The Bradford City Onion

A light hearted look at the goings on at Bradford City Football Club in England. I sometimes just larf at the non-news items that is posted between game on the City web site. Typical comments are "if we had scored more goal than the opposition we would have won. We didn't so we lost". DUH! Coupled with the sarcastic news on "theonion.com" this is my blog. Want real BCFC news? Sign up for the City Forward! Email List I edit by sending a blank email to bantams-cfml-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

L2 D0-0 (A) Gillingham, Saturday Nov. 26, 2011. K.O. 3:00PM

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

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

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2529642,00.html?
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/sport/2011/november/26/bradford_pics.aspx?

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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

Signings & Loans

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

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Gillingham            Bradford
4(2)    Shots (on Goal)   10(4)
12      Fouls           14
5       Corner Kicks    5
1       Offsides        5
54%     Time of Poss    46%
1       Yellow Cards    1
0       Red Cards       0
4       Saves           3

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

Monday morning match report

Much-changed Bradford City team gain deserved point using 'horses for courses' approach to nullify Gills
6:40am Monday 28th November 2011
By Simon Parker

Gillingham 0, City 0

The route to Gillingham in deepest Kent is a long one, as any of the 154 loyal travelling City fans will testify.

But the 500-or-so-mile round trip does provide plenty of thinking time – and Phil Parkinson used that to his full advantage to ensure the Bantams

gleaned an unlikely but richly-deserved point from a trip that has usually produced nothing.

Parkinson's scouting mission to Priestfield the previous Tuesday also enabled him to get away from the hurly-burly of City life for a few hours.

Given the Paul Benson soap opera that unfolded over the following 48 hours, it was just as well.

So City's game-plan and, more significantly, the make-up of the side was formulated while tackling the delights of the M1 and M25.

And all Parkinson's plans pretty much worked a treat. Less a case of road to perdition and more one to redemption after the second-half rollover

against Rotherham a week earlier.

Parkinson's team selections have stirred as many pub arguments as those of Peter Taylor. The charge for City's lack of consistent performances is

laid at the manager's door for not fielding the same line-up twice.

But Parkinson can point to circumstances forcing his hand to a degree. Saturday, at last, he could just about choose who he wanted.

Andrew Davies was finally available again after his month in 'clink'; Simon Ramsden was back to fitness once again. Experience and know-how were

at Parkinson's beck and call – and how it showed.

Five names had changed from the 11 who started against the Millers. Barring perhaps the recovering David Syers, it looked as powerful a line-up

as City could field.

Steve Williams and Luke O'Brien, two of the previous week's back four, were axed completely. Williams and Jack Compton, whose attitude at being

left out did not go down well with his boss, were not even on the bus.

O'Brien at least made the game but had to sit it out with Ritchie Jones. His absence suggests the club's longest-serving player is facing an

uncertain future.

Already behind Robbie Threlfall in the pecking order, O'Brien was dropped by Parkinson to accommodate the right-footed Marcel Seip at left back.

Parkinson insisted it was a "horses for courses" move after identifying the height of Frank Nouble on the right wing as a major source of

Gillingham danger.

Watching them beat Bournemouth, he had noticed how keeper Ross Flitney often targeted the West Ham loanee with his goal-kicks and felt Seip's

physical presence would be a more effective antidote.

But there was no escaping the feeling that O'Brien may have blown his chance to impress in Threlfall's injured absence.

Parkinson said: "We didn't defend well last week for 20 minutes and any manager has got the right to make changes.

"We also felt we needed to combat Gillingham's physicality on the right-hand side. Marcel is not natural there but he did well.

"OB had got back in the team and, to be fair to him, had a few good games. But his form has dipped over the past couple of weeks. He was watching

the game and I'm sure he'll look at this and come back stronger."

Compton voiced his frustration on Twitter at being axed after setting up the first goal the week before. Parkinson left him home because he

thought the winger's attitude was not conducive to the group on an overnight stay.

His loan from Falkirk runs out next month and it seems very doubtful that Parkinson, who did not bring him in, will be extending it. Compton is

likely to be one of the casualties in a hectic transfer window.

Kyel Reid had attracted criticism after going slightly off the boil in recent weeks but he remains City's chief attacking threat. His return to

the ranks provided a fruitful outlet.

City had lost five of the last six visits to Gillingham, the one exception being the Omar Daley masterclass for Stuart McCall in January 2009

just before the wheels came off that season.

Reid, the winger recruited to fill the enigmatic Jamaican's boots, went as close as anyone to repeating that trick.

Right back Matt Lawrence was always in trouble once he'd dived in and picked up an early yellow card. He could not hope to match Reid's pace and

now had to drop off even deeper, allowing the City man room to weave his magic.

Reid delivered the cross of the game after 27 minutes and it should have earned a City breakthrough. But James Hanson's header was instinctively

blocked by Flitney before the big striker bludgeoned the rebound over the bar.

It was a big miss and added further ammunition for the Hanson knockers. But his general all-round contribution was impressive, leading the line

with an added edge which Parkinson put down to the "Benson factor".

With his boss actively shopping around for a new targetman, Hanson's display suggested "I'll show you". He has to keep following it up.

Ross Hannah battled gamely up front with the big man without getting a real sniff of goal himself. But City were asking plenty of questions of an

uncomfortable home defence.

Their own back four, marshalled by Davies, stood strong throughout. Jo Kuffour clipped the post in the opening minute but the only other first-

half scare came from a criminally-underhit backpass by Gills old boy Michael Flynn – again Davies was there in the nick of time.

Alongside Flynn, man of the match Ricky Ravenhill showed the benefits of having a week to train properly with his new team-mates. He would pounce

on any loose ball, put in a string of tackles and was not far off a goal himself with a volley just wide from a corner.

Nahki Wells did have the ball in the Gillingham net from a Reid cross-shot but was judged offside. On first glance, it looked the correct call if

marginal.

City's effort deserved some reward and the slice of fortune they got in the stoppage-time scramble when Gillingham seemed certain to score.

Jack Payne and Curtis Weston both should have netted in a blur of chances but Seip hacked off the line and City's goal stayed intact. To lose

then would have been a travesty.

Gillingham's frustration was articulated in a foul way by one fan after the final whistle. Parkinson had been getting stick all afternoon from

the home stand but took exception and had to be pulled away by a steward.

He said: "You always get abuse everywhere you go as an opposition manager. But the language he used towards me was unacceptable and I told him

that.

"He had young kids sat round him and probably his own sons and it was a bad example to set using language like that."

The 'glass half empty' crew will no doubt argue that City have gone four away games without a league goal and the point was only their fifth on

the road from a possible 30.

But, like the last stalemate at Swindon, this was a gritty result against a team strong at home and going well.

Now it's about backing that up, something City have struggled to do all season. Prove that long road does not lead into another cul-de-sac.

Attendance: 7,074

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

From the YP

Gillingham 0 Bradford City 0: Bantams challenge bigger than I realised, admits Parkinson

Published on Saturday 26 November 2011 13:08

Phil Parkinson saw his Bradford City side return from Gillingham in League Two with a hard-earned points as they look to climb away from the

relegation zone.

Andrew Davies was back from a four-game band but there was no place for Ritchie Jones after recovering from the toe injury that led to the

midfielder missing last week's defeat to Rotherham.

