Npower League Two
Cheltenham (2) 4 Goulding 31 , 67, Pack 35, Thomas 76.
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 2,666
Next fixture
L2 (A) Lincoln City, Saturday 1/1/11, K.O. 3:00PM.
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
Match stats
Cheltenham - Bradford C
Possession: 52 - 48%
Shots on target: 10 - 4
Shots off target: 10 - 5
Fouls: 10 - 11
Corners: 10 - 8
Ref: Chris Sarginson (Staffordshire).
Yellow cards:
Cheltenham: Thomas (51 min).
Bradford C: Hendrie (75 min).
Cheltenham: 1. Scott P Brown, 2. Keith Lowe, 22. Steve Elliott, 6. Martin
Riley, 3. Danny Andrew, 14. John Melligan (85), 24. Marlon Pack, 7. Michael
Pook (70), 11. Brian Smikle, 10. Jeff Goulding, 9. Wesley Thomas (79).
SUBS: 12. Daniel Lloyd-Weston (GK), 4. David Bird (70), 5. Andy Gallinagh,
15. Marley Watkins (85), 20. Frankie Artus, 21. Shaun Jeffers (79), 23.
Robin Shroot.
Bradford C: 40. Lenny Pidgeley, 29. Richard Eckersley, 6. Luke Oliver, 26.
Rob Kiernan, 3. Luke O'Brien, 20. Tom Adeyemi (46), 8. Tommy Doherty, 23.
Dave Syers, 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson, 30. Jason Price.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 11. Lee Hendrie (46), 12. Steve Williams, 14.
Leon Osborne, 19. Louis Moult, 22. Lee Bullock, 28. Robbie Threlfall.
Position: 16th
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City were sent crashing to a 4-0 defeat on their return to action
at Cheltenham this afternoon.
After 17 days without a game, the Bantams must wish their trip to Whaddon
Road had become another victim of the icy snap.
City had a lot of possession but Cheltenham were clinical and made
everything count.
City came under early pressure and Steve Elliott nodded over from close
range when it looked easier to score.
Cheltenham had a shoot-on-sight policy with Wesley Thomas a menace to the
away defence.
City could have grabbed the lead on the break through Gareth Evans and David
Syers.
But Cheltenham were on top and made their superiority count with two goals
in four minutes.
Jeff Goulding struck the first with the help of a generous deflection that
gave Lenny Pidgeley no chance.
But there was nothing lucky about the second when Marlon Pack smashed home a
25-yarder after a poor clearance from Richard Eckersley.
Pidgeley saved superbly from Danny Andrew before City tried to get back into
the game.
But Cheltenham made sure of the points with Goulding forcing in his second
from a rebound after Pidgeley had pulled off an instinctive block to keep
out Martin Riley.
And the outstanding Thomas threw salt in the wounds by making it 4-0 14
minutes from time.
Oliver headed against the post late on but nothing was going for City, who
will be looking for an immediate response at Lincoln on New Year's Day.
===========================
TAYLOR BLASTS BELOW-PAR BANTAMS
Boss Peter Taylor felt Bradford were their own worst enemy and must improve
defensively after losing 4-0 at Cheltenham.
A Jeff Goulding double helped the Robins record their biggest win of the
season as they moved into the League Two play-off places. Marlon Pack and
Wes Thomas were also on the score sheet at Whaddon Road on Tuesday.
"We gave them three goals," said the former England coach. "We had the ball
and gave it away in bad areas.
That's very poor on our part and I think nine times out of 10 you concede
goals when you haven't got good shape and we have certainly done that of
late. Whether it is because the younger ones are not as consistent as they
should be, I don't know.
"Going forward we always looked as though we were going to score. We had a
good chance just before they scored their first goal and they then go down
the other end where we make a mistake in an important area.
"I don't want to take anything away from Cheltenham but some of the things
that happened were down to our mistakes."
Taylor added: "Gareth Evans has been desperate to start and I said to
everyone afterwards that he was our best player by miles. He showed how
desperate he has been to get back into the team - we could have done with a
few more like that."
===========================
CONLON LEAVES COUNTY
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Former City striker Barry Conlon is looking for another club after leaving
Stockport by mutual consent.
Conlon failed to score in 11 County appearances, including the 1-1 draw with
the Bantams at Edgeley Park in September.
Conlon last week pleaded guilty to drink driving and was given a
three-and-a-half-year ban by Wigan magistrates. He also pleaded guilty to
driving without insurance.
A club statement said: "Conlon has suffered with injury for much of his stay
at Edgeley Park which resulted in him not making the impact expected. He has
also had off-field issues to deal with recently."
===========================
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
L2 (A) POSTPONED v Crewe December 18th, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM
Next fixture
L2 (h) v Chesterfield Sunday December 26th, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
News from the past week
---
From the BCFC Official website...
Played Tuesday 14 December 2010
F.A Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON 3rd Round
Bradford City (0) 1 (Rowe 105)
Southampton (0) 1 (Ward-Prowse 120)
AET. Bradford City win 9-8 on penalties
City's youth team booked their place in the F.A Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
4th round in dramatic fashion as they shocked Premier League Academy side
Southampton.
The Bantams shrugged off the blow of conceding a Saints equaliser in the
last minute of extra time to defeat their highly fancied visitors 9-8 on
penalties in a titanic tussle.
Chris Cheetham proved to be the Bantams matchwinner in the shootout
after saving two Saints kicks.
The Bantams goalkeeper had already kept out James Ward-Prowse's earlier
penalty before he won the tie for City by pushing away Conor O'Sullivan's
spot kick.
David Wetherall's side initially thought they had won the tie back in extra
time when Dominic Rowe gave them the lead at the very end of the first
period.
The Saints came back at City though to force penalties when Ward-Prowse
struck in the very last moments of extra time, but the Bantams weren't to be
denied.
While Cheetham may have been the star of the shootout, the Bantams line up
was full of heroes on a night that they fought superbly to match their
higher ranked opponents.
Two of those were City's centre half pairing of Declan McGivern and Adam
Robinson, who seemed to be everywhere to block and head away Southampton
attempts.
McGivern was the only change to Wetherall's side from the previous rounds as
the youth team manager stuck with the majority of the players that had
defeated Rochdale and Bolehall Swifts in rounds 1 & 2.
In front of the watching Bantams senior management, City's youngsters were
understandably keen to impress, but they nearly fell behind through the
unfortunate Elliott Holmes.
The right back sliced his intended clearance across his own goal from a
Saints corner and it needed the intervention of Ben Green on the line to
eventually clear the danger.
City responded with a rising shot from the edge of the area by Joe Mitchell,
which narrowly missed David Wooton's far post.
With the Saints seeing more of the ball the longer the half progressed, the
highly rated visitors looked to try and control the flow of the match as
they probed away for an opening.
City stuck to their task though and they managed to keep the Saints at arms
length for the majority of the half.
