L2 (H) D2-2 Morecambe, Saturday January 14, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM.

CFML Daily News
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Current table
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Fixtures
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Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
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Signings, Loans and Injuries

Jan 12 onwards
Andy Haworth, 1 month loan, Bury

Ricky Ravenhill, signed, two and a half years.

Deane Smalley, loan, Oxford United, end of season

Jan 18
Marcel Seip, extended for the rest of the season.

Injuries
Oliver, Hamstring, 10 days to one month
Rob Kozluk "50-50" for Burton game
Ricky Ravenhill, ankle, hoping to return to training on Thursday


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

Bradford City: McLaughlin, Kozluk (Dean 76), Oliver (Taylor 58), Davies, Seip, Fagan, Ravenhill, Jones, Haworth (Stewart 69), Hanson, Wells.

Unused substitutes: Duke, Hannah.

Morecambe: Roche, Parrish, Fenton, McCready, Wilson, Carlton (Ellison 71), Hunter (Jevons 71), McDonald, Haining, Alessandra (Price 89),

Drummond. Unused substitutes:Routledge, McGee.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).

Man of the match: Ricky Ravenhill.

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Saturday evening match report

From the YP

Bradford City 2 Morecambe 2: Parkinson bemoans lack of concentration as Bantams let it slip

Manager Phil Parkinson praised his team despite the disappointment at seeing Bradford City let two valuable points slip from their grasp in a

frenetic finish at Valley Parade, which saw three goals scored in five minutes.

City were leading 1-0 with four minutes of normal time left thanks to a 60th-minute strike from midfield player Ricky Ravenhill.

However, in a dramatic finale, Morecambe equalised when Bradford defender Andrew Davies turned a cross from Laurence Wilson into his own net in

the 86th minute.

Then, defender Marcel Seip restored City's lead two minutes later, firing into the net after James Hanson's shot was blocked only for former City

loanee, substitute Kevin Ellison, to earn a point for his team in the first minute of stoppage time, volleying home from fellow substitute Phil

Jevons's cross.

Parkinson said: "Obviously when you concede so late it feels like a defeat and their late equaliser was a blow to us, but I could not ask for

more from the players. It was a really good performance, but lack of concentration near the end cost us dearly.

"Marcel Seip's goal should have been the winner. We also had moments when we could have killed the game off at 1-0, but we didn't take them and

you always leave yourself open to the counter attacking type of goal. We are a little bit down, but we will bounce back."

The increasingly influential Ravenhill nearly did not play after hurting his ankle in the warm-up, but Parkinson explained: "We strapped it up

and gave it a go. He is an important player for us."

Ravenhill went on to score his first goal for the club as did Seip.


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Monday morning match report

Player fans love to hate on as sub to score late goal that denies Bradford City victory
6:40am Monday 16th January 2012
By Simon Parker

City 2, Morecambe 2

James Hanson would have been advised to switch his phone off on Saturday night. The City striker was in for a long evening otherwise from a text

pest.

Kevin Ellison planned to give Hanson a hard time after netting Morecambe's dramatic second equaliser only hours earlier.

That took his former team-mate one goal ahead of City's top marksman; another little victory on a day when Ellison had the last defiant say on

every Valley Parade critic.

He is the original Marmite man of League Two; the winger who could stir up a fight in a phone box. Love him or loathe him, Ellison is hard to

ignore.

A stiff back restricted him to the last 20 minutes on his return to West Yorkshire but that was enough for a full repertoire of tricks.

There were the usual dark arts – throttling Craig Fagan and then an apparent clothes line on Ritchie Jones in the build-up to Morecambe's first

goal – and then the superb finish on his weaker right foot to level again in stoppage time.

All this against the backdrop of abuse that he carries like a badge of honour. No wonder Ellison milked it at the final whistle, lapping up the

moment as the cat calls continued to rain down.

He smiled: "I was getting stick from the first minute I warmed up but I expect that. But I gave a bit back and some people don't like that.

"Half of them must get bullied at home by the missus so they come to the game and have a shout at the big bald ugly one – and it's back-fired.

"They were mouthing off and shouting 'you're finished, you're this, you're that' and loads of stuff I can't repeat. So, yeah, it was good to

score.

"When Bradford scored the second time, I looked at the clock and it was as good as over. But we went straight up the other end.

"Bradford have been flying recently and it was good to keep big Hanson quiet and not on the scoresheet.

"There's a little personal battle between me and him. He's got nine goals in the league and now I've just sneaked above him up to ten, so I'll be

letting him know!"

It was a dramatic finale to an eventful afternoon. Encounters with Morecambe usually are.

Four months earlier, it was City celebrating the smash-and-grab point when Ross Hannah's late intervention earned a first point for Phil

Parkinson as manager.