Robbie Threlfall has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, a scan revealing the left-back is likely to be out for an extra week

with the injury that has prevented him from playing since late October.

Neither side could break the deadlock although the Gills came close to taking an early lead when Jo Kuffour's deflected acrobatic effort hit the

woodwork.

James Hanson forced a good save from home goalkeeper Ross Flitney before wastefully thumping the rebound over the crossbar.

Bantams sub Nahki Wells had his effort chalked off for offisde before the visitors survived late pressure to claim a point.

"This job - it's a massive challenge probably bigger than I thought," said City manager Phil Parkinson. "You've got to keep fighting in this game

because no-one is going to feel sorry for you.

"The only people that can turn it round yourselves and the group of players you are working with.

"I've just said to the team I don't want to have to keep on responding, I want to build on performances and that's what we've got to do."

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

City soon hope to be flush with cash by winning a £100,000 washroom windfall.

The club are in the running for the Best Loo-sers competition, set up by Plumb Center, for a complete refit of the stadium toilets.

City are battling with ten other clubs to win the prize by getting the most votes. They are urging fans to register their support at www.bestloosers.co.uk.

Plumb Center spokesman Paul Bradshaw said: "Bradford might be a click away from securing state-of-the-art washrooms."

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

Phil Parkinson's Bantams lined up for the cameras at the end of last week for the club's new-look official squad photograph.

With several new faces having been added to the coaching and playing staff since the start of the 2011/2012 season, the club recently decided to

arrange for a new squad picture to be taken to bring things more up to date.

As well as Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin, the team shot also includes the likes of Craig Fagan, Matt Duke, Marcel Seip and Kyel Reid -

all of whom weren't signed for the club when the original team photo-shoot day took place back in July.

Supporters can take a closer look at the revised squad photo for the 2011/2012 season by clicking on the link below.

Bradford City Squad Photo
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/staticFiles/d6/94/0,,10266~169174,00.pdf

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

Nov 28, 2011 - The Los Angeles Galaxy announced today that they have traded goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to the Montreal Impact for allocation

money. Ricketts, who has 87 caps with the Jamaican National Team, played the majority of his career at Bradford City A.F.C. who are currently in

League Two in England. The LA Galaxy signed Ricketts in December of 2008 for the 2009 season. Ricketts and the Galaxy went to the MLS Cup final

that year, but Ricketts was injured and didn't play in the Cup. The Galaxy lost that match in penalties.

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

SHREWD JULIAN RHODES MAKES THE MOST OF HIS YOUNG HOT-SHOTS
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Bradford City have included loan fee clauses in all deals with young
starlets following their Tom Cleverley windfall.

The Bantams are guaranteed a pay-out if the likes of Everton's George Green
sign elsewhere, whether it's permanent or not.

The club received an undisclosed amount, thought to be well over £100,000,
for their sell-on percentage in Manchester United star Cleverley's three
short-term moves.

City claimed their pay-out from the champions after finding out that United
had received transfer fees for Cleverley to join Watford, Leicester and
Wigan.

Former head of player development Archie Christie helped broker a deal to
avoid going to arbitration.

City were entitled to a cut of the fee United received whenever Cleverley's
registration was transferred to another club. But they were unaware that the
other sides had paid United to take him on loan.

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes said: "We know the contract from back to front.
We just didn't know there were any fees involved in the loans.

"It just happened that Archie found out that money had changed hands and
therefore we were entitled to something.

"Tom went to United about ten years ago and it was rare at that time for
loan fees to be charged. We were probably one of the first ones when Dean
Windass went to Hull.

"In Tom Cleverley's case, we'd guess any loan was simply for work
experience.

"Loan fees are becoming more common than before but still do not happen very
often.

"It was a bit of grey area with Man United because they didn't think there
was anything to declare. We discussed it with the league and the FA and then
worked it out with United before it could have gone to arbitration."

With several youngsters with Premier League clubs, City have now spelled out
their claim for loan sell-ons in black and white.

Rhodes added: "The contracts we are signing with these lads have all this
covered.

"You need to clarify with sell-ons whether it relates to permanent
transfers, loans or both. Nobody every did before.

"But it's in George Green's deal and other similar ones with players who
have joined bigger clubs.

"We followed what the FA advised us and now we have a clarification in
there."

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

Friday, November 25, 2011

L2: (H) v Rotherham, Saturday Nov 19, 2011. K.O. 3:00PM. L2-3

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

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

Fixtures

Dec 3rd v AFC Wimbledon FAC2 KO 3pm

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2522145,00.html?

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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

Signings & Loans

RICKY RAVENHILL ON LOAN FROM NOTTS COUNTY (2 months)

Nialle Rodney to Mansfield Town on a one month loan

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

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

George Green's goal for Everton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEBExK9UMz0

samlyness89 (@samlyness89)
11/24/11 12:18 PM
Benson medical failed! Bloody hell! #bcafc

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

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Bradford C - Rotherham
Possession: 42 - 58%
Shots on target: 7 - 8
Shots off target: 5 - 5
Fouls: 14 - 9
Corners: 8 - 5

Ref: Mark Heywood (Wakefield).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Williams (59 min), Fagan (61).
Rotherham: Tonge (41 min).

BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 36. Marcel Seip, 6. Luke Oliver, 12. Steve
Williams, 3. Luke O'Brien, 16. Chris Mitchell (70), 4. Michael Flynn, 14.
Richard Ravenhill, 11. Jack Compton (71), 39. Craig Fagan (70), 21. Nahki
Wells.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 9. James Hanson (70), 10. Ross Hannah (70), 24.
Liam Moore, 32. Kyel Reid (71).

ROTHERHAM: 1. Conrad Logan, 2. Dale Tonge, 17. Johnny Mullins, 8. Jason
Taylor, 25. Jon Harley, 23. Lewis Grabban, 4. Danny Harrison, 11. Danny
Schofield, 7. Gareth Evans (12), 9. Alex Revell, 10. Brett Williams (75).
SUBS: 21. Andy Warrington (GK), 3. Tom Newey (75), 6. Luke Foster, 12.
Marcus Marshall (12), 24. Michael Raynes (90).

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

From the Official BCFC Website…

WIMBLEDON EARN CITY F.A CUP TIE

The Bantams will face fellow League 2 side AFC Wimbledon in the F.A Cup with
Budweiser Second Round after the Dons shocked Scunthorpe United in their
first round reply this Tuesday (22nd).

After drawing the original first round tie 0-0 at Wimbledon, the Football
League newcomers produced a cup shock to defeat League 1 Scunthorpe thanks
to a single second half Luke Moore goal.

AFC Wimbledon will now face City at the Coral Windows Stadium for a place in
the third round, with the date of the tie expected to be Saturday 3 December
2011.

The tie will give Phil Parkinson's men the perfect opportunity to gain
revenge for the 2-1 home loss suffered at the hands of Wimbledon in League 2
back in September.

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

NPower League Two
Bradford C (1) 2 Mitchell 34, Flynn pen 90+2.
Rotherham (1) 3 Graham pen 22, Revell 51, Marshall 57.
Att: 10,551

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Michael Flynn's penalty was saved with the last kick of the game as City
suffered more home agony against Rotherham.

The Bantams skipper had just put one away to give his side a flicker of a
chance.