Southampton did have their chances in the half as Jordace Holder-Spooner and
Joe Curtis went close, but City got to half time with their goal intact.
In a similar pattern to the first period, the visitors started the second
period searching for the tie's opening goal.
City were still standing strong, however, with some resolute defending. They
were also on the wrong end of two marginal offside calls when Darren
Stephenson was twice played through on goal.
Saints were remaining the more dominant side as the half progressed, but
they were still being limited to few chances of notes by City.
Sub Sam Hoskins tested Cheetham with a swerving low effort from distance,
but the keeper was behind the shot all the way.
With barely twenty minutes remaining, City almost snatched a precious lead
in the tie through Dominic Rowe.
Rowe's long range drive was too hot to handle for Wooton as the keeper
pushed out his shot back in front of goal, but Forsyth couldn't quite get in
a position to tap home.
With the tie ticking towards extra time, City appeared to get their second
wind as they tentatively pushed forward for a match winner.
They still had to be wary at the back though with Cole firing narrowly over
from just outside the area.
In the final minute of normal time, Stephenson had a chance to win the tie
for the Bantams after he shrugged off the attentions of Foot and strode into
the area.
His angled shot was well struck, but could only find the side-netting as
Wooton scrambled across to cover.
With the tie still evenly poised on the eve of the extra time interval
break, Wetherall decided to go for fresh legs in midfield as Mitchell made
way for Thomas Marshall.
Just before the break though, Marshall was able to get himself involved as
City managed to grab the first goal of the tie.
Rowe found himself with space behind the Saints backline after Turnbull
failed to deal with Marshall's looping play over the top.
The diminutive winger didn't panic and finished superbly into the far corner
with a rasping effort past the despairing dive of Wooton.
City bench exploded with joy as Rowe's delighted team-mates ran to celebrate
with the winger.
The hard work wasn't over for the Bantams though as Southampton pushed for
an equaliser in the second period of extra time.
Cheetham had to be particularly on his toes after the restart to keep out
Hoskins angled snap shot with a smart reflex save.
As City tried to run down the clock and hang onto their slim advantage,
Stephenson was replaced with the fresh legs of Cole Harrop.
Just as the Bantams began to dream of place in the 4th round though,
Ward-Prowse struck to break City hearts.
Matt Young's inswinging cross found its way through to the Saints'
midfielder and he expertly curled an effort past a rooted Cheetham and into
the far post via the underside of the post.
The Bantams were not to be out-done and came through a dramatic penalty
shoot out 9-8 on penalties.
After Holmes unfortunately fired his spot kick over the bar, City's players
kept their cool to score all nine of the remaining penalties to keep
themselves in the tie.
Cheetham initially equalled things up after Holmes's miss by saving
Ward-Prowse kick before he booked City's place in the next round with a save
from sub O'Sullivan.
===========================
TAYLOR WANTS KILLER INSTINCT
Bradford City manager Peter Taylor wants his players to develop a clinical
streak and start making scoring chances count.
The Bantams nearly paid the price against bottom side Hereford on Saturday
after failing to grab a second goal, eventually hanging on for a 1-0 win at
Valley Parade.
Omar Daley and Tom Adeyemi both squandered one-on-ones in the first half,
and Taylor reserved some criticism for the former.
"He was exciting but didn't deliver any end product," the City boss told the
Telegraph & Argus.
"I want him to be better than that and he understands exactly where I'm
coming from.
"He was enjoying himself and pleasing the crowd but they would be more
pleased if he'd been scoring goals.
"But I actually thought he deserved the man-of-the-match award. He was
asking questions every time he got the ball."
===========================
The Stockport Times (December 16, 2010) reports, on the front page, under heading "Jail Warning for County Striker ".
Stockport County striker Barry Conlon has been warned he faces jail if caught again after a second drink driving sentence. He was banned from driving for three and a half years after he drove whilst almost twice over the legal limit. Also fined £1,715 after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance at Wigan magistrates' court.
Spotted driving above speed limit in Wigan town centre . He was driving a Mercedes on Nov. 6.
Banned from driving for 42 months and fined £1,295. This was reduced by a third to £685 because he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.For driving without insurance he was fined £925 reduced to £685 and was also ordered to pay £150 costs and £15 victim surcharge.
He had thought he was insured under a policy taken out by a business venture which had recently failed.
Conlon had been banned for 14 months for drink driving in February 2006. Told if he is caught driving while disqualified he would be sent to prison and that he would have to apply for a new licence at the end of his ban.
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
===========================
HANSON LOOKS TO SALVAGE HIS SEASON
By Simon Parker (T&A)
It has not been the season that James Hanson had planned for after inking a
long-term contract.
Following his impressive debut year in the pro ranks, big things were
expected of the big man second time around. So much so that City were keen
to tie down his services on an extended deal.
So far, that has not been the case, with hamstring niggles eating into his
playing opportunities. The weather hold-ups haven't helped, either.
Hanson has four goals under his belt but only one of them has come in the
league. For someone who went into the campaign aiming to score around 15, it
has been a tricky time.
But he was back to his rampaging best in the stunning display at Colchester
in the FA Cup last month, netting twice and leading the line magnificently.
Hanson, not to mention Peter Taylor, is desperate to see more of that.
The hectic holiday period offers the perfect chance to show that he is back
in business. And Hanson is confident his body can stand up to the challenge
of playing four games in nine days.
"I've played the whole 90 minutes in the last three games and had no
reaction whatsoever," he said. "I've also been able to train every day, so
hopefully that's now the end of it.
"The games coming up are obviously a bigger test, playing back-to-back like
that, but I'm sure I will be all right.
"It's been a frustrating time for me. I thought I did well at Colchester but
then it hasn't quite happened in the home games.
"Maybe that's partly down to service but it's one of those things. You've
got to be confident going into the next match and once you stick one goal
away, anything can happen."
Hanson dismisses any suggestion that he has been "found out" by opposition
defenders; the perils of the so-called second-season syndrome.
There are no doubts clouding his mind that he can click again and soon.
He added: "I've only got the one league goal and a lot of the lads go on
about it. But (David) Syers and I remind them that it's sometimes better to
score against the better teams, which we have done in the cup.
"I've still got to aim for double figures in the league. I don't think I've
played that many games, maybe just over ten, so if I keep playing regularly
then who knows.
"I haven't had that run of playing five or six on the spin to get match fit.
Hopefully that's the end of the injuries and that will change for me.
"You also need the weather to be right, though. The last thing you need is
to miss another week or two.
"Before the Hereford game, we hadn't played for two weeks, which is similar
to being injured. You're training indoors, which is totally different and it
doesn't help."
With Hanson still waiting to explode, City's goal tally remains well below
par. With just 17 so far, only Lincoln and Aldershot have scored fewer.
While the defensive record remains the fourth best in the division, it is
clear where the team must improve if they are to mount the planned drive for
the play-offs.
