L1 L1-2 (h) Wolves Saturday October 3, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

Davies

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


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24590612

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368215&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://youtu.be/Q_9jm-p-VGc

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10766026.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Wolves/?ref=eb



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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10766402.Bradford_City_far_from_disgraced_in_defeat_to_big_spending_Wolves/


Bradford City far from disgraced in defeat to big-spending Wolves

6:20am Monday 28th October 2013

By Simon Parker

City 1, Wolves 2

Wolves will always hold a special place in the history of Bradford City.

It was at Molineux on a never-to-be-forgotten Sunday afternoon 14 years ago that Paul Jewell's side clinched promotion to the Premier League.

Those warriors were the last upwardly-mobile Bantams – until the present bunch under Phil Parkinson. So it was appropriate that Wolves should be the benchmark of the season so far to judge that progress.

There were three divisions between the sides two years ago, as Parkinson pointed out pre-match. But to say the playing field is now level ignores the huge financial chasm that separates Wolves from the rest of League One courtesy of their £16million parachute payment.

Parkinson had made a big play that City were taking on the team, not the budget, but the names on the opposition team sheet – the likes of Kevin Doyle, Bakary Sako and Leigh Griffiths – were not the standard combatants for this level.

Throw in Jamie O'Hara, brought in from the cold to fill a space on the bench, and the opposing wage bill will have been eye-watering. The least you can expect as a Wolves punter is to win every week.

Only Walsall have beaten them so far – and nobody has managed to do it away from Molineux. Now add the Bantams to that list as Kenny Jackett's merry travellers notched up a fifth road win on the bounce.

But once the disappointment of defeat subsides, Valley Parade's largest crowd so far – beating the Sheffield United figure by three – should take consolation from the tightness of the contest.

There was nothing to choose between two teams who, certainly according to Jackett, will still be up there at the business end of matters. If Preston proved that City could live with the bigger boys, Saturday confirmed it.

Parkinson said: "Wolves had millions of pounds-worth of talent out there. They had a £6million striker coming off the bench and you've also got a £4million wide player against you.

"I thought we did everything we could. For 75 per cent of the game, we were excellent."

Unfortunately that other quarter included another goal that will make them wince in the customary post-match DVD inquest.

The two that City conceded at Deepdale were preventable; the one that got Wolves back in this game was laughable.

Jon McLaughlin has been an unsung hero while others have stolen the headlines during the bright start to life at the next level.

Never the flashy type of keeper, he has got the job done in an unfussy manner interspersed with the odd blinding save. So the gaffe which gifted James Henry the equaliser came totally out the blue.

City were one up and good value for their lead as Valley Parade bounced gleefully.

Raffaele De Vita, retained on the right in an unchanged side, had rewarded a breezy opening with an emphatic first goal for the club after Danny Batth had kicked his first shot off the line.

The Italian's taunting celebration in front of the Wolves end had spiced up matters but City were entitled to milk the moment.

Then it all went wrong as Gary Jones and James Meredith converged on the same ball just outside their own area, the skipper only succeeding in poking it through the left back's legs.

It was picked up by Henry but City's fears seemed to have eased as he could only get off a weak shot straight towards the keeper – who dived over the ball.

Home composure suddenly drained away and within four minutes Wolves had their noses in front. Henry's corner was nodded back to him by James Hanson and nobody closed down the winger as he sized up a second cross for Richard Stearman to finish.

For a short spell, only Wolves voices could be heard. The Kop, like the team, seemed momentarily stunned by the sudden change of events.

Credit also the tactical switch made by Jackett, who had quickly realised his error of playing the extra man in midfield and leaving Griffiths to forage up front alone.

After going behind, he sacrificed Lee Evans after just 25 minutes for Doyle – that £6.5million man on the bench – to give City's rearguard more to worry about.

Now they had two internationals to contend with, as the one from the Republic of Ireland joined his Scottish counterpart, and Wolves added more punch to their play.

At least tricky French winger Bakary Sako – their answer to Kyel Reid – was kept on the fringes of the action by the excellent Stephen Darby.

City regrouped at the break and Parkinson made his change that the crowd had been waiting for. Nahki Wells was thrown into the fray for De Vita, whose sore hamstring was causing concern.

