L2 v Southend (h) L0-2 August 27th 2010

Npower League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Southend U (1) 2 Corr 16, Grant 54
Att: 10,752

Next fixture v Port Vale (h) ko 3pm

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

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



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

Match stats

Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, O'Brien, Williams, Hunt, Evans, Daley, Bullock (Speight, 46 ) , Doherty, Hanson

(Threlfall, 46 ) , Moult (Syers, 46 )
Subs not used: Duff,Rehman,Saxton,Adeyemi,

Southend: Morris, Gilbert, Clohessy(sent off 77), Barker, Bilel, Grant, Hall ( Prosser, 83 ) , Easton, Simpson,

Sturrock ( Soares, 77 ) , Corr ( Paterson, 80 )
Subs not used: Evans, Herd, Bouzid, Coughlan,

Bookings: Bullock , Evans , Syers (Bradford) Clohessy , Easton , Gilbert (Southend)
Attendance: 10752

Referee: Paul Tierney ()


Game Statistics
City             Shrimpers
11 Goal Attempts 12
5  On Target     6
5  Corners       9
13 Fouls         8
3  Yellow Cards  3
0  Red Cards     1
48      %        52



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

Match report

By Simon Parker

Awful City slumped to their third league loss of the season against a
Southend side celebrating their first away win in 2010.

It was a grim night for the Bantams, who looked a shadow of the team that
had matched Preston for so long three days earlier.

They never recovered after slack marking allowed Barry Corr to convert
Anthony Grant's pass after 16 minutes.

Peter Taylor used all three substitutes at half-time in a bid to gee them up
after the break and Jake Speight at least offered a bit of bite.

But any hopes of a fightback were dashed when they fell further behind nine
minutes after the break as Grant drove in from 25 yards.

Southend defender Sean Clohessy was sent off near the end but the ten men
did not come under any pressure.

And once again there were a few boos at the final whistle.
===========================

Frustrated Peter Taylor took the blame for City's woeful Valley Parade loss to South-end last night.

The Bantams were beaten 2-0 – their third loss in four in the league – and were second best throughout a depressing

game.

It was a total contrast to the way they had played against Preston three days before. And afterwards, the City

chief held up his hand to take the rap.

Taylor said: "I'm the one that's put the players together and when they play like that, it's my fault.

"If we were flying now and being the best team in the country, then I'd be lording it. I'd be saying that's down to

me.

"I've signed the majority of players so the way we've played is down to me. We've got no excuses.

"We're too inconsistent and it's not good enough. Southend had extra-time on Tuesday like ourselves but they looked

hungrier, fitter and better than us."

Taylor admitted he was baffled at his side's failure to string decent displays together. They rarely tested the

Southend goal even when the visitors were down to ten men after defender Sean Clohessy's red card.

"It was totally opposite to Tuesday night. But I don't really know what performance we are going to give at the

minute.

"I don't think anybody's got a clue how we are going to perform and who's going to turn up and be confident or

who's going to be nervous.

"I would have thought we'd be (confident) but come kick-off time it doesn't seem to work out that way.

"We seem to need to have a fantastic start for us to be really confident but it hasn't happened this year."

Half-time substitute Jake Speight injected some passion into City's play. Having shaken off his knee injury, the

striker is set to be rewarded with a full game against Port Vale next week.

Taylor said: "He was very close to starting and we thought he had an hour in him. He showed a couple of glimpses.

"That won't do him any harm so he'll have a good week."

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

From TOny Watson

"Noone seems to vhave mentioned Taylor's appearance on Football Focus
yesterday morning with Lawro and Dan Carter - a shortened one because of the
Grand Prix practice.

It was quite appropriate since they were concentrating on Wigan & Martinez
and asking Taylor how managers handle such situations. No unexpected pearls
of wisdom were uttered, just the usual 'We're all in it together etc etc'
Wigan of course got a result yesterday - perhaps we will next week.

Of course Lawro is a Preston director but he didn't comment much. They
showed the goals from Tuesday THEN they showed the Southend goals. Taylor
looked suitably glum when they showed the second goal with no-one anywhere
near Grant the goalscorer. 'Giving them shooting practice' he mumbled. We
obviously signed the wrong Grant."

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360881.McLaughlin_accepts_Taylor_criticism_a_back_handed_com

pliment

McLaughlin accepts Taylor criticism a back-handed compliment
6:50pm Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker

Peter Taylor didn't beat around the bush when he blamed his goalkeeper for both goals that cost City at Torquay

recently.

It was a tough learning curve for Jon McLaughlin as he heard the manager's very public reaction to his performance.

But in a way, it also demonstrated how strongly Taylor believes in the 22-year-old.

His criticism was a back-handed compliment for a keeper he clearly thinks is very much up to the task.

In experience terms, McLaughlin is a baby as a number one. Despite being the season's only ever- present, he has

still got only 14 senior appearances under his belt.

Taylor knew the risks when he went into the campaign with such a relative rookie as his first choice. Back-up

keeper Lloyd Saxton has never played in the first team and Chris Elliott has just been awarded his first pro

contract after being named youth-team player of the year.

Even coach Tim Dittmer is much younger than Matt Glennon, who occupied City's goal when Taylor first took the

Valley Parade reins in February.

But rather than look for another old head in the summer, Taylor put his faith in youth. And despite what he said in

the aftermath of Devon last week, that faith remains unshaken.

McLaughlin, for his part, held up a giant hand over what the boss had to say.

"You've got to be big enough to know what's expected of you," he said. "Once you're made a part of the team

properly, that's a sign they believe you're a good quality player and they expect you to be of a high standard in

games.

"The better you get, the more things are going to get picked out. You're always trying to learn and you're not out

there to make mistakes.

"But as a keeper, I'm always disappointed to concede a goal, even with the Preston winner in the cup, which was an

absolute blast into the top corner.

"I don't think I ever had any right to save the shot but, at the same time, you're not happy to watch it go in.

"You don't look at it and think 'never mind'. You're still wondering if there was anything that you could have done

better.

"So when a goal goes in because of a mistake you've got to accept it. Then you go into training next week and try

to work on the things that have gone wrong in the game."

Every goalkeeper will tell you that mental strength is just as important as ability and physical fitness. It's

about getting over the inevitable lapses that will affect even the very best and not letting them play on your

mind.

Taylor has no doubt that McLaughlin is tough enough up top to recover from any pitfalls.

The keeper himself, having waited so long to finally get his opportunity, has no intention of letting it slip from

his grasp.

"I've had to be pretty patient to get my chance and I'm really grateful with the gaffer for making me his number

one.

"I've been enjoying it so far playing games on a regular basis and it's great to take on that added responsibility.

"All three of us are young goalkeepers and the gaffer's talked to us before about being able to move on after a

goal and not let it affect the rest of your performance.

"Whether it's a mistake by ourselves, a bad decision by an official or just a good goal, you've got to forget about

it as quickly as possible.

"Concentrate on the next shot or cross. You can go back to the goal after the game and pick through it all day

long.

"It can be tough to do and you need to make sure the players around you help but we've got good players in our

defence with experience.

"They're not all over you about it. They know you haven't tried to do it wrong on purpose."

The fact that McLaughlin saved another penalty at Plainmoor was almost forgotten. But his stop from Torquay skipper

Nicky Wroe extended a record that has also included saves at Burton in his first game under Peter Taylor and then

in pre-season against Rochdale.

Clearly those shoot-outs with the Great Britain side in last year's World Student Games in Belgrade have proved a

valuable grounding.

He said: "It's always great to save penalties and help the team out but hopefully it won't mean people expecting me

to save them.

"You're always the underdog as a goalkeeper but if (my record) plants a seed of doubt in the penalty-taker's head

then maybe it helps.

"I don't really have too much of a system. I just gauge the player, think about what he might do and just commit to

it.

"If you then save it, that's great."



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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360342.Fighting_talk_from_Bradford_City_ace_Ramsden

Fighting talk from Bradford City ace Ramsden
7:00am Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker

A week of soul-searching on the City training ground will sort out the men from the boys, according to Simon

Ramsden.

Just a month into the season, the Port Vale home game on Saturday has taken on huge significance after three

defeats from the first four games.

Peter Taylor was furious over their limp loss to Southend, and injured skipper Ramsden predicted a demanding period

ahead for the squad.

He said: "The performance on Friday wasn't to the level that's expected for Bradford City. So starting on Saturday,

we've got to be brave – every one of us.