So Jim Bentley's Shrimps will feel that Ellison settled a score on their behalf just as much as his own.

The old cliche that it felt like a defeat summed up the mood that engulfed Valley Parade afterwards. But the fans shouldn't get too downcast.

This was another uplifting display from their team despite the eventual stalemate. On the back of the Crewe and Shrewsbury games, there was again

plenty for the home crowd to cheer about.

The drama had begun before the game when Ricky Ravenhill went down during City's training routine.

The midfield battler had turned over his ankle and needed ten minutes of intensive treatment from physio Dave Hanson while those in the ground

looked on anxiously.

Ravenhill has quickly become such a key player in Parkinson's plans. To lose him on top of David Syers and Michael Flynn would have left a giant

hole in the team's engine room.

Chris Mitchell was being prepared for action behind the scenes as Hanson strapped up the injury and put the new signing through his paces.

Gingerly at first, Ravenhill did enough to assure everyone he was fit for battle.

He then proceeded to underline just why Parkinson was so chuffed to get him on a permanent deal for the next two and a half years.

As the manager said, Ravenhill sets the tone and tempo for the team. The high-energy, pressing efforts that are becoming a hallmark of

Parkinson's reign are typified by the fella at the heart of proceedings.

Ultimately his switch to right back, forced by the injuries to Luke Oliver and Rob Kozluk, cost City their balance. Both Morecambe goals

originated from that side.

But it would be harsh to point the finger at the emergency reshuffle. Ravenhill had already put in a real shift in his own position which should

have been enough to secure a third home win on the bounce.

The first half had been fairly mundane, with little indication of the drama that was to unfold. The pitch didn't help but City had adapted better

and tried to pass their way round Morecambe's rehashed system.

The visitors turned up with three centre halves but City adapted to that unexpected tactic and the Hanson and Nahki Wells attacking combo was

again making waves.

One Hanson knock-down just evaded the Bermudian and then Wells appeared to be tumbled by goalkeeper Barry Roche as he tried to reach another. But

the closest City came was a fizzing long-range effort from Jones which Roche fingered over the bar.

Home hopes took a knock with the worrying sight of Oliver limping away just before the hour mark. The standing ovation and chant that accompanied

his departure showed how much the lanky defender's fortunes have changed.

Once seen by fans as an unwanted legacy of the Peter Taylor era, Oliver's name is arguably now the first on the teamsheet. He will be sorely

missed while the hamstring heals.

But there was no immediate problem for City as Wells stretched Roche into a tumbling save – and the corner produced the breakthrough.

Andrew Davies hooked the ball back into the box where it was cleared as far as Ravenhill, who met it with a scorching strike from 20 yards.

City had the bit between their teeth now and substitute Mark Stewart slid a ball just out of reach of Hanson running in at the back post. Then

Wells was a bit too casual with a shot on the spin, ballooning over after good interplay with Kozluk.

But Ellison's arrival changed the dynamic. First he headed down for Lewis Alessandra to jab wide, before grabbing City skipper Fagan in a

confrontation on the halfway line.

With four minutes left, he knocked over Jones off the ball. But referee Scott Mathieson played on as Morecambe broke and Laurence Wilson's cross

was turned into his own net by the sliding Davies.

A sense of injustice simmered, only for Marcel Seip to restore City's advantage. Hanson's shot was blocked by a smothering defender and, while

his team shouted in vain for handball, the Dutchman coolly took a touch before picking his spot in the bottom corner.

Ravenhill, who had signed on Thursday, and Seip, due to put pen to paper today, had both shown their commitment to the City cause by scoring the

goals. It would have made a good story.

Unfortunately there was one last twist to follow. Morecambe again attacked the home side's weakened right flank, Jason Price set up Ellison and

the panto villain fired beyond the reach of Jon McLaughlin.

Attendance: 10,065

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How did the game compare to the predictions?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/319717?cc=5739

Things are Kozluk-ing good for Bantams

Bradford's latest signing Rob Kozluk is expected to go straight into the starting line-up against Morecambe.

The 34-year-old former Sheffield United and Barnsley defender has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season as cover for skipper

Simon Ramsden, who will be sidelined for several weeks with a broken toe.

David Syers will sit out the second game of his three-match ban and fellow midfielders Kyel Reid (hamstring) and Michael Flynn (gastroenteritis)

are also unavailable.

Flynn, skipper in Ramsden's absence earlier this season, had a recent spell in hospital because of his illness and the armband has been passed on

to striker Craig Fagan.

The Bantams are bidding to bounce back from last week's FA Cup defeat at Watford. Phil Parkinson's side slipped up at Rotherham in their last

league game after three straight wins had lifted them up the table.

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley has no new injury worries.