"We know we haven't scored a lot and it's something we've been working on in
training," admitted Hanson. "We've got the players who can create and score
goals. It's just a matter of putting it all together when it matters.
"When we got the early goal against Hereford, I really expected us to kick
on like we did against Oxford. You start playing well and get confident that
you will score but that didn't happen.
"I'm always confident if I get good quality service in the box. I've been
winning the diagonal (crosses) but not really getting attempts on goal.
"But if the crosses keep coming in then I know I can get the goals. Next
week would be a good place to start.
"Chesterfield and Bury are really good home games for us but every one
coming up is massive now. It's just as important we do well at Cheltenham
and Lincoln.
"We can't afford any slip-ups if we want to start pushing up that league.
We'll be looking to get something from every one of them."
===========================
http://www.footballpakistan.com/2010/12/breaking-news-zesh-rehman-joins-thai-champions-muangthong-united/
Breaking News! Zesh Rehman joins Thai champions Muangthong United
Posted by Ali Ahsan • December 19, 2010
Thailand Premier League champions Muangthong United signed Bradford City defender Zesh Rehman, 27. He played two season in the Premier League for Fullham then decided to sign a contract with "The Kirins" and terminated a contract with Bradford in January.
General Manager of Muangthong United Mr. Ronnarit Suewaja said "This is another successful for our club by the signing a good player. Zesh Rehman played more than 200 games in the English League and play two season in the Premier League. He played for England U-20 along with Carlton Cole and Nigel Reo-Coker also his leadership as he is a captain for Bradford and Pakistan international.
He hold two citizenships and allows to play AFC Champions League in the Asia quota and will be the most expensive wages for the club. It has not been paying too much when considering that he wants to play for Muangthong. I am confident that the 27-year-old eager to win and want to help the team go to the next level. And Muangthong also close to sign new 2-3 top players soon ".
While Rehman said that he is very excited to join with the Thailand Premier League champions and this is the new challenges. He play in the English League for 10 years and join Fullham academy since the age of 9 years old. He rejected offers from many English clubs to join Muangthong. He went to Yamaha stadium and ensure that all the players in the team want to become the best in Asia. He wants to work hard for Muangthong also for the fans. He can"t wait to play in the new season, meet with his team-mates, coach and the supporters.
Zeshan "Zesh" Rehman; born 14 October 1983. He started his career at Fulham and made a total of 21 league appearances. During his time at Fulham he had loan spells at Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City. In 2005 he switched allegiances to Pakistan from England. A transfer to Queens Park Rangers followed and he went on to make 46 appearances for the west London-based club. During his three year stint there he went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackpool and Bradford City. The third transfer of his career involved him moving to Bradford on a free transfer in June 2009. So far Rehman has made eight appearances for the Pakistan national team and has participated in the World Cup 2010 qualifiers. Outside of football he is known for being an ambassador for Kick It Out, the Asian Football Network and the Show Racism The Red Card campaign. In addition to this he has appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra and writes a blog for Setanta Sports.
===========================
New date for Aldershot fixture
Posted on: Fri 17 Dec 2010
The football club can confirm that City's outstanding npower League 2 away to Aldershot Town has been re-arranged for Tuesday 18 January 2011.
The match at the EBB Stadium will kick off at 7.45pm.
The original fixture, scheduled for Saturday 4 December 2010, was postponed due to snow and freezing conditions around the Aldershot area.
The new fixture will be sandwiched in between the Bantams first ever league visit to Oxford United's Kassam Stadium and a home match with Burton Albion.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8745748.Former_Bradford_City_boss_joins_Hereford/?ref=rss
Former Bradford City boss joins Hereford
3:43pm Friday 17th December 2010
Hereford have appointed former Bantams boss Lennie Lawrence as technical director to work alongside manager Jamie Pitman, who has been put in charge until the end of the campaign.
Monday, December 13, 2010
L2 W1-0 (H) v Hereford Utd Dec 11 2010 KO 3pm
Npower League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Syers 8
Hereford (0) 0
Att: 10,460
Next fixture
(A) Crewe, Saturday Dec 18, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Slideshow-Bradford-City-v-Hereford.6659050.jp?
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2242542,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
Match stats
Stats: Bradford C - Hereford
Possession: 47 - 53%
Shots on target: 9 - 4
Shots off target: 4 - 6
Fouls: 7 - 10
Corners: 3 - 9
Ref: Peter Quinn (Cleveland).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: None
Hereford: Kovacs (21 min.), Lund (66).
Bradford C: 40. Lenny Pidgeley, 26. Rob Kiernan (87), 6. Luke Oliver, 29.
Richard Eckersley, 3. Luke O'Brien, 23. Dave Syers, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 8.
Tommy Doherty, 11. Lee Hendrie (78), 7. Omar Daley (78), 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 9. Gareth Evans, 14. Leon Osborne (78), 19.
Louis Moult, 22. Lee Bullock (87), 28. Robbie Threlfall, 30. Jason Price
(78).
Hereford: 1. Adam Bartlett, 15. Sam Gwynne, 4. Janos Kovacs, 5. Michael
Townsend, 34. Joe Heath, 17. Joe Colbeck (62), 16. Kenny Lunt, 33. Matthew
Lund (72), 18. Nicky Featherstone, 9. Mathieu Manset, 27. Guillem Bauza.
SUBS: 31. Rhett Heister (GK), 7. Stuart Fleetwood (72), 8. Daniel Stratford,
10. Sean Canham, 14. James McQuilkin (62), 21. Tyler Weir, 29. Byron
Webster.
Position: 14th.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
David Syers smashed his sixth goal of the season as Bradford City made a
winning return to action - but it was an edgy victory.
Three points against the bottom side was a must in the first game for 18
days.
A seventh-minute thunderbolt from Syers ensured that was achieved. But it
was an anxious afternoon.
Hereford were always in the game, although Joe Colbeck's return to Valley
Parade was a flat one. The winger was subbed just after an hour.
Syers had got the ball rolling in spectacular style, taking Richard
Eckersley's pass and slamming a low shot home from 25 yards.
Luke O'Brien worried keeper Adam Bartlett with another long-range effort and
Omar Daley miscontrolled when put clear by the lively Tom Adeyemi.
The on-loan midfielder almost missed a great chance himself when through as
Bartlett twice denied him.
But Hereford had their own moments, with former Swansea striker Guillem
Bauza proving a headache for the home defence.
Bauza forced two saves from Lenny Pidgeley, one from Colbeck's cross, while
defender Janos Kovacs volleyed inches over.
Both sides hit the post early in the second half - Nicky Featherstone going
close for Hereford and then Daley hitting the inside of the post from
outside the box.
With Colbeck gone, his replacement James McQuilkin kept City on their toes
with a cross shot that fizzed wide.
The Bantams completely lost their way in the final 20 minutes and Mathieu
Manset threatened to pinch an equaliser. Bartlett even appeared in the City
box for a stoppage-time corner but the home side just about saw it through.