"We've got to go out there and show some fight. This is where you'll see the men from the boys.

"It's not just about playing well with the ball. You've got to get the nasty things right like getting about teams

and putting your foot in there – we didn't do that at times on Friday.

"Fans will cheer you and clap you off if everyone's given their all. They don't mind even if it hasn't come off as

long as the effort's there – you saw that against Preston.

"The crowd were very upset on Friday and booed the team off and you can understand where they are coming from. At

times we didn't look like the home side because Southend had a lot of possession.

"I'm sure the gaffer will be working on it all week because we can't have another performance like that."

Ramsden is easing his way back from a torn calf and hoped to get the all-clear to start running again today.

Being stuck on the sidelines while City struggle just increases his personal frustration.

"I really wish I was back but you've got to be careful with a tear. Sometimes it might feel fine but one sprint too

many and you're back to square one.

"It's going to be a long, hard week on the training ground for everyone. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of

what's gone wrong and put it right for Saturday.

"It's the inconsistency that's so frustrating for the fans and ourselves. We played very well in the cup against

Forest and Preston, two sides who on paper are a lot better than us.

"Then, although we got a victory against Stevenage, we produced a very disappointing performance and it was the

same on Friday.

"Let's hope it's a different story on Saturday and we can prove what a good side we are.

"We've definitely got the players capable of doing it, even if it didn't look like that on Friday."

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


===========================
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***

FLC2 v Preston (h) L1-2 August 24th 2010

Football League Cup 2nd Round
Bradford C (0) 1 Speight 83
Preston NE (1) 2 Coutts 45, Treacy 109
AET - Full time: 1-1
Att: 4,221

Next fixture
FRIDAY Aug 27 1:45 PM CT - Bradford City vs Southend United

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

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



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

Match stats

English League Cup - Round 2 - KO 19:45
Bradford      1 (0) - 2 (1)   (AET)    Preston
Speight 83
                               Coutts 45
                                  Treacy 109
 
  At Valley Parade on 24-08-2010


Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, Rehman, O'Brien, Williams, Daley (Speight, 70 ) , Doherty (Hanson, 55 ) , Adeyemi, Syers, Evans (Chilaka, 79 ) , Moult
Subs not used: Duff,Bullock,Saxton,Hunt,

Preston: Lonergan, Davidson, Morgan, St. Ledger ( Wright, 46 ) , Gray, Treacy, Coutts, Mayor ( Russell, 68 ) , James, Hayes ( Brown, 62 ) , King
Subs not used: Parkin, Barton, Arestidou, McLaughlin,

Bookings: Gray , King , Treacy (Preston)
Attendance: 4221

Referee: C Sarginson ()

STAT ATTACK
CITY                       PNE
4    Shots On Target       14
7    Shots Off Target   8
8    Fouls (Conceded)   15
10    Corners               10
0    Yellow Cards       3
0    Red Cards       0

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

From the Official BCFC website…

TAYLOR PROUD OF HIS PLAYERS

Peter Taylor had a simple message to his Bantams battlers: I'm proud of you
all.

Preston winger Keith Treacy settled Tuesday's thrilling second-round tie
with a 109th minute stunner.

City had earlier forced the tie into extra time when Jake Speight grabbed
his first goal for the Bantams with seven minutes of normal time remaining.

There was no Nottingham Forest comeback this time but Taylor's side had once
again shrugged off the two-division difference between the teams.

"We're disappointed to have lost but we've just played a very good
Championship team," said the City boss to the Telegraph & Argus. "A wonder
goal has beaten us and the players have got to take a lot of good things out
of that.

"We showed if we work as hard as that and try to play the ball at the right
times, we can be decent.

"Once we started believing and passing the ball correctly, I thought we did
some very good things."

Speight, who had recovered from a knee injury, notched his first goal since
his £25,000 summer move from non-league outfit Mansfield and the controversy
that followed his one-week jail term.

Taylor believes that will be the first goal of many for the 24-year-old.

He added: "I'm pleased for Jake. We knew he couldn't play that long but it's
really good he's off the mark.

"He's a handful and will get confidence from that.

"He looks as though he's got plenty of goals in him, and that's why we
signed him."

City are back at Valley Parade on Friday night to face Southend. But the
Essex side also played two hours before going down to a last-gasp defeat at
Premier League Wolves.

Taylor said: "Our fitness is good but to have two days before the next game
is a little bit harsh at this stage of the season.

"But hearing that Southend were in the same boat was good news."


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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8350793.Brave_Bradford_City_bow_out_in_extra_time/?ref=rss

Brave Bradford City bow out in extra-time
7:20am Wednesday 25th August 2010
By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1, Preston 2

Sir Alex Ferguson saw City give it their best shot before their Carling Cup adventure was ended by an extra-time stunner.

The Manchester United boss made a rare visit to Valley Parade to watch his son Darren's Preston team.

But family loyalties aside, Fergie must have been impressed by the determined efforts from the npower League Two hosts.

Peter Taylor's exhausted troops could not have given any more. Now they must go again on Friday against Southend.

Taylor said he would rest players with that game in mind, so it was no surprise to see five changes from the Torquay defeat.

Jon McLaughlin, publicly backed by his boss after the weekend, made a nervous start when he needed two grabs at David Gray's 25-yarder.

But City were agonisingly close to going in front on 20 minutes. Gareth Evans led a dangerous counter and, with Omar Daley and Louis Moult pouring forward alongside him, went it alone and drilled a firm shot past Andy Lonergan and against a Preston post.

Left winger Keith Treacy posed the biggest danger to the home side, testing McLaughlin from long range, then chipping over the bar after drifting inside.

Omar Daley was keen to make his mark after sitting on the bench at Plainmoor and looked full of running. There was plenty of energy about the attack and Moult was not far away from his first City goal with a thumping strike from well out.

The crowd certainly appreciated the home side's efforts as Moult threatened again, squaring for Evans, whose low shot was clung onto by Lonergan at full stretch.

It was an excellent save and became even more significant when Preston grabbed the lead right on half-time.

McLaughlin was fuming with himself for losing a loose ball to Danny Mayor but scrambled across to deny Treacy from close range.

But the keeper then found himself beaten by Paul Coutts' drive from a similar distance to Torquay's opener at the weekend.

McLaughlin's reaction showed his disappointment, although the fans immediately tried to lift him and his team-mates with a rallying cheer. It would need another Forest-style recovery to keep the cup dream alive.

City began the second half with a couple of corners as the top half of the Kop kept up the noise. But there was nothing to trouble Lonergan.

Tommy Doherty, an assured figure in midfield, made way after 55 minutes for first-round hero James Hanson. He linked up with Moult as City switched to 4-4-2.

Preston were furious with Evans when he slid in on Matt James, who stayed down for treatment. But referee Chris Sarginson ruled that both players had been stretching for the ball and gave the free-kick City's way.

Luke Oliver could have fuelled Preston's anger when he nodded it across goal but there was nobody close enough to convert. The big fella followed up with two more headers at the back post but Steve Williams couldn't keep his effort down.

Preston sub Chris Brown nearly buried City with his first touch, whipping the ball across goal on the turn. Evans tried to respond but took a costly touch after being teed up invitingly by Daley.

The Jamaican made way 20 minutes from time, Jake Speight going on to test his injured knee. He pressured Callum Davidson into a foul straight away, level with the Preston box, but Zesh Rehman and Hanson got in each other's way going for the header from Luke O'Brien's free-kick.

There was still plenty of effort about City's approach but time was ticking away without a serious effort on goal. At the other end, a clever drag-back from Brown created space for a low shot straight at McLaughlin.

Ferguson junior was unhappy with Moult's reaction to a foul right in front of the visiting bench by Josh King, who was shown the first yellow card of the night.

And his mood blackened eight minutes from time when City grabbed a leveller. O'Brien, having a storming game, drove in the cross and the diminutive Speight rose highest to head home his first City goal.

City went hunting a dramatic winner but were almost undone as James fired into the side-netting.

Then Nigerian trialist Chib Chilaka, on for Evans, and Oliver both went close in a breathless finish to normal time as the chances at both ends clocked up.

City were faced with another extra-time - and straight away were cursing the woodwork as David Syers was denied another cup goal by the crossbar.

But Preston regained their advantage in style three minutes into the second period.

