a bit more and he's got good ability – that was how I remember him playing for Wycombe."

Adam Bolder notched the first goal of his loan club after Zesh Rehman had broken the deadlock. It was the perfect response from the skipper after the stick he got for an error in the last home game.

Taylor said: "Zesh is a good pro and a good lad. He had the disappointment of giving the goal away (against Macclesfield) but he's worked hard again."

Midfielder Steve O'Leary missed last night's game after spending a couple of days in hospital with a suspected blood infection.

===========================

City skipper Zesh immune to taunts after years of abuse
7:30am Friday 16th April 2010
By Simon Parker

Zesh Rehman has told the Valley Parade boo boys they are wasting their breath because he has put up with stick all his life.

City's skipper has been targeted by a small section of home fans and received heavy abuse after a mistake led to a goal in the recent defeat against Macclesfield.

Rehman rode the storm to bounce back with two solid defensive displays and even scored in Tuesday's first win in seven games.

He is confident of winning over his critics – but insists their taunts won't affect him.

Rehman said: "I've grown up with comments from the age of ten. I've been used to that negativity for my whole life.

"I've become thick-skinned to it. The game changes so quickly, you can't afford to be up, down, up, down or you'd be an emotional wreck.

"The fans have the right to voice their frustration. The only disappointing thing was some of the comments but that's football and you've got to be strong enough to deal with it. You've got to have that mental toughness if you want to be a footballer."

Rehman made a point of celebrating his goal against Morecambe with Peter Taylor. It was the defender's way of acknowledging the manager's faith in him following his Easter blunder.

"I was desperate to do well after the last home game and I wanted to thank the gaffer for showing belief in me to keep me in the team," he said.

"He left me on against Macclesfield when the easiest thing would have been to haul me off. I appreciated he showed that good experience of man-management to leave me on and let me play through it.

"I was really grateful for that and the next game couldn't come quick enough. I was so pleased to score and it was nice to be able to celebrate with the gaffer.

"Hopefully now I can stay in the middle of the back four and help us to a strong finish."

City have been hit hard by injuries and none of the walking wounded are expected to feature against Barnet at Valley Parade tomorrow.

But Rehman believes the selection problems have allowed some of the lesser lights to shine – and he has been hugely impressed with goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin's performances in the last two games.

The captain said: "Circumstances change in football and there's an opportunity now for young lads like Leon Osborne, Jonny Bateson, James O'Brien and especially Jon McLaughlin. Through all the injuries, the door is open for these younger lads.

"We're all team-mates and here for each other, as we have been all season. But when the chance comes, someone like Jon has grabbed it and staked a claim to get another contract.

"He's been brilliant in the last two games and I'm really pleased for him. Jon's a great pro who works hard every day.

"In all the time I've been here, I've never heard him complain. He comes in every morning bright and bubbly for training.

"It just takes one manager to have that bit of belief in you and the confidence to give you a go."

Rehman, who scored in the 2-2 draw at Underhill earlier in the season, hopes City can take the added belief from midweek into the penultimate home game.

He said: "There's no better feeling than winning. It's a bit too late now but we can go into the last four games with a confidence boost.

"Everyone's got something to play for and we want to finish on a high. It was a good win over Morecambe and we'll look to keep that going."

===========================

Kendall extends loan until end of season
2:14pm Friday 16th April 2010
Ciy's on-loan striker Ryan Kendall has extended his loan spell from Hull until the end of the season.

The youngster was due to finish his spell after tomorrow's game with Barnet but will now stay at Valley Parade until May 9.

L2 v Burton Albion (a) D1-1 April 10th 2010

Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts


===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Burton Albion (0) 1 Harrad 82
Bradford City (0) 1 Oliver 59
Att: 2,648


Stats: Burton - Bradford C
Possession: 46 - 54%
Shots on target: 13 - 5
Shots off target: 5 - 2
Fouls: 11 - 14
Corners: 11 - 3

Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Yellow cards:
Burton: McGrath (88 min.)
Bradford C: Threlfall (70 min).