There were no mind games about the Bermudian's return from a month's lay-off. It was only the day before that Parkinson made the call after deciding that his star striker was training with confidence on his troublesome left ankle.

His first run was greeted with euphoria in the Kop; an early shot from a tight angle beaten away by Carl Ikeme drew even louder cheers. Wells the talisman was back in business.

Unfortunately for Parkinson, so was the goalkeeper he once had on loan with Charlton. The City boss felt that Ikeme's progress was being held back by his nomadic existence – the Valley was one of eight temporary stops in his career.

Parkinson reckoned that if Ikeme could nail down some roots somewhere, he would blossom. Proof that he has done that in the West Midlands was evident in a second half when the Wolves stopper blocked everything.

The pick of the bunch was a double save from Wells, showing great reaction speed to readjust his body and prevent the striker from taking his season's tally into double figures.

Ikeme was also at the centre of the afternoon's most contentious decision when he slid into Reid after the winger's give-and-go with Wells had sent him clear in the penalty area.

Referee Graham Salisbury was straight over with a yellow card – which he brandished at Reid for simulation.

Valley Parade was in uproar, while Parkinson looked fit to burst. City's search for a first spot-kick of the season goes on.

The manager has already voiced his fears that officials are going out of their way not to give his team a penalty. Afterwards, he was even more adamant.

There were divided opinions among the fans as some felt that Reid had made a meal of it. Yet Parkinson was in no doubt.

But the noisy audience had no reservations about City's efforts against a team guaranteed to fill one of the promotion slots. They had given as good as they got.

Attendance: 18,044
===========================

Wolves @OfficialWolves
Credit to the Bradford fans who don't half get behind their team for 90 mins. All stay behind to clap their team off as

well.


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

FA CUP 1st round draw
Nov 9th/10th
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24693606
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10766416.It_s_Rotherham_away_for_Bradford_City/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10766438.Bradford_City_boss_Parkinson_ready_for____tough____FA_Cup_ti

e_at_Rotherham/


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

#bcafc We are proud that three groups of fans' hard work and talent is being recognised at the Football Blogging Awards - Width of The Post has been short listed for the Best Football Club Blog Award - http://www.footballbloggingawards.co.uk/Best-Football-Club-Blog-shortlist.php and Bantams Banter have been short listed for the Best Football Podcast Award - http://www.footballbloggingawards.co.uk/Best-Football-podcast-Blog-shortlist.php and last but not least Sat In The Crowd have been short listed for Best New Football Blog - http://www.footballbloggingawards.co.uk/Best-New-Football-Blog-shortlist.php please click on the links and vote for them.

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10768521.Setbacks_have_not_dampened_our_spirits__says_Bantams_boss/


Setbacks have not dampened our spirits, says Bantams boss

8:00am Tuesday 29th October 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson is adamant City's morale has not been dented by their recent stutter in results.

Saturday's loss to Wolves meant they have picked up only one point from the last 12.

But Parkinson was heartened by the display, which followed on the heels of a gutsy effort at Preston.

And with the Bantams still occupying a play-off berth, he insists the high spirits within the camp have not been affected.

Parkinson said: "The players know they've gone toe-to-toe with two Championship-standard teams in the space of days and done themselves enormous credit. Confidence levels are high, without a shadow of a doubt.

"We are growing as a team with each game, despite the results not going as well of late. The great thing from our point of view is that we are still in the top six.

"That's testament to the way we have done and physically we have shown in the last week that we can get through three games in eight days and stand up with teams at this level.

"I felt Preston was as good as we've played and we probably couldn't have done much better in the second half against Wolves.

"Tuesday took a lot out of us and much as we are really disappointed to lose on Saturday, the way we kept going when we had to chase the game after going 2-1 down really pleased me.

"Now it's about trying to turn those performances into good results. I'm a bit frustrated we got nothing against Wolves but keep playing like that and that level of performance will turn into three points.

"It's a very, very competitive league this year and overall we've got to be pleased."

The return of Nahki Wells as a second-half sub in the Wolves game came as a timely lift. With a full week's training ahead, he is pushing for a start at Crewe.

Parkinson added: "We're just pleased to have Nahki back and his ankle is absolutely fine. We had to make sure we gave him enough time to get it right.

"We weren't really tempted to bring him back any earlier. It was only last Monday that he trained properly with the team and he still had a limp.