Treacy, who had just seen McLaughlin tip his cross on to the bar, gave the keeper no chance with a spectacular volley that crashed into the roof of the net.

And Treacy nearly had a second when he rattled the bar again with another lethal left-footer. It would have been cruel on the Bantams, who deserved the loud ovation from their fans.

CITY: J McLaughlin 6, Rehman 6, Williams 7, Oliver 7, O'Brien 8, Doherty 7 (Hanson 55min, 7), Adeyemi 7, Syers 7, Daley 7 (Speight 70min, 7), Evans 7 (Chilaka 80min, 5), Moult 8. Subs (not used): Hunt, Duff, Bullock, Saxton.

PRESTON: Lonergan 7, Gray 6, St Ledger 6 (Wright 46min, 6), Morgan 6, Davidson 7, Mayor 6 (Russell 68min, 6), Coutts 6, James 7, Treacy 9, Hayes 6 (Brown 62min, 7), King 6. Subs (not used): Barton, Parkin, C McLaughlin, Arestidou.

REFEREE: Craig Sarginson (Staffs) ATTENDANCE: 4,221


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

The City Gent view

City had three good chances to score in the first half, Evans hit the post and he also had a shot well savedbty their keeper and Moult had a shot  on target. But right on half time when City failed to clear the ball Coutts slammed a low shot past Mclaughlin from about 30 yards out.
 
Secomd half was fairly even as pressed pressed forward without creating a really good chance. Hanson, Speight and Chilake came off the bench replacing Doherty, Evans and Daley who all had a decent game. With 7 minutes left to play good work by man of the match Luke O'Brien fired in a cross from the left close to the corner flag and Speight was unmarked to head home from 8 yards out. As the game approached the final whistle Chib Chilake was played in by Speight but he hesitated too long before shooting and his shot was deflected wide for a corner. It could have been an instant hero if he'd have scored.
 
In the first half extra time after 2 minutes David Syers had a shot from the edge of the box rebound off the Preston crossbar, but after that both sides had quite a few corner but neither could make the breakthrough. but 4 minutes into the 2nd half of extra time a wonder shot from their number 11 arrowed it's way to the top corner of City's net leaving McLaughlin absolutely no chance. After that City tried hard but Preston played a possesion game and denied City any chance to get back into the game though Chilake was brought down just inside the corner of the box but claims for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
 
A very similar game to the Nottingham Forest game but with the opponents scoring the winner in extra time. A far better display from City tonight and the 4-5-1 formation of the first half did well against a team 2 leagues above us.
 
Lets hope that playing 120 minutes hasn't taken too much out of the players and that they're fit and ready for Southend United on Friday night.
 
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
Twitter - thecitygent





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

Full article on the Official BCFC website...

KAMARA MADE MCCC AMBASSADOR

Former Bantams boss Chris Kamara is today being named as an ambassador for
Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of the charity's Official Partnership with
The Football League for the 2010/11 season.

As the face of the campaign, the popular pundit will climb Mount Kilimanjaro
in June 2011 to raise cash for the charity. And he's encouraging football
fans to join him and help take over 'Mount Kamaramanjaro'.

To sign up for the trek click the following link:
http://www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie

...

Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League, added:
"Chris Kamara is a real fans' favourite and it is fantastic that he is
giving up his time to help the partnership in this way.

"I would encourage as many fans as possible to get involved with this worthy
cause - together we can raise half a million pounds for Marie Curie this
season."

A dedicated Marie Curie week [March 7 - 13] will also see the League's 72
clubs raise funds during their home games.

There are many ways Football League fans can get behind the partnership from
volunteering to do a charity collection before a game or even coming up with
a unique fundraising event. For more information about the partnership and
how to get involved, please visit: www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie

To make a £3 donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care text GOAL to 70300 (1)
1. Each text will cost £3 plus your standard network messaging rate. Marie
Curie Cancer Care will receive at least £2.67 from each donation depending
on the network, some networks payout 100 per cent. Please get the bill
payer's permission to donate. For full terms and conditions visit
www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie


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





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Bradford City facebook page
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L2 v Torquay Utd (a) W August 21st 2010

Npower League Two
Torquay Utd (1) 2 Stevens 2, Zebroski 66.
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 2,941

Next games
Tue Aug 24 7:45PM League Cup 2nd Round (H) Preston
FRIDAY Aug 27 1:45 PM CT - Bradford City vs Southend United

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

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


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

Stats: Torquay - Bradford C
Possession: 59 - 41%
Shots on target: 6 - 2
Shots off target: 8 - 4
Fouls: 14 - 7
Corners: 8 - 4

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
Red card: Threlfall (Bradford C) 12 mins - (*) Foul and abusive language.
Yellow cards:
Torquay: Branston (72 min), Wroe (74), Mansell (80)
Bradford C: Doherty (42 min).

Torquay: 1. Scott Bevan, 5. Chris Robertson, 4. Mark Ellis, 23. Guy
Branston, 3. Kevin Nicholson, 7. Lee Mansell, 26. Chris Zebroski, 11. Nicky
Wroe, 19. Danny Stevens (90), 9. Elliot Benyon (90), 8. Billy Kee (55).
SUBS: 16. Danny Potter (GK), 2. Lathanial Rowe-Turner, 14. Lloyd Macklin,
20. Martin Gritton (90), 6. Kieran Charnock, 15. Wayne Carlisle (55), 10.
Eunan O'Kane (90).

Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt (76), 6. Luke Oliver, 16.
Shane Duff, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 22. Lee Bullock, 8. Tommy
Doherty (46), 19. Louis Moult (16), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien (46), 7. Omar Daley, 5. Zesh
Rehman (16), 23. Dave Syers (76), 12. Steve Williams, 25. Chib Chilak.





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

Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Ten-man City returned empty-handed from their longest trip of the season to
Torquay.

It was an afternoon to forget for the Bantams who lost their second away
game.

They were up against it within 90 seconds as 5ft 4in winger Danny Stevens
was given all the room in the world to run through and fire Torquay ahead.

And City's day got worse after ten minutes when Robbie Threlfall, recalled
to the side at left back, was red-carded for handball.

At least McLaughlin, who was rooted to the spot for Torquay's opener, atoned
by saving Nicky Wroe's spot-kick.

The City keeper was far the busier against a team who extended their amazing
run of clean sheets in the league to ten games - 16 hours of football.

McLaughlin kept the ten-man Bantams in it with good saves from Lee Mansell
and Kevin Nicholson.

But he was caught out for the killer second midway through the second half
as his challenge with Chris Zebroski ended with the ball deflecting in off
the Torquay winger.

James Hanson twice went close with headers in the later stages but there was
no saving City from a depressing result. The journey back to Yorkshire will
never have felt longer for the players and travelling fans.

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

From the Official BCFC website.

THRELFALL TO MISS PNE CUP TIE

Robbie Threlfall will miss out on the Bantams Carling Cup 2nd round tie
against Preston North End due to his dismissal at Plainmoor.

The Bantams left back was given his marching orders after knocking the ball
away with his hand as Torquay United's Chris Zebroski tried to score.

Threlfall will now be suspended for the visit of North End, but he will be
available to Peter Taylor for Friday's npower League 2 fixture with Southend
United.

Unless Referee Mr Tanner gives any other reason for Threlfall's red card in
his match report, The 21 year old will be suspended for one match only.

F.A rules dictate that a player will be suspended for a single match if are
'dismissed from the field of play for denying a goal or a goalscoring
opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball'.

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

ADEYEMI CLEARED TO PLAY IN CUP TIE

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Tom Adeyemi can play for City in tomorrow's Carling Cup second-round clash
with Preston at Valley Parade.

The on-loan teenager was expected to sit it out because his parent club
Norwich did not want him cup-tied.

But Peter Taylor contacted Canaries boss Paul Lambert last night and the
Championship side have agreed to allow him to feature.






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

From last week...

WILLIAMS DROPPED FOR NOT PLAYING BY TAYLOR'S RULES

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Steve Williams is back in City's plans for Torquay after being branded
"unprofessional" for failing to report an injury.

The centre half was axed by Peter Taylor for the Stevenage game despite
delivering an outstanding display in the heart of defence against Nottingham
Forest.

Williams was not even named on the bench last weekend because he had not
told the club in time about a hamstring complaint he suffered in the Carling
Cup tie. Injured players are expected to report for treatment as early as
possible.

