CFML pre-season news #2010-07-30

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html

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


GAVIN GRANT GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE FOR SHOOTING FORMER FRIEND
By T&A Newsdesk

Former Bradford City footballer Gavin Grant has been jailed for life for
shooting a former friend and told he would have to serve at least 25 years.

The 26-year-old striker played for City between February and the end of last
season, and was thought to be in line for a new contract for next season.

He thought he had got away with murder after Leon Labastide, 21, was gunned
down outside his parents' home in 2004, the Old Bailey was told.

Detective Inspector Steve Horsley said after the trial: "Gavin Grant thought
he had got away with murder.

"He carried on his career while, all along, he had blood on his hands."

Grant had been cleared in August 2007 of the shooting murder of Jahmall
Moore. But he was charged with Mr Labastide's murder after new witnesses
came forward.

Gareth Downie, 25, and Damian Williams, 32, were also jailed for life and
given minimum terms of 25 years - Downie for murdering Mr Labastide and
Williams for conspiracy to murder.

As Grant was being sentenced at the Old Bailey, a woman shouted from the
public gallery: "It's all fixed" and "You are coming out".

The Recorder of London, Judge Peter Beaumont, said Mr Labastide's murder had
been in revenge for a series of "tit-for-tat" shootings.

Mr Labastide's mother, Diane Havill, said in a statement: "Leon was a keen
footballer who shared his passion for the game with all who knew him. He
loved life. His senseless killing by so-called friends who grew up with him
has left it hard for me to understand the futility of snatching Leon's
future whilst destroying their own."

A charge that Grant had committed perjury at his trial for murdering Mr
Moore, 22, was allowed to lie on file.

Roberto Parchment, 24, originally convicted of Mr Moore's murder, was found
guilty again following a retrial in December brought about by supergrass
Darren Mathurin's involvement.

Stephen Batten QC, prosecuting, said that many of the people involved in the
case had been linked to shootings and drug-dealing on the Stonebridge Park
estate in Harlesden, north-west London.

He told the jury: "Attitudes and standards are different.

"It is more the law of the jungle than the law of civilised England."



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

O'BRIEN JOINS ST. PAT'S

St Patrick's Athletic have today signed former Bradford City player 20 year
old midfielder James O'Brien.

A native of Lally Road Ballyfermot, O'Brien played schoolboy football with
his local club Cherry Orchard before joining Birmingham City 2006.

While O'Brien never got his chance to impress at Birmingham he did play
alongside former Saints' favourite Keith Fahey during his time at the
midlands club.

In 2009 a three day trial with Bradford City soon became a two week trial
and then a three month contract became an 18 month contract for O'Brien.

"Bradford was a great experience for me, Stuart McCall brought me in and
Peter Taylor was there when I was leaving".

"Nobody wanted me to leave it was my decision, there are two sides to being
a footballer", he explained, "while I enjoyed the football on the pitch I
wanted to be happy off the pitch".

In recent weeks there had been interest from St Pat's and "it really just
escalated from there".

The former Ireland schoolboy did not take the decision lightly "my brother
Mark is already in the first team with Derby so I talked through the whole
move with him to make sure I was making the right decision".

O'Brien is now very much looking forward to playing for his local Airtricity
league club, "I only live 20 minutes away from the ground, I went to school
in Inchicore and I used to come down to the games every now and then with
friends".

He added "it's good to come home and have my friends and family around me
and I already know some of the lads at the club including Ian Bermingham and
Graeme Dowling".

While O'Brien would describe himself as an attacking midfielder at the
moment he would be happy just to break into the team - "I've been playing a
few pre-season games so I'm pretty fit and my aim would be to play a part in
helping Pat's win any silverware that's going this season".

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

BRADFORD CITY have done a u-turn and decided against signing Southport
striker Chris Simm.

The 26-year-old had been on trial with the League Two side but after manager
Peter Taylor indicated a deal would be on the table, opted to look elsewhere
for attacking reinforcements.

After a decent showing in the pre-season friendly at North Ferriby United,
Simm was told he would be wanted permanently by the Bantams with only
transfer details to be finalised with the Sandgrounders.

However Taylor had a change of heart leaving the transfer-listed Simm
running out of time to find the full-time football he craves and now heading
back to Southport.

Former England boss Taylor believes Simm was finding the increased training
workload difficult to deal with but has not ruled out another move for the
ex-Hyde United man.

Simm, who was nursing a toe injury in the second part of his trial with
Bradford, was this week in discussions with Southport manager Liam Watson
about his future and the increasing possibility of starting the new season
at Haig Avenue.

"I had a good week with Bradford. I went the week before last and trained on
the Thursday, Friday and played against Ferriby on the Saturday. After the
match Peter said he was going to sign me but a few things had to be sorted
out between the two clubs.

"However he rang me on the Sunday and said he wanted to take another look at
me and asked would I go on tour with them down in Essex.


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

DITTMER SIGNS AS GOALKEEPING COACH
By Simon Parker ((T&A)

Tim Dittmer, 25, has been named as City's new goalkeeping coach.

Dittmer has been working with the keepers at Liverpool's academy for the
last six years.

Peter Taylor has been looking for a full-time replacement for Nigel Martyn
and Dittmer joined City for last week's tour of the south.

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

BANTAMS DISH OUT VALLEY PARADE BANS
Wednesday 28th July 2010 16:31

Bradford City have issued four lifetime bans and 20 season-long bans after
investigating trouble at Valley Parade on the final day of last season.

City supporters spilled on to the pitch at the final whistle in their last
home game in May against Northampton, clashing with visiting fans and
offenders have been identified with the help of the club's CCTV footage and
a newspaper campaign.

A Bradford club statement read: "As a result sanctions have been taken
against 40 people. The sanctions taken include 16 good behaviour contracts,
20 bans for the 2010/11 season and four lifetime bans.

"While the club is now keen to draw a line under the scenes on May 1, the
work to identify others involved in those problems will go on into the new
season.

"We were delighted with the support of the majority of Bradford City
supporters for the campaign we launched after the Northampton Town game.

"The efforts we have made, and will continue to make in the new season, will
help to ensure that the games can be enjoyed by everyone attending the
stadium."

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

BANTAMS LAND MOULT ON LOAN
Posted on: Fri 30 Jul 2010

With just over a week to go before the start of the new campaign, Peter
Taylor has bolstered his strike-force by securing the loan capture of Louis
Moult.