"But he got better as the week went on and on the Friday we felt he was running a little freer. So we decided to put him on the bench.

"I thought he looked sharp when he came on – and will get sharper still with another week's training under his belt. That's what he needs.

"He is a good player for us and will be a welcome addition again."

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

L1 D2-2 (a) Preston North End Tuesday October 22, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries
Davies
Wells...fitness assessment/test Friday
===========================


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24529453

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368210&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrJ6iI1v7Fs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_lTwMyYdIQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-DrxzKywHE
http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/8987912/preston-2-2-bradford  (uk only)

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10590939.Live_blog__



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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10755822.Head_master_McArdle_points_the_way_for_Bantams/


Head master McArdle points the way for Bantams

8:00am Wednesday 23rd October 2013

By Simon Parker

Preston North End 2 Bradford City 2

It's nights like this that remind you how much City needed to get out of League Two.

What a great game in front of a great atmosphere thanks to the hordes of travelling fans.

Deepdale, as Phil Parkinson had said pre-match, is a traditional football venue and even better under the lights. And his

team responded to the occasion with a gutsy, full-blooded effort to put paid to that little losing blip.

Rory McArdle nodded home the last of four headed goals to seal an away point, with City having taken a fifth-minute lead

through James Hanson's sixth strike of the season.

It was a fitting performance to mark Parkinson's 100th league game at the City helm and at the ground where his parents Jim and Marjorie used to bring him as a youngster when they were Preston season-ticket holders.

City had not been back to Preston in nine years since Bryan Robson's side were beaten during the final throes of their

Championship relegation. This was nothing like that meek surrender.

The supporters had travelled in mighty numbers, with 2,910 crossing the border into Lancashire – causing some to miss the kick-off because of the traffic congestion getting in.

Raffaele De Vita finally got his first league start for the visitors. The Italian had appeared ten times from the bench previously, seeing only two-and-a-half hours of action.

Parkinson was unhappy that his attack-minded players had not tracked back on Saturday and Mark Yeates was the one to pay

the price. Garry Thompson was pushed up top alongside Hanson with De Vita slipping into right midfield.

And the winger made an instant impression with the assist as City grabbed an early lead.

They threatened seconds before when Preston failed to deal with Jon McLaughlin's booming clearance and it dropped at Hanson's feet. But one-time City loanee Tom Clarke slid across to block his well-struck shot.

It did not matter as City came again straight away. De Vita hung a deep cross towards the far post and Hanson nodded downwards and past Declan Rudd in the Preston goal.

Stuart Beavon looked for a response with a shot on the spin that just cleared the angle of the woodwork but it could not quieten the partying away hordes.

Preston used every opportunity to feed Chris Humphrey, the speedy right winger that Stuart McCall used to rave about at

Motherwell. He was finding too much space for City's liking and cut inside for a shot that thankfully skewed well wide.

City's own flying flanker Kyel Reid switched to the right side to hit back – and was a whisker away from a second goal. His drive was on target but should have been gobbled up by Rudd. Instead, the keeper only half-saved and allowed the ball to squirm under his body and bobble against the post.

Little had been seen of Kevin Davies, the former Premier League battering ram who once went to Blackburn for £7.5million.

When he did eventually hold off McArdle to win a header, it was straight at McLaughlin.

The immaculate playing surface was great for the wingers and Reid was chopped down twice within a five-minute spell, earning yellow cards for Preston skipper John Welsh and Bailey Wright.

But Wright made amends in the 32nd minute with a lofted free-kick to the far post where Clarke ran in to flick a header past McLaughlin.

It was a sloppy goal to concede because the ball had travelled a long way without any kind of City challenge on the end of

it. Their defensive work up to that point had been impressive – making it all the more frustrating to be undone like that.

The equaliser brought the previously-muted home support to life but the visitors could have silenced them again by regaining the lead as half-time approached.

After forcing back-to-back corners, Reid held off three white shirts in his face to pick out Hanson in the middle. His firm header looked goal-bound but Paul Huntington made a crucial block right in front of his keeper.

Reid had become the pantomime villain with the Preston fans, who felt he was making the most of the challenges. The jeers became ironic cheers when he shanked a cross into the crowd.

But Preston were clearly fearful every time Reid got possession – which was often.

