Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
The run in to seventh place (or third-ish...)
Tuesday 16 April - Bradford v Rotherham
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Rotherham%20United
Saturday, 20 April - Bradford v Burton
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Burton%20Albion
Saturday, 27 April - Cheltenham v Bradford
City ticket allocation sold out
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/cheltenham-tickets-765147.aspx#3iQHVmg1EwuitIwr.99
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Cheltenham%20Town
If anyone wants to predict the final table, there is a predictor buried in the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/predictor/default.stm
Burton games
4/13: H-PlyA W1-0
4/20: A-BraC
4/27: H-Gill
Northampton
4/13: H-YorC L0-2
4/16: A-WycW
4/20: A-PorV
4/27: H-Barn
Cheltenham
4/13: H-Gill W1-0
4/20: A-ExeC
4/27: H-BraC
Rotherham
4/13: H-FleT W-1
4/16: A-BraC
4/20: A-PlyA
4/27: H-AldT
Exeter
4/13: A-AFCW D2-2
4/20: H-CheT
4/27: A-Ches
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
To be assessed
Andrew Davies, back/calf
Kyel Reid, groin
===========================
For the record, match preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22049761
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10350232.Bradford_City_backed_to_handle_pressure/?ref=eb
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10354037.Live_blog__Chesterfield_v_Bantams/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Non-penalty?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s2h3XTFCRH4
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Late leveller stalls Bradford City's automatic promotion push
6:10am Monday 15th April 2013
By Simon Parker
Chesterfield 2, City 2
It must have been an eerily familiar feeling for Jon McLaughlin.
Here he was again retrieving a late, late equaliser from the back of City's net – just as he had done on their previous visit two years earlier.
The point from the 2-2 draw that day went towards helping Chesterfield get out of this division and keeping the Bantams in it. McLaughlin and his downcast team-mates will be hoping that Saturday's stalemate does not repeat that.
While the Spireites remain very much on the fringes of the play-off chase, four points behind with only three games to go, they are still hanging in there. The chance to put them away had been missed.
For much of a lively, frenetic afternoon, it looked like City were making forceful strides towards the third automatic promotion spot. Results elsewhere seemed favourable and Phil Parkinson's side had ridden a sticky start to take control.
But stoppage time completely altered the picture. On the day that Mark Lawn had warned of twists and turns to come, City leaked a sloppy second goal in the third of the five minutes added on by awful referee Brendan Malone.
So it's as you were at the bottom end of the play-off pack. Forget any fanciful ideas of third spot – Burton's equally late winner against Plymouth probably saw to that – because now it is all about bolting down seventh.
Tomorrow's game against Rotherham – for whom automatic promotion is a genuine goal – was always going to be tasty because of the Steve Evans connection. Now it threatens to be dynamite with the stakes so high for both sides.
A win and City go four points clear of Exeter with only two matches to play. Anything less and nerves will go into overdrive.
It shouldn't have come to that because City – and their travelling army of 3,000 at the Proact Stadium – should have been celebrating a run of four straight league wins for the first time since 2004.
Lively, committed and physically stronger than their hosts, City's performance had all the ingredients of a side destined for the sharp end of the promotion scrap.
That is until one moment of careless defending. It was a nondescript corner from substitute Alex Henshall, scuffing along the ground, but nobody dealt with it.
And nobody picked up Sam Togwell as he pulled away at the back post to find himself unmarked eight yards from goal. Garry Thompson's former Scunthorpe team-mate took full advantage to score for the second time in successive games.
If that wasn't depressing enough for the Bantams, there were unsavoury scenes after the final whistle as a group of fans behind the goal got involved with stewards.
Whatever the rights and wrongs, and there were accusations of provocation and a heavy-handed approach from security recruited from local pubs and clubs, it hardly portrayed the visitors in the best light – especially with another potentially high-tension fixture next up at Valley Parade.
So an afternoon that had promised so much for so long ended with a bitter taste in the mouth. The old cliché "it feels like a defeat" was never more fitting.
But on the face of it, a draw was not the worst result. Most would have taken it before the game against a side who, like Bristol Rovers before them, have been in cracking form.
Chesterfield shot out of the traps and it needed a clearance off the line from Gary Jones to keep that early momentum at bay.
It was not the first time that Jones blocked their path as once again the skipper delivered an imperious display. Shrugging off the strong wind and an unpredictable, bobbly surface, he set about the Spireites as if his life depended on it.