The highly rated forward arrives from Premier League side Stoke City on a
loan deal which will run until Monday 3rd January 2011.

After putting pen to paper on his loan deal at Valley Parade this Friday, he
becomes the Bantams second signing of the day following the capture of Lewis
Hunt earlier in this afternoon.

Moult ,18, has been a regular in Stoke's reserves for the past two years and
finished the 2009/10 campaign as the reserves top scorer.

His goalscoring feats in the youth and reserve set-ups over the past few
years have caught the attention of many observers around Stoke, leading him
to be touted as one of their hottest prospects.

As a sign of his rapid progression through the ranks at the Britannia
Stadium, Moult signed his first professional contract in March when he was
still aged only 17.

He made his first team debut last August in Stoke's Carling Cup match
against Leyton Orient and also featured against Portsmouth later on in the
same competition.

The 6' 0'' striker made his first Premier League appearance for the Potters
when he entered the field as a second half substitute against Burnley at
Turf Moor last season.

Moult has been handed the number 19 shirt and is expected to make his first
appearance in claret & amber during City's pre-season fixture at Rochdale
this Saturday.

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

From the Official BCFC website…

HUNT SIGNS ON
Posted on: Fri 30 Jul 2010

Peter Taylor has ended his search for another suitable right back to add to
his squad by completing the signing of Lewis Hunt.

Hunt, who can also play as a central defender, has put pen to paper on a one
year deal.

The deal can also be extended by a further season should Hunt make a certain
number of appearances during the forthcoming season.

The former Wycombe Wanderers and Southend defender has been on trial with
the Bantams for the past two weeks and featured in all four matches of
City's recent Essex tour.

The 27 year old will now take his place in Taylor's playing squad and act as
competition to Simon Ramsden for the right back berth.

Hunt has been given the number 15 shirt.

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

From the Official BCFC website...

BANTAMS HANDED JPT BYE
Posted on: Fri 30 Jul 2010

The Bantams have received a welcome boost with the news that the football
club have received a bye through to Round 2 of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Football League made the announcement this Friday along with news of the
regional groupings ahead of the Round 1 draw which takes place on Saturday
14th August 2010.

The Bantams were one of eight teams in total to be given a bye from the
Northern Section of the competition.

City's first action in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy will therefore take
place on either Tuesday 5th or Wednesday 6th October 2010 when the 2nd round
fixtures are due to take place.

Peter Taylor's men will enter the competition looking to build on last
season's impressive run to the Northern Section Semi-Finals.

CFML pre-season news #2010-07-25

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html

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

Sunday 25th - Taylor on shortlist to join Capello staff

Peter Taylor is on the short-list of candidates for a place in the new coaching set-up of England manager Fabio Capello.

It was thought that Gareth Southgate was the hot ­favourite to join Stuart Pearce and Ray Clemence in the backroom staff.

But Southgate is one of six names under consideration – and Taylor's one of them.

The 57-year-old has only just taken over at Bradford City, but if England call, then the Yorkshire club are unlikely to stand in his way if a compensation deal can be agreed.

Taylor has impressive credentials at international level. He has been in charge of the England Under-21 team for two spells – under Glenn Hoddle and Sven Goran Eriksson.

Under his management, the Under-21s played a ­total of 31 matches and lost only three.

He was also in charge of the senior team for one match – a 1-0 friendly ­defeat in Italy when he appointed David Beckham as England captain for the first time.



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

PITCH STANDS UP TO FIRST TEST

The newly refurbished playing surface at Valley Parade has received its
first test in the last week or so.

And so far it has passed with flying colours.

Like large areas of the United Kingdom, the Coral Windows Stadium has been
hit by several extremely heavy rain showers in the past few days.

The recent large deluge of rain has acted as an unofficial first test of the
new pitch's credentials.

While such rainfall in the past would have severely hampered the condition
of the old surface, this summer's refurbishment work seems to be working as
the pitch is still holding strong.

Part of this summer's pitch upgrade work focused on improving the drainage
system underneath the Valley Parade playing surface.

The decision to undertake such an operation seems an extremely wise one now
as the pitch is still looking in superb condition, despite the recent rain.

Even with large amounts of rainfall on it, the pitch itself is still firm
under foot and showing no signs of standing water anywhere.

The playing surface is in such strong condition groundsman Mick Doyle has
been able to continue to cut the grass using a motorised lawnmower.

If the surface was wet or soft, this feat would be near impossible as such
heavy machinery would simply get stuck and bogged down.

Doyle and his groundstaff will be hoping this is a sign of things to come as
they look to maintain a match winning surface for Peter Taylor's side this
season.

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


Speight can rejoin Bradford City for pre-season after winning appeal over sentence

7:00am Saturday 17th July 2010

Exclusive By Simon Parker

Jake Speight has been released from prison after successfully appealing against his sentence.

The City striker will be back in training on Monday after a judge at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday changed the original ruling.

His 12-week sentence for assault has been suspended for 18 months and he must do 100 hours of community work.

It means Speight is free to resume his new career at Valley Parade - and rebuild bridges with the club and the fans.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus, his solicitor Mark Croft stressed how grateful Speight has been that the club stuck by him.

He said: "I regret that this whole situation developed and I know Jake bitterly regrets putting the club in this position.

"We are very grateful for the way this has been handled by Peter Taylor and everybody at Bradford City. We massively appreciate the support that he has been given.

"Jake is determined to repay the faith the manager has shown in him and determined to regain the trust and respect of the supporters. I'm sure he will do that."

Croft admitted that they had decided not to tell City or his previous side Mansfield about the court case because they did not expect the 24-year-old to be jailed.

"Once I became aware of the incident, we discussed it at length and made a decision not to tell anybody," he added. "Mansfield Town 100 per cent didn't know.

"As well as doing football agency, I'm an experienced criminal lawyer and if we had thought for a minute that he was going to receive an immediate custodial sentence then we would have told both clubs. But I was absolutely convinced he wouldn't, and my faith in that was vindicated by the appeal.

"This incident was extremely out of character for Jake. He has no previous convictions."

Speight was jailed just over a week after completing his "dream" £25,000 switch to City. He can now join his new team-mates for next week's Essex tour.

Croft said: "Before the move to Bradford, there were a number of clubs interested in signing Jake. But this was his dream move.

"He wanted to play for Peter Taylor and he wanted to play for Bradford City.

"We agonised over this but Jake's desire to play for Bradford was so strong and we generally didn't believe he would be sent to prison.