And when his volley was handled by Jon Harley, Flynn had the opportunity to
rescue the most dramatic of points.

But his spot-kick was tame and Conrad Logan saved comfortably to inflict
City's fifth league home defeat.

Luke O'Brien saved City's bacon inside the first 70 seconds as he blocked
Danny Harrison's header on the line.

Then Brett Williams flashed a header wide from Dale Tonge's cross after a
flowing Rotherham move.

Gareth Evans' return to Valley Parade lasted only 12 minutes as he was
forced to limp off following a hefty challenge by Flynn.

It was City's turn to curse a goal-line clearance seven minutes later. Steve
Williams almost crowned his first league outing of the season with a goal
but his header was denied by Danny Schofield.

But Rotherham struck from their next attack after O'Brien handled a cross by
Brett Williams, Lewis Grabban sending Jon McLaughlin the wrong way from the
penalty spot.

City responded very well and a good spell of pressure produced an equaliser
on 35 minutes. Jack Compton breezed past Tonge and his pinpoint cross was
buried by Chris Mitchell.

Tonge was then booked at the other end for a dive, trying to win a penalty.
It actually looked a better shout than the one referee Mark Heywood had
given.

But Rotherham were back in front soon after the break. Schofield found Alex
Revell in the box and his 15-yard shot took a slight deflection and went in
off the far post.

McLaughlin saved well from Marcus Marshall but the Rotherham sub soon made
it 3-1. The keeper parried Schofield's cross-shot but Marshall was following
up at the far post to force it past Luke Oliver's lunge.

City had it all to do now and Phil Parkinson threw on all three subs with 20
minutes left - and a few boos accompanied his decision to take off Compton,
who was voted man of the match by the sponsors.

The game exploded back into life in the three minutes of added time.

Flynn cut the deficit to 3-2 after Jason Taylor handled, only to fluff the
chance to level right at the end.

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

Bradford City Legend Ces Podd: "Racism Stopped My Parents Watching Me"

Full article
http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/bradford-city-legend-ces-podd-racism-stopped-my-parents-watching-me/
or
http://bit.ly/s7Vg1R

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

MIDFIELDER RICKY RAVENHILL ON LOAN FROM NOTTS COUNTY
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Bradford City this afternoon signed Notts County midfielder Ricky Ravenhill
on a two-month loan.

The 30-year-old former Doncaster player is likely to be in the squad for
tomorrow's (November 19) home clash with Rotherham.

Ravenhill, who plays in the centre, has also been given permission to appear
in the FA Cup by the League One side.

Phil Parkinson said: "We've been looking for another midfield player since
Adam Reed went back.

"We are coming up to a busy period of games over the next month or so,
including the Christmas period, and it's important that the squad is strong.

"Ricky is an experienced player, tough and committed, and he certainly knows
his way round a football pitch."

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

YP report
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-

city/bradford_city_2_rotherham_united_3_millers_rewarded_for_keeping_faith_with_under_pressure_logan_1_3988552?

By Robert Gledhill at Valley Parade
Published on Monday 21 November 2011 03:35

BOTH managers plan to beat Thursday's emergency loan transfer deadline as they concentrate on different ends of the table.

Victorious Rotherham chief Andy Scott is seeking a replacement for flank player Gareth Evans, whose appearance at former club Bradford was cut

short by an early crunching challenge from Michael Flynn that damaged ankle ligaments, which may not mend until Christmas.

Beleaguered Bantams chief Phil Parkinson hopes to bolster his attacking options by bringing in out of favour striker Paul Benson from one of his

former clubs, Charlton.

The Millers made it six games unbeaten to put a five-match losing run firmly behind them and revive play-off aspirations, even though original

automatic promotion hopes may be beyond them.

City, however, are perilously close to the bottom two and relegation from the Football League would be disastrous.

Captain Flynn turned from hero to villain and it was vice versa for Millers goalkeeper Conrad Logan.

Trailing 3-1 as the game went into three minutes of stoppage time and with a 70th-minute triple substitution having failed to produce dividends,

City were handed two penalty lifelines – ironically from the two players brought on to stiffen Rotherham's defence.

First, Michael Raynes, who had just come on, missed a header and Jason Taylor inadvertently handled, leaving Flynn to drill the penalty kick down

the middle as Logan went to his left.

Then, when Kyel Reid's deep corner was headed back across the area, Flynn's volley was handled on the line by substitute Tom Newey, leaving the

City captain with the task of equalising from the spot.

This time, Flynn went for placement rather than power and Logan, guilty of a couple of clangers in recent weeks and with his place under threat,

dived on top of the ball to ensure victory for the visitors.

The delighted 25-year-old Irishman, on loan from Leicester City, said: "There's no better feeling than having the ball and knowing that when you

kick it away that's it. It's a bit of a fairytale isn't it? There will be ups and downs so I will take the ups when they come.

"I went on loan to Bristol Rovers at the end of last season and I made three or four penalty saves there in a couple of months. There is no

pressure on you as a goalkeeper and, in a funny way, you quite like it because there's the chance to be a hero.

"It's a bit of mind games, putting pressure on the other player. I have my own techniques but I'm not going to reveal them."

Logan said that he had not been affected by talk of him being dropped for Andy Warrington, adding: "I just went through a little spell where all

the mistakes came at once so, hopefully, that's out of the way. I had a good week in training and felt good and sharp coming into the game. You

can't be thinking 'am I going to play, am I not?' The manager makes the decisions and I have just to prepare for the game and that's what I did."

It was a penalty at the other end which got the Millers on their way. City players were furious that referee Mark Heywood pointed to the spot

when Brett Williams's cross struck the arm of Luke O'Brien even though the assistant who was closer to the action had not signalled a penalty.

Lewis Grabban calmly sent Jon McLaughlin the wrong for his 12th goal of the season midway through the half.

By then, there had already been two clearances off the line in this fast, flowing Yorkshire derby.

O'Brien had blocked Danny Harrison's diving header in the second minute and Steve Williams's header had been headed off the line by Danny

Schofield at the other end.

The Millers had been troubled by the pace of City's attacks, Nahki Wells and Craig Fagan operating down the middle with Jack Compton and Chris

Mitchell providing the width and it was these two who combined for the equaliser, Mitchell heading home from Compton's 35th-minute cross.

City looked favourites to set the pace after the break attacking the Kop but it was the Millers who took an immediate grip, Alex Revell firing

home off the far post from just inside the area after the defence backed off as Schofield advanced down the right before squaring the ball.

It was almost 3-1 soon after when Evans's replacement, Marcus Marshall, met a cross to the far post from Grabban but McLaughlin made a great save

and Williams blocked Harrison's follow-up.

The Millers, still smarting from last season's defeat at Valley Parade when City's winner did not cross the line, were not to be denied and

struck their third in the 58th minute. McLaughlin parried Schofield's low drive but Marshall pounced from close range.

James Hanson, who forced a fine save from Logan, Ross Hannah and Kyel Reid came on but it did not do the trick for Parkinson, who had thrown new

loan signing Ricky Ravenhill into the fray with little preparation when a toe injury ruled out Richie Jones.

Parkinson reflected: "We got punished severely for not coming out of the blocks strong enough for the second half."

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

Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson in a hurry to land Paul Benson
7:20am Monday 21st November 2011

Phil Parkinson will step up his bid to sign Paul Benson this week as City remain stuck in trouble in the League Two dogfight.

The dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Rotherham – when Michael Flynn's penalty was saved at the end of stoppage time – has intensified the chase for

the 32-year-old Charlton hitman, who is also being tracked by his old club Dagenham and Notts County.

As revealed exclusively in the T&A on Friday, City want Benson on loan until January, when they aim to make the deal permanent for a fee worth

more than £100,000.

They have three days until the emergency loan deadline and Parkinson wants Benson on board in time for Saturday's trip to Gillingham.

He said: "Benno is a player we've been looking at for a while and we're working hard to bring him to the club. Hopefully we can do that (before

Thursday).

"He wants to come here but it's getting the deal over the line that's tough."

---

Bradford City pull plug on Paul Benson signing
7:00am Friday 25th November 2011

By Ross Heppenstall »

Phil Parkinson was left bitterly frustrated yesterday as his bid to bring Paul Benson to City finally ended in defeat.

Parkinson had been working to get the Charlton striker, 32, on board for the past week, initially on loan with a view to a permanent £100,000-

plus deal. But complications are understood to have arisen following a medical he underwent at the club on Wednesday, meaning the Bantams were

unable to seal the deal before the 5pm deadline.

Parkinson said: "We had chats with Paul and on Wednesday I would have said it was very, very close, but then it took a step back.

"I don't really want to go into the stumbling blocks but, as ever, the chairmen tried their best alongside me to get this deal done.

"I had thought for the past few days that this deal was a nailed-on certainty."

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

Bantams win JPT award.....again!
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2524074,00.html?

Bradford City have created history in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by becoming the first club to win a team of the round award for the second

successive month.

After scooping the accolade for their performance in round two against Huddersfield Town, the Bantams can now make space on their sideboard for

yet more silverware after winning the award for the Area Quarter-Finals as well.

Phil Parkinson's men reinforced their love affair with the competition, dumping out Sheffield United on penalties at Bramall Lane on the back of

a similarly amazing triumph over Huddersfield Town in the round before.

The Bantams will now continue their Johnstone's Paint Trophy adventure with a trip to Oldham Athletic in the Northern Section Semi-Finals in

early December.

"We were all understandably very pleased with the performance on the night to beat Sheffield United on penalties. We knew as soon as the draw

came out that it would be a challenging tie, but the lads rose to the occasion," said Parkinson

Speaking about winning the award for a second consecutive time, Parkinson said: "We are obviously delighted to win this award for a second time.

"We might have to win the award a third time though to get through to the Area Final! We know that the tie with Oldham will be a tough one, but

it is a game we will be looking forward to."

The decision to officially acknowledge the Bantams was not a difficult one for the judging panel at the trophy.

Sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick said: "Bradford City have given us some fabulous memories to treasure this season and thoroughly deserve to

win their second team of the round awards for their exploits.

"Their fans were an absolute credit to the club at Bramall Lane, as were the players who put in a great team performance full of endeavour and no

shortage of skill.

"It is the first time in six years that a club can lay claim to two successive awards and for Bradford to have beaten such illustrious opposition

bears testament to what they have achieved this season."

And in a further boost for Bradford City fans, their teams' exploits have triggered a 40 per cent discount off all Johnstone's, Leyland and Fat

Hog products for them all to make the most of.

The 'Team of the Round' giveaway is one of a series of incentives on offer for supporters this season, as part of the trophy's 'Just Rewards'

initiative.

All supporters have to do to claim their discounts is visit www.johnstonespainttrophy.com and download a 'Just Rewards' voucher book before

redeeming the appropriate coupon at their local decorating centres.

These can be found in Jowett Street, off Corner Thornton Road, or Fowler Street Industrial Estate.

Vouchers can also be redeemed at any Johnstone's or Johnstone's Leyland Decorating Centre within a 20 mile radius of Valley Parade.

To follow the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on twitter click on www.twitter.com/Johnstonespaint and on facebook, search for the Johnstone's Paint

Trophy's 2011/12 page.

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

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

FA Cup 1: (H) Rochdale, Saturday Nov 12, 2011. K.O. 3:00PM. W1-0

Monday, November 14, 2011

JPT(N) QF: (A) Sheffield Utd, Tuesday Nov 8, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM. D1-1, W6-5 on Pens

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

L2 v Cheltenham (h) Sat November 5th 2011 Ko 3pm L0-1

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

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

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2507483,00.html?
http://www.ctfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10434~2507612,00.html?

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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

Signings & Loans

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

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

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

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Bradford C - Cheltenham
Possession: 44 - 56%
Shot on target: 4 - 8
Shots off target: 6 - 7
Fouls: 11 - 7
Corners: 4 - 7

Ref: Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: O'Brien (68 min), Reid (75).
Cheltenham: Duffy (32 min).

BRADFORD C: 34. Matt Duke, 24. Liam Moore (76), 6. Luke Oliver, 36. Marcel
Seip, 3. Luke O'Brien, 26. Michael Bryan (60), 8. Ritchie Jones, 4. Michael
Flynn, 32. Kyel Reid, 9. James Hanson, 39. Craig Fagan.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 10. Ross Hannah (60), 12. Steve Williams, 16.
Chris Mitchell, 21. Nahki Wells (76).

CHELTENHAM: 12. Jack Butland, 22. Sido Jombati, 6. Steve Elliott, 15. Alan
Bennett, 19. Luke Garbutt, 7. Marlon Pack, 25. Luke Summerfield, 16. Russell
Penn, 23. Kaid Mohamed (83), 9. Darryl Duffy (73), 14. James Spencer (88).
SUBS: 2. Keith Lowe, 8. Joshua Low (73), 10. Jeff Goulding (88), 11. Brian
Smikle (83), 21. Bagasan Graham.

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

Saturday evening match report

NPower League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Cheltenham (1) 1 Mohamed 8
Att: 9,645

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Out-of-sorts City were sunk by an early Cheltenham goal after an
error-strewn performance at Valley Parade.

Having defended so stoutly at Swindon the week before, City fell behind to a
soft goal after just eight minutes.

James Spencer picked up a long ball before squaring for Kaid Mohamed, whose
shot from inside the box squirmed under Matt Duke.

Michael Bryan drove straight at Cheltenham keeper Jack Butland but the
visitors had control of the early play.

Marlon Pack, who scored from long range when the sides last met, was
shooting on sight again. Duke redeemed himself with a fine diving save to
his left.

Bryan thought he should have had a penalty after his cross appeared to
strike Russell Penn's right hand.

But Cheltenham nearly had a second when Spencer just failed to convert
Darryl Duffy's cross after a City free-kick routine had comically broken
down at the other end.

City got more into the game towards half-time and Marcel Seip glanced a
header across goal from a corner.

Duke saved from Duffy at the start of the second half but looked very
uncomfortable from Cheltenham corners and Michael Flynn came to his rescue,
heading off the line from Mohamed.

City's ragged performance continued as Seip and Flynn got in each other's
way, the Dutchman recovering in the nick of time to tackle Penn on the edge
of the box.

Kyel Reid volleyed well over before another misunderstanding between Seip
and Duke nearly let in Duffy. The catalogue of mistakes continued.

Sub Ross Hannah at least forced a save but there was never a hint of a
comeback on such a flat afternoon.