You sensed it was a match made for Nahki Wells. In his absence, Thompson had a quiet first half but looked to make his mark early in the second, reacting to Hanson's flick with a positive run and shot straight at Rudd.

A delightful backheel from Reid then released James Meredith to set up a better chance and his cutback was drilled across goal by De Vita.

As the game opened up, Humphrey picked out Davies under the close attentions of McArdle. The striker's touch flicked off the City centre half and flew past the near post.

Preston were building a head of steam and it needed a stunning save from McLaughlin to keep things level.

Beavon whipped a dangerous ball along the six-yard box which just evaded Davies. But it ran through to Humphrey, who must have thought he had put North End 2-1 up with a thumping shot back from the angle. But McLaughlin managed to twist and get a hand to it and turn the ball over the bar. It was a superb block.

Reid was off again as Stephen Darby sent him away and Preston's chief tormentor cut in on to his favourite left foot before unleashing just beyond the far post.

Then City's marking went AWOL once again as Preston broke the stalemate. Nobody picked up Bailey Wright from Scott Laird's corner and the defender's free header beat Jones on the line to go in off the post.

Now City had it all to do – they didn't need long. Winning a corner four minutes later, Jones put it into the mix where

McArdle got the goal he thought he'd had in the dying seconds at Crawley.

The game was up for grabs as Parkinson threw on Jason Kennedy and Caleb Folan.

Hanson thought he had another when he converted a Jones free-kick but he'd jumped early and the assistant's flag curtailed the celebrations behind the goal.

Jones, who had an outstanding second half, saw a late effort turned away by Rudd before City held off a stoppage-time flurry to get back on track.


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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10755830.Bradford_City___Immensely_proud__Parkinson_says_he_couldn_t_

have_asked_for_more_against_Preston/


Bradford City: 'Immensely proud' Parkinson says he couldn't have asked for more against Preston

7:40am Wednesday 23rd October 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson applauded City's battling point at play-off rivals Preston and announced: That's the real us.

Roared on by nearly 3,000 away fans, headers from James Hanson and Rory McArdle earned the Bantams a 2-2 draw in a Deepdale thriller.

It was a resounding response after losing the last two and Parkinson declared: "We always speak about putting in a performance and I've got to be immensely proud about what I saw.

"It was a great game of football; a performance which shows what we are all about. We were tight defensively, people did their job for the team and we played some great football.

"I said to the players before the game that we've lost a couple but we've come here to a great stadium in front of 3,000

away fans. We could have been turning out at Accrington Stanley.

"But this is what we've achieved so when that whistle blows, let's show what we're all about. I couldn't have asked for more."

Parkinson lavished special praise on winger Kyel Reid, who produced an outstanding display and hit a post.

"He was unplayable at times. If he'd scored a goal his performance would probably have been a ten out of ten."

City had other chances to win it and Hanson had a late header from a Gary Jones free-kick chalked off for offside.

Parkinson felt the assistant's call was "marginal".

He added: "I was very surprised when it wasn't given but it was a great delivery from Gaz.

"The great thing was that we looked threatening from set-pieces again. We weren't on Saturday (at Crawley) but we've got that consistency back."

Parkinson had criticised his side for being too open in the Crawley defeat and was delighted to see the discipline back in their approach.

"Your attacking play stems from the defensive shape and discipline. At Crawley we were too loose but last night we were

tight and compact, got the ball back and were able to do what we do best and that's go forward and attack."

Parkinson was not so happy with the two Preston goals from set-pieces, particularly the second when centre half Bailey

Wright was left free at a corner after a marking mix-up. The City chief said: "We were a bit unlucky with their first because it hit Stephen Darby and went in.

"But the second was a breakdown in communication. It's frustrating because a little detail has cost us.

"But we've got to be calm about it because we've defended well of late and did so in the game in general. We deserved to come back and the way Roz (McArdle) attacked the ball in the box was outstanding.

"He's been with us 16 months now and when we talk about the characters in the team, he typifies that."