===========================
Monday morning match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8733466./
Taylor praise as glowing as midfielder's boots as City grind out welcome win
6:10am Monday 13th December 2010
By Simon Parker
City 1, Hereford 0
One of the big reasons for City's below-middling season has been the missing Michael Flynn factor.
The Bantams have lacked his presence, his larger-than-life character and the goals he can chip in with from midfield.
Well, David Syers continues to do his best to fill that scoring void.
He might not operate at the same volume levels as the mouthy Welshman but the new kid on the block continues to hit the net at an invaluable rate.
It has been a superb breakthrough campaign and shows no sign of flagging. And how grateful Peter Taylor and City will be for that.
Syers popped up with goal number six of his debut term – and the first from outside the box.
From a City throw-in, Syers took a short pass from Richard Eckersley in his stride. The intent was written all over his face.
One touch to steady and then a fire of the right foot from 25 yards out, the ball flying past a startled Adam Bartlett via the post. Not a bad way to wear in his natty new boots!
His nine-and-a-half feet could no longer fit in his original size tens which had stretched through wear. Keen to stick with the Predator brand, Syers had scoured the catalogue for replacements – and could only come up with luminous yellow and red.
With glowing boots like that, you've got to be pretty confident of making a quick impression. Syers had no problems on that front.
Taylor may be a bit old school for multi-coloured footwear but he can certainly appreciate the growing talent of the rookie proving to be his best Valley Parade signing.
"When we knew he was going to come on trial with us, a lot of people said he gets all different types of goals and that's exactly what he's been doing," said Taylor.
"He gets them with his energy, gets them in the air, gets them everywhere. I'm really pleased with him.
"I don't know (why other teams didn't spot him). Sometimes in non-league, people aren't sure about players making that jump. But in our case, it was well worth giving David that opportunity."
Taylor has the future of seven players to chew over in the first week of January but the priority should be to lock down Syers well before his one-year first contract runs out.
You can imagine other eyes will be taking a keen interest of his progress now.
So the day ultimately belonged to a blond-haired Yorkshireman in midfield. The same could not be said of the other one returning to City for the first time in Hereford colours.
Joe Colbeck, who had talked pre-game about playing for his boyhood club again one day, tried and tried on his comeback but very little came off.
One cross set up Guillem Bauza's header and another shot sailed over after Colbeck had switched wings to the left following an unsuccessful tussle with big buddy Luke O'Brien.
As half-time approached, he flew into a challenge or two. You sensed the personal frustration was rising.
But he still got no change from his former club and was subbed around the hour mark to an ironic chorus from the Kop.
Colbeck walked away from a lively game. City, buoyed by that seventh-minute cracker from Syers, should have put the result beyond doubt but both Tom Adeyemi, a purposeful figure in the first half, and Omar Daley wasted one-on-ones.
Daley later hit the post, two minutes after Nicky Featherstone had done the same for Hereford.
The Bulls had ruffled feathers in the first half, winning seven corners and forcing a couple of alert moments from Lenny Pidgeley.
But it was after the break – and Colbeck's departure – that they really began to rattle the home side. As French targetman Mathieu Manset threw his weight around, an air of uncertainty enveloped the amber shirts.
The last 20 minutes was spent almost exclusively heading towards the Bradford End which City were defending frantically at times.
Lee Hendrie did not take too kindly to being sacrificed, though his petulant reaction was hardly of the Balotelli variety.
Taylor had no problem with the skipper's frustration," saying: "I wanted some fresh legs on there to help us out defensively.
"Lee had worked really hard in a couple of positions and I just felt as though Hereford were having more of the ball than us. Lee's a top professional so I understand how he feels."
The City chief was not so happy with the all-round performance in the second period. What should have been a routine victory, given such an early goal, became a hard, twitchy struggle. The final whistle was greeted with general relief.
Three points were in the can to kick off a potential season-defining three weeks. Put it down to a bit of rustiness from inactivity maybe but City will have to improve against the likes of in-form Crewe, Chesterfield and Bury.
Taylor admitted: "Hereford were miles better than us second half. It was a frustrating half.
"The football Hereford played shows what a good league we're in if they're bottom of the table. It just showed why every match is a tough one.
"That's where you have to get that second goal. While it's 1-0, it's still a very close situation.
"All the boys know they can do a lot better. It's just little disciplines that I know we can improve on."
Attendance: 10,460
===========================
SYERS EARNS TAYLOR PLAUDITS
Dave Syers earned the praise of Peter Taylor after his goal gave Bradford
City a first win in five matches against Hereford.
The only goal of the game was a spectacular effort from leading scorer
Syers, whose 25-yard shot flashed into the net off the inside of the upright
after seven minutes.
Bantams boss Taylor had a special word of praise for the former Farsley
Celtic and Harrogate Town midfielder, who joined the club following a trial
in the summer.
"When you are in non-league there is always that jump to league football,
but David was well worth the opportunity," said Taylor. "He scores goals
with his energy, he gets them in the air and also with his long-range
shots."
On the performance, Taylor added: "I am delighted with the three points but
not with the display. It was a frustrating second half and I felt we had two
very good opportunities to score a second goal, but Tom Adeyemi and Omar
Daley missed our best chances.
"If we had scored a second goal we could have pushed on, but when it is only
1-0 it is a very close situation and that is why you have to have a second
goal. Hereford were miles better than us in the second half."
===========================
TAYLOR: NO MUST-PLAY LOAN CLAUSES
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor today revealed that City are not forced to play any of their
loan signings.
The Bantams boss has frequently dipped into the temporary market this season
to cover injuries.
Taylor has already borrowed seven different players from other teams in the
first 18 league games. There are currently five still on the Valley Parade
staff until the first week of the new year.
The club's heavy reliance on loan signings has been criticised in some
quarters - and Zesh Rehman went public with his frustration at being
sidelined for younger short-term replacements.
Taylor admits his hand has been forced because of the ongoing casualty list,
especially in the back four. But he dismissed any suggestion that City are
under orders from the parent clubs to play their loanees every week.
He said: "I can promise you that's not the case. But what I will always do
is play them for the first couple of games and then take a look at it from
there.
"If you've got loan players in, then you couldn't not use them. There's got
to be an outstanding reason for you not to play them.
"The clubs we have dealt with, Watford, Norwich and Stoke, accept that. If
you don't treat them right, you could then lose the relationship in future.
"If a player is much better than the one you've got in on loan, then fair
enough. But if it's a close call it's only fair, having brought someone in,
to give them that chance.
"But it doesn't mean the loans have to play all the time. Any manager out
there will tell you that.
"They all say 'do what you want to do'. The players are ours for that time
and we can do what we feel is best for this team.
"It was the same with the Man United boys (Oliver Gill and Reece Brown).
Basically it was a case of playing them at first and then making the
decision whether to keep them in."
Rehman complained that his starting opportunities had gone to four
youngsters with little senior experience between them. But Taylor stressed
that he had to swell the numbers because of the absence of so many
defenders.