Cheltenham's sixth win in seven games had never looked in doubt.

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

PARKINSON BLAMES HIS PLAYERS

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson was critical of his players following the
1-0 home defeat to Cheltenham.

The only goal of the game came when Kaid Mohamed beat City goalkeeper Matt
Duke with a low 15-yard shot after taking a pass from fellow striker James
Spencer.

Parkinson, who kept his players in the dressing room for more than half an
hour after the match, said: "We were frustrated with our performance. We
conceded a poor goal. Matt Duke should have done better. He has held his
hands up, but that goal should have been stopped and he knows that.

"If we could have gone in 0-0 at half-time we could have had a real go in
the second half, but we were flat, the tempo of our play was flat - we are
at home and we should be taking the game to the opposition.

"When you are a goal down you look around for other people to inspire you to
get back into the game, get in the challenge, chase back, but there wasn't
enough of that.

"Our central defender Luke Oliver had an excellent game, stood up strong and
did his job for the whole game. That sort of performance can sometimes
inspire people around you, but it didn't do that in this game. We are at
home and we've got to be stronger in all departments."

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

CITY SERVE UP A STINKER AS ROTTEN WEEK GETS EVEN WORSE
By Simon Parker (T&A)

It was a result and performance that the Valley Parade powers-that-be needed
like a hole in the head.

After all that has happened off the field in the previous couple of days,
the last thing City could afford was to throw in the towel in such a timid
manner.

As any political spin doctor will tell you, the best way to bury bad news is
with something positive to distract the attention.

Fans still getting their heads round Archie Christie's sudden departure
might have been won round by a decent showing on the pitch.

A third straight home win and a good display to back up the sweat-and-tears
effort at Swindon would help encourage the conspiracy theorists that their
club was not going to rot.
Instead, City served up a stinker.

It was a nothing performance that only succeeded in reinforcing the popular
perception that the wheels are coming off.

The odd atmosphere around the ground suggested that something was not right.
After all the conjecture and opinion swirling through the week, you could
feel an air of disquiet.

The disjointed, out-of-sync display from the team just seemed to back that
up.

Phil Parkinson got his first taste of being booed off and he made no
apologies about it. He watched exactly the same game as the rest of us.

Credit where it's due, Cheltenham were easily the best visiting side to come
to City this season.

They played with the sure touch of a team used to winning. And once Matt
Duke had gift-wrapped their goal just eight minutes in, they never looked in
the remotest danger of conceding that advantage.

Cheltenham's five-man midfield was set up to stifle and nullify. With an
early lead established, they went into full lockdown mode.

"We didn't make their keeper work," admitted Parkinson. "We made him look a
million dollars."

The absence of any hint of cutting edge was the biggest worry for the
manager on an afternoon which threw up too many depressing questions.

How could an attack with the likes of Kyel Reid and Craig Fagan, both
established higher-division names, create so little?

Reid, whose wild and wayward shooting resembled Omar Daley at his most
infuriating, and the anonymous Fagan didn't particularly stand out by their
poor play. They were just symptomatic of the malaise that descended on the
home side once Kaid Mohamed had netted the only goal.

Parkinson resorted to throwing on Ross Hannah - who did force a solitary
save out of Jack Butland - and Nahki Wells but the change of emphasis up
front changed nothing.

The goals have suddenly dried up. That is three games without scoring now
since the come-from-behind win over Northampton.

The one area of the team that seemed to be functioning freely has broken
down without warning, much to the bafflement of the boss.

"We looked a real threat when I first came in. We were always looking to
create in the first few games.

"We haven't done that of late. I've got us more solid defensively up to
Saturday but we've got to make sure we carry that attacking threat again
because we have the options."

There was no pace and urgency to City's game. Everything was too laboured
and pedestrian and there was no momentum going forward.

Parkinson likened the tempo to a testimonial. It was slow, cumbersome and
very easy to defend against.

Cheltenham should have won by more. As well as the goal, they had all the
best chances and were ably assisted by some comical home defending.

The back four had been magnificent the week before against Swindon. On
Saturday, they played like a bunch of strangers who didn't get on.

Luke Oliver was the exception but he had his hands full trying to keep it
together while those around him lost their heads.

Duke had a shocker behind him. He made one fine save from Marlon Pack, whose
shoot-on-sight philosophy showed what Cheltenham thought of the keeper's
discomfort, but it was an afternoon to forget otherwise.

The goal itself was as soft as they come as the keeper allowed Mohamed's
shot to squirm under his body. And he looked in a constant state of anxiety
from every corner - an anxiety that quickly spread to the rest of his team.

It looked as if somebody had lobbed a hand grenade rather than a football
into the six-yard box as City players got in each other's way in their panic
to clear the set-pieces. The contrast to the County Ground was staggering.

At least the referee was on side for once. City can't bemoan their fortunes
with officials again after the favours that Chris Sarginson gave them.

Luke O'Brien would surely have received their fourth red card in a month for
his full-on lunge at Darryl Duffy with any of the last few refs in charge.

And Marcel Seip appeared to get away with a blatant penalty for his
desperate tackle from behind on Russell Penn after the centre half and
Michael Flynn had got in a right two and eight.

That miscommunication was not alone. Seip and Duke were on different
wavelengths when the Dutchman ferried a back pass behind him - only to
realise the keeper had come rushing out for it and was forced into a hasty
retreat.

Parkinson's line-up at Bramall Lane will be viewed with interest. Before
Saturday, he had talked about utilising the whole squad for a week which
contained two cup ties.

This general non-appearance will have sharpened his mind. Jon McLaughlin
surely needs a game and Parkinson may feel it's right to take Duke out the
firing line for an evening.

Others like Hannah, Jack Compton and Jamie Devitt - who got a bonfire rocket
for arriving late again - will also be in his thoughts for the JPT. Nobody
who gets left out can possibly complain.

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

Parkinson predicts changes
Posted on: Mon 07 Nov 2011

City boss Phil Parkinson has revealed that he will be making changes for Tuesday's trip to Sheffield United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as he looks for some of his squad members to take their chance to shine.

The Bantams travel to Bramall Lane tomorrow for their televised Area Quarter-Final tie with Danny Wilson's men only three days after their disappointing league defeat at the hands of high-flying Cheltenham Town.

Parkinson will be looking for a response from his players following last Saturday's loss to the Robins when they arrive at the home of the Blades, and new faces in his starting eleven are expected.

The City chief will be forced into making at least one alteration to his side following Kyel Reid's one match suspension, with more likely on top of that.

The Bantams boss says that the predicted changes does not mean he will be taking the tie lightly, however, and that the players brought in tomorrow [Tuesday] night deserve their opportunity to impress.

After Saturday (the defeat to Cheltenham) there are going to be changes," said Parkinson.

"There will be players who are given their chance to play, a chance to prove themselves and a chance to keep hold of the shirt.

"We were disappointed by our performance at the weekend. Some players will now be given an opportunity to impress because I think they deserve it.

"No matter who comes in though, we will be picking a team that we feel will give us the best chance of getting a result.

"It is a big game for us.

"We've done great in this competition so far. I don't think we really got the full credit we perhaps deserved for our result over Huddersfield.

"If you look at their results this season it shows you what a great achievement it was to get through.

"That result gave us a terrific lift, and now we've got to try and done it again at another tough place.