"In fairness to Jake, he was aware that I had this same scenario with another player of mine. In that situation we felt there was a very real risk of the player going to prison and we told the prospective buying club.

"They didn't sign him and the irony then was that the player did not receive a custodial sentence."

********

BRADFORD CITY STRIKER JAKE SPEIGHT BEAT GIRLFRIEND BUT FREED AFTER APPEAL
DAILY STAR SUNDAY
25th July 2010
By Jonathan Corke

A MODEL WAG was left looking like a boxer's victim...by her footballer boyfriend.

Stunning Kathy Mugglestone, 21, was viciously bitten, battered and bruised by thuggish Bradford City striker Jake Speight.

She thought her hell was over when Speight, 24, was jailed earlier this month.

But she is now living in fear after he appealed against his sentence and was released early.

He was welcomed back by his club and is now in pre-season training.

Though she has a restraining order against him, Speight lives a few hundred yards from her home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

And Kathy, who has dyed her hair and changed her car since the attack, dreads seeing him.

She said: "My emotions have been so messed with. I was so pleased and relieved when he was sent to prison. Then, just a few days later, I was told by witness protection that he'd been let out.

"And I'm appalled that Bradford City have come out and said they are welcoming him back.

"He's a vicious, controlling, possessive bully and people need to know the truth."

Speight's cowardly attack on stunning Kathy took place in February after she drove him to a hospital for treatment to a footballing injury.

Speight, who was playing for Mansfield Town then, "flipped" during a row in Kathy's car.

She said: "He leaned over me and bit my eye, grabbed my boob and whacked me with a crutch.

"Before that, as I was driving, he'd grabbed my jaw, which was bruised. I was terrified, it was awful. But luckily he got out of the car and I locked the doors."

Kathy fled to a friend's house, where pictures of the injuries Speight inflicted were taken.

Police arrested the thug and charged him with assault. He pleaded guilty earlier this month and was jailed for 12 weeks.

But, after an appeal, his sentence was suspended for 18 months.
Kathy, who is a darts promotions girl, said: "I feel let down. Even if he served half his sentence, that would be some sort of justice."
She added: "We'd been together about two years and at first things were great.

"But he began to get more and more possessive and controlling.

"He would push me around. I'd have bruises on my body...but they were always in places people couldn't see.

"We split up about three times but every time he would apologise and say it would never happen again. I suppose love is blind and foolishly I always took him back. He's horrible."

Speight signed for Bradford City just over three weeks ago – but didn't tell the club he was due in court for assault.

Manager Peter Taylor, 57, was furious when he found out on the morning of the case but said he would welcome him back after his prison sentence.
A spokesman for Bradford City said the striker would be receiving a financial punishment and "be made aware of his future conduct".




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


From the Official BCFC website...

Pre-Season Friendly
Kicked Off: 1.00pm Saturday at Grange Lane.

North Ferriby United (0) 1 Bradshaw 65
Bradford City (1) 5 Daley 8, Morris 47, 51, Hanson 55, Evans 84

City 1st half:
13. Lloyd Saxton
2. Louis Horne
3. Luke O'Brien
4. James O'Brien
5. Steve Williams
6. Zesh Rehman
7. Scott Neilson
8. Lee Bullock
9. Matthew Tipton
10. Chris Simm
11. Omar Daley

City 2nd half:
1. Jon McLaughlin
12. Simon Ramsden
16. Robbie Threlfall
15. Shane Duff
14. Luke Oliver
21. Gareth Evans
18. Tom Adeyemi
19. David Syers
17. Lee Morris
20. Leon Osborne
22. James Hanson

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

Tuesday

Stambridge United v City

Full time score:

SUFC 0 BCFC 4 (Osborne 7, Neilson 32, Daley 83 & J O'Brien 87)


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


Canvey keeper unbeatable as Bradford City crash to defeat

11:10pm Wednesday 21st July 2010

By Simon Parker

Canvey Island 1, City 0

For once, City were the pre-season warm-up act.

They were the glittering attraction 24 hours earlier at Stambridge but for Canvey Island, the visit of the Bantams was the aperitif to their main course on Saturday.

The Brockway Stadium is bracing itself for the visit of Champions' League opposition, with FC Twente – the club Steve McClaren steered to the Dutch title last season – heading for the Essex estuary.

They should have been playing Southend but the Shrimpers pulled the plug because of their ongoing financial woes. Their loss is Canvey's gain.

After the previous day's eye-opener, City were happy to be playing on a decent pitch against a side who were recently in the Conference.

Now two divisions lower in the Ryman League, Canvey were still expected to pose a proper test for the Bantams.

Peter Taylor again fielded a different line-up for each half. The only change from the starters at Stambridge saw Omar Daley in for Leon Osborne.

Steve Williams was over his illness so there was no second appearance for coach Junior Lewis.

Scott Neilson had "done a Lee Bullock" with a severe grade-one hair cut, courtesy of Louis Horne earlier in the afternoon.

The winger had an extra incentive to stand out – Canvey's assistant manager Glen Alzapiedi used to be his manager at Ware.

Canvey were not pulling out of any tackles and Tom Adeyemi got up limping after a 50-50 with Kevin Dobinson. Fortunately the youngster shook it off.

Neilson's through-ball sent Chris Simm scampering clear but he was denied a first City goal by a smart block by keeper James Russell.

Daley and Neilson kept switching sides and as the Jamaican cut in from the left to fashion a shot, he was foiled by a lunge from Jon Edwards. The Canvey midfielder briefly returned after treatment but was soon replaced.

Greg Cohen fired over Lloyd Saxton's bar from an angle before City should have scored after 28 minutes.

Daley found James Hanson bursting into the box and a neat side-step left the big man with only Russell to beat but he tried to be too precise and lofted wide.

Daley was feeling the force of a few challenges but got up smiling after being up-ended once again – and he should have been beaming when Adeyemi's pass put him in the clear. The winger closed in menacingly on goal, only to shank his shot over the sparsely-populated terrace behind.

The action seemed to follow Daley like a magnet and another darting run picked out Neilson, who fired into the car park. Canvey were fast running out of footballs.

Gareth Evans announced his arrival with a snap-shot that Russell saved at the near post. Shane Duff then flicked a header into the mix that Jake Speight nearly forced home.

Former Stevenage keeper Russell denied Evans a second time with his legs and then a third during a fine double save. Russell parried Osborne's shot before somehow clawing away the rebound when Evans looked certain to score.