He said: "This is why the Zesh thing was so frustrating for me. I tried to
explain to people.
"We got the injury to Lewis Hunt at Northampton which meant that I had no
right back in the building. Zesh, of course, would play there.
"Then Steve Williams got injured at Colchester and I only had one centre
half fit. That's why I had to get a couple of people straight in on loan."
Williams is in contention for the Hereford game on Saturday after returning
to training following his groin injury.
===========================
Article on WSC re: our christmas season ticket offer.
http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/6015/38/
7 December ~ It is not just a discouraging seven-point gap from the play-offs that has League Two's pre-season
promotion favourites, Bradford City, already contemplating next season. For the fourth December in a row, the club
has put next year's season tickets on sale as a tantalising self-gift for any Bantams fan. And for as little as
£110 an adult or £55 a child, you can sign up early for another ten months of dashed expectations. Since 2007,
Bradford have gone against the trend of inflation-busting ticket prices by offering season tickets cheaper than
even many of the region's non-League clubs.
In the 2007-08 season, you could have watched City fail to immediately bounce back from relegation for only £138.
It rose slightly to £150 for 2008-09, then £176 last season. This year, City fans are watching their side struggle
to make it fourth time lucky in getting promoted for just £184.
For those fans who can afford an extra indulgence on top of the cost of Christmas – or for whom Santa is feeling
extra generous – each December Bradford put next year's season tickets on sale early at further discounted prices
(hence the £110 offer for next season). The minimum number of sales needed to make the initiative viable each year
is 10,000 – so the more people who buy in the December window (bringing City closer to that 10,000), the cheaper
the offer can be when season tickets go back on sale in March.
At a time when even lower-league football is becoming an expensive luxury for many, such efforts in making
professional football affordable deserve to be loudly applauded. But Bradford's continuing failings on the field
make this far from the happy story it should be – and cast doubts over how long this economical season ticket
philosophy can be upheld for.
The first cheap season ticket season, 2007-08, saw crowds rise from the average 8,739 who watched the Bantams
relegated from League One to 13,756; but the subsequent mid-table finish saw the number of renewals decrease. With
each year of dashed promotion hopes and League Two mediocrity, the sales have gradually reduced. The average
attendance in 2008-09 was 12,704 and it was 11,422 last season. This year crowds are averaging 10,777 – worryingly
close to that 10,000 mark. Even with such discounted season tickets, loyalty cannot be bought.
But while a hard core of fans remains to endure familiar frustrations of failed promotion efforts, a difficult
dilemma builds for the club. The gradual rises in the cheap season tickets since 2007 have been painless for fans,
who continue to pay less to watch their team than any of the other 91 League clubs. Yet if the numbers continue to
dwindle and those prices have to be pushed steeper, the mantra of "City till Die" may be sorely tested among those
supporters. Patience is already slim following a decade of unprecedented failure.
All of which leaves Bradford desperate for a bit of magic. If success could belatedly occur on the field, the
decline in season ticket uptake could be dramatically increased as the UK's sixth-largest City has a more
successful football club to support. Bradford's season is far from over, and it is very possible that, come next
August, fans could be watching the Bantams play League One football having only paid £110.
Promotion could cause a snowball effect in the popularity of Bradford's season ticket ethos. A few more years of
failure could leave the club relying on its hardcore support once more joining the rest of English football fans in
grumbling about expensive ticket prices. Jason McKeown
===========================
Bradford C (1) 1 Syers 8
Hereford (0) 0
Att: 10,460
Next fixture
(A) Crewe, Saturday Dec 18, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Slideshow-Bradford-City-v-Hereford.6659050.jp?
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2242542,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
Match stats
Stats: Bradford C - Hereford
Possession: 47 - 53%
Shots on target: 9 - 4
Shots off target: 4 - 6
Fouls: 7 - 10
Corners: 3 - 9
Ref: Peter Quinn (Cleveland).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: None
Hereford: Kovacs (21 min.), Lund (66).
Bradford C: 40. Lenny Pidgeley, 26. Rob Kiernan (87), 6. Luke Oliver, 29.
Richard Eckersley, 3. Luke O'Brien, 23. Dave Syers, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 8.
Tommy Doherty, 11. Lee Hendrie (78), 7. Omar Daley (78), 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 9. Gareth Evans, 14. Leon Osborne (78), 19.
Louis Moult, 22. Lee Bullock (87), 28. Robbie Threlfall, 30. Jason Price
(78).
Hereford: 1. Adam Bartlett, 15. Sam Gwynne, 4. Janos Kovacs, 5. Michael
Townsend, 34. Joe Heath, 17. Joe Colbeck (62), 16. Kenny Lunt, 33. Matthew
Lund (72), 18. Nicky Featherstone, 9. Mathieu Manset, 27. Guillem Bauza.
SUBS: 31. Rhett Heister (GK), 7. Stuart Fleetwood (72), 8. Daniel Stratford,
10. Sean Canham, 14. James McQuilkin (62), 21. Tyler Weir, 29. Byron
Webster.
Position: 14th.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
David Syers smashed his sixth goal of the season as Bradford City made a
winning return to action - but it was an edgy victory.
Three points against the bottom side was a must in the first game for 18
days.
A seventh-minute thunderbolt from Syers ensured that was achieved. But it
was an anxious afternoon.
Hereford were always in the game, although Joe Colbeck's return to Valley
Parade was a flat one. The winger was subbed just after an hour.
Syers had got the ball rolling in spectacular style, taking Richard
Eckersley's pass and slamming a low shot home from 25 yards.
Luke O'Brien worried keeper Adam Bartlett with another long-range effort and
Omar Daley miscontrolled when put clear by the lively Tom Adeyemi.
The on-loan midfielder almost missed a great chance himself when through as
Bartlett twice denied him.
But Hereford had their own moments, with former Swansea striker Guillem
Bauza proving a headache for the home defence.
Bauza forced two saves from Lenny Pidgeley, one from Colbeck's cross, while
defender Janos Kovacs volleyed inches over.
Both sides hit the post early in the second half - Nicky Featherstone going
close for Hereford and then Daley hitting the inside of the post from
outside the box.
With Colbeck gone, his replacement James McQuilkin kept City on their toes
with a cross shot that fizzed wide.
The Bantams completely lost their way in the final 20 minutes and Mathieu
Manset threatened to pinch an equaliser. Bartlett even appeared in the City
box for a stoppage-time corner but the home side just about saw it through.
===========================
Monday morning match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8733466./
Taylor praise as glowing as midfielder's boots as City grind out welcome win
6:10am Monday 13th December 2010
By Simon Parker
City 1, Hereford 0
One of the big reasons for City's below-middling season has been the missing Michael Flynn factor.
The Bantams have lacked his presence, his larger-than-life character and the goals he can chip in with from midfield.
Well, David Syers continues to do his best to fill that scoring void.