Taylor said: "The players had the Wednesday off after Forest but if
anybody's injured, they've got to inform the physio at the end of the game
or - if they've woken up in pain - at the latest the following morning.

"One rule I've got is that there's no way players can get a day off if they
then can't train the next day.

"He had got Wednesday off quite rightly having done well in the Forest game
but then you've got to be training again on the Thursday.

"Then he rang later on that Wednesday to say that his hamstring was tight. I
don't like that.

"It's unprofessional and that cost him his place."

Williams was forced to pay a fine to the players' pool - and Taylor expects
his no-nonsense message to sink in.

He added: "Steve Williams has got to learn from it and go by the rules.
Injured players must still report to the club and there's no way they can
just have a day off.

"Early on (in the season) it's basically about how players perform and how
they behave. There's no problem now.

"I didn't select him last week because of what happened but that's not to
say I won't select him again in the future."


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

ONE EXITS, ONE IN?

Scott Neilson has left Bradford City to join up with Steve Evans' Blue
Square Premier team Crawley Town. Neilson has been sold for a reported
£50,000, showing a decent profit for the club who signed him just under a
year ago from Zamaretto league side Cambridge City.

Neilson's departure paves the way for an addition to Peter Taylors squad and
rumours are circulating that ex-Monaco, Leeds and Brighton winger Seb Carole
could be joining The Bantams.

L2 v Stevenage (H) W1-0 August 14th 2010

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

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

Next match: (A) Torquay, Saturday August 21, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.

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

Npower League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Evans pen 32
Stevenage (0) 0
Att: 10,967

Stats: Bradford C - Stevenage
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 1 - 5
Shots off target: 2 - 11
Fouls: 12 - 10
Corners: 3 - 4

Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Duff (28 min), Hunt (72 min).
Stevenage: Griffin (40 min), Mousinho (64 min).

Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff (60), 6. Luke
Oliver, 3. Luke O'Brien, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 8. Tommy Doherty (66), 22. Lee
Bullock, 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson, 7. Omar Daley (73).
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 4. Michael Flynn, 5. Zesh Rehman (60), 11.
Scott Neilson, 19. Louis Moult (73), 23. Dave Syers (66), 28. Robbie
Threlfall.

Stevenage: 16. Chris Day, 25. Ronnie Henry, 14. Mark Roberts, 24. Michael
Bostwick, 3. Scott Laird, 23. Robert Sinclair (88), 21. John Mousinho, 13.
Joel Byrom, 9. Charlie Griffin, 20. Chris Beardsley (83), 11. Yemi Odubade
(63).
SUBS: 1. Ashley Bayes (GK), 2. Lawrie Wilson, 4. Darius Charles, 6. Luke
Foster, 10. Lee Boylan (88), 17. Peter Winn (63), 30. Peter Vincenti (83).


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

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Bradford City opened their league home campaign with a win - but it was
really hard work.

They spluttered throughout against newly-promoted Stevenage and struggled to
string any moves of quality together.

The winning goal in the 31st minute came from the penalty spot after Lee
Bullock fell over Joel Byrom's outstretched leg. Gareth Evans sent keeper
Chris Day the wrong way with the coolest of spot-kicks, making amends for
the last-minute miss against Accrington last season.

It was City's only shot on target in the whole game.

Stevenage, backed by a noisy away following, applied the pressure after the
break. Thankfully their shooting lacked any accuracy.

But they should have equalised when Shane Duff's blind backpass went
straight to Yemi Odubade in front of goal.

The little striker had only Jon McLaughlin to beat but the keeper threw
himself forward to block with his feet and save a victory that City barely
deserved.

Three points are on the board but Peter Taylor won't need the smattering of
boos at the final whistle to know that his team will have to do a lot
better.

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



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

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



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

CITY SIGN SYERS

City have signed David Syers following an impressive trial spell with the
club.

The former Farsley and Harrogate midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal
until the end of the season with the option of a further year.

Syers joined up with the club early in the summer and although an ankle
injury initially disrupted his trial spell, manager Peter Taylor has been
impressed with what he has seen.

The 22-year-old starred in Tuesday's 2-1 Carling Cup win against Nottingham
Forest, coming on as a half-time substitute to score the equaliser and make
a key contribution in the centre of the park.

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

From the Official BCFC website....

PRESTON CARLING CUP TIE DATED

The football club can confirm that City's Carling Cup 2nd round tie with
Preston North End will take place on Tuesday 24th August 2010.

The home tie will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium and is scheduled
to kick off at 7.45pm.

The Bantams were tied with the Championship side on Wednesday evening when
the draw for the 2nd round took place live on Sky Sports News.

Ticket details for the match itself will be announced shortly.

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

Scott Neilson

Scott Neilson has signed for Crawley Town for an undisclosed five figure sum.

City have to give Cambridge 25% of the transfer fee due to a sell on clause.

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

The club/surridge have surpassed themselves with the 1911 cup replica
shirt as seen on Tuesday. It is priced at £27.


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

BANTAMS' SPENDING REDUCED

The Football League's latest figures show that Bradford spent £10,460 on
agents fees in the 2009/10 season.

The figure is below the £15,000 they spent in the 2008/09 campaign as clubs
in League Two committed £366,781 on agents fees in the last year.

The publication of Football League clubs' spending on agents' fees has
revealed that money committed has increased in the last 12 months from
£8.8million to £12.7million.

Football League chairman Greg Clarke voiced his concern, saying: "Given the
current economic climate, it is worrying to see such a significant amount
leaking from the game.

"This year's figures demonstrate a considerable increase on those of last
season and it is essential that clubs work to reduce this liability over the
coming campaign."


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

CAROLE LANDS BANTAMS TRIAL

Bradford City manager Peter Taylor has given free agent Seb Carole the
chance to win a contract with the club.

The former Monaco and Leeds winger featured for the Bantams' reserves on
Tuesday, and although Taylor knows he is lacking in fitness, he is pleased
with Carole's attitude.

"He's a lovely lad and has played at a good level," Taylor told the
Telegraph and Argus.

"You look at the clubs he's been at - Monaco, Leeds, West Ham and Brighton -
and I know that Brighton wanted to re-sign him.

"It's really down to him to show how good he is. He's not fit enough at the
moment."

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

From the Official BCFC website...

REHMAN REMAINS AS CLUB CAPTAIN

Peter Taylor has today (Wednesday) confirmed that Zesh Rehman will continue
in his role as club captain for the 2010/2011 season.

Rehman will also act as a deputy to first team captain Simon Ramsden.

The defender was originally handed the role of club captain by former
manager Stuart McCall at the start of last season.

After working with Rehman for around six months, Taylor feels there is no
reason to change that for the new campaign.

Taylor told the official website: "In my time here, he (Zesh) has always
been thoroughly supportive of all the other players in the squad".

"Zesh has also been a superb ambassador for the football club within the
local community.

"He is a supremely professional individual and will continue to make superb
club captain for this football club".

CC1 v Notts F (h) W2-1 August 10th 2010

League Cup
Valley Parade
11/08/10 1930
Attendance: 5,175
Referee: Eddie Ilderton


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

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


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

Match photos
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2118347,00.html


City: McLaughlin 8, Rehman 7, Williams 8, Duff 8, O'Brien 7, Neilson 6 (Ramsden 46, 7), Doherty 8, Bullock 6 (Syers 46, 7), Daley 6 (Hanson 46, 8), Moult 7, Speight 8. Subs (not used): Saxton, Oliver, Horne, Threlfall.

Forest: Camp 7, Chambers 7, Morgan 7, Lynch 6 (McKenna 100), Cohen 7, McCleary 6, McGugan 7 (Adebola 72, 6), Moussi 6, Anderson 6 (Blackstock 72, 6), Thornhill 7, Tyson 6. Subs (not used): Darlow, Freeman, Gibbons, Rooney.


Game Statistics

City                 Forest
16   Goal Attempts   20
9    On Target       10
3    Corners         13
5    Fouls           12
0    Yellow Cards    1
0    Red Cards       0
46   %               54


Read more: http://www.bradford.vitalfootball.co.uk/stats.asp?a=208504#ixzz0wOb9yBNj


The Bantams have been drawn at home to Preston North End in the Carling Cup 2nd round.

Following City's dramatic victory over Nottingham Forest in the previous round, Peter Taylor's side have now been handed another tie at the Coral Windows Stadium.