The keeper's efforts gained greater significance when Canvey went in front after 59 minutes as Jason Hallett tapped home Cohen's cross to leave City trailing for the first time in pre-season.

It needed a good save from Jon McLaughlin to prevent a second goal, the keeper tipping Rob King's header on to the bar after the defender had been left unchecked at a free-kick.

McLaughlin was suddenly finding himself as busy as Russell at the other end and produced another good save from Andrew West's bobbling long shot which he must have seen pretty late.

Trialist David Syers was left hobbling for a while but it was City's pride more than anything that was wounded. James O'Brien, who shot for fun at Stambridge, fluffed an opportunity from the edge of the box as time ticked away.

Russell was in the mood not to be beaten and again he had the answer to Evans, diving low to his right to safely smother a well-struck effort from distance.

The keeper then topped that three minutes from time by turning over a Simon Ramsden thunderbolt. Syers thought he had levelled from the resulting corner but his header was scrambled off the line.

City had played second fiddle to FC Twente on the billboards outside. On the pitch, they were put in the shade by a goalkeeping masterclass.

CITY – First half: Saxton, Hunt, Threlfall, Horne, Rehman, Oliver, Neilson, Adeyemi, Hanson, Simm, Daley. Second half: McLaughlin, Ramsden, L O'Brien, Bullock, Duff, Williams, J O'Brien, Syers, Evans, Speight, Osborne.

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


Clubs split over use of vuvuzela horn in grounds

Published Date:
22 July 2010
By Nick Westby
As if transfer speculation was not enough to entertain us through the close season, now we have a lot of hot air over the vuvuzela. Nick Westby gauges the local reaction.

THE vuvuzela is the football fans' Marmite accessory – you either love it or you hate it.

For a month in South Africa, the monotonous hum of the African horn drowned out the atmosphere at the World Cup for some fans.

As the performances and the matches failed to inspire the thousands in the stadium and the millions back home, the debate over whether the vuvuzela should be banned or the sound on television sets tinkered with took centre stage.

By the time FIFA – not renowned for being the quickest to react to public opinion – chimed in, it was too late.

Opinion may have been polarised from Polokwane to Port Elizabeth, but the hum of the vuvuzela became an accepted part of the South African World Cup, and if it was just a month, then those who watched football in silence could accept it.

Not so, it seems, as the vuvuzela and the attention it generates has crossed the equator and headed north, and could be coming to a football ground near you.

Earlier this week, without a ball having been kicked, Premier League football clubs decided to get out in front of the anticipated furore. Tottenham were the first to ban the vuvuzela, with seven clubs quickly following suit like a row of spectators covering their ears.

A quick canvas of Yorkshire's 10 Football League clubs yesterday found that opinion in the county echoes the feeling during the World Cup – namely, it is split.

Two of the region's clubs are for it, two against, with six sitting firmly on the fence while they consider what to do.

Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday are all for fans blowing the vuvuzela, so much so that both tried to claim it was they who actually invented them.

Alas, they did not, but the vuvuzela was imported to the Galpharm Stadium and Hillsborough before the end of last season as they attempted to get fans in the World Cup spirit.

"We gave them away at our last home game of the season against Millwall," said a Huddersfield Town spokesman. "There's no reason to believe that stance will change."

The club stressed that the decision is actually not theirs to ratify with the stadium management team at the Galpharm having the final say when all health and safety, event planners and police checks have been consulted.

Wednesday have been selling an Owls-branded vuvuzela in the club superstore since before the World Cup and welcome their continued use this season.

But a spokesman cautioned: "Unless they start getting on people's nerves then we will deal with that when we come to it."

John Hemmingham, the voice of the Wednesday and England band, predicts the vuvuzela will be a passing fad and ultimately, fan reaction will have the final say.

"We got the vuvu blowers to join in, out in South Africa, but on television it was misinterpreted," he said. "In isolation in grounds before the World Cup it just sounded like an air horn."

Those stringently against the vuvuzela are Barnsley and Leeds United.

"We won't be having them," said Leeds United chairman Ken Bates. "We'll be firm. If anyone brings them they will be thrown out. They are a dreadful noise and frankly we can do without it.

"I like all the Leeds songs and the atmosphere our fans create without those awful things."

Barnsley were not so unequivocal, but in publishing their outlawing of vuvuzelas as early as Saturday, they at least trumped Tottenham and set the trend of defiance.

"We have taken this decision following requests from fans and do not want the very unusual noise from the vuvuzela spoiling people's enjoyment of the game," said Don Rowing, a director at Oakwell. Stick that in your vuvu and smoke it Harry Redknapp.

But, as for Yorkshire's other league clubs, they appear reticent to commit.

Doncaster Rovers said it was a decision to be made by stadium management at the Keepmoat, who then handed full decision-making responsibilites back to the club.

At Bradford City, the vuvuzela debate has reached the boardroom but a decision has yet to be made, while Hull City say they have not given the issue a moment's thought.

Sheffield United, Rotherham United and Middlesbrough are also yet to reach a conclusion.

For those fans who cannot resist puckering their lips and blowing away on the vuvu but happen to support a club that has poo-pooed the hum-drum of the African horn, then there is a place for you at Wembley on August 8 for the Community Shield, after the FA yesterday announced that they would be welcome.

Or you can always head down to the park on a Sunday morning and frighten the life out of some unsuspecting pub footballers.

But it would appear we have not heard the last of the vuvuzela.

CFML pre-season news #2010-07-14

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html



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

Taylor fumes at being kept in dark over Speight court case

7:00am Tuesday 13th July 2010

Exclusive By Simon Parker

Jake Speight will miss the start of City's season – because he is in prison.

The new striker, signed only a fortnight ago from Mansfield for £25,000, has been jailed for assault.

Speight was handed a 12-week sentence, although he is likely to be released in half that. But he will not be freed

in time for the opening game at Shrewsbury.

Shocked boss Peter Taylor was completely unaware of the situation until the player's agent called on Friday morning

to say that Speight was appearing in court.

He had been pencilled in to feature against Eccleshill that night in the Bantams' first pre-season friendly.

City will not be paying Speight until he comes out of prison and his wages then could be capped until he is

considered ready for first-team selection.

Taylor said: "This incident happened in February and Jake and his agent never told anyone that it would go any

further. That's why I didn't know and Mansfield Town didn't know.

"I'm very disappointed, obviously, because we were totally unaware this was happening.

