DEAN RICHARDS 1974-2011
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L2 (H) v Ritherham March 8, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM
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Match stats
Gillingham Bradford
9(6) Shots (on Goal) 14(6)
20 Fouls 15
8 Corner Kicks 9
4 Offsides 3
52% Time of Poss. 48%
2 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
3 Saves 5
Gillingham
A. Julian, G. Richards, J. Nutter, M. Lawrence, C. Weston (J. Martin, 77), B. Fuller , K. Maher , J. Payne, A. Akinfenwa (L. Rooney, 82), A. Barcham (D. Oli, 77), C. McDonald
Subs not used: D. Jackman, L. Cronin, M. Bentley, T. Sinclair
Cards
Kevin Maher (20')
Barry Fuller (28')
City
L. Pidgeley, L. Oliver, L. O'Brien, S. Williams, L. Hunt , M. Flynn, J. Worthington (T. Adeyemi, 35), K. Ellison (S. Dobie, 68), G. Evans, J. Speight, J. Hanson
Subs not used: R. Threlfall, D. Syers, J. McLaughlan, L. Osborne, L. Bullock
Cards
Lee Bullock (38')
Lewis Hunt (42')
SUBSTITUTIONS
Gillingham
Dennis Oli for
Curtis Weston (77')
Joseph Martin for
Andy Barcham (77')
Luke Rooney for
Adebayo Akinfenwa (82')
Bradford
Tom Adeyemi for
Jonathan Worthington (35')
Scott Dobie for
Kevin Ellison (68')
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Monday morning match report
Plenty of positives from interim boss's first game but another defeat gives chairmen food for thought
6:50am Monday 7th March 2011
By Simon Parker
Gillingham 2, City 0
City's powerbrokers departed deepest Kent with much on their minds.
The board were out in force for one of the longest trips of the season. But are they any nearer making a decision on the next incumbent of the Valley Parade hot-seat?
As chairmen Mark Lawn, bound for yesterday's emotional Dean Richards memorial at Wolves, and Julian Rhodes melted away a couple of minutes before the end, there remained plenty to ponder.
We are told that the interview process will really kick into gear this week. So far only two candidates – one thought to be John Hughes – have been quizzed.
Meanwhile, Peter Jackson goes about the job – albeit on a temporary basis – with the zeal of a man fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
If Jackson comes up short during his suck-it-and-see reign, it won't be for the want of trying.
City's performance showed signs of that positivity and enthusiasm. Another defeat, coupled with good results for the bottom two, ensures more anxiety ahead but this was much brighter than the scoreline might suggest.
Jackson had called on the players to have a "real go" and for a long period they did just that.
Jackson's special day had kicked off with a big wave for the smattering of City fans who had made the long trek south. With only 193 huddled together in the vast open stand, he could have probably greeted them individually.
There was a handshake for the groundsman forking the corner of the pitch and then another for the steward manning the dugout. He was like a politician canvassing for every vote.
Jackson was perpetual motion on the touchline, kicking and heading every ball.
At one stage his momentum even took him into Gillingham's technical area. Home boss Andy Hessenthaler stood back with a wry smile as the fourth official gently guided Jackson back to his own territory.
Those who like passion in their managers would look no further.
City responded to Jackson's cajoling by bursting out of the blocks. A new voice usually provokes a reaction and the players were at it right from the off.
Luke Oliver thundered a free header wide; Gareth Evans showed great anticipation to steal possession in the box but then took the wrong option by shooting instead of setting up Kevin Ellison for a tap-in.
Regular Bantams travellers would have spotted more freedom about their play; more bodies were going forward. Unfortunately the old faults in front of goal remain.
It took Gillingham 43 minutes to muster an effort at Lenny Pidgeley's goal. When they did, though, it was to grab an ill-deserved lead.
Ellison had just tested Alan Julian with a cracking volley when Gillingham won a free-kick which City failed to deal with.
Jack Payne found the unmarked Curtis Weston lurking round the back and he hung up a cross for brick outhouse Adebayo Akinfenwa to power home.