Burton: 30. Artur Krysiak, 8. Andrew Corbett, 5. Tony James, 25. Tom Parkes,
2. Paul Boertien, 23. Cleveland Taylor, 16. Russell Penn, 6. John McGrath,
19. Jacques Maghoma, 9. Shaun Harrad, 18. Greg Pearson (64).
SUBS: 1. Kevin Poole (GK), 3. Aaron Webster, 4. Michael Simpson, 11. Keith
Gilroy, 17. Jimmy Phillips, 21. Romuald Boco, 26. Steven Kabba (64).

Bradford C: 13. Jon McLaughlin, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Lee Bullock, 33. Adam Bolder, 25.
Steve O'Leary (58), 31. Gavin Grant (77), 32. Luke Oliver, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 3. Luke O'Brien (77), 15. Ryan Kendall, 19. James O'Brien (58), 20.
Leon Osborne, 23. Luke Dean, 34. Phil Cutler, 40. Matthew Glennon (GK).

Next Matches:
(H) Morecambe, Tuesday April 13, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM
(H) Barnet, Saturday April 17, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.

Video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8614473.stm

===========================


By Simon Parker (T&A)

(full report below)

Jon McLaughlin saved a penalty but a late Burton equaliser denied City their
first win in six games.

Makeshift striker Luke Oliver netted for the second successive outing. But
the star for Peter Taylor's team was the understudy keeper.

McLaughlin was making only his second start of the season after being
brought in for Matt Glennon.

But he made his mark after 17 minutes, plunging to his right to beat away
Greg Pearson's 17th-minute spot-kick after Steve O'Leary's foul on Russell
Penn.

He also saved well from Shaun Harrad in a first half dominated by the home
team.

McLaughlin again came to City's rescue soon after the break, tipping over a
thundering drive from Penn.

City made the most of the keeper's heroics to grab the lead after 59
minutes.

Gavin Grant's shot deflected high into the air and Luke Oliver, playing as
centre forward, nodded the rebound over Artur Krysiak for his second goal in
successive games.

That lifted the Bantams and Gareth Evans, who had managed City's only shot
of note in the opening 45 minutes, saw a low drive turned behind by Krysiak.

Burton cranked up the pressure and McLaughlin denied Harrad again.

But the Brewers' hitman got his revenge with eight minutes left, notching
his 18th goal of the season from Paul Boertien's low cross.

It would have got worse for City but James O'Brien cleared off the line from
a Tony James header.

===========================

From the Official BCFC Website...

OLIVER RECALLED

Luke Oliver's goalscoring performance at Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon
will unfortunately be his last for the Bantams- for this season at least.

The giant defender, who actually featured in attack at the Pirelli Stadium,
has been recalled by his parent club Wycombe Wanderers following an injury
to defender Adam Hinselwood.

Hinselwood was withdrawn after only 18 minutes of the Chairboys vital
victory over Hartlepool United at Adams Park, a win that keeps their
survival hopes alive.

With Wycombe still holding a chance of staying in League 1, manager Gary
Waddock was quick to contact Peter Taylor on Saturday evening to inform the
Bantams boss of his decision to bring back Oliver.

Oliver had extended his loan period at the Coral Windows Stadium until the
end of the season back in early April, but the new deal did crucially
include a call back clause.

Now that Wycombe have activated the clause, Oliver will immediately leave
the Valley Parade for the Buckinghamshire club - but he may not have played
his last match for the football club.

Oliver's contract at Adams Park expires at the end of the season and with
Taylor openly admitting he is a fan of the giant defender, the 27 year old
still may still have a future in Yorkshire.

===========================

Bantams' inconsistency leads to more dropped points
7:00am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker

Peter Taylor admitted City's up and down performances are "crazy".

The Bantams boss accused his players of not turning up for the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burton.

They picked up after the break – and took the lead through Luke Oliver's second goal in successive games – but Taylor remains baffled by the inconsistency.

He had thrown down the gauntlet for the players to impress in the final six matches but, despite the excellent Jon McLaughlin saving a penalty early on, City took a long time to respond.

Taylor said: "I asked the players at half-time what should I say on Monday morning? They've now got five games left to show me something?

"Burton were very bright and deserved to be leading probably by a couple. We didn't play, didn't show for the ball and didn't try to play any football.

"I don't think it's nerves but players have got to be stronger than that.

"But then we score a goal that we didn't 100 per cent deserve and all of sudden it lifts us and we start playing a bit. It's a crazy situation.

"But that's sport, that's confidence. I'm sure it's the same as a golfer having a nightmare round, then something goes in and suddenly he hits some fantastic shots.