"We've got to go there and deal with their attacking threat, but equally, we know their have some weaknesses that we have to look to exploit."

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

Get your photo in the programme!
Posted on: Tue 08 Nov 2011

Calling all City fans! YOU now have the opportunity to feature in an exciting section of the Bantams' matchday magazine this campaign!

The City programme for the 2011/2012 season now includes a page entitled 'Fanzone' in every edition - a section purely for supporters' pictures and messages.

So if you have a great picture of you wearing your City shirt with pride outside the Golden Gate Bridge, Taj Mahal or even on the beach at Blackpool, send it to us.

The page will also be available to any City fans wanting to celebrate their wedding, birthday or other happy event, so please feel free to send a nice little message of explanation along with your picture(s).

Interested? Well simply send your pictures and messages to bradfordcityfc@compuserve.com to get involved. Please title your e-mail with the word 'fanzone'.

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

Sunday, November 06, 2011

SPECIAL : Archie Christie goes, BFB shut down voluntarily

CHRISTIE QUITS BRADFORD

Skysports.com understands Archie Christie has left Bradford City after
turning down a new role at the club.

Christie, who joined the club in the summer from Dagenham & Redbridge, had
been working in the joint role of head of player development and chief scout
at Valley Parade.

The 43-year-old claims he had been offered the role of Chief Executive
Officer of Football at the club, but he has rejected the position and is
leaving the club for personal reasons.

"I have left Bradford City with immediate effect," Christie told
skysports.com.

"I was offered the CEO of Football at Bradford and I was given a month to
decide on it, but I have decided to turn it down.

"I have now left Bradford City and plan to spend some time with my family."

====

NOTE : BFB site closed down Friday Nov 4th - Final message see http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/

---

Interesting article on the boy from brazil site

http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2011/11/archie-leaves-bradford-city-two-days-after-mark-lawn-cheers-for-marines-youth-team/
or
http://bit.ly/rLuC67

===

HENDRIE QUICK TO DEFEND MARK LAWN

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Mark Lawn did NOT cheer for City's opposition in the FA Youth Cup at Valley
Parade.

An internet story claimed the joint-chairman had clapped and encouraged
Marine on Tuesday night in a public spat with Archie Christie.

But the report, which appeared within hours of head of player development
Christie's resignation, has been dismissed by John Hendrie.

The City legend was sitting NEXT to Lawn outside the 1911 Club for the
youth-team game and confirmed that he never once backed the visitors.

Hendrie said: "I can vouch that what has been claimed is absolute rubbish. I
saw the story and couldn't believe what I was reading because it never
happened.

"The comments purported to come from Mark Lawn allegedly took place in the
second half. Well, I was sitting within four feet of him for the whole of
the second half and extra-time.

"Phil Parkinson and Steve Parkin were the other side of him. Archie Christie
was in the row in front and Dave Baldwin was a couple of seats further
along.

"If anything like that had taken place, don't you think we'd all have heard
it? The only vocal one there was Archie Christie bellowing at the ref."

Hendrie is no longer connected directly to City after leaving his post as an
age-group coach during the summer.
He stressed he was making his point as an "independent observer".

He said: "I'm not paid by the football club and nobody has forced me to say
anything. I do the radio now and again but I'm not tied to anyone. But
someone has to stick up for Mark here.

"I've had my disagreements with Mark Lawn in the past. We've had our
differences of opinion on different things and I've not always agreed with
what he has said or done.

"But I will say it how it is and there's no way Mark should be getting
criticised for something that never happened."

The T&A understands that City have had to draft in extra security for this
afternoon's game with Cheltenham after the police expressed their concern.

Hendrie said: "Somebody has left the club but it was his choice. Let him
move on and let's get behind the club.

"Instead of people putting their energies into vilifying the chairman over
rumours that are totally untrue, they should be supporting their team
towards a victory. We're here for the club."

===

ARCHIE CHRISTE MYSTERY A REAL PUZZLER
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Archie Christie was bold and brash and as loud as ever.

You always know when he's around and Wednesday lunchtime was no different. A
one-man Tour de Force blowing across the bar.

We were sat in a corner table of the Cedar Court Hotel - or Archie Towers as
it became known by staff both at the club and working in reception.

The hotel at the end of the M606 had been Christie's home twice a week for
nearly six months.

He was part of the furniture; a very vocal, outgoing sofa of a presence.

A permanent guest who was even willing to help the staff on occasion and
throw out the odd boozy straggler if required. A Tony Soprano character
sprawled out in City polo shirt, mismatching shorts and flip flops.

But there was something else about our meeting.

Behind the forceful phone manner with agents, the winding up of the bar
staff and the cringe-worthy gags, I sensed that something maybe wasn't quite
right.

We spoke about the influx of players that he had brought to Valley Parade.
How pleased he was to see Ritchie Jones establish himself in the fulcrum of
the midfield; how convinced he was that Mark Stewart and Chris Mitchell
would still prove their worth given the opportunity.

He talked of the hush-hush offer of a new senior role to become the football
chief executive officer and the increase in power that would entail.

Then he introduced me to another potential acquisition from Brazil and
reminded the young player that he had to finish breakfast by 9.15am. "And
drink lots of water. You'll need it ."

I assumed this was business as usual for the man of many titles and
positions.

A day just like any other, talking to anyone who wanted to listen and maybe
a few - like the businessman he reprimanded for putting his feet on a nearby
table - who didn't.

But Christie seemed a little pre-occupied; a bit distant even when eagerly
describing the YouTube footage of the striker he wanted to sign. Something
was gnawing away.

The following day, of course, we discovered what it was. Christie and
Bradford City had gone their separate ways.

It's not the first time that he had threatened to walk away. I'd heard of a
couple of previous occasions at least.

But this one was for real. His desk was empty, bags packed and the keys for
room 403 were handed back to the front desk.

Given his strength of character, the sudden departure should come as no
surprise.

But it leaves questions unanswered. Speak to five different people and
you'll probably get five different versions of why he has gone.

Christie had health issues and recently spent a week in hospital. But he
maintains that his decision was based on the fact that the new role "wasn't
for me."

Then there were internet rumours that sprung up of rows behind the scenes
with Mark Lawn - stories which brought a bewildered reaction from the
joint-chairman.

It's not hard to imagine two strong personalities rubbing each other up the
wrong way on occasion.

But would it be enough for one to walk away?

Christie, a former soldier, didn't strike me as the type to be upset with a
bit of name-calling.

But perhaps beneath the bluff exterior there was a more sensitive soul, who
felt that his work was not being appreciated. His pointed reference to only
one of the chairmen, while saying his goodbyes, alluded to the perceived
conflict of characters behind the scenes.

We may never know for sure. Even in the soap opera that is Bradford City, it
seems strange that such a big full-on character should walk away so quietly.

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

L2 v Swindon (a) Sat October 29th Ko 3pm D0-0

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

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

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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

Signings & Loans
Adam Reed returns to Sunderland (Sunday 29th)

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

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

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

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Swindon - Bradford C
Possession: 67 - 33%
Shots on target: 3 - 1
Shots off target: 8 - 1
Fouls: 12 - 18
Corners: 8 - 0

Ref: Oliver Langford (West Midlands).
Red card:
Bradford C: Davies (57 min). Foul & abusive language.
Yellow cards:
Swindon: Ferry (36 min), Caddid (55).
Bradford C: Reid (61 min), Fagan (83).