Jackson had dispensed with the jacket in the heat of the battle after 25 minutes. It was shirt sleeve order for the rest of the first half.
By the restart, discretion had got the better part of valour and a long overcoat appeared. Maybe he sensed the chill that was about to blow further through City's afternoon.
Luke O'Brien's week had been just as memorable as Jackson's after becoming a dad for the first time.
His upbeat mood continued into an excellent first half. One minute he was flying up the left wing, the next he was back covering in his own box with two vital interventions.
But O'Brien's composure was shattered with a shuddering 50-50 with Weston straight from the restart. And when Evans sent a crossfield ball the left back's way, he hesitated fractionally which allowed the one-time Leeds midfielder to steal possession before belting the ball beyond Lenny Pidgeley's grasp.
Having seen his half-time team address ruined by one goal, Jackson's pick-me-up pep talk had been quickly overtaken by a second.
Tom Adeyemi, on for the crocked Jon Worthington before the break, sprung forward in retaliation to force another save out of Julian.
Having impressed Jackson in the reserves, the youngster was a bright spark whenever he got on the ball. He looks a shoe-in to start against Rotherham.
James Hanson also had a decent game and won every high ball going his way. Too often his flick-ons and knockdowns came to nothing because of a lack of anticipation from those around him.
Hanson did spurn a good chance midway through the half when he nodded wide from a corner. But he must have looked on enviously at Akinfenwa, who had the predatory Cody McDonald to feed off his scraps.
Akinfenwa's sheer bulk traditionally presents a huge obstacle for City defenders and he was in bullying mode again. Oliver and Steve Williams stuck at it but you wonder how Jackson and David Wetherall, two fine centre halves in their time, would have coped with such an immovable presence.
Then O'Brien blocked a Garry Richards header on the line after Pidgeley went walkabout at a corner. A third goal would have been hugely unfair.
Jackson remained a defiant figure on the side and declared his pride that his team had kept going after the body blows either side of the interval.
It is going to take more than dressing room tub-thumping to arrest the slide of a team that have grown too used to losing. But at least there were positives to reflect on – and that has not been the case from many away defeats this season.
"Where do you go from here?" was the daftest question put to Jackson afterwards. Back home and then on to the Rotherham game, came the glib reply.
Jackson is not privy to the thoughts of his chairmen. They had left the scene before he had chance to make it to the Priestfield boardroom.
No doubt the picture will become a little clearer in the days ahead. For now, many questions remain unanswered.
Attendance: 5,019
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Interim boss left disappointed only by result of opening match
8:10am Monday 7th March 2011
By Simon Parker
Peter Jackson saluted his players for a "wonderful" week and called for more of the same.
The interim boss was gutted after City were beaten in his first game in charge at Gillingham on Saturday.
But he stressed his pride with the team and their response to his arrival – and believes they will turn it round.
Interviews for the manager's job will be stepped up this week but Jackson will be in charge for the Yorkshire derby against Rotherham tomorrow and is also expected to take in the Morecambe game next weekend.
He said: "I'm not sure what's happening. It's a difficult situation but I'm taking it game by game.
"I'm just so disappointed my first game back as manager ended in defeat.
"It's been a wonderful week and the reaction from the players and all the staff has been fantastic. Hopefully that will continue."
Gillingham struck either side of half-time to leave City still nervously looking over their shoulders before the Valley Parade clash with Ronnie Moore's Millers.
But Jackson feels they should take heart from an encouraging performance.
He said: "We were positive and on top of the game. They never really threatened us (before the first goal) and I felt comfortable.
"I'm just so disappointed that we've not come away with anything after the effort the players have put in. We deserved something from this.
"All I ask as a manager is for the team to have a go and put a shift in. They certainly did that.
"I thought they kept going and never gave in. We still created chances towards the end of the game and that pleased me."
Goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley added: "Gillingham is one of the toughest places to come in this league and for the first 40 minutes we were probably the better team. But the timing of their goals killed us."
Jon Worthington needed eight stitches in a nasty head gash which forced him off in the first half. He is struggling to play tomorrow.