You lost count of the number of times Jones surged over the halfway line to lead a City assault. Backed up by Ricky Ravenhill snapping at everything that moved, the pair of them bossed the park.
French striker Armand Gnanduillet – or poor man's Balotelli, to paraphrase the City chant – was a handful for the home side and his flick sent away Tendayi Darikwa for a cross-shot that McLaughlin beat away.
But City began to take a grip and were rewarded with a stunning opener when Nahki Wells skilfully controlled James Hanson's flick-on before volleying into the bottom corner.
Goal number 22 for the rejuvenated Bermudian – and fourth in three games – sent the Bantams hordes into raptures and Chesterfield into retreat.
With the wind behind them for the second half, City bombed forward to create some decisive daylight. Even without Kyel Reid, who had not reappeared because of a tight groin, they probed and pushed for a second.
That's when Mr Malone came to the party, waving away a clear penalty claim when James Meredith was nearly parted from his shorts. But worse was to follow from the Swindon official.
Chesterfield levelled against the run of play when Darikwa stole in at the near post; City's sense of injustice heightened.
And it leapt off the scale when a shot from sub Zavon Hines was clearly "saved" by home skipper Liam Cooper, using both hands. There is a Youtube video recorded by City Gent fanzine editor Mike Harrison clearly catching the incident – have a look and make up your own mind.
But the referee apparently saw nothing and neither did his nearest assistant. Without excusing what transpired off the field, the tension was ramped up by such moments of incompetence.
Malone was let off to some degree when City did score from the resulting corner as Ravenhill drove in his first goal for 15 months.
That should have been it until Togwell, another less-than-prolific midfield scorer, popped up unguarded. Where Malone had got the five extra minutes from was another question open to debate but City could only look at themselves for not keeping the back door shut.
"It needs organisation out there on the pitch," said Parkinson, who had been forced into a late change when Andrew Davies felt a nerve spasm in his back during the warm-up.
"It was always going to be a difficult game. But we've played another form team like Bristol Rovers on Tuesday and dominated both of them.
"When we got beaten at Exeter, if someone had said then we'd be in this position, you'd probably have thought we were dreaming. But we've put in a terrific run and the lads are right on it.
"I've just got to make sure that late goal doesn't knock us. It shouldn't do because the performance was very good."
Attendance: 7,920
===========================
Bradford City left frustrated by 'disgraceful' referee decisions
7:30am Monday 15th April 2013
By Simon Parker
Gary Jones blasted referee Brendan Malone as a "homer" after he rejected a series of City penalty appeals at Chesterfield.
A stoppage-time equaliser denied the Bantams, who remain a point clear in the final League Two play-off spot with three games to go.
But Phil Parkinson and his side were furious with the performance of the Swindon official, which the City boss branded as "unacceptable".
Skipper Jones said: "I think he was a bit of a homer, to say the least. We could have had a few penalties.
"But you get some referees these days that don't give blatant decisions. Unfortunately, that's the way it is."
The most contentious call came when Chesterfield defender Liam Cooper clearly handled a shot from Zavon Hines in front of his goal. Malone was close to the incident but awarded nothing.
Parkinson said: "How the handball was not given is an absolute disgrace.
"The ref will probably say that he's unsighted but there are four officials and they are all miked up. I can't believe that someone didn't see it.
"If we'd had a better referee, we would have got at least two penalties. How he performed was unacceptable."
City, backed by a huge away following, twice led through Nahki Wells and Ricky Ravenhill but slack defending allowed Sam Togwell to salvage a draw for Chesterfield in the third minute of added time.
Jones admitted: "To concede like that was absolutely heart-breaking.
"Chesterfield have been on a decent run but I thought we were brilliant second half. We completely dominated.
"It's a massive disappointment but one lapse of concentration has cost us. It happened against Wimbledon in exactly the same situation.
"It's very important we see games out. That has cost us the win because we didn't see it through.
"To have 3,000 Bradford City supporters there was amazing. The atmosphere was just incredible and I know how much it means to the lads.
"The fans are a credit to the club and it's just disappointing we couldn't get the win for them.
"But we're still seventh and it's still in our hands. We are definitely on the up."
Andrew Davies and Kyel Reid are both doubtful for tomorrow's Yorkshire derby with Rotherham at Valley Parade.