The tie is scheduled to be played on the week commencing Monday 23rd August 2010.


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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8323940.Bradford_City_celebrate_super_cup_tonic/?ref=rss

Substitutes Syers and Hanson provide Bradford City goal power to sink Forest
7:10am Wednesday 11th August 2010
By Connor Murphy

City boss Peter Taylor hopes victory against Nottingham Forest will prove a perfect pick-me-up for his side after a disappointing start to their league campaign.

Goals from David Syers and James Hanson sealed a memorable Carling Cup first-round win, while banishing lingering memories of last week's disappointing defeat at Shrewsbury.

There is a short turnaround before City return to league action against Stevenage on Saturday and confidence will be high going into the home league opener.

Taylor said: "We did say at half-time that you work hard in pre-season and you don't want to lose two out of two. That's not a great start because then, all of a sudden, the confidence dips.

"We weren't great on Saturday against Shrewsbury, they were better than us second half. But last night I thought we were very good second half and did very well.

"It's given the players a massive boost but they've had to work extremely hard."

City had trailed Forest 1-0 at the interval but a Taylor masterstroke turned the game on its head.

The City chief introduced Hanson, Syers and Simon Ramsden as half-time substitutes, while also switching from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3.

Taylor said: "We were disappointing first half. We probably knew how good Forest are and some of the players felt they shouldn't be on the same pitch as them. But second half we tried to make it more like a decent cup tie.

"We weren't playing as well as we would've liked and the big fella up front (Hanson) gave us another option.

"Credit to James, that's the best he's looked since we came back to pre-season because he won every header."

===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/8323947.Hanson_the_extra_time_goal_hero_for_Bradford_City/?ref=rss

Revenge win over Forest gives Bradford City lift after opening loss
6:30am Wednesday 11th August 2010
By Connor Murphy

City 2, Nottingham Forest 1

City pulled off one of the shocks of the first round after dumping Championship promotion contenders Nottingham Forest out of the Carling Cup.

Nobody outside the club had believed it was possible but Peter Taylor's troops revelled in their role as underdogs to provide a display full of fight and discipline.

Having been unceremoniously dismissed from the competition by Forest at the same stage last year, this was sweet revenge.

Matt Thornhill had given Forest a first-half lead but City responded well to claim a deserved equaliser after the break through David Syers, who signed on non-contract terms prior to the game.

Given another chance to impress after spending much of the summer on trial with the club, the all-action Farsley midfielder caught the eye with his enthusiasm and endeavour.

But they were characteristics prevalent throughout the team and a deserved win was sealed when substitute James Hanson scored in the first half of extra time.

Possibly with one eye on Saturday's League Two home opener against Stevenage, Taylor made seven changes to the team that had lost 3-1 at Shrewsbury, while switching from his preferred 4-3-3 formation to a more conventional 4-4-2.

Summer arrivals Shane Duff, Tommy Doherty, Louis Moult and Jake Speight all made their full debuts and Omar Daley started on the left of midfield after returning from suspension.

The changes certainly seemed to ease the defensive insecurities that had plagued City during a disastrous second half at Shrewsbury and even though Forest continually probed, they made little headway.

Thornhill spurned a good early chance when he volleyed wide from the edge of the area, while Jon McLaughlin made a superb one-on-one save to deny Nathan Tyson after the striker had latched on to Lewis McGugan's through ball.

At the opposite end, Daley had his moments – especially when cutting in from the left onto his preferred right foot – but proved too wasteful, lashing one effort way wide after a sharp interchange with Moult.

Doherty did a decent job of pulling the strings in midfield, frequently showing impressive range and variety in his passing, and the lively Speight did his best to provide an outlet, yet found himself continually manhandled by the physically imposing Forest defence.

When the former Mansfield striker did get free, turning on Scott Neilson's header into the box, McGugan recovered just in time to block his goalbound volley.

Another possible Speight break was crudely halted by Joel Lynch but Steve Williams could only head over the bar from the resultant Luke O'Brien free-kick.

A minute later, City were behind. Forest swiftly moved the ball downfield and when Chris Cohen's left-wing cross evaded everyone in the penalty area, Thornhill waited patiently for it to drop before blasting a volley into the far corner.

The visitors dominated the remaining exchanges before the break, providing the catalyst for drastic change.

Taylor used all three substitutes at the break, introducing Simon Ramsden, Hanson and Syers, to facilitate a return to 4-3-3 and provide more to aim at up front.

It worked a treat, although City first had to endure an early scare when Tyson turned Williams inside the area before placing his shot narrowly wide of the left post.

With Hanson quickly putting himself about, it was clear the Forest defence were not going to have everything their own way and a flick-on from the big targetman provided the equaliser.

Speight reacted quickly and although his effort was half-blocked by Lee Camp, Syers made up a tremendous amount of ground to slam home from a tight angle.

Buoyed by their equaliser, City twice went close to a second. Speight was involved in both, providing the opening when Moult saw his shot blocked inside the box, before pulling an effort just wide himself.

Hearts were in mouths moments later when Forest substitute Dexter Blackstock cut in from the left to rifle a shot against the post.

The rebound fell kindly for Garath McCleary but his shot was blocked on the line by the well-placed Duff.

McLaughlin made a somewhat nervy save to deny Cohen in injury time, before Hanson headed over from O'Brien's free-kick as neither team was unable to prevent extra time.

Moult and Thornhill were both off target from promising positions in the first added period before City sensationally took the lead.

Speight was brought down inside the D by Lynch and when Ramsden's driven free-kick was saved by Camp, it caused chaotic scenes inside the area.

Williams had a close-range effort blocked but the ball broke to Hanson, who made absolutely no mistake.

McLaughlin made a stunning stop to deny Chambers and save City's bacon but they were otherwise comfortable in seeing out the remaining time.



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


Taylor poised to reveal if trialist Syers has earned Bradford City contract
7:40am Thursday 12th August 2010
By Connor Murphy

David Syers will know his City fate by the end of the week.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been on trial at Valley Parade throughout the summer and did his chances of a permanent deal no harm with a goal-scoring appearance in Tuesday's Carling Cup win against Nottingham Forest.

An ankle injury suffered in last month's pre-season friendly at Canvey Island initially seemed to have scuppered Syers' hopes of an extended stay but Peter Taylor has been determined to give him a fair crack of the whip.

City's boss signed the former Farsley and Harrogate player on non-contract terms prior to the Forest game and was rewarded with an all-action performance.

But Syers is jostling for position in an already crowded engine room, with Michael Flynn expected back from injury soon to further bolster numbers.

"We said we'd make a decision by the end of the week but he hasn't done himself any harm tonight," said Taylor after the extra-time win against Forest.

"He's full of energy, he gets about, he makes those forward runs and he got a really important goal for us.

"He's been with us through all pre-season. He turned his ankle over in his first pre-season friendly, so that put him back a couple of weeks.

"But at the end of last week I said I wanted to look at him for one more week and he hasn't done anything wrong, to be fair."

Another summer arrival also caught Taylor's eye against Forest.

Jake Speight suffered a disrupted start to his City career after he was convicted of assault and initially jailed for 12 weeks, before the sentence was overturned on appeal.

But the £25,000 signing made a lively cameo as a late substitute against Shrewsbury last week and impressed throughout the full 120 minutes against Forest.

Taylor said: "He does things that you're not sure he's going to do. Once he gets the ball into his feet and he can get his back into defenders, he's quite a handful.

"I thought he got fouled quite a lot, to be honest, and there were a couple he never got.

"He's extremely determined to be a success here and he's actually working too hard at times. Once he gets the ball he just needs to calm down and he'll be fine."