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

Preston fans admiration for City & the fans

"Might just be me but I'd swap Davies for that James Hanson in a heartbeat. Don't think our lads beat him to a header all night." On a Preston forum about James Hanson!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=667137823308440&set=gm.10151946737714275&type=1&theater

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

L1 L0-1 (a) Crawley Saturday October 19, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries
Wells, Davies....
===========================


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24502977

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368192&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://youtu.be/dWps54s_euY

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10750608.Live_blog__Crawley_v_Bantams/



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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10751079.What_a_waste__Thompson_is_guilty_party_as_Bantams_miss_out_on_away_treble/


What a waste! Thompson is guilty party as Bantams miss out on away treble

8:30am Monday 21st October 2013

By Simon Parker

Crawley Town 1 Bradford City 0

The good news was the sight of Nahki Wells working his way freely across the Crawley pitch.

Unfortunately, only the early arrivals will have spotted City's top scorer in action.

The Bermudian came along for the ride and the chance to get some more rehabilitation under his belt as the left ankle continues to improve.

His contribution on Saturday was purely on his own fitness, going through his paces with Nick Allamby an hour before the game.

How City are missing him. There's no point in denying it any longer.

That was underlined with the two first-half chances that fell at the feet of Garry Thompson during this richly-entertaining encounter.

Both were begging to be buried, particularly the first from just six yards out. Both were squandered.

It was difficult to imagine Wells being as wasteful in the same scenario.

Those are the reasons why strikers earn the big bucks. The key moments when games are won – and lost.

The frustrated Phil Parkinson sensed it at the time. As the opportunities went begging, he knew that City's hopes of a third successive win on the road were disappearing at the same rate.

Instead, he was left to contemplate back-to-back 1-0 defeats. Two successive setbacks since the equally talismanic Andrew Davies joined Wells in the Valley Parade sick bay.

Davies will be missing until the new year; Wells should be a matter of days from returning, although tomorrow's visit to Preston is likely to come too soon.

Having ridden the wave of their promotion momentum, this is the first reality check for the Bantams. It is the first time they have lost successive league matches since January – and those defeats to Barnet and Oxford were split by beating Aston Villa.

City are still in a very healthy position with 21 points from 12 games. Ironically that was the same tally at the same stage the last time they were in the third tier – and we know how that ended up.

But those were very different circumstances. This is a side who have found their level and shown they can be a force.

That hasn't changed on the back of two bad results. But City have been reminded they cannot take their eye off the ball.

Parkinson thought his team were too open. It made for a great spectacle – "it had the feel of a 4-3" in the words of the manager – but it was not what you expect from his sides on their travels.

It would be no surprise to see a more conservative approach at Deepdale for the second leg of this most demanding week of their campaign so far.

Parkinson did not name names but Nathan Doyle and Gary Jones were left to work overtime in the City engine room. Behind them, Rory McArdle and Matthew Bates were questioning the "massive" size of the pitch as Crawley made the most of the extra space.

Bates had not played since April and delivered a very promising debut. He also saved one certain goal with a critical touch to deflect away a Nicky Adams blast – even if he may not have known too much about it.

Along with McArdle, fresh from holding off Israel in Tel Aviv, the latest centre-back pairing worked well together. There were no obvious moments when you thought "if only Davies was out there."

But it was a different story at the other end, where the continued absence of Wells is starting to bite.

None more so than in the 14th minute. Mark Yeates, who started brightly before fading, slipped a pass into the box which struck Kyle McFadzean on the hand.

Whether that touch put off Thompson in any way, he should still have hit the target when the ball fell invitingly in his path so close to goal. Instead he drilled it over the bar.

He could have made amends later in the half after showing good anticipation to gamble on James Meredith's header back into the box from a half-cleared corner.

But having got into a great position, Thompson put too much on his attempted lob over keeper Paul Jones and it landed on the roof of the net.

Crawley had been equally wasteful up to that point but City had let them off the hook big time.

They inevitably paid the price soon after the restart as Andy Drury's pass picked a hole in the back four and Emile Sinclair, a one-time apprentice at Valley Parade, fired underneath Jon McLaughlin.

It was his first goal at home since arriving for £100,000 from Peterborough in January.

For once, the silent majority in a crowd swelled by a remarkable turn-out of 750 away fans made their voices heard. Crawley started to stroke the ball around more and threatened a second.

Michael Jones should have capitalised on a miscommunication between McLaughlin and Bates. Kyel Reid responded with a rasping drive that was superbly tipped over.

Back came Crawley and Sinclair was denied a second as McLaughlin turned away his cross-shot.

"It was a case of you attack, then we attack", admitted an exasperated Parkinson.