"It's very difficult to see how good somebody could be if they are playing without confidence. You see them in training and see what they are capable of doing but it's not the same.

"Like any manager, I want a group of players who are going to get on with it and put things right. We might be in this situation next season and they've got to be brave."

McLaughlin replaced Matt Glennon in City's goal and shone in his first outing since January.

Taylor was impressed with the understudy and is ready to give him a run in the side.

He said: "I thought Jon was excellent. His handling and the way he dealt with crosses was good as well as a tremendous penalty save."

Meanwhile, Michael Flynn has an outside chance of being fit for tomorrow's home clash with Morecambe.

===========================


Back-up keeper saves penalty as City weather Burton storm to bag point
6:40am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker

Burton 1, City 1

They say that good things come to those who wait. Jon McLaughlin's patience clearly paid off with a faultless display in his first outing for three months.

There's no more frustrating position in the squad than that of the back-up goalkeeper and the British Students stopper had not seen a hint of action since Matt Glennon's arrival in January.

But summoned from his regular spot on the bench, McLaughlin seized the opportunity at the Pirelli Stadium.

Throw in an early penalty save and it gave Peter Taylor plenty of food for thought in the chase for summer contracts.

Spot-kicks seem to follow McLaughlin around. Three times he faced shoot-outs in last year's Student Games in Serbia; the only blemish of his last appearance against Cheltenham was their penalty equaliser.

So it was no shock when he was once again summoned for a 12-yard duel after Russell Penn had accepted the invitation of Steve O'Leary's dangling leg.

McLaughlin guessed right to beat out Greg Pearson's effort – and then hoped it will have been a decent addition on his CV when Taylor draws up his retained list.

"It's always an opportunity to get the glory for a second or two," smiled the affable keeper. "You can't really lose with penalties because the striker is always the favourite.

"A lot of it is down to guess work and getting a feeling. There isn't too much information in this league – you don't get the Prozone stats.

"If you've not given it away, you can only be the hero. It's good to test yourself like that and I was delighted with the save."

The 22-year-old was no one-trick pony, lighting up an otherwise typically end-of-season encounter with two further saves from Shaun Harrad and another tip-over from a Penn thunderbolt.

Taylor was clearly impressed and has told McLaughlin there will be further opportunities.

The keeper said: "A run of games gives you the chance to build some form. Obviously Glenny (Matt Glennon) has been playing well and is also looking to earn a contract, so it's up to what the gaffer says. But if I get the chance, I'll try to take it with both hands.

"The main thing is to stay composed and play your normal game. There's that temptation to come for everything and look to make the super saves but the last thing you do as a goalkeeper is go chasing the game."

McLaughlin's team-mates had to do plenty of chasing in a first half dominated by the home side.

Still operating with his shadow squad, Taylor had sent out City in a 4-3-3 encouraging to pass the ball more away from the Valley Parade quagmire. For 45 minutes, they never did anything of the sort.

Luke Oliver was up front from the start but the lack of service left the big man totally isolated.

Burton looked to hit the right flank every time, where former Scunthorpe winger Cleveland Taylor gave Robbie Threlfall a torrid time. The only saving grace for City was that Taylor's crossing was more miss than hit.

Gavin Grant had begun on the left but offered little defensive help to his full back, so Taylor quickly transferred Gareth Evans to double up.

Evans delivered the only moment of concern for Burton keeper Artur Krysiak with a low drive from O'Leary's through ball. Otherwise it was one-way traffic, with only McLaughlin keeping the Brewers at bay.

At least City won a corner on the stroke of half-time – their first away from home since Hereford – but even that became a swift Burton break which saw home skipper John McGrath go close.

Taylor was not fooled by the interval stalemate. It had been a 0-0 thrashing! City had to buck their ideas up and fortunately they did, prompted by the presence of James O'Brien in midfield.

The young Irishman, like McLaughlin, has had to wait to catch the new manager's eye. And like McLaughlin, he did just that by injecting energy and enthusiasm into a previously-lethargic away performance.

Taylor said: "He's got a very decent right foot and is capable of scoring goals. I know he's a good player and hopefully we'll see a lot more of him."