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

The opponents view ...

http://nffcblog.com/2010/08/10/lets-concentrate-on-the-league-2/

Bradford City – 2
Nottingham Forest – 1
(after extra time)
A combination of typical half-job Forest away from home, a bit of bad luck, some spirited opponents and Shilton-reborn in goal for the hosts sees Forest cup campaign over no sooner than it had begun.  With five players – four first teamers – missing through international call-ups, it forced Billy into numerous changes before we even consider injuries.
That's not to take anything away from the home side who responded positively after Peter Taylor gamely made all three of his substitutions at half time, and from just before the hour mark certainly took the game to Forest.  The Reds continued to make chances – but, alas, it wasn't to bear any fruit.  I think I'm right in saying that Dele as a late option when chasing a game is yet to prove effective.
Anyhow, six changes from the weekend's side, mostly enforced, saw the Reds looking something like this:

Camp
Chambers  Morgan  Lynch  Cohen
Moussi   McGugan
Thornhill
McCleary   Tyson    Anderson

Or something along those lines -  obviously with a reasonable amount of swapping and changing in midfield.  The game started pretty openly, and Thornhill provided an early warning after call work from Cohen and Anderson lead to the youngster volleyed just wide from the edge of the penalty area.
At the other end former-Stags striker Jake Speight was in a dangerous position, shooting from just outside the six yard box only for Lewis McGugan to throw himself in for the block.  Back on the attack, Lewis played a lovely throughball to Tyson whose run between two defenders saw him through on goal – only to see his effort saved by Jon 'Shilton' McLaughlin.
An eventful spell in the game for McGugan culminated in a decent curling effort from 30 yards, however it wasn't too troublesome for the Bantams keeper to save and hold.  It wasn't long to wait 'til the Reds could break the deadlock though – Cohen turned and put in a decent cross which found Thornhill who'd made a cracking run to unleash a volley across goal.
Forest had a good spell from now 'til half time – some nice play between Cohen and Thornhill culminated in a decent effort by Moussi from twenty yards, but it was just over the bar.  That pretty much heralded the half time break with the Reds looking relatively comfortable, but in possession of only the one goal lead, of course.
As mentioned above, Peter Taylor opted to use all three of his substitutions at half time – and had clearly told his team at the break to get stuck in more and stop giving the Reds so much time on the ball.  That said, Forest did start the second half well – Tys attempted an overhead kick which didn't quite work, but it caused mayhem in defence ending up with McGugan who struck well – only to be denied by the feet of McLaughlin.
Shortly after the 'keeper was on form again to deny Tyson after Paul Anderson had worked well to get him the shooting chance.  After a disappointing game against Burnley Tys seemed eager to prove himself, a great turn saw him with another shooting chance but this time it was off target (although not far off target).
Then came the suckerpunch – having either been denied by the excellent McLaughlin or missing their chances, Bradford capitalised when Luke Chambers played a ridiculous backpass behind Lee Camp, a three-way race between Camp, Lunch and Speight ensued – it was the Bradford striker who won the race, and ultimately it was Syers who scrambled the ball home to equalise for the home side.
This really picked up the home team, and they continued to attack – Wes needed to dive in to deny Moult.  Billy must've looked down his bench and cursed his lack of depth – forced to field the carrying-a-knock Dexter Blackstock, and Dele Adebola who replaced Anderson and McGugan.  I don't like to be mean, but Dele coming on when we're needing a goal just screams 'game over' to me.  I'd love him to prove me wrong.
Forest did make further chances – Tys compounded his bad luck by seeing a shot that finally defeated McLaughlin rebound from the post, McCleary was close to getting onto the rebound but Duff was on hand to get the ball clear.  The Reds kept on pressuring, but with little end product – and despite being injured the Bradford keeper was still able to deny Thornhill and Cohen as extra time loomed large.
So, extra time – the Reds started positively, Tys had a decent effort from the edge of the box but it was just over the bar.  Matty Thornhill was close too – but put his shot wide after Cohen's cross picked him out in the area.  Of course, it was never going to go all our way though, and Bradford were awarded a freekick after Joel Lynch hauled down a home player.
It was a decently struck effort by Ramsden which was well saved by Camp, a complicated rebound ended up with Hanson putting the ball in from close range to give Bradford the lead, and ultimately of course, the tie.  McKenna – another player carrying a knock – was brought on for the clearly-suffering-with-cramp Lynch, which saw a reshuffle putting McCleary at rightback and Chambers at centreback.
The home side continued to press – Speight turned brilliantly to get beyond both Chambers and Morgan, but the shot was ultimately a let down (or a let off), giving Camp an easy save.  A rare dangerous corner from Forest ended up with Chambers looking like he'd scored but for yet another excellent save from McLaughlin – the final chance falling to Blackstock whose shot gave the Bradford 'keeper his easiest save of the night.
All in all, a very familiar tale – we certainly had chances, or opportunities to make chances.  Final balls, shots, a bit of bad luck (woodwork) and some awesome goalkeeping denied us.  I guess that makes it not a disaster really – certainly we aren't the first team to get knocked out early by a lower-league team, and life goes on.
Frustrating though, isn't it?  I hope I'm writing something more cheerful come Sunday evening.


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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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


===========================
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Bradford City facebook page
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http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
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***

L2 v Shrewsbury (a) L1-3 August 7th 2010

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

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

NPOWER League Two
Shrewsbury (1) 3 Robinson 34, 51, 56.
Bradford C (1) 1 Adeyemi 24.
Att: 6,993

Stats: Shrewsbury - Bradford C
Possession: 61 - 39%
Shots on target: 6 - 5
Shots off target: 5 - 7
Fouls: 11 - 15
Corners: 4 - 8

Ref: S. Rushden (Lancashire).
Red card:
Shrewsbury: McIntyre (68 min)
Yellow cards:
Shrewsbury: Sharps (66 min), Sadler (78 min)
Bradford C: Moult (69 min)

Shrewsbury: 25. Benjamin Smith, 2. David Raven, 5. Ian Sharps, 18. Daniel
O'Donnell, 3. Mat Sadler, 7. Mark Wright, 20. Craig Disley (90), 8. Kevin
McIntyre, 16. Lionel Ainsworth (89), 9. Matt Harrold, 10. Jake Robinson
(77).
SUBS: 1. Chris Neal (GK), 4. Sean McAllister (77), 6. Shane
Cansdell-Sherriff (90), 11. Steven Leslie, 12. Lewis Neal, 17. Benjamin Van
den Broek (89), 34. Tom Bradshaw.

Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 12. Steve Williams (61), 6.
Luke Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 2. Simon Ramsden, 22. Lee Bullock (86),
20. Tom Adeyemi, 11. Scott Neilson (55), 17. James Hanson, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien, 5. Zesh Rehman, 8. Tommy
Doherty (61), 10. Jake Speight (86), 16. Shane Duff, 19. Louis Moult (55).




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


Peter Taylor's first full season as City boss started in defeat after his
side fell 3-1 to ten-man Shrewsbury.

Although Tom Adeyemi had given the visitors a lead with a goal on his debut,
Jake Robinson scored a hat-trick to send them home pointless.

City made a positive start to the game, playing with real confidence and
spark, taking the lead when Adeyemi latched onto a knock down from James
Hanson to clip the ball over the onrushing Ben Smith.

Gareth Evans came close to adding a second when he hit the post from around
ten yards out but Shrewsbury levelled in controversial circumstances.

Jon McLaughlin seemed to be unfairly challenged when he dropped the ball
from Mark Wright's corner but play continued and Robinson hammered home from
close range.

Lively winger Lionel Ainsworth proved to be the catalyst for a Shrewsbury
charge after the break, tormenting Robbie Threlfall after switching from
left to right.

His cross set up Robinson for a headed second before the striker completed
his hat-trick with a lofted finish from Matt Harrold's through ball.

McIntyre was sent off for kicking out at Louis Moult with 22 minutes
remaining but Shrewsbury held on to claim the points.




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

TAYLOR PHILOSOHICAL AS CITY SURRENDER LEAD
By Connor Murphy (T&A)

Peter Taylor insists it would be "mad" to think City will sweep all before
them this season.

Defeat at Shrewsbury in their League Two opener came as a major
disappointment but Taylor is refusing to be too downhearted.

The City chief had preached patience prior to the game and, following the
3-1 reversal, recalled his promotion-winning Gillingham side to reinforce
that belief.

The Gills went winless throughout their first five games en route to
triumphing in the Second Division play-offs in 2000.

"If anybody out there was thinking Bradford City were going to win every
game, they must be mad," said Taylor.

"There's going to be some good teams in this division and Shrewsbury Town
are one of them.

"When they got some confidence towards the end they looked a very good team
and you probably saw the worst of us.

"There's an awful long way to go. I never won for six matches with
Gillingham and we managed to go up, so it doesn't mean the first game is
that important."

But Taylor admits his side's second-half performance at Greenhous Meadow,
particularly in defence, was unacceptable.

After watching striker Jake Robinson score a hat-trick, Taylor was critical
of the way his players dealt with the entire Shrews forward line.

"I'm disappointed with the way we defended second half to be honest because
in the first half we did some good things," he said.