SWINDON: 35. Wesley Foderingham, 7. Paul Caddis, 4. Aden Flint, 12. Alan
McCormack, 36. Liam Ridehalgh, 10. Matt Ritchie, 8. Simon Ferry, 24.
Jonathan Smith, 23. Raffaele De Vita (73), 33. Jake Jervis, 39. Mehdi
Kerrouche (79).
SUBS: 26. Phil Smith (GK), 13. Oliver Risser, 17. Alan Connell (79), 27.
Alessandro Cibocchi, 34. Cristian Montano (73).

BRADFORD C: 34. Matt Duke, 36. Marcel Seip, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 3. Luke O'Brien, 26. Michael Bryan (59), 4. Michael Flynn, 8.
Ritchie Jones, 32. Kyel Reid, 9. James Hanson, 39. Craig Fagan.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 10. Ross Hannah, 11. Jack Compton, 16. Chris
Mitchell, 24. Liam Moore (59).

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

Saturday evening match report

NPower League Two
Swindon Town (0) 0
Bradford City (0) 0
Att: 7,701

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Andrew Davies was sent off for the second time but City's ten man battled
for a draw at Swindon.

The Bantams were again left fuming by a refereeing decision and the
defender's red card - in his first game back from suspension - looked
ridiculously harsh.

But they weathered the Swindon storm for the final half hour to pocket a
valuable point.

City were quickly out the blocks and won a free-kick inside the penalty area
after Wes Foderingham picked up a backpass. But with the entire Swindon team
on the goal line, Michael Flynn's drive was charged down by Matt Ritchie.

Swindon's right winger was their chief threat in a first half which featured
plenty of effort but little in the way of chances.

City played their part in stifling the home side with important blocks at
the back from Luke Oliver and Davies. Luke O'Brien, making his first league
start of the season, also won a key header against two taller opponents.

Matt Duke tipped over a wind-assisted Paul Caddis free-kick but there was an
air of frustration around the ground at half-time. City's build-up play was
promising without creating anything to test Foderingham.

O'Brien's hesitation nearly let in Ritchie soon after the break and Davies
threw himself in the way of another effort from the wideman.

But the on-loan defender's day was sensationally cut short after 57 minutes
when he fouled Jake Jervis just inside the City half. Referee Oliver
Langford ruled Davies was the last man and issued a straight red card.

City reshuffled with Bryan sacrificed for Liam Moore and Fagan dropping back
to midfield. It became a game of attack versus defence.

Mehdi Kerrouche nodded a free header across goal as the defence momentarily
switched off and Duke made a fine save with his legs from Caddis.

Moore produced a brave block from Cristian Montano as Swindon queued up to
shoot.

Montano was inches away from a late winner but City doggedly held on for a
hard-earned share of the spoils.

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

BRADFORD CITY AT HOME TO ROCHDALE IN FA CUP
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Bradford City have been handed a home draw against League One Rochdale in
the first round of the FA Cup.

But Park Avenue's reward for getting through the qualifiers is a long trek
to Hampshire to face AFC Totton.

FC Halifax got the plum tie of the round with Charlton set to visit the
Shay.

City's game will take place on Saturday, November 12.

===

The Bantams can now confirm match ticket prices for their F.A Cup with Budweiser First Round tie with Rochdale.

The match, which has now been dated for Saturday 12 November 2011, will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium, kick off: 3.00pm.

Admission prices for the tie will be as follows:

Adults: £15.00
Concessions (Over 60's, Disabled supporters): £10.00
Juniors: £5.00

Details on how to purchase tickets and which stands will be open for the tie will be announced shortly.

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

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
Published on Monday 31 October 2011 04:25

PHIL Parkinson praised his battling Bantams as they clung on with 10 men for over half-an-hour to earn a fine point on their travels to the

high-flying Robins.

But Parkinson was left bemused with referee Oliver Langford's decision to send off Andrew Davies in the 57th minute for a second tackle on

striker Jake Jervis.

The incident allegedly involved foul and abusive language from the on-loan Stoke City defender, who received his marching orders in his first

game back from a three-game suspension for a red card against Torquay United.

That means, barring a successful appeal, Davies will face a new four-match ban.

"We're going through a period where things seems to be going against us in terms of decisions," said Parkinson, who saw his side reduced to 10

men for the third time in five matches.

"I've spoken to Andrew and he says he just slipped, there was no intent in the tackle and he just caught their lad late. The referee said it was

a dangerous foul. I didn't see the incident but my chairman tells me it definitely wasn't a red card offence.

"We'll have to look at the incident again before deciding whether there is any point in appealing."

But credit where credit is due as the visitors showed plenty of character to pick up a point as they continue their bid to keep pulling away from

the bottom end of the League Two table.

Goalkeeper Matt Duke saved twice to deny Paul Caddis, striker Mehdi Kerrouche headed agonisingly wide with the visitors a man light, and

substitute Liam Moore pulled off a brave block to thwart Christan Montano.

Montano also fired just wide of the upright, but Parkinson's men held firm at the back to stay out of the drop zone.

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
Fiery Swindon boss left frustrated as 'lambs to slaughter' refuse to lie down and accept defeat
6:20am Monday 31st October 2011
By Simon Parker

Swindon 0, City 0

Perhaps beneath the bluster and fluster there will be some grudging respect.

The Italians brought the art of defence to football with the famed catenaccio system.

So once the disappointment at missing out on a fourth straight win recedes, Paolo Di Canio will acknowledge a job well done by the Bantams.

Nobody had given the visitors a prayer on Saturday. According to Phil Parkinson, they were seen as "lambs to the slaughter" with their rotten

away record against a side brimming with confidence and form.

Throw in another early bath for the luckless Andrew Davies and bookies will have stopped taking bets on such a home banker.

But, as they had done against Torquay when Davies was first red-carded, the ten men seemed to grow in stature. They fought the mounting odds with

a tenacity that stifled and frustrated their hosts.

The team who had conceded in every away game blanked the one who always scored at home. Helenio Herrera, the Godfather of the catenaccio – or

door bolt – plan with Inter Milan would have been proud.

Swindon kept hammering away at City's back door but, for all the pressure, rarely caught a glimpse of light.

Their closest chance was virtually the last one as substitute Cristian Montano's cross-shot zipped a foot or so past the far post at the end of

normal time. To have been opened up at that stage would have been heart-breaking for a City side that had given their all protecting the goal.

Marcel Seip, one of those defensive heavyweights, said: "It feels like a win. They put everyone in the box and there were loads of crosses coming

in but we defended very well as a team.

"We thought we could nick the three points at half-time but it was a case of hanging in there when we went down to ten. We had to adapt and we

all worked so hard."

A back four that has been questioned on several occasions this season could not be faulted. Bodies were thrown in the way of everything – Seip,

Luke Oliver, Luke O'Brien and substitute Liam Moore all took at least one for the team.

Ironically, Davies had stood out above the rest. He had not put a foot wrong until his mistimed clip on Jake Jervis brought the harshest of

punishments from referee Oliver Langford.

Without descending into yet more official-bashing, on first glance it looked worthy of a yellow card and nothing more.