O'Brien had barely touched the ball when City grabbed a surprise lead. Grant picked off a loose pass from Tony James and embarked on his one run of the afternoon. His shot was instantly deflected but the ball spiralled high into the warm air and plopped onto Oliver's head for a looping nod over Krysiak.

It was hardly a goal of beauty, nor one justified by the pattern of play, but the new-found confidence at last got City playing.

Evans twice went close to extending their lead, while McLaughlin continued to win his personal battle with Harrad at the other end.

City were eight minutes away from their first win for six games when the Burton striker finally got his own back.

Jon Bateson went missing after Steve Kabba won the ball in midfield and fed overlapping left back Paul Boertien. He had plenty of space for a low cross which Harrad bundled home for his 18th goal of his side's debut league season.

It was some justice for the hosts – and they nearly grabbed a win late on when a James header was blocked on the line by O'Brien protecting the far post.

Right place; right time. When Taylor issued his six-game ultimatum, two of the squad were clearly listening. Attendance: 2,648



===========================

Morecambe head for Valley Parade in top form
2:10pm Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker

Morecambe are dreaming of kicking off at their new home in League One.

The Shrimps leave Christie Park in the summer for the Globe Arena, a £12million state-of-the-art 6,000-seater stadium just across town.

And Sammy McIlroy's men could well be breaking new ground on the pitch as well, with the Lancashire club pushing to make a first appearance in the third tier.

Morecambe have sneaked into the play-offs almost unnoticed on the back of a well-timed charge.

Saturday's 2-0 win over Rotherham was their fourth in a row and fifth victory in six. Only unstoppable Notts County can boast better form.

Beating the Millers lifted Morecambe into seventh place and within a point of Aldershot in fourth, although they are still seven off Bournemouth in the final automatic promotion slot.

Confidence is soaring and McIlroy is happy to be regarded as the play-off dark horses as he brings his side to Valley Parade.

He said: "We have got five games to go and they are all very tough. We have to remain fully focused.

"Every game is like a cup final now but we have certainly given ourselves a chance.

"I am proud of the lads for all their efforts because we have just kept plugging away and gone on a run that has largely gone unnoticed."

Phil Jevons, on a season-long loan from Huddersfield, has spearheaded Morecambe's challenge. Another goal at the weekend was his 19th of the season.

Strike partner Paul Mullin is not far behind on 13, despite missing five weeks after Christmas with an ankle injury.

This time last year, Mullin failed to hit the target for City in a frustrating loan spell after Stuart McCall brought him in to replace Barry Conlon.

But Mullin returns to Valley Parade having netted in three of Morecambe's run of wins.

L2 v Macclesfield (h) L1-2 April 5th 2010

Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (0) 1 Oliver 47
Macclesfield (1) 2 Sinclair 40, Wright 61
Att: 11,395

Stats: Bradford C - Macclesfield
Shots on target: 4 - 4
Shots off target: 5 - 4
Fouls: 8 - 10
Corners: 6 - 1

Ref: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Threlfall (88 min).
Macclesfield: None.

Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12. Steve Williams, 32.
Luke Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 25. Steve O'Leary, 33. Adam Bolder, 8.
Lee Bullock (71), 3. Luke O'Brien (46), 15. Ryan Kendall (46), 9. Gareth
Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 16. Jonathan Bateson (46), 19. James O'Brien,
20. Leon Osborne, 24. Louis Horne, 31. Gavin Grant (46), 35. Ryan Harrison
(71).

Macclesfield: 1. Jon Brain, 16. Shaun Brisley, 6. Paul Morgan, 5. Nathaniel
Brown, 4. Sean Hessey, 19. Matthew Lowe, 7. Lee Bell, 15. Paul Bolland (73),
24. Vinny Mukendi, 9. Emile Sinclair (86), 11. Ben Wright.
SUBS: 13. Jose Veiga (GK), 2. Izak Reid (73), 12. Kyle Wilson, 14. John
Rooney, 23. Mathew Tipton (86), 25. Michael Thomas, 28. Craig Lindfield.

Next matches:
(A) Burton, Saturday April 10, 2010. K.O 3:00PM.
(H) Morecambe, Tuesday April 13, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM.


===========================



By Simon Parker (T&A)

Peter Taylor suffered his first home defeat on a dismal afternoon.

Injury-hit City have now gone five games without a win after Macclesfield
clinched their first ever victory at Valley Parade.

Steve Williams almost headed City in front from a corner but Jonny Brain
saved well on the line.

Macclesfield grabbed the lead just before the break, one-time Bantams
trainee Emile Sinclair punishing a mistake from Zesh Rehman.

City levelled within two minutes of the re-start as on-loan Luke Oliver,
pushed up as a striker, drilled home his first goal for the club.

But the visitors restored their lead just after the hour through Ben Wright.

Teenage winger Ryan Harrison was thrown on for a late debut but City -
missing five injured players - were unable to find a way back.





===========================

EVANS: WE'RE PLAYING FOR THE MANAGER

Bradford City striker Gareth Evans has called on his team mates to do their
bit to reinforce Peter Taylor's position as club manager.

The club finished the Easter weekend pointless but Evans insists
improvements in their remaining six matches can secure the former Hull
manager's job at the helm.

Evans told the Telegraph & Argus: "We're playing for the manager. We're all
keen on him getting the job and obviously his future lies on the next six
games.

"We're hopeful he's going to stay and we're also playing for our own chances
of being here with him.

"Football is such a difficult game at the moment with so many players
unemployed, so everyone is playing for their future.

"We want to be in the manager's plans next season if Peter Taylor is going
to be our gaffer."

===========================

From the Official BCFC Website...

REHMAN TO SET UP ACADEMY
Posted on: Wed 07 Apr 2010

The Bantams club captain Zesh Rehman is hoping to help fellow British Asians
into football by launching his own foundation in May.

The 26-year-old defender has broken down several barriers during his career
so far, including becoming the first British Asian to play in the Premier
League in 2004 when he was at Fulham. He wants to use the academy to inspire
others to achieve similar.

Rehman is also the first player of Asian origin to captain the Bantams in
the football club's 107 year history.

"The foundation's aim will be to raise the aspirations of kids," Rehman told
BBC Asian Network.

"It will be to get them to do something positive using the power of
football."

The Bantams number 5 knows just how hard it is for players from minority
backgrounds to get recognised in the game.

But the Pakistan international says, even if those who join his foundation
do not become professional players, the aim is to help them get involved in
football in some way or another.

"Hopefully, they'll see that they can get involved with a football club or
in an activity that can encourage them to better themselves in whatever they
choose to do," he added. "They don't necessarily have to become footballers
as within football there are hundreds of jobs.

"They can become involved at groundsman level, as a kitman, in the finance
department or media department. There are lots of opportunities available
for them."

Rehman is an ambassador for anti-racism body Kick It Out and the Football
Foundation, while last month he proudly received the PFA's Player in the
Community Award for 2010.

"It's nice to get that bit of recognition," the Bantams skipper reflected.

"But, if I'd won it or not, I would have carried on working in the community
and closely with my club to try to engage kids at all levels."

Joint chairman Mark Lawn also believes it is important for young British
Asians to have more role models like Rehman but says even that is not a
guarantee to attract members of the defender's community into the game.

"I'm not going to lie to you. It's been very slow and we haven't had any
intake (of British Asian fans) at all," he explained.

"We got Zesh because of his football ability, not because of his community
standing.

"But Zesh is working well in the community and we'll always be encouraging
any community to come in, especially the Asian community because we're on
their doorstep."

===========================

From the Official BCFC website...

OLD MOBILES REQUIRED FOR BURNS UNIT
Posted on: Wed 07 Apr 2010

Bradford City and Telegraph & Argus Burns Unit appeal are on
the lookout for old phones.

Bantams supporters are being asked to hand in any old and unused mobile
phones for recycling at various points around Bradford.

Every single phone collected and recycled will help to generate vital funds
towards the Burns Unit appeal.

The collection is being organised by City supporter group Shelf Bantams in
association with Angel mobile phone company, who will help to recycle the
phones.