"(Matt) Harrold and Robinson are a good partnership and if you give them too
much time and don't go with their runs, they're going to hurt you.

"We've got some big players in there and I expect them to head crosses away.
But Robinson, who's smaller than all of them, headed it in for the second.

"The last one was good play from him but it was also very poor play from our
centre halves."

But Taylor did reserve praise for on-loan midfielder Tom Adeyemi, who scored
his first Football League goal on an impressive City debut.

Taylor said: "That's his first league goal so he'll be pleased with that. I
was geeing him up the other day to say he hasn't scored yet, so it's nice
he's got that goal.

"He was good but there's some other good ones in there who were probably a
bit disappointed with their performance over the 90.

"It's about how we bounce back now and we will."

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



===========================
From the Official BCFC website...

SAFETY NETS INTRODUCED AT VP

The Bantams will be introducing their latest safety measure this week to
help protect fans at the Coral Windows Stadium.

Fans attending the Nottingham Forest match this Tuesday will get their first
glimpse of the new safety nets installed in front of the Carlsberg Stand.

The nets have been placed just in front of the sponsor hoardings to help
protect supporters during the normal warm up routine for City's goalkeepers.

Unfortunately in the past, there have been instances where supporters have
been struck by wayward balls during a pre-match warm up.

To prevent this from happening in the future, and to comply with new
Football League regulations, City have installed the nets in time for the
start of the Bantams home fixtures.

The football club would like to reassure supporters that the nets will be
taken down after the pre-match warm up routines and will therefore not
obstruct their view of the pitch during the match.

Here we go then.

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

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

Previews

Opposition preview
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2110949,00.html?

------

Bradford City boss Taylor in plea for patience
7:00am Friday 6th August 2010
By Connor Murphy

Peter Taylor has urged patience as City prepare to launch their latest League Two promotion challenge tomorrow.

The new boss starts his first full campaign in the Valley Parade hot-seat at Shrewsbury, warning his newly-assembled side will not instantly develop into the finished article.

A strong end to last season and a solid summer of recruitment have raised hopes the club can finally end their stay in the league's bottom tier following three years of underachievement.

But Taylor hopes supporters do not expect too much too soon and remains focused firmly on the bigger picture.

He said: "I would say to people 'please be patient'.

"Just because Bradford City is a big club and we've got fantastic supporters doesn't mean we've got a divine right to win a football match. It means we've got to do it right.

"I would always want the supporters to be patient and helpful because the more the players relax playing in front of them, the better performance they'll have.

"One newspaper claimed we pay more than other clubs in this division and our budget is bigger now than when Stuart (McCall) was here.

"I can promise that's not the case so I think that's unhelpful because if I was a supporter and thought we were paying more than other clubs I would be impatient.

"We're no different to anyone else. We have to work extremely hard and be extremely professional to be a success."

That bigger-picture view also extends to the early stages of the campaign.

Although Taylor will be going all out to secure a good start at Shrewsbury, he remains mindful of the fact City will play three games in the space of eight days – the Carling Cup clash against Nottingham Forest and league meeting with Stevenage following hot on the heels of the opening day.

But by assembling a squad with cover in every position, he is confident they will be more than equipped to deal with the rigours of a full season in League Two.

Taylor said: "If we've recruited right – and that means me – then anybody that doesn't start in the first game, I'm expecting them to be making sure they're starting very quickly after that because they've got to show the great determination and the good attitude that we want.

"I've always tried to get two players for every position. Other managers go for less players on more wages but I don't, I try to budget it the right way so we can have two in every position.

"I think that might be important at the start of the season because you don't play for ages, then you play a league match and then you're expected to play another two in seven days.

"Ideally, I would like to share that around."

Although satisfied with his squad, Taylor believes there could potentially be a Dean Windass-shaped hole in his forward line.

"I'm quite pleased with the squad we've got together, although there are slight negatives where some players are only 90 per cent fit," he said.

"Still, the squad is looking okay, although it might need a bit more experience up front. I don't think we'll be making any additions at the minute but I'm just looking at the squad.

"If you look at the striking situation we've got now, we've got James Hanson, who is not yet 90 minutes fit, Gareth Evans, who finished off the season well, Jake Speight, who I believe is going to be hard to play against, and Louis Moult, who's come here and scored two in two.

"Michael Flynn is another option we've got as well, so we've got five options there who could get us a goal and could get us even more with confidence.

"But maybe there's not a centre forward there who's been around, like Dean Windass was for Bradford, and maybe we'll need that for a successful season but maybe we won't.

"Hopefully, I'm wrong there."





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

Graham Turner relishes new Shrewsbury dawn
Friday 6th August 2010, 1:34PM BST.

 

Shrewsbury Town kick off the new League Two season against Bradford City tomorrow in front of what is expected to be a bumper opening day crowd.

Early indications are that more than 7,000 fans could be at the Greenhous Meadow – with 1,000 of those making the journey from West Yorkshire.

And Town boss Graham Turner, who will be in the dugout for his first competitive match since returning to the club, knows how important the curtain raiser against Peter Taylor's men is.

He said: "It's a particularly appetising game to start with against the pre-season title favourites for the division.

Read more in the Shropshire Star



http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/2010/08/06/graham-turner-relishes-new-shrewsbury-dawn



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







RAMSDEN READY TO BE CAPTAIN
By Connor Murphy (T&A)

Simon Ramsden is happy to become old before his time if it helps City mount
a successful League Two promotion challenge.

An influx of young talent into the first-team squad has left the 28-year-old
defender feeling his age ahead of his first full season as captain.

Ramsden has been appointed skipper for the forthcoming campaign after
assuming the armband midway through last season and knows there is heavy
responsibility in setting an example for City's up-and-coming stars.

He said: "It's strange. Time seems to go so fast that I'm one of the older
ones now.

"Obviously in training we play an 'old vs young' game and I'm on the 'old'
team, which doesn't feel right at all.

"With the age of this side, I would class myself as one of the more
experienced ones.

"The gaffer wants the older lads, like myself, Lee Bullock and Zesh, to get
messages across to the younger lads while we're out on the pitch and lead
them through the difficult times.

"I've loved being one of the team's leaders. Stuart McCall made me captain
just before he left and the gaffer kept me there.

"I really enjoy that role, obviously trying to help those people and give
the younger lads a chance to improve their game."

Aside from a blend of youth and experience, Ramsden believes the current
squad will also benefit from a strong versatility.

Not only has manager Peter Taylor recruited a squad with genuine depth, he
has instilled his players with an altruistic attitude intended to make them
flexible enough to face any situation.

Ramsden said: "We've got players in the team who can probably play three or
four positions themselves but also we've got two players in every position.

"At times you're going to pick up injuries and suspensions. Hopefully
they're at a minimum but if they do happen, we feel we've got the strength
in depth to keep up.

"Luckily throughout my career I've played in quite a few positions, even up
front to be honest.

"The gaffer knows, not just with myself but others as well, we can do a job
for the team and fill in.

"At the end of the day it's about doing a job for the side. You have to
forget about your own role as such, not be so selfish, and if the gaffer
needs to put you in a different position and we get the win that's all that
matters."

But Ramsden was quick to stress the importance of preventing confidence from
spilling over.

A quiet optimism has pervaded the City camp, although there is a notable
absence of 'big talk', with the players making a conscious decision to walk
the walk before talking the talk.

"Obviously you can do too much talking," said Ramsden.

"The bookies have made us favourites and there's been a lot said about the
gaffer and who he's brought in this summer and just because we're Bradford
City we've got a divine right to win this league. That isn't the case.

"We've got to forget all the talk. We've got to look to get three points in
every single game this season and then we don't need to do any talking
because it's there in proof at the end of the season when we get promoted.

"We're all raring to go."




===========================
From the Official BCFC website...

CLUBS AGREE TO RULE CHANGES

At an Extraordinary General Meeting at Derby County's Pride Park Stadium,
Football League clubs have approved a number of regulatory changes.

The new and amended regulations cover changes to financial reporting
procedures; ground criteria; the Owners' and Directors' Test; the public
disclosure of club ownership; third party interests in players; and players'
contracts.

Commenting on the new regulations, Football League Chairman Greg Clarke
said:"I am pleased that our clubs have today supported new and revised
regulations that further strengthen the professionalism and good governance
of The Football League.

"The season ahead is an important one for The League and its clubs as we
seek to continue our recent growth.