Winger Izak Reid is still ruled out with a hernia problem that is set to sideline him for another three to four weeks.

Long-term injury victim Paul Scott has suffered another setback on his road to recovery from a knee ligament problem and is set for more time on

the absentee list having returned to light training recently.

Despite a relatively clean bill of health, the Shrimps are currently enduring a dismal run of one win in 10 matches, including defeat to lowly

Northampton last time out, and the slump is set to drive Bentley into the transfer market.

"We have spoken to a couple of players but money and location has been an issue,'' he told the Morecambe Visitor.

"We haven't got a massive budget and we have to make sure that whoever we bring in will make us stronger.''


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City boss Phil Parkinson spoke to the Bantams' official website - www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk - this Monday afternoon to pass on the latest

information on some of the ill and injured players in his squad.

In an eventful afternoon at the Coral Windows Stadium, Parkinson saw the trio of Rob Kozluk, Ricky Ravenhill and Luke Oliver all picked up

injuries when Morecambe visited the Coral Windows Stadium last Saturday.

Ravenhill, who twisted his ankle in the warm up, managed to play on and score his first ever City goal in the 2-2 draw, but Kozluk (calf) and

Oliver (hamstring) had to be withdrawn in the second half of the Shrimps fixture.

Parkinson says none of the injuries appear to be too serious at present, but the Bantams should have better idea of things later this week.

"Rob Kozluk is 50-50 for the weekend, he's got a bit of tightness in his calf. It just looks like he's had a bit of a spasm in the muscle though,

" said Parkinson.

"We'll have to see how Ricky Ravenhill is later in the week, but we hope he can get back into full training by Thursday. He isn't in too much

pain with the ankle but it is a bit swollen.

"Luke Oliver will have a scan on his hamstring on Wednesday and we should obviously have a better idea on his situation then. At the moment

though, his injury doesn't seem too serious."

Parkinson also had an update on the fitness of absence skipper Michael Flynn.

The Welsh midfielder returned back into hospital last week for further tests after suffering with a form of stomach virus since before Christmas.

Parkinson added: "It has been the first day today that he has managed to keep his food down. He is still likely to be kept in hospital until the

end of this week, but hopefully things can get a bit better for Michael now.

"He's had various tests done on him to have a good look inside, and, thankfully, it looks like nothing sinister is going on. It just seems like

he has been suffering with a really bad case of gastroenteritis."

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Dean Windass seeking help after failed 'suicide bid'
4:20pm Sunday 15th January 2012
By Simon Parker

Former City star Dean Windass plans to go into rehab to battle the depression that he claimed left him trying to take his own life.

The 42-year-old has admitted he needs help after plunging the depths following the end of his football career.

Windass said he had hit "rock bottom" after Helen, his wife of 18 years, left him. His father John also suddenly died following a heart attack.

Without football to fall back on, he felt there was nothing to live for. He currently plays non-league football for Scarborough Athletic, his

only source of income.

In an interview with a national Sunday newspaper, Windass revealed that he had twice even attempted suicide.

"I have cried every day for the last two years since retiring," he said.

"People outside football think we have it all. But I was in a hole that I honestly didn't know how to get out of.

"Just over a week ago I decided to end it all. I first took an overdose and, when that didn't work, tried to hang myself.

"I felt so alone and believed I had nothing to live for.

"People have this image of me as this big strong man who can take anything life throws at him. But I'm not ashamed to say I wanted to end it

after a string of setbacks.

"I need to sort myself out, which is why I'm speaking out now. It is part of the healing process."

Windass is the same age as former Leeds midfielder Gary Speed, who hanged himself in November.

He admits the attempt to sort his life out will be bigger than any battle he faced in a decent playing career that included two spells at Valley

Parade.

Windass said: "I felt like I had no purpose any more. I had nothing to get up for.

"I've hurt the people closest to me so I've come out now and admitted I need help. I'm trying to get better and get back on track. I don't want

to be miserable every day."

It is understood that Windass and Helen are now attempting to get back together again. But he hopes the football authorities will do more to

prevent other retired players from following the same slippery path.

He said: "The Professional Footballers' Association need to help us. I was quite a confident person and footballer who contributed to the game

for 20 years. Maybe I took it for granted I would get something at the end of it."


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Bradford City: 'More help needed for players like Dean Windass'
4:21pm Monday 16th January 2012
By Simon Parker

Mark Lawn insists the Professional Footballers' Association must do more to help former players like Dean Windass cope with returning to "normal"

life.

Windass has claimed that he nearly took his own life because of depression.

City's joint-chairman said: "The PFA have a duty of care for their members. They should have some sort of facility to help these ex-players.

"It's akin to being in the army who put people on courses a year before they are due to leave to make sure they can handle civilian life.