He might not operate at the same volume levels as the mouthy Welshman but the new kid on the block continues to hit the net at an invaluable rate.
It has been a superb breakthrough campaign and shows no sign of flagging. And how grateful Peter Taylor and City will be for that.
Syers popped up with goal number six of his debut term – and the first from outside the box.
From a City throw-in, Syers took a short pass from Richard Eckersley in his stride. The intent was written all over his face.
One touch to steady and then a fire of the right foot from 25 yards out, the ball flying past a startled Adam Bartlett via the post. Not a bad way to wear in his natty new boots!
His nine-and-a-half feet could no longer fit in his original size tens which had stretched through wear. Keen to stick with the Predator brand, Syers had scoured the catalogue for replacements – and could only come up with luminous yellow and red.
With glowing boots like that, you've got to be pretty confident of making a quick impression. Syers had no problems on that front.
Taylor may be a bit old school for multi-coloured footwear but he can certainly appreciate the growing talent of the rookie proving to be his best Valley Parade signing.
"When we knew he was going to come on trial with us, a lot of people said he gets all different types of goals and that's exactly what he's been doing," said Taylor.
"He gets them with his energy, gets them in the air, gets them everywhere. I'm really pleased with him.
"I don't know (why other teams didn't spot him). Sometimes in non-league, people aren't sure about players making that jump. But in our case, it was well worth giving David that opportunity."
Taylor has the future of seven players to chew over in the first week of January but the priority should be to lock down Syers well before his one-year first contract runs out.
You can imagine other eyes will be taking a keen interest of his progress now.
So the day ultimately belonged to a blond-haired Yorkshireman in midfield. The same could not be said of the other one returning to City for the first time in Hereford colours.
Joe Colbeck, who had talked pre-game about playing for his boyhood club again one day, tried and tried on his comeback but very little came off.
One cross set up Guillem Bauza's header and another shot sailed over after Colbeck had switched wings to the left following an unsuccessful tussle with big buddy Luke O'Brien.
As half-time approached, he flew into a challenge or two. You sensed the personal frustration was rising.
But he still got no change from his former club and was subbed around the hour mark to an ironic chorus from the Kop.
Colbeck walked away from a lively game. City, buoyed by that seventh-minute cracker from Syers, should have put the result beyond doubt but both Tom Adeyemi, a purposeful figure in the first half, and Omar Daley wasted one-on-ones.
Daley later hit the post, two minutes after Nicky Featherstone had done the same for Hereford.
The Bulls had ruffled feathers in the first half, winning seven corners and forcing a couple of alert moments from Lenny Pidgeley.
But it was after the break – and Colbeck's departure – that they really began to rattle the home side. As French targetman Mathieu Manset threw his weight around, an air of uncertainty enveloped the amber shirts.
The last 20 minutes was spent almost exclusively heading towards the Bradford End which City were defending frantically at times.
Lee Hendrie did not take too kindly to being sacrificed, though his petulant reaction was hardly of the Balotelli variety.
Taylor had no problem with the skipper's frustration," saying: "I wanted some fresh legs on there to help us out defensively.
"Lee had worked really hard in a couple of positions and I just felt as though Hereford were having more of the ball than us. Lee's a top professional so I understand how he feels."
The City chief was not so happy with the all-round performance in the second period. What should have been a routine victory, given such an early goal, became a hard, twitchy struggle. The final whistle was greeted with general relief.
Three points were in the can to kick off a potential season-defining three weeks. Put it down to a bit of rustiness from inactivity maybe but City will have to improve against the likes of in-form Crewe, Chesterfield and Bury.
Taylor admitted: "Hereford were miles better than us second half. It was a frustrating half.
"The football Hereford played shows what a good league we're in if they're bottom of the table. It just showed why every match is a tough one.
"That's where you have to get that second goal. While it's 1-0, it's still a very close situation.
"All the boys know they can do a lot better. It's just little disciplines that I know we can improve on."
Attendance: 10,460
===========================
SYERS EARNS TAYLOR PLAUDITS
Dave Syers earned the praise of Peter Taylor after his goal gave Bradford
City a first win in five matches against Hereford.
The only goal of the game was a spectacular effort from leading scorer
Syers, whose 25-yard shot flashed into the net off the inside of the upright
after seven minutes.
Bantams boss Taylor had a special word of praise for the former Farsley
Celtic and Harrogate Town midfielder, who joined the club following a trial
in the summer.
"When you are in non-league there is always that jump to league football,
but David was well worth the opportunity," said Taylor. "He scores goals
with his energy, he gets them in the air and also with his long-range
shots."
On the performance, Taylor added: "I am delighted with the three points but
not with the display. It was a frustrating second half and I felt we had two
very good opportunities to score a second goal, but Tom Adeyemi and Omar
Daley missed our best chances.
"If we had scored a second goal we could have pushed on, but when it is only
1-0 it is a very close situation and that is why you have to have a second
goal. Hereford were miles better than us in the second half."
===========================
TAYLOR: NO MUST-PLAY LOAN CLAUSES
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor today revealed that City are not forced to play any of their
loan signings.
The Bantams boss has frequently dipped into the temporary market this season
to cover injuries.
Taylor has already borrowed seven different players from other teams in the
first 18 league games. There are currently five still on the Valley Parade
staff until the first week of the new year.
The club's heavy reliance on loan signings has been criticised in some
quarters - and Zesh Rehman went public with his frustration at being
sidelined for younger short-term replacements.
Taylor admits his hand has been forced because of the ongoing casualty list,
especially in the back four. But he dismissed any suggestion that City are
under orders from the parent clubs to play their loanees every week.
He said: "I can promise you that's not the case. But what I will always do
is play them for the first couple of games and then take a look at it from
there.
"If you've got loan players in, then you couldn't not use them. There's got
to be an outstanding reason for you not to play them.
"The clubs we have dealt with, Watford, Norwich and Stoke, accept that. If
you don't treat them right, you could then lose the relationship in future.
"If a player is much better than the one you've got in on loan, then fair
enough. But if it's a close call it's only fair, having brought someone in,
to give them that chance.
"But it doesn't mean the loans have to play all the time. Any manager out
there will tell you that.
"They all say 'do what you want to do'. The players are ours for that time
and we can do what we feel is best for this team.
"It was the same with the Man United boys (Oliver Gill and Reece Brown).
Basically it was a case of playing them at first and then making the
decision whether to keep them in."
Rehman complained that his starting opportunities had gone to four
youngsters with little senior experience between them. But Taylor stressed
that he had to swell the numbers because of the absence of so many
defenders.
He said: "This is why the Zesh thing was so frustrating for me. I tried to
explain to people.
"We got the injury to Lewis Hunt at Northampton which meant that I had no
right back in the building. Zesh, of course, would play there.
"Then Steve Williams got injured at Colchester and I only had one centre
half fit. That's why I had to get a couple of people straight in on loan."
Williams is in contention for the Hereford game on Saturday after returning
to training following his groin injury.