"Centrally, we will be doing everything possible to support our clubs
through a difficult economic environment and to encourage more and more fans
to enjoy the fantastic product offered on the pitch by all 72 Football
League clubs."

At today's EGM, clubs voted to introduce the following regulatory changes
that stem from The League's Solidarity agreement with the Premier League:

1. Further enhancements to the Owner's and Director's Tests which will
include:
> Creating an Annual Reporting process for all club directors
> Prior disclosure of new directors and a prohibition on persons taking up
the role until clearance is received from The Football League.
> Introducing a restriction on anyone owning an interest in a club where
they are prevented from entering the UK or are unable to have funds
available in the UK for their own benefit.
 
2. Additional financial reporting requirements for Championship clubs
including:
> The provision of 'future financial information' relating to the subsequent
season.
> Clubs to demonstrate they have no overdue transfer fees, compensation
fees, key employee wages or PAYE/NIC.
> Clubs in default or clubs with business plans that cast doubt on their
ability to fulfil fixtures or pay football creditors will be required to
submit to budget constraints including possibility of transfer embargo.
>The change of ownership of more than 30% of a club will trigger fresh
reporting requirements.
 
3. The requirement to publish the identity of any individuals owning 10% or
more in any club.

4. The absolute prohibition of 'third party interests' in players.

5. A new standard player contract in line with that in use in the Premier
League.

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

CFML pre-season news #2010-08-04

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

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


Article in todays Sunday Observer

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/01/zesh-rehman-pakistan-asian-footballers



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

City D1-1 v Rochdale (Friendly)

Pre-Season Friendly:

Rochdale (0) 1 O'Grady 64
Bradford C (0) 1 Moult 54
Att: 968

By Connor Murphy (T&A)

The picture is becoming ever clearer. With just a week remaining until the
big kick-off, City shed the experimental look of early pre-season to provide
a proper insight into how Peter Taylor's side are shaping up.

On paper, the visit to League One outfit Rochdale was their toughest test of
the summer, yet it still provided firm grounds for optimism.

For the most part, City appeared to be a cohesive, well-drilled unit,
particularly in defence, while still offering enough at the opposite end to
keep the hosts on their toes.

In the second half, much of that threat involved striker Louis Moult, who
claimed a deserved goal on his debut just a day after completing a long-term
loan move from Stoke.

But once Chris O'Grady had grabbed an equaliser for Rochdale, City still had
Jon McLaughlin to thank for salvaging the draw.

The Bantams goalkeeper added to his burgeoning collection of penalty saves
with an impressive stop to deny O'Grady from 12 yards.

Taylor said: "We got a lot of benefit out of it. We didn't create a load of
chances or have a lot of the ball but for defensive reasons it was a really
good workout because Rochdale are such a good football team.

"We got some good things out of it and I'm delighted we got a goal for young
Louis and we had a couple of other good chances as well.

"Louis is a clever footballer and a good finisher and Scotty Neilson played
him in with a really good ball. There were certainly some pluses and overall
I'm very pleased."

City made a lively start, with the bustling, enthusiastic Neilson making a
particular nuisance of himself as much of the probing took place down the
right.

Ironically though, the first genuine opening came from the opposite flank.

When Lee Bullock slipped the ball in to Robbie Threlfall, the defence seemed
to part right in front of him and the left back did not need a second
invitation, his sweetly struck 20-yard effort only kept out by the
fingertips of Josh Lillis.

Neilson did get in on the act belatedly, pouncing on a loose pass from the
hosts to feed Gareth Evans, the frontman dragging his shot wide of the
target.

Opting for the patient approach, Rochdale initially offered only a fleeting
goal threat, unable to break down the visitors as City settled into a
disciplined 4-5-1 on defence.

But the more they played the waiting game, the more the Lancastrians found
their rhythm.

Jason Kennedy tested McLaughlin with a couple of fizzing long-range efforts
but the best chance fell to O'Grady, a former City loan player.

Picked out inside the box after good work by Joe Widdowson, the Dale hitman
looked odds-on to score but his touch was less than clever, much to the
relief of the City defence.

Rochdale continued to apply pressure immediately after the break but were
punished in the 55th minute for their lack of real cutting edge.

Moments after Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro had headed over the bar, City countered
with conviction and Neilson threaded a delightful ball down the right
channel to Moult, who steadied himself before drilling into the far corner.

But the lead was surrendered ten minutes later, Akpro's cross causing
problems and allowing O'Grady to slot home after Zesh Rehman had blocked Joe
Thompson's initial effort.

Rochdale should have made it a quick-fire double when Lewis Hunt bundled
Akpro over in the area but McLaughlin produced a stunning full-stretch save
to keep out O'Grady's spot-kick.

City actually had the better chances to steal victory late on, Hunt twice
going close before Lillis produced an acrobatic stop to tip Tom Adeyemi's
last-minute shot over the bar.

Bradford City: McLaughlin (Elliott 76), Ramsden (Hunt 46), Rehman, Oliver
(Duff 46), Threlfall (Harrison 76), Bullock, Adeyemi, O'Brien, Daley
(Speight 46), Evans (Moult 46), Neilson.


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

BBC LEAGUE TWO PREVIEW

Stevenage have joined the Football League for the first time and will work
hard for Graham Westley. They will be tough to beat.

Oxford were also promoted and will be one of the bigger clubs in the
division. They have a great fan base and there is no reason why they can't
do well.

You've got to put Shrewsbury into the promotion equation because they have a
big squad, a big budget and a manager who knows exactly what he's doing.
They should have done better last season and will expect to be knocking on
the door this time.

Bradford City are arguably the biggest club in the division, they finished
well last season and you would expect them to make at least the play-offs
this time.

------
see also
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2010/08/too_close_to_call_in_league_tw.html#240121






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

From the Official BCFC website...

SOVEREIGN STEP IN

Bradford based healthcare specialists, Sovereign Health Care have stepped in
to help the Bantams by funding the provision of additional medical
equipment.

As City director, Roger Owen explained, "We have moved our reserve team
games to Eccleshill for the coming season and the Eccleshill staff have gone
out of their way to help the transition by funding improvements to Plumpton
Park".

"However, league rules have dictated that we have more medical equipment
available to players during matches at Eccleshill.

"We are delighted that our long term supporters, Sovereign Health Care have
stepped in to help us purchase the necessary equipment.

"In addition to their pitch side advertising, they have now met the cost of
this additional medical kit which we are delighted to make available to
Eccleshill when we aren't using it.

"We see this as an important strengthening of the community bond with
Eccleshill and we hope our fans will continue to support us by attending
reserve games at Eccleshill. The smaller ground lends itself to the reserve
games where attendance is traditionally smaller than at first team matches.
We're sure our fans will raise the roof with the atmosphere!"

Caroline Cundey, head of marketing and business growth at Sovereign Health
Care said: "We are extremely proud to be able to offer our support to
Bradford City and Eccleshill in their joint venture.

"Both clubs are an important part of Bradford and the local community, so
linking the clubs in this way makes football more accessible to a wider
audience. The medical equipment was vital to making the JV possible and we
are pleased that we could offer our help."

Owen added that the Club is delighted that more local firms are "starting to
come on board, but we could do with more like Sovereign".


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

Pre-Season Friendly

photos
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2110607,00.htm

Bradford C (2) 4 Williams 31, Moult 43, Evans 53, Neilson 79
Bradford PA (0) 0
Att: 1,687

City completed their pre-season schedule with a 4-0 win against neighbours
Bradford Park Avenue.

In the first game on Valley Parade's newly-laid pitch, Avenue caused a few
early shocks when Tom Greaves twice went close to opening the scoring.

Having taken a while to find their rhythm, City went ahead when Steve
Williams headed home Omar Daley's corner.

Louis Moult doubled the advantage with a well-taken strike before the break
and Gareth Evans made it three after coming on as a half-time substitute.

David Heagrey rocked the bar with a bullet shot for Avenue before Scott
Neilson wrapped up the scoring from close range.

CITY First half: Saxton, Hunt, Duff, Williams, Horne, Carole, Doherty,
Syers, Daley, Moult, Speight.

City Second half: Saxton (Elliott 69), Ramsden, Hunt (Rehman 58), Williams
(Oliver 58), Threlfall, Neilson, Bullock, Syers (Adeyemi 58), O'Brien,
Hanson, Evans.