"Football has been like a drug for players. Their bodies have been primed to get ready every Saturday since they were 16.

"There must be a hell of an adrenaline rush through their brain and suddenly you're coming off cold turkey. They must still crave that buzz but

it's not there any more."

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From Jan 12
Bury winger Andy Haworth is joining City on a month's loan.

The 23-year-old former Blackburn trainee, who can operate on either side,
has played 52 games for the Shakers, half of them as a sub.

He spent a month on loan at Oxford earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Ricky Ravenhill will sign a contract tying him to the Bantams for
the next two and a half years.

Marcel Seip is also putting pen to paper on a new deal for the rest of the
season.



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Collection at Burton fixture
Posted on: Tue 17 Jan 2012
 
Bradford City season ticket holder Rob Blamires will be holding a collection at this Saturday's Burton Albion match for a charity trek he is

embarking upon later this year.

Rob will be walking through the Grand Canyon in November to help raise funds for Marie Curie Hospice Bradford.

The trek will be over seven days and will entail walking of approximately 130km.

All the money raised is guaranteed to go directly to the local hospice and not get swallowed up by administration costs. More information on the

trek can be found HERE (http://bit.ly/yi7NEf) .

It costs the hospice £3.3 million per annum to carry on running, of which £1.4 million is provided to them by the government. The rest is made up

of purely donations.

Rob's wife Lisa Blamires was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2010 at the age of 25.

Sadly, the tumour was inoperable and after receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Lisa passed away on April 18th 2011.

The hospice has been a great help to Lisa, Rob and their families during this time. From the little things, like Lisa being able to use the

facilities there for her hair doing to physiotherapy sessions, through to counselling being available for all the family.

Rob is eternally grateful to the hospice for all the help they have given and wants to be able to give something back to them.

You will see Rob himself and a lot of his friends around the Coral Windows Stadium ahead of the Burton fixture this Saturday (21st January).

Please give generously if you can. If you are not able to give today but would link to make a donation please go on line to:

http://www.justgiving.com/rob-blamires/

Many thanks for all your support.

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Abbott a guest at Cleckheaton

Carlisle boss and former City midfielder Greg Abbott will be a special guest at Cleckheaton Sports Club on Thursday, January 26.

The 'evening with' event will also feature Radio Five Live commentator – and Bantams fan – Ian Dennis. Tickets are £10 on the night and it starts

at 7.45pm.

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Marcel Seip has pledged his immediate future to the Bantams by signing a new contract extension.

Seip, who's original deal was due to expire this month, has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the Coral Windows Stadium until the end of this season.

News of Seip's decision to remain at the Bantams will come as a welcome boost to City boss Phil Parkinson after making the Dutchman a vital part in his defensive plans in recent weeks.

Seip has featured in City's last thirteen League 2 fixtures - making seventeen appearances in total for the Bantams so far - and has featured in a number of positions along Parkinson's back four.

After making his City debut in central defence at Hereford United in October shortly after originally arriving at Valley Parade on a three month deal, Seip has since been asked to play at right back and left back due to other defensive injuries.

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Smalley signs on loan
Posted on: Thu 19 Jan 2012
 
City boss Phil Parkinson has moved to bolster his attacking arsenal this Thursday by bringing in striker Deane Smalley on loan from Oxford United.

Smalley, 23, has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of this season and, subject to receiving the relevant clearances, will now be in contention to make his Bradford debut against Burton Albion this weekend.

Under the terms of City's agreement with Oxford for Smalley's services, the striker will not be able to play for the Bantams, however, when the U's travel to the Coral Windows Stadium on Saturday 10 March 2012.

The Manchester-born forward will wear squad number 11 during his stay at Valley Parade this season.

"I'm delighted to add Deane to our squad today. His arrival will increase competition for places up front, which can only be a good thing," said Parkinson.

"He did well in League 2 with Chesterfield last season and played a part in getting them promoted.

"It hasn't quite worked out for him at Oxford this season for one or two reasons, but we're pleased to have him on board with us."

Starting his professional career in League 1 in 2007 with Oldham Athletic, the 6' 0'' striker spent four years at Boundary Park before moving to Oxford last summer.

While at Oldham, Smalley most notably helped Chesterfield to the League 2 Championship last season while on loan at the b2net Stadium from the Latics.

Smalley featured in 29 matches of Chesterfield's title-winning campaign and managed to find the net on twelve seperate occasions, including the winning goal when the Spireities travelled to the Coral Windows Stadium last February.

As well as his successful period with Chesterfield, Smalley also played in League 1 on loan at Rochdale in the same 2010/2011 season.

Despite those two loan spells away from Boundary Park, Smalley still managed to rack up over a century of appearances for Oldham during his time as a Latic.

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