"They should have warned me but, to be fair to Jake, his desire to play for Bradford was so strong that he felt he

might mess his chances up. He thought he would get a warning and the outcome has been a nightmare for him.

"I should have been told but I do understand a little bit why I wasn't."

The 24-year-old striker netted 17 goals in the Blue Square Premier last season. Taylor beat off other League Two

interest to sign him as competition up front for James Hanson and Gareth Evans.

Speight had an unsuccessful spell in the league with Bury earlier in his career and sees the move to City as the

perfect chance to put him back on the map in the professional game.

Now, after just a week of training, he will face the task of rebuilding trust with his employers and manager.

"I don't think it means that all of a sudden Bradford City are a bad club or I'm a bad person," said Taylor.

"It's a situation that has just cropped up and we're prepared to deal with it. When Jake does return to the club, I

will welcome him back.

"But he obviously won't get paid at all until he comes out – and then we will definitely take things into account

until we get him fit enough to play."

Taylor is currently running the rule over two free-agent forwards – Matt Tipton and Lee Morris – and he has not

ruled out the possibility of adding another trialist this week.



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

CITY BOSS TARGETS FULL-TIME GOALKEEPING COACH

Bradford City manager Peter Taylor wants a new goalkeeping coach because
former England number one Nigel Martyn cannot commit to the club full-time.

Martyn has coached at Valley Parade in recent seasons but is only available
for two days a week and Taylor feels young pair Jon McLaughlin and Lloyd
Saxton need someone to train them on a daily basis.

Taylor told the club's official website: "I really like Nigel and he's been
absolutely terrific, but he can only come in twice a week.

"We've got two young goalkeepers and we need to do more work with them. I
need somebody in every day as well as match days."




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

LEG BREAK CONFIRMED - DEAN FACES 12 WEEKS OUT OF ACTION
By Simon Parker (T&A)

City have promised to help Luke Dean through his broken leg hell.

The young midfielder faces a lengthy absence after the injury he suffered at
Eccleshill on Friday was confirmed as a break.

Dean, who turns 21 next month, is only on a short-term contract until
January and he is unlikely to be back in contention until the end of
September.

It is a worrying time for Dean but Peter Taylor stressed the club would do
their best to keep his spirits up.

The City boss said: "We will help him. It's very disappointing for Luke but
we'll do what we can.

"I'm sure he's going to be out for ten to 12 weeks. The swelling has got to
go down and then they'll put a fresh cast over it."

Dean was stretchered off after a clash with Eccleshill's Mick Baker. Taylor
is still not happy about the over-zealous nature of the challenge.

He said: "We spoke before the game that the only things we were looking for
in pre-season was football and fitness. We didn't want to risk picking up
injuries.

"It was the only poor thing to come out of a good evening. But we've got to
get on with it now."

Dean has been with City since joining the centre of excellence in 2002. He
made his senior debut as a substitute in April during the win over
Morecambe.

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

From the BCFC Official website...

BOULDING BROS RETURN TO MANSFIELD

Former Bradford City strikers, Michael and Rory Boulding have returned to
Mansfield Town to start a trial period with the Stags.

The brothers originally left Mansfield during the summer of 2008 to join the
Bantams on free transfers.

Unfortunately, the duo's move to the Coral Windows Stadium didn't quite work
as planned and they left the club in February of this year.

Both of them are now back at Field Mill on trial and expected to feature in
the Stags pre-season friendly against Sheffield United this Saturday.

Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net: "I have
given Mickey and Rory the opportunity to train with us and they both have a
variation of knowledge about the game.

"Mickey is someone who was regarded as a hero in his previous spell here, I
understand. Rory is a different type of player and is also a very talented
individual. Both have trained very well today."

"I expect both players to play some part in Saturday's game for us," he
added.


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

ENGINEERING FIRM WAIVE FOUR-FIGURE CITY BILL
By Simon Parker >

Bradford City have thanked a local engineering firm for waiving a
four-figure bill for improvement work at Valley Parade.

Low Moor-based Mitton Mechanical Services have been carrying out an energy
audit at the ground, which highlighted the pitch-side water leak in the
north-west corner.

City director Roger Owen said: "Mitton have been very loyal supporters of
their home-town football club. It's fair to say that both I and the rest of
the board were amazed at the generosity.

"Mitton offered to do a free energy audit which brought to light the
long-standing water leak under the pitch. This has now been resolved with
the assistance of some sophisticated equipment which enabled us to stop
three years of wasted water in three hours.

"They have also produced a detailed report which we intend to adopt and will
lead to further significant savings. I hope it will allow us to achieve the
carbon trust standard which has only been achieved by Manchester United in
the football world."

Mitton chairman Michael Taylor added: "We felt it was incumbent upon us to
show other Bradford businesses a lead. The directors at City are working
their socks off against a very tight financial situation."

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

CITY SIGN NORWICH YOUNGSTER ADEYEMI ON LOAN
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Highly-rated Norwich teenager Tom Adeyemi this morning signed for Bradford
City on a six-month loan.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder made 17 appearances for the Canaries
last season and is regarded as one for the future at Carrow Road.

Adeyemi, named League One apprentice of the year at the Football League
awards, has been with his local club since he was eight. He recently signed
a new contract taking him to 2012.

Having won promotion to the Championship, boss Paul Lambert wants him to
gain experience in the lower divisions and sees City as the ideal club to
earn that.

Peter Taylor was delighted to win the chase for Adeyemi's signature.

He said: "There were a lorry-load of teams who wanted him so we're very
lucky. He is a real player.

"The size of Bradford City has certainly helped because it will give Tom the
chance to get used to handling big crowds which is what he'll expect playing
for Norwich."

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

CFML pre-season news #2010-07-08

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html

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

SQUAD NUMBERS

CITY PLAYERS ALLOWED TO CHOOSE SQUAD NUMBERS

City boss Peter Taylor gave his players the option to choose their own shirt
numbers for the 2010-11 campaign.

Most of last season's first-team squad will keep the same numbers but some
have changed, although Taylor insists there is nothing sinister to be read
into the switches.

"Rest assured, the numbers will have no bearing on my team selection for the
coming season," said the Bantams boss.

"I spoke with the lads and said I would be more than happy to select the
numbers but asked them if they would prefer to sort it between themselves,
which they did."

Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, fresh from signing a new three-year contract,
takes over the No 1 shirt, with new recruit Lloyd Saxton at 13.