Jackson must also do without Kevin Ellison, who is unable to play against his parent club.
He said: "Young Tom (Adeyemi) did well when he came on and showed what a quality player he is. He just needs to believe more in his ability.
"That's the same with them all but it comes from the results and where they are in the table. We just need to improve on one or two things and we'll be okay.
"Rotherham will be another tough game but we'll regroup and approach it in a positive mode."
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Missile alert as Bradford City look to avoid FA punishment
7:10pm Monday 7th March 2011
By Simon Parker
City fans have been warned against throwing items on to the Valley Parade pitch tonight (errr...Tuesday?).
The club are launching a crackdown after incidents in three recent home games.
A cigarette lighter and 50p coin were hurled during City's draw with Accrington in November.
A tennis ball was thrown from the Kop against Chesterfield while, in the last home match, a bottle of water was lobbed from the Bradford End after City were awarded their first-half penalty against Stockport.
All three incidents were reported to the Football Association by the referees – and City fear possible punishment unless they can stop the perpetrators.
Facilities manager David Dowse revealed the club have already had to cough up for increasing stewarding costs. Police have also been brought into the ground for the first time this season.
Dowse said: "As well as the immediate increased costs, true City fans need to be aware that if we keep coming to the attention of the FA for these incidents, we face sanctions such as fines or even closure of parts of the stadium.
"Let the club know if you see anyone throwing items. The best way to do this is by using the club's texting service on 07949-814243 and give the seat location.
"We can then get CCTV footage and intervene."
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DEAN RICHARDS LAID TO REST
(Yorkshire Post)
Premier League stars joined hundreds of mourners today (Friday) at the funeral of
former Wolves and Tottenham defender Dean Richards in Bradford.
Richards, who was forced to retire from the game in 2005 following illness,
died last weekend aged 36.
On Friday, Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane and on-loan Blackpool
forward James Beattie joined friends, family and former colleagues for the
funeral at Bradford Cathedral in Richards' home city.
Wolves veteran Steve Bull and former Bradford City manager Chris Kamara also
attended the service.
The former central defender is fondly remembered at Wolves, where he moved
after impressing with Bradford City.
He went on to play for Southampton and Tottenham, who paid £8.1 million for
his services.
Richards was forced to retire from the game after suffering from dizzy
spells and headaches - an illness which was initially diagnosed as an inner
ear infection.
Former colleagues and friends paid tribute to Richards today.
Chris Kamara said: "Deano was a giant. He played with elegance and composure
and was a joy to watch. He was a star player with a Rolls-Royce engine.
"In the football community we're all stunned. You can't get your head round
it. He was someone who brought joy to everyone and, if you knew him, played
with him or worked with him, you knew what a character he was."
Mark Lawn, Bradford City joint-chairman, said "He was a nice guy and very
down-to-earth.
"Players now would be a lot better men if they took a leaf out of his book.
"I first knew him as a fan. When he got the ball there was an intake of
breath because you knew he'd create something.
"He came back in 2007 to coach the youth players, but I don't think we paid
him. That was a mark of the man - he just wanted to give something back."
Wolves fans chanted Richards' name during their home match against Blackpool
last Saturday following the announcement of his death.
Richards moved from Bradford to Wolves in 1995, making 145 appearances in a
four-year spell and becoming a Molineux favourite.
He subsequently moved on to Southampton, who were then in the top flight,
where he spent two years before switching to White Hart Lane.
Richards spent four years in north London although his time there was dogged
by injury.
He made almost 350 appearances in a career spanning 13 years before his
retirement.
A number of former team-mates and managers will lead tributes to him before
Wolves` game with Tottenham on Sunday.
Representatives from Bradford and Southampton will also be present to hold
aloft shirts which will then be signed and auctioned to raise money in his
memory.
Ex-Wolves players Don Goodman and Matt Murray, Spurs defender Ledley King,
former managers Dave Jones and Graham Taylor, Blackpool striker James
Beattie and Bradford chairman Mark Lawn will all be involved.
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