===========================
Article on WSC re: our christmas season ticket offer.
http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/6015/38/
7 December ~ It is not just a discouraging seven-point gap from the play-offs that has League Two's pre-season
promotion favourites, Bradford City, already contemplating next season. For the fourth December in a row, the club
has put next year's season tickets on sale as a tantalising self-gift for any Bantams fan. And for as little as
£110 an adult or £55 a child, you can sign up early for another ten months of dashed expectations. Since 2007,
Bradford have gone against the trend of inflation-busting ticket prices by offering season tickets cheaper than
even many of the region's non-League clubs.
In the 2007-08 season, you could have watched City fail to immediately bounce back from relegation for only £138.
It rose slightly to £150 for 2008-09, then £176 last season. This year, City fans are watching their side struggle
to make it fourth time lucky in getting promoted for just £184.
For those fans who can afford an extra indulgence on top of the cost of Christmas – or for whom Santa is feeling
extra generous – each December Bradford put next year's season tickets on sale early at further discounted prices
(hence the £110 offer for next season). The minimum number of sales needed to make the initiative viable each year
is 10,000 – so the more people who buy in the December window (bringing City closer to that 10,000), the cheaper
the offer can be when season tickets go back on sale in March.
At a time when even lower-league football is becoming an expensive luxury for many, such efforts in making
professional football affordable deserve to be loudly applauded. But Bradford's continuing failings on the field
make this far from the happy story it should be – and cast doubts over how long this economical season ticket
philosophy can be upheld for.
The first cheap season ticket season, 2007-08, saw crowds rise from the average 8,739 who watched the Bantams
relegated from League One to 13,756; but the subsequent mid-table finish saw the number of renewals decrease. With
each year of dashed promotion hopes and League Two mediocrity, the sales have gradually reduced. The average
attendance in 2008-09 was 12,704 and it was 11,422 last season. This year crowds are averaging 10,777 – worryingly
close to that 10,000 mark. Even with such discounted season tickets, loyalty cannot be bought.
But while a hard core of fans remains to endure familiar frustrations of failed promotion efforts, a difficult
dilemma builds for the club. The gradual rises in the cheap season tickets since 2007 have been painless for fans,
who continue to pay less to watch their team than any of the other 91 League clubs. Yet if the numbers continue to
dwindle and those prices have to be pushed steeper, the mantra of "City till Die" may be sorely tested among those
supporters. Patience is already slim following a decade of unprecedented failure.
All of which leaves Bradford desperate for a bit of magic. If success could belatedly occur on the field, the
decline in season ticket uptake could be dramatically increased as the UK's sixth-largest City has a more
successful football club to support. Bradford's season is far from over, and it is very possible that, come next
August, fans could be watching the Bantams play League One football having only paid £110.
Promotion could cause a snowball effect in the popularity of Bradford's season ticket ethos. A few more years of
failure could leave the club relying on its hardcore support once more joining the rest of English football fans in
grumbling about expensive ticket prices. Jason McKeown
===========================
Monday, December 06, 2010
L2 (A) v Aldershot Dec 4 2010 POSTPONED (frozen pitch)
Next fixture
L2 (H) v Hereford Utd Dec 11 2010 KO 3pm
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
* By Simon Parker »
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8716491.Rehman_slapped_on_transfer_list/?ref=rss
City have stripped Zesh Rehman of the club captaincy and put him on the transfer
list.
The shock news was announced this morning in a statement which read: "This
decision has been taken due to a club disciplinary matter."
It is understood that City were angry about comments made by the defender during
a radio interview earlier this week.
Rehman will be available to leave on a free transfer when the window reopens
next month. Midfielder Lee Bullock has been appointed the new club captain.
===========================
The Zesh story...
Last week a press release from Zesh's foundation about his trip to Downing Street included this at the end of the
statement. It reads:
The 27 year old said: "I don't feel I've been given a fair crack of the whip, but the manager knows that I am ready
when he needs me. I have not let anybody down this season, no disrespect to the four young loan defenders we have
had here this season but they have less than 10 league games experience between them, I definitely feel my
experience and presence on the pitch can benefit the team right now".
"The fans have been great with me this season and I really appreciate that. It hurts when I'm not playing and we
lose because I genuinely care about the club. Hopefully we can get back to winning ways soon and I can be a part of
it again".
The above comments were not used in the T&A piece that appeared on Tuesday, but it may well have been used
elsewhere. Plus Zesh more or less the above when being interviewed by Gareth Jones on radio Leeds on Monday
evening.
===========================
The Zesh story...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm
In a live BBC Radio Leeds interview on 29 November, Rehman said: "I'm not going to lie, it's left a bad taste in my
mouth having to watch the last few games from the bench.
"I've led the team to good results and performances and then I've had four young loan defenders, with 10 league
games between them, come in and play ahead of me.
"Now, no disrespect to them, but at times like this I think you need experience.
"I'm club captain, have played over 200 games in my career so far and I think my experience could help the team
right now.
"It's not just me that's baffled as to why I'm not playing, but my team-mates as well and I've been stopped by a
number of fans too.
"But, at the end of the day, the manager has to pick the team that he thinks can win and you have to respect that
and get on with it.
"The manager has spoken to me about it and he feels the right-backs he has brought in are a bit more attacking than
myself," added Rehman. "But the last game I played at right-back was in a 5-0 win [against Oxford] and that was
probably our most attacking performance of the season.
"So I won't necessarily agree with that opinion but you have to respect it."
===========================
Dennis Law nearly came to City
Writing in his autobiography "The King", Denis Law states" that in March 1974 Ron Saunders, the Manchester City
manager had agreed to sell him to 4th division Bradford City.I would have rather retired there and then but the
World Cup was only a few weeks away...."
He regained his place in Man City's first team,scored the goal that relegated Man Utd and played for Scotland at
the World Cup in West Germany.
===========================
TAYLOR TO REHMAN: YOU'VE LET ME DOWN
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor has bombed Zesh Rehman out of City after deciding that his
public criticism was the "final straw".
Rehman has been stripped of the club captaincy and told he can leave Valley
Parade on a free transfer next month.
Taylor's hard-line stance follows the defender's comments in a live radio
interview earlier this week, questioning the manager for leaving him out the
side.
That was too much for Taylor, who revealed that he had already been annoyed
with Rehman's actions on earlier occasions.
The City chief had decided to let them pass but felt the centre half's
frustration has now gone too far.
Taylor said: "There have been a couple of situations recently which he
should have been disciplined for but he wasn't.
"I just felt that listening to him, it was very unnecessary.
"In the end, I did look at his frustrations in respect of not playing.
"I've been very open in saying he's very unlucky to be left out. But every
time I've made a decision it's been an honest one.
"Every time I've had meetings with Zesh, I felt I've been very honest.
"There have been times when I haven't said things out in public. So I was
quite disappointed to be criticised
as I was in the programme."