Luke Oliver replaces the departed Matt Clarke at six and fellow summer
signing Tommy Doherty takes number eight, while new striker Jake Speight
succeeds Peter Thorne at ten and defender Shane Duff is 16.

Other changes include Lee Bullock moving to 22, Luke Dean to 18 and Louis
Horne to 27. First-year professionals Ryan Harrison and Chris Elliott are 21
and 24 respectively.

Squad numbers in full:
1 Jon McLaughlin,
2 Simon Ramsden,
3 Luke O'Brien,
4 Michael Flynn,
5 Zesh Rehman,
6 Luke Oliver,
7 Omar Daley,
8 Tommy Doherty,
9 Gareth Evans,
10 Jake Speight,
11 Scott Neilson,
12 Steve Williams,
13 Lloyd Saxton,
14 Leon Osborne,
15 -,
16 Shane Duff,
17 James Hanson,
18 Luke Dean,
19 James O'Brien,
20 -,
21 Ryan Harrison,
22 Lee Bullock,
23 -,
24 Chris Elliott,
25 -,
26 -,
27 Louis Horne,
28 Robbie Threlfall.





City have splashed out £25,000 on Conference hitman Jake Speight.

The diminutive 25-year-old striker netted 17 goals for Mansfield last term from 33 appearances, only 15 of which were starts. His haul included a hat-trick against Kidderminster on the final day.

Speight, who was also being tracked by Luton, Cheltenham and Stevenage, began as a trainee with Sheffield United. He moved on to Bury for a season before dropping out of the league.

His time in non-league included a sixth-month spell at Farsley Celtic in the 2008-2009 campaign, scoring six in 15 games.

He joined Mansfield last summer and finished their top scorer but turned down the offer of a new contract.

City co-chairman Mark Lawn said: "If he can score 17 to 20 goals for us next season, we will be well pleased."

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8247130.City_snap_up___25_000_striker/?ref=rss

And from the official site:

Taylor swoops for Speight
Posted on: Wed 30 Jun 2010
Peter Taylor has moved to boost his striking options by completing the signing of Mansfield Town striker Jake Speight for £25,000.

Speight, 24, has put pen to paper on a two year contract to become Taylor's fifth summer signing.

The 5' 8'' striker will join up with the Bantams after enjoying a hugely successful season at Field Mill with the Stags.

The Sheffield born striker finished the 2009/10 campaign as Mansfield's top scorer.

Speight managed to notch up 17 goals in the Blue Square Premier last season despite starting only 15 matches.

Such form meant Speight was reportedly on the radars of several league clubs, but in the end it was the Bantams who have managed to secure his signature.

After starting his career at Sheffield United in 2004, Speight enjoyed a brief spell at Scarborough before returning into league football with Bury.

Speight featured at Gigg Lane for two years as he continued to learn his trade.

Searching for more regular first team football, Speight left the Shakers to join Northwich Victoria in 2007. After a season with Northwich, Speight returned to Yorkshire with Farsley Celtic, where he scored six goals in 15 matches.

A move to Droylsden beckoned for Speight in 2009 before he moved his career to another level at Mansfield with his amazing goalscoring feats.

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2081611,00.html



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

City staying at Apperley Bridge

City kick off pre-season today back at Apperley Bridge after Peter Taylor pulled the plug on plans to change training base.

The Bantams were expected to start an eagerly-anticipated campaign with a switch to new headquarters at the University of Leeds site in Weetwood.

But Taylor, who had been pressing for better training facilities, had a late change of heart because he was concerned that what the venue was offering did not fit the bill.

The City chief said: "All the boxes had to be ticked before going to the other place and they weren't. A couple of things we wanted couldn't be guaranteed, such as being able to train on certain areas on certain days, and I wasn't prepared to take that chance if it wasn't right.

"The contract hadn't been signed. It had to be right for both parties, on their side as well as ours.

"It was very close but we just couldn't agree 100 per cent on everything."

But Taylor is not down-hearted by the prospect of a return to Rawdon Meadows. He added: "My thinking is still the same. Everything has got to be right if we find a place to go to.

"To be fair to Apperley Bridge and the groundsman there, they have been terrific for us. I'm really pleased for the groundsman especially because he is a Bradford supporter and he used to work his socks off."

"I'm sure the players will be fine about it. Some of them will no doubt be pleased because it's less of a journey for them."

A full squad will re-assemble this morning, including new signings Jake Speight, Tommy Doherty, Luke Oliver, Robbie Threlfall and Lloyd Saxton. The first friendly at Eccleshill is only eight days away.

Taylor said: "I always look forward to pre-season. It's nice to see the players again and I'm looking forward to it even more because of the way we finished last season and the atmosphere around the place."


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

From the Official BCFC website...

RESERVES MOVE TO ECCLESHILL
Posted on: Fri 02 Jul 2010

After much speculation, Bradford City can confirm that it is the football
club's intention to play their home reserve fixtures at Eccleshill United's
Plumpton Park.

The Bantams have decided to move their totesport.com Central League home
matches from the Coral Windows Stadium to Eccleshill in order to spare the
recently refurbished playing surface at Valley Parade.

The move is subject to a final inspection from the Football League, but all
signs seem to suggest that the Bantams should have no problems using
Plumpton Park as a venue for the reserves this forthcoming season.

Admission prices into Plumpton Park for City reserve fixtures will be
confirmed later.

Fans unfamiliar to Eccleshill United's home ground will get their first
opportunity to visit the venue next Friday (9th July 2010) when the Bantams
play their first pre-season friendly there.

Plumpton Park is situated approximately three miles away from Valley Parade
and can be found on Kingsway in Wrose (postcode - BD2 1PN).

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

From the Official Cheltenham Town website...

SHANE DUFF JOINS BRADFORD CITY
Posted on: Fri 02 Jul 2010

Cheltenham Town Defender Shane Duff, who's contract with the Robins expired
in June, has today joined fellow League Two club Bradford City.

Shane enjoyed 10 successful years with the Robins, and was rewarded with a
testimonial season during the 2009/2010 campaign.

Recent seasons have seen Shane dogged by injuries and a damaged achilles
tendon suffered during the Robins 5-4 defeat to Bradford at The Abbey
Business Stadium back in August 2009 robbed Duff of the majority of the
2009/2010 season.

Shane was offered a new contract by Robins Manager Mark Yates for this
season, however the long serving defender has decided to move on and pursue
his career elsewhere.