Davies was caught out by a deflection as he came across to cover O'Brien just inside City territory. The left back's slight touch changed the

direction of the ball and Davies, already committed to the tackle, could not check himself as he caught the on-loan Birmingham man.

The totting-up procedure means he will now miss four games for a second red.

City were toying over an appeal and you could argue they have nothing to lose other than the fee. If the FA rule it "frivolous" and tack another

game on, there's little difference given the length of the defender's absence anyway.

But the DVD, which Phil Parkinson watched on the coach home, offered an inconclusive view. If the freeze frame isn't clear, then it's hard to see

an independent panel overturning the referee's ruling.

Parkinson argued once again that the suspension is excessive for the foul and feels tackling is being driven out of the game.

He said: "I thought the ref did all right. The Swindon players went to ground too easily to try and con him a little bit.

"But referees are so quick to get the red card out these days. Twenty years ago it was more of a warzone out there but players are honest in

their challenges now.

"Is it a sending off? Not for me. Referees are given these directives and it's taking tackling out of it. If people are getting sent off like

that for one late challenge, then the bans can't be as much."

City had been very much in the contest up to that point. Matt Duke had made only one save to tip over a wind-assisted free-kick by Swindon

skipper Paul Caddis.

Parkinson had gone with two up front, accommodating the return of Davies by moving Seip to right back to end Moore's ever-present run. Craig

Fagan partnered James Hanson and, for an early spell, the visitors tested their hosts without getting close enough to keeper Wes Foderingham.

Their one, probably only, opportunity came courtesy of Foderingham's daft decision to pick up Aden Flint's backpass after four minutes. But with

the whole Swindon team massed on the goalline, Michael Flynn's shot cannoned off the advancing Matt Ritchie.

Right winger Ritchie has given City trouble before in Notts County colours and he carried the chief threat from an otherwise listless home

attack.

Once Davies departed, Swindon concentrated all their efforts on supplying Ritchie and the impressive Caddis down that flank.

Duke saved well with his legs from Caddis after the right back had tricked his way past O'Brien and Mehdi Kerrouche summed up his disinterested

afternoon by scooping a free header wide during a rare dip in City's defensive diligence.

As Swindon's temperature rose, Caddis gave Jonathan Smith an earful for shooting wildly over when the skipper was standing on his own. And Di

Canio had an animated discussion with Steve Parkin as the City bench made their point about the number of free-kicks going against them.

But City had done their job to get the reward that Parkinson and his assistant, if not many others, had anticipated.

Parkinson said: "Everyone wrote Bradford off coming here but Steve and I didn't feel that. We told the team that if we play with commitment and

discipline, we'll get a result.

"After being unlucky on Tuesday, I didn't want another hard-luck story even after the sending-off.

"We were down to ten men away from home and it's very tough. But the lads pushed themselves and there were some magnificent performances."

Attendance: 7,701

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Adam Reed returns to Sunderland

Phil Parkinson confirmed after the Swindon game that loanee midfielder Adam Reed has returned back to Premier League side Sunderland. This

weekend's Swindon fixture was scheduled to be the last match for the young midfielder before his one month deal expired but the 20-year-old

missed the County Ground match due to a dead leg.

Reed made four appearances during his loan period with the Bantams but his time at Valley Parade was injury-affected, with the midfielder missing

two weeks with a groin strain in particular.He also battled through Tuesday's match at Macclesfield Town with the same leg injury that ruled him

out of the date with Paolo Di Canio's Robins.

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

Julian Rhodes frustrated as Andrew Davies sits out Bradford City ban
7:40am Tuesday 1st November 2011
By Simon Parker

City were today facing up to four more games without Andrew Davies after a late change of mind over appealing his red card.

The club had planned a bid to get referee Oliver Langford's decision at Swindon overturned. But having taken advice, they decided against it because video footage of the incident was not conclusive.

It was thought that Swindon striker Jake Jervis, who Davies brought down, was prepared to back up the defender's claim that he had slipped while making the challenge.

And joint-chairman Julian Rhodes believes that the on-loan Stoke centre half has been very harshly treated to be stuck with such a lengthy ban for his second sending-off in as many appearances. Davies has already missed three games after his dismissal against Torquay.

Rhodes said: "We don't understand why the ref was so quick to pull out his red card when the linesman (assistant referee) standing right next to the incident didn't even raise his flag.

"We came up with a magnificent point at the end of the game. But that back four in the first half was probably the best defensive performance of the season and we didn't want to lose Davies again."

Phil Parkinson gave his players an extra day off as a reward for their County Ground heroics.

He said: "It was a hell of a journey going down to Swindon and a few of the boys have gone Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday. I'm giving them a bit of a chance to recharge the batteries."

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Closed Door Friendly:

Tranmere R (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 1 Hannah
Att: 0

City defender Simon Ramsden took the next significant step on his road to
recovery this Tuesday afternoon by making a return to playing action in a
behind closed doors friendly with Tranmere Rovers.

Ramsden, who has been plagued by calf and groin problems in the past year or
so, seemingly came through the match unscathed after playing around 60
minutes of the match.

City won the fixture held at Prenton Park 1-0 thanks to a late second half
Ross Hannah goal.

The defender's involvement in the match comes after two successive weeks
training with the development squad following recent visits to see
specialists at Lilleshall's Sport Rehab Clinic.

Along with Ramsden and Hannah, the likes of Steve Williams, Chris Mitchell,
Nahki Wells and Jack Compton also featured in the match against Rovers.

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Bradford City progress in FA Youth Cup after extra-time victory over Marine
10:25pm Tuesday 1st November 2011
By Sports Desk

Two goals from Forrayah Bass helped Bradford City's Under-18s squeeze through their FA Youth Cup first-round game against Marine after a nail-biting period of extra-time.

Thomas Marshall and Bass netted in the 104th and 113th minutes respectively to put City 3-1 up before a Matthew Devine strike three minutes from time ensured a nervous climax.

Bass had fired City into a seventh-minute lead with a low curling effort but Michael Monaghan lashed home an equaliser for the visitors midway through the first half.

Steve Thornber's side face a trip to Boston United in the second round.

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Bradford City's Simon Ramsden takes first steps to recovery
7:00am Wednesday 2nd November 2011
By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson praised Simon Ramsden's first outing of the season but warned him: It's only the start.

Ramsden played an hour in yesterday's private friendly at Tranmere – the right back's first game since the pre-season clash with Bolton in July.

Ross Hannah scored on his return to action as City won 1-0 at Prenton Park but the chief focus was on Ramsden.

Parkinson was delighted to see him emerge unscathed but also preached caution.

"Simon looked fine and he did some great delivery into the front players. He got 60 minutes under his belt and did well.

"But we're not going to get carried away. He knows it's only the start of a long road."

The next reserve game against Middlesbrough is not for a fortnight and City may try to squeeze another behind-closed-doors outing into next week to aid the defender's recovery.

Parkinson added: "We've been building Simon up the right way so he was ready for the game. He's done two weeks of full training and worked hard while we were away down at Swindon, doing high-intensity three v threes, two v twos and one against one stuff."

Chris Mitchell, Steve Williams and Jack Compton also featured yesterday and Nahki Wells impressed after coming on at half-time. Tranmere fielded a strong team, including former Leeds winger Andy Robinson, and Parkinson said: "It was a good work-out for the boys played at a decent pace. It was worth doing."

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