Davies pulled up in the pre-match warm-up with a back spasm and Michael Nelson was given a late call-up at centre half.
Reid went off at half-time with a slight groin problem but Parkinson remains optimistic.
He said: "Reidy was struggling with five minutes to go (of the first half) and we left it until half-time. That was it because we can't take a risk with a player like Kyel.
"The fact he carried on with it for that short while tells me it won't be anything major but we'll see.
"Davo's had a nerve problem in his back which affects his calf but again we don't think it's serious.
"But that's why you need a squad and we've used it all season. The ones who came in did well."
===========================
www.playerawards.co.uk
#bcafc PLayer of the Year voting open: http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/poty-voting-open-773388.aspx
City supporters have as many as eighteen players that can choose from when mulling over who they feel has been the best performer throughout the 2012/2013 campaign.
To qualify for the vote, players had to have featured in at least 15 games - in any competitions - during this season so far.
With a whole host of Phil Parkinson's stars shining during one than one point of the season, this year's race to be crowned the Player of the Year is sure to be a close one!
To find the full list of contenders, information on how to vote and details on the Player of the Year awards evening, please visit
www.playerawards.co.uk
Who will win? It's going to be a close call - the final say is up to you!
The winner will be announced during the club's official Player of the Year awards evening at the Coral Windows Stadium on Tuesday 30 April 2013.
===========================
Bradford City duo offered pro deals
3:14pm Thursday 11th April 2013
By Simon Parker
City have offered pro contracts to midfielder Scott Brown and striker Louie Swain.
Brown, who arrived at Valley Parade as a 16-year-old in 2011, has made three FA Cup appearances this season against Northampton twice and Brentford.
Lanky centre forward Swain, who has scored four times for the reserves, has been a regular addition to the travelling first-team squad at away games.
None of the other second-year scholars have been kept on.
===========================
T&A: Phil Parkinson still on course to sign Bradford City contract
Phil Parkinson today (Thursday 11th) reassured City fans that contract talks for him and his coaching team are still on track.
The silence surrounding the long-running negotiations has caused concern, with the management's current deals set to run out at the end of June.
But Parkinson stressed that an agreement is inching nearer to keep everyone in place.
He said: "It's gone on longer than we'd hoped but it's not just about myself but the other members of staff as well.
"I've been trying to work it out for the rest of the staff to keep that continuity, which is important for the future. I'm pleased we are getting closer.
"There have been many distractions along the way but I don't want the supporters for a minute to think that Steve (Parkin) and I have been holding out.
"It's not a money issue. It's just making sure things are done professionally and we're getting closer to that being resolved."
Parkinson rejected the chance to reputedly quadruple his wages when he turned down Blackpool in January. But talks to tie him to Valley Parade beyond this season have been drawn out with issues such as City's shock Wembley appearance and a serious illness to his agent Barry Nevill.
Nevill had hoped to get involved but has since been rushed back into hospital, leaving Parkinson's case in the hands of the League Managers' Association.
City joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "We've put the contract to Phil, he's passed it on and we're waiting for them to get back to us with what they want putting in.
"It's like a solicitors' contract we're going through and we've got to make sure it is right for both parties.
"There's a fundamental understanding on where we want to be. We've both agreed that and it's down to the fine print.
"Fiscally it's all right. It's about clauses and various things.
"All the rumours you've heard about you having to have players' budgets in contracts is a load of rubbish.
"Phil says he wants to be here, I want him to be here. So hopefully we can get that sorted.
"It now looks as if we might get into the play-offs and, like with Wembley, I don't want to distract it too much. But if both parties want it to work, eventually we'll get it done."
===========================
Danny Woodards: Bristol Rovers defender out for nine months
Bristol Rovers defender Danny Woodards has been ruled out for nine months
with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 29-year-old was stretchered off during Tuesday's 4-1 defeat by Bradford
City <http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21999056> and will undergo
surgery on his knee on Friday.
Woodards missed the start of the current campaign after breaking his ankle
on the final day of last season.
"We're really disappointed for the lad and feel upset for him," Rovers boss
John Ward told BBC Radio Bristol. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/radiobristol>
Former MK Dons and Crewe player Woodards has been with Rovers since August
2011 and is out of contract in the summer.
He is the sixth Pirates player to be sidelined with a long-term knee injury
this season, following Matt Harrold, Seanan Clucas, Adam Virgo, Matt Gill
and Garry Kenneth.
===========================
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