Shane is a tall, strong central defender who joined Cheltenham Town straight
from school and spent a year in the youth team before being offered a
professional contract in 2000.  After a couple of years in the reserves and
a loan spell at non-league Evesham United, Shane was ready to make to the
move into first team football.

He made his debut in season 2002-2003 and the following season made a number
of appearances alongside his brother Michael in central defence before his
older sibling moved to Burnley.

Shane's performances during season 2004-2005 earned him the club's Player of
the Year award and established him as a first choice player. He went on to
play an important part as the Robins won promotion in 2006 and retained
their League One status the following season.

Shane was selected for the Northern Ireland under-21 squad for the away
match in Armenia in March 2003 and made his international debut at under-21
level three months later against Spain in Lurgan.

Also a talented cricketer, Shane appeared as a wicketkeeper-batsman for
Shipton-under-Wychwood in the 2002 National Village Knockout final at
Lord's.

During both the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 League One campaigns Shane's
appearances were curtailed slightly by injury but he still managed to start
nearly two thirds of the games over the course of both seasons.

It was another frustrating campaign for Shane during 2008/09 when injury saw
him unavailable for four and a half months during the middle part of the
season. Nevertheless, he returned with gusto towards the end of that
campaign becoming an important face within a side that, despite suffering
relegation, showed true spirit and determination.

Now with Peter Taylor's Bradford City, all at Cheltenham Town would like to
thank Shane for his long-standing commitment to the club and wish him all
the very best in his future career.


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

"HANSON" FRIENDLY OFF
By Simon Parker

Bradford City's pre-season friendly at Guiseley next week has been called
off.

Peter Taylor's side were due to visit Nethermoor next Tuesday as part of the
James Hanson transfer deal.

The match has been postponed, although the sides will look to rearrange it
for a future date.


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

From the Official BCFC website...

CITY AMONG FAVOURITES WITH COREL
Posted on: Sun 04 Jul 2010

City fans look set for a season of joy, glory and excitement if bookmakers
Coral's pre-season odds for npower League 2 are anything to go by.

The Football League's new gaming and betting partner have Peter Taylor's men
down among their favourites for promotion this forthcoming season.

Coral currently have the Bantams at odds of 9/4 to gain promotion into
League 1, making them third favourites behind Gillingham and Rotherham
United.

The betting giants also have City as third favourites to win npower League 2
outright at odds of 10/1, again just behind Gillingham and the Millers.

Bantams fans can also have a flutter on the season opener at Shrewsbury
Town.

Taylor's side are 7/4 to leave the Greenhouse Meadow with all three points
on Saturday 7th August 2010.


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

GUISELEY CRY FOUL OVER CITY ANTICS
By Richard Byram (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Guiseley chairman Phil Rogerson has hit out at neighbours Bradford City
after they cancelled the pre-season friendly agreed as part of striker James
Hanson's transfer to the League Two club.

Bradford are obliged to play the game against the Conference North new boys
by the end of the 2010-11 season as a result of a Football Association
tribunal that dictated this as part of the compensation deal for Hanson.

The match was due to be played at Nethermoor a week today, July 13.

But the Lions have now been informed that City managed Peter Taylor is
unwilling to fulfill the fixture until later in the season, blaming training
commitments for the decision.

Rogerson said: "After a week or so of Bradford trying to bring the kick-off
time forward to 7pm, a time that was unacceptable to both Guiseley and the
match referee, City have decided that they will not fulfill the fixture.

"Guiseley have been told that Bradford will be unable to train as planned
the following morning if they have a late night at Nethermoor."

Hanson went on to be Bradford's leading scorer last season and last week
signed a new deal to keep him at City until 2014.

Rogerson added: "We feel the decision to postpone the fixture, to a
mid-season date, severely reduces the value of the compensation and is not
felt, by Guiseley, to be in the spirit of the agreement."

He said the club would now seek to fill the hole in its pre-season schedule
ahead of the Lions' first season in Conference North.

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

From the Official BCFC website...

TAYLOR EXPLAINS GUISELEY ISSUE
Posted on: Wed 07 Jul 2010

Peter Taylor has come out to try and clear up the situation regarding City's
postponed friendly with Guiseley.

Next Tuesday's game at Nethermoor was called off after the sides failed to
agree on a suitable kick-off time.

Guiseley released a statement saying that the proposed 7pm start was
unacceptable with them and the referee and they wanted it put back. It is
understood that they also contacted the Football Association to air their
grievance.

But the football club stressed that the fixture had always been down for an
earlier kick-off - in line with other pre-season away matches.

The game will still be played at some point during the season because it is
part of the tribunal agreement over James Hanson's move to Valley Parade.

Taylor said to the Telegraph & Argus: "I play all my midweek games at 7pm.
We haven't had a problem with other people.

"Unfortunately, pre-season games are just preparation for Shrewsbury Town
and I'm not prepared to change that.

"I only give players 45 minutes each because they will be training the next
day.

"We couldn't agree on the kick-off time so I felt it was best to call it
off. It looks as though the relationship is breaking down."

City open their pre-season campaign at Eccleshill on Friday - a date they
had originally offered to the Blue Square North side.

Had Guiseley taken it, the Bantams would have been more flexible over the
kick-off because there is no training planned for the weekend.

But the non-league club were unable to stage the match because of a function
booked for their clubhouse.

Taylor added: "As far as I'm concerned the game was going to be on the
ninth, which wouldn't have been a problem. But then Guiseley changed it.

"It was always down as 7pm and I'm amazed if the referee said he couldn't do
that. It must mean that he wouldn't be able to do any reserve football
because that kicks off at the same time."

City have eight warm-up matches planned and will not look to fill the gap.

Their final friendly against Park Avenue at Valley Parade on Tuesday, August
3 does take place at 7.45pm. But with the first league game four days later
at Shrewsbury, City are treating that week as the "proper" season and will
be off the following day.

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

Gareth Grant in court

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/8260257.Footballer____shot_man_dead_for_disrespect_to_friend___/

CFML pre-season news #2010-07-03

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html

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


City this afternoon splashed out £25,000 on Conference hitman Jake Speight.

The diminutive 25-year-old striker netted 17 goals for Mansfield last term from 33 appearances, only 15 of which

were starts. His haul included a hat-trick against Kidderminster on the final day.

Speight, who was also being tracked by Luton, Cheltenham and Stevenage, began as a trainee with Sheffield United.

He moved on to Bury for a season before dropping out of the league.