Rehman has been in and out of the starting line-up this season and did not
feature at all in the [winless] home games against Macclesfield [L0-1] and
Accrington [D1-1].
He helped City to keep clean sheets in the wins over Barnet [W2-0], Oxford
[W5-0] and Bury [W1-0] but has found himself down the pecking order behind
the young loan players Taylor has brought in.
Taylor has not completely ruled out picking Rehman again if needed but he
clearly feels that a player who was appointed as an ambassador for the club
should have reacted better in public.
"As a club captain, Zesh let himself down," he added. "The timing of it is
poor and I think he knows what he's doing.
"He wanted to let people know I'm wrong for not picking him and I think he's
chosen the wrong way to do it.
There have been a few other little things and hopefully nothing else comes
up. To me, Monday was the final straw.
"I was very disappointed to hear what I heard. I was probably more shocked
than anything else.
"I think people would know he hasn't been a regular and I wouldn't blame him
for being frustrated on that.
"He's a decent professional and plays anywhere you ask him but I couldn't
guarantee him a first-team spot.
"You never know (if he will feature again), there's other people that could
be going in January that still will play.
"I'm just not very happy with Zesh's timing. Zesh is no different to anybody
else we've got here.
"The players know the rules and, in this case, Zesh has broken them."
Midfielder Lee Bullock, who has also found himself sidelined in recent
weeks, has taken over the club captain's role.
Taylor said: "Lee's in the same boat (as Zesh). He was playing in the team
and then all of a sudden he isn't.
"But he has behaved first class. He's very respected in the dressing room."
===========================
L2 (H) v Hereford Utd Dec 11 2010 KO 3pm
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Links
===========================
* By Simon Parker »
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8716491.Rehman_slapped_on_transfer_list/?ref=rss
City have stripped Zesh Rehman of the club captaincy and put him on the transfer
list.
The shock news was announced this morning in a statement which read: "This
decision has been taken due to a club disciplinary matter."
It is understood that City were angry about comments made by the defender during
a radio interview earlier this week.
Rehman will be available to leave on a free transfer when the window reopens
next month. Midfielder Lee Bullock has been appointed the new club captain.
===========================
The Zesh story...
Last week a press release from Zesh's foundation about his trip to Downing Street included this at the end of the
statement. It reads:
The 27 year old said: "I don't feel I've been given a fair crack of the whip, but the manager knows that I am ready
when he needs me. I have not let anybody down this season, no disrespect to the four young loan defenders we have
had here this season but they have less than 10 league games experience between them, I definitely feel my
experience and presence on the pitch can benefit the team right now".
"The fans have been great with me this season and I really appreciate that. It hurts when I'm not playing and we
lose because I genuinely care about the club. Hopefully we can get back to winning ways soon and I can be a part of
it again".
The above comments were not used in the T&A piece that appeared on Tuesday, but it may well have been used
elsewhere. Plus Zesh more or less the above when being interviewed by Gareth Jones on radio Leeds on Monday
evening.
===========================
The Zesh story...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/9251198.stm
In a live BBC Radio Leeds interview on 29 November, Rehman said: "I'm not going to lie, it's left a bad taste in my
mouth having to watch the last few games from the bench.
"I've led the team to good results and performances and then I've had four young loan defenders, with 10 league
games between them, come in and play ahead of me.
"Now, no disrespect to them, but at times like this I think you need experience.
"I'm club captain, have played over 200 games in my career so far and I think my experience could help the team
right now.
"It's not just me that's baffled as to why I'm not playing, but my team-mates as well and I've been stopped by a
number of fans too.
"But, at the end of the day, the manager has to pick the team that he thinks can win and you have to respect that
and get on with it.
"The manager has spoken to me about it and he feels the right-backs he has brought in are a bit more attacking than
myself," added Rehman. "But the last game I played at right-back was in a 5-0 win [against Oxford] and that was
probably our most attacking performance of the season.
"So I won't necessarily agree with that opinion but you have to respect it."
===========================
Dennis Law nearly came to City
Writing in his autobiography "The King", Denis Law states" that in March 1974 Ron Saunders, the Manchester City
manager had agreed to sell him to 4th division Bradford City.I would have rather retired there and then but the
World Cup was only a few weeks away...."
He regained his place in Man City's first team,scored the goal that relegated Man Utd and played for Scotland at
the World Cup in West Germany.
===========================
TAYLOR TO REHMAN: YOU'VE LET ME DOWN
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor has bombed Zesh Rehman out of City after deciding that his
public criticism was the "final straw".
Rehman has been stripped of the club captaincy and told he can leave Valley
Parade on a free transfer next month.
Taylor's hard-line stance follows the defender's comments in a live radio
interview earlier this week, questioning the manager for leaving him out the
side.
That was too much for Taylor, who revealed that he had already been annoyed
with Rehman's actions on earlier occasions.
The City chief had decided to let them pass but felt the centre half's
frustration has now gone too far.
Taylor said: "There have been a couple of situations recently which he
should have been disciplined for but he wasn't.
"I just felt that listening to him, it was very unnecessary.
"In the end, I did look at his frustrations in respect of not playing.
"I've been very open in saying he's very unlucky to be left out. But every
time I've made a decision it's been an honest one.
"Every time I've had meetings with Zesh, I felt I've been very honest.
"There have been times when I haven't said things out in public. So I was
quite disappointed to be criticised
as I was in the programme."
Rehman has been in and out of the starting line-up this season and did not
feature at all in the [winless] home games against Macclesfield [L0-1] and
Accrington [D1-1].
He helped City to keep clean sheets in the wins over Barnet [W2-0], Oxford
[W5-0] and Bury [W1-0] but has found himself down the pecking order behind
the young loan players Taylor has brought in.
Taylor has not completely ruled out picking Rehman again if needed but he
clearly feels that a player who was appointed as an ambassador for the club
should have reacted better in public.
"As a club captain, Zesh let himself down," he added. "The timing of it is
poor and I think he knows what he's doing.
"He wanted to let people know I'm wrong for not picking him and I think he's
chosen the wrong way to do it.
There have been a few other little things and hopefully nothing else comes
up. To me, Monday was the final straw.
"I was very disappointed to hear what I heard. I was probably more shocked
than anything else.
"I think people would know he hasn't been a regular and I wouldn't blame him
for being frustrated on that.
"He's a decent professional and plays anywhere you ask him but I couldn't
guarantee him a first-team spot.
"You never know (if he will feature again), there's other people that could
be going in January that still will play.
"I'm just not very happy with Zesh's timing. Zesh is no different to anybody
else we've got here.
"The players know the rules and, in this case, Zesh has broken them."
Midfielder Lee Bullock, who has also found himself sidelined in recent
weeks, has taken over the club captain's role.
Taylor said: "Lee's in the same boat (as Zesh). He was playing in the team
and then all of a sudden he isn't.
"But he has behaved first class. He's very respected in the dressing room."
===========================
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