The City boss made positive changes, throwing on extra frontmen in Caleb Folan and Alan Connell while sacrificing Bates at the back. It nearly worked as the visitors twice went agonisingly close in the four added minutes.

Skipper Jones saw his shot smothered by a sliding block then McArdle was denied a repeat of his Bristol City header as keeper Jones somehow got something in the way on the line.

As Crawley stretched their unbeaten run to seven, home boss Richie Barker said: "I was anxious only in the first ten minutes and the last ten."

That verdict was a bit harsh on City but they knew this defeat was of their own making.

Parkinson admitted: "When you have periods of pressure, you've got to capitalise on them. Those chances have got to go in.

"Sometimes you get two chances away from home and you've got to make the most of them. We've had four or five and should have got something."

The man sat in the stand would have been the best bet for that. Get Wells soon, Nahki.


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

Parkinson hits 100 not out
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10748729.Parkinson_hits_100_not_out_and_is_poised_to_eclipse_Todd_s_124_game_reign/

Lottery UK style
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10753325.Winner_comes_forward_to_claim_Bradford_s___10_million_Lottery_jackpot/

Monday 21st
#bcafc FT: Scunthorpe (Youth) 0 CITY (Youth) 2 - City's future stars are through to the second round of the FA Youth Cup with goals from Callum Chippendale and Joe Brennan

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


Bradford City boss Parkinson will not rush Wells' comeback

7:50am Monday 21st October 2013

By Simon Parker

Nahki Wells won't be rushed back into action despite City firing a second successive blank in his absence.

The Bantams were cursing missed chances as they went down 1-0 at Crawley on Saturday.

Wells travelled south with the squad but was not involved – and it seems unlikely he will be pitched in against Preston tomorrow.

City want to ensure their star striker is fully fit and and will not take any chances.

Boss Phil Parkinson said: "Nahki is looking better and running a bit more freely. But he hasn't trained.

"We took him with us (to Crawley) to get two days work with him. He was never going to be available. We've got to make sure that when he's back, he's ready. It's a long season and we're fifth in the table – it's a good position.

"We've had a bit of disruption with injuries but we've got to come through the other side."

City blew some great openings to score at the Broadfield Stadium, with Garry Thompson the chief culprit. Parkinson also felt they gave Crawley far too much space in possession.

"We're picking a very attacking team. There won't be many teams that go (away) with two out-and-out wide players.

"But when you do that, you're relying on attack-minded players to do the job without the ball. I didn't feel we were quite at it with that side of the game.

"We were six or seven yards out of position when we lost the ball and the pitch became very big because of that.

"Crawley have got good movement in their team but let's track back to last season in the cup. We played teams with better movement than that and showed great discipline. We've got to rectify that and we will. Preston away is a great opportunity."

Youngsters Oliver McBurnie and Jack Stockdill travelled with the squad ahead of tonight's FA Youth Cup first-round tie at Scunthorpe.

Midfielder Stockdill is suspended for the Glanford Park trip but McBurnie will be looking to add to his sensational tally of 15 goals in eight games this season.

Parkinson said: "It's good to get them part of the first-team set-up. I'm pleased with the group of young players we've got this year – they are driving each other on.

"I remember seeing it before at Reading where the group had the same work ethic. The age group with the likes of Nicky Shorey and Nathan Tyson had a great attitude and a lot of them became (first-team) players.

"I feel this group is the best we've had since I've been here and that's obviously reflected in the scorelines.

"Their attitude has been superb and that's great for the future of the club because we need some good young players to supplement the squad."

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

L1 L0-1 (h) Tranmere Sunday October 13, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24513691
Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates on a three-month contract

Injuries
Andrew Davies will miss the next three to four months, knee operation.

The hugely-influential centre half went under the knife for an operation
yesterday after his long-standing knee problem flared up again
===========================


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24417533

Game links

Goals
http://youtu.be/HY1myf0F6Fw
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151916285414679&set=o.2208709274&type=2&theater

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10590939.Live_blog__



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

Final whistle - match report
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/tranmere-rovers/news/moore-hits-back-at-parkinson_110995.html

Elbow incident
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202313886427970&set=o.2208709274&type=2&theater

Bantams boss wants referees to clamp down on foul play against his playmakers
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10740404.Be_fair_to_flair__Bantams_boss_wants_referees_to_clamp_