Supporters can hand in their unwanted mobile phones at the following
locations:

(Bradford City home matchdays)
At designated areas in the:
Betrescue Stand
Co-operative Main Stand
Carlsberg Stand
Banqueting reception (in Co-operative Main Stand)

(Non-matchdays)
Ticket Office and main reception at the Coral Windows Stadium
Shoulder of Mutton pub in Shelf
Revive Cafe in Shelf
Edward Fosters Plumbing Merchants
Angel mobile phone shop on Rooley Lane, Odsal, Bradford

L2 v Bournemouth (a) L0-1 April 3rd 2010

Coca-Cola League Two
Bournemouth (1) 1 Pitman 41
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 6,239

Stats: Bournemouth - Bradford C
Possession: 54 - 46%
Shots on target: 11 - 4
Shots off target: 11 - 2
Fouls: 6 - 13
Corners: 6 - 0

Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).
Yellow cards:
Bournemouth: None.
Bradford C: Bullock (28 min), Grant (89).

Bournemouth: 1. Shwan Jalal, 23. Lee Bradbury, 16. Rhoys Wiggins, 3. Ryan
Garry, 4. Shaun Cooper (42), 14. Danny Hollands, 6. Marvin Bartley, 8. Anton
Robinson, 11. Liam Feeney, 9. Brett Pitman, 33. Steve Fletcher.
SUBS: 30. Dan Thomas (GK), 7. Sammy Igoe, 10. Alan Connell (42), 17. Josh
McQuoid, 22. Joe Partington, 28. Warren Cummings.

Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 5. Zesh Rehman, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 12.
Steve Williams, 32. Luke Oliver, 15. Ryan Kendall (58), 33. Adam Bolder, 8.
Lee Bullock, 3. Luke O'Brien (76), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson (52).
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 16. Jonathan Bateson (76), 19. James O'Brien,
20. Leon Osborne (58), 24. Louis Horne, 25. Steve O'Leary, 31. Gavin Grant
(52).

Next matches:
(H) Macclesfield, Monday April 5, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Burton, Saturday April 10, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.


===========================




By Simon Parker (T&A)

Shot-shy City failed to dent Bournemouth's promotion push at soggy Dean
Court.

The Bantams hit the bar through Gareth Evans but created very little and did
not win a single corner.

Bournemouth created the first chance after an uneventful opening 20 minutes,
top scorer Brett Pitman curling over the bar.

Lee Bullock, just back from suspension, picked up his 11th booking for
bundling over Marvin Bartley but Pitman's ambitious 35-yard free-kick was
easily saved.

Both sides played some neat football in midfield, though opportunities at
both ends were at a premium. City, in particular, had offered no threat
since a couple of early Ryan Kendall efforts.

But the stalemate was broken four minutes before half-time with a slick move
from the home side.

Liam Feeney swept the ball in to targetman Steve Fletcher, who created space
for Pitman to coolly slot his 20th league goal of the season into the bottom
corner.

Bournemouth pressed for a second after the break and Peter Taylor took off
both strikers, James Hanson limping off after pulling his hamstring.

Evans moved to the middle of a front three, flanked by subs Gavin Grant and
Leon Osborne, and immediately smacked a shot against the bar.

Pitman missed a golden chance to double his tally but volleyed straight at
Matt Glennon, who palmed the ball away.

Centre half Luke Oliver was thrown forward to put some height into City's
attack. But he, too, got little joy from a back four well marshalled by
Bartley.

Feeney went close to adding to Bournemouth's tally late on. But they had
done enough to ease three points nearer to League One.



===========================



===========================



===========================

New Season Ticket prices

Today (Monday) we are launching the second phase of our annual season ticket
offer, which will see tickets purchased between today and Sunday 9^th
May available at the staggering price of £184 (£92 junior) or, to put it
in plainer terms £8 per match.This cannot be beaten I would suggest and
the ticket office will remain open on Sunday 9^th May when the Club is
hosting a Burns Unit Charity Match at the ground.

In our January offer, I guess that some of you suspected changes may
come in the management structure and started to back the Club by the
purchase of almost 7,000 tickets for next season, a staggering increase
of over 40% on the previous year. Thank you so much.

The Club now needs you to back us further and back us hard with the aim
to sell in excess of 12,000 season tickets for next season.

After 9^th May deadline has expired season ticket prices will rise to
£250 (£125 junior) which at just less than £11 per game still represents
excellent value. Other payment options will be published in full over
the next few days.

===========================

BOLDER STICKING AROUND

Simon Parker (T&A)

Midfielder Adam Bolder has followed Luke Oliver's lead and extended his stay
at City for the rest of the season.

Bolder has played six games since arriving from Millwall.

His one-month loan spell was due to run out after the Macclesfield match on
Monday.