His time in non-league included a sixth-month spell at Farsley Celtic in the 2008-2009 campaign, scoring six in 15

games.

He joined Mansfield last summer and finished their top scorer but turned down the offer of a new contract.

City co-chairman Mark Lawn said: "If he can score 17 to 20 goals for us next season, we will be well pleased."

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8247130.City_snap_up___25_000_striker/?ref=rss

And from the official site:

Taylor swoops for Speight
Posted on: Wed 30 Jun 2010
Peter Taylor has moved to boost his striking options by completing the signing of Mansfield Town striker Jake

Speight for £25,000.

Speight, 24, has put pen to paper on a two year contract to become Taylor's fifth summer signing.

The 5' 8'' striker will join up with the Bantams after enjoying a hugely successful season at Field Mill with the

Stags.

The Sheffield born striker finished the 2009/10 campaign as Mansfield's top scorer.

Speight managed to notch up 17 goals in the Blue Square Premier last season despite starting only 15 matches.

Such form meant Speight was reportedly on the radars of several league clubs, but in the end it was the Bantams who

have managed to secure his signature.

After starting his career at Sheffield United in 2004, Speight enjoyed a brief spell at Scarborough before

returning into league football with Bury.

Speight featured at Gigg Lane for two years as he continued to learn his trade.

Searching for more regular first team football, Speight left the Shakers to join Northwich Victoria in 2007. After

a season with Northwich, Speight returned to Yorkshire with Farsley Celtic, where he scored six goals in 15

matches.

A move to Droylsden beckoned for Speight in 2009 before he moved his career to another level at Mansfield with his

amazing goalscoring feats.

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2081611,00.html



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

City staying at Apperley Bridge

City kick off pre-season today back at Apperley Bridge after Peter Taylor pulled the plug on plans to change

training base.

The Bantams were expected to start an eagerly-anticipated campaign with a switch to new headquarters at the

University of Leeds site in Weetwood.

But Taylor, who had been pressing for better training facilities, had a late change of heart because he was

concerned that what the venue was offering did not fit the bill.

The City chief said: "All the boxes had to be ticked before going to the other place and they weren't. A couple of

things we wanted couldn't be guaranteed, such as being able to train on certain areas on certain days, and I wasn't

prepared to take that chance if it wasn't right.

"The contract hadn't been signed. It had to be right for both parties, on their side as well as ours.

"It was very close but we just couldn't agree 100 per cent on everything."

But Taylor is not down-hearted by the prospect of a return to Rawdon Meadows. He added: "My thinking is still the

same. Everything has got to be right if we find a place to go to.

"To be fair to Apperley Bridge and the groundsman there, they have been terrific for us. I'm really pleased for the

groundsman especially because he is a Bradford supporter and he used to work his socks off."

"I'm sure the players will be fine about it. Some of them will no doubt be pleased because it's less of a journey

for them."

A full squad will re-assemble this morning, including new signings Jake Speight, Tommy Doherty, Luke Oliver, Robbie

Threlfall and Lloyd Saxton. The first friendly at Eccleshill is only eight days away.

Taylor said: "I always look forward to pre-season. It's nice to see the players again and I'm looking forward to it

even more because of the way we finished last season and the atmosphere around the place."


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

From the Official BCFC website...

RESERVES MOVE TO ECCLESHILL
Posted on: Fri 02 Jul 2010

After much speculation, Bradford City can confirm that it is the football
club's intention to play their home reserve fixtures at Eccleshill United's
Plumpton Park.

The Bantams have decided to move their totesport.com Central League home
matches from the Coral Windows Stadium to Eccleshill in order to spare the
recently refurbished playing surface at Valley Parade.

The move is subject to a final inspection from the Football League, but all
signs seem to suggest that the Bantams should have no problems using
Plumpton Park as a venue for the reserves this forthcoming season.

Admission prices into Plumpton Park for City reserve fixtures will be
confirmed later.

Fans unfamiliar to Eccleshill United's home ground will get their first
opportunity to visit the venue next Friday (9th July 2010) when the Bantams
play their first pre-season friendly there.

Plumpton Park is situated approximately three miles away from Valley Parade
and can be found on Kingsway in Wrose (postcode - BD2 1PN).

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

From the Official Cheltenham Town website...

SHANE DUFF JOINS BRADFORD CITY
Posted on: Fri 02 Jul 2010

Cheltenham Town Defender Shane Duff, who's contract with the Robins expired
in June, has today joined fellow League Two club Bradford City.

Shane enjoyed 10 successful years with the Robins, and was rewarded with a
testimonial season during the 2009/2010 campaign.

Recent seasons have seen Shane dogged by injuries and a damaged achilles
tendon suffered during the Robins 5-4 defeat to Bradford at The Abbey
Business Stadium back in August 2009 robbed Duff of the majority of the
2009/2010 season.

Shane was offered a new contract by Robins Manager Mark Yates for this
season, however the long serving defender has decided to move on and pursue
his career elsewhere.

Shane is a tall, strong central defender who joined Cheltenham Town straight
from school and spent a year in the youth team before being offered a
professional contract in 2000.  After a couple of years in the reserves and
a loan spell at non-league Evesham United, Shane was ready to make to the
move into first team football.

He made his debut in season 2002-2003 and the following season made a number
of appearances alongside his brother Michael in central defence before his
older sibling moved to Burnley.

Shane's performances during season 2004-2005 earned him the club's Player of
the Year award and established him as a first choice player. He went on to
play an important part as the Robins won promotion in 2006 and retained
their League One status the following season.

Shane was selected for the Northern Ireland under-21 squad for the away
match in Armenia in March 2003 and made his international debut at under-21
level three months later against Spain in Lurgan.

Also a talented cricketer, Shane appeared as a wicketkeeper-batsman for
Shipton-under-Wychwood in the 2002 National Village Knockout final at
Lord's.

During both the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 League One campaigns Shane's
appearances were curtailed slightly by injury but he still managed to start
nearly two thirds of the games over the course of both seasons.

It was another frustrating campaign for Shane during 2008/09 when injury saw
him unavailable for four and a half months during the middle part of the
season. Nevertheless, he returned with gusto towards the end of that
campaign becoming an important face within a side that, despite suffering
relegation, showed true spirit and determination.

Now with Peter Taylor's Bradford City, all at Cheltenham Town would like to
thank Shane for his long-standing commitment to the club and wish him all
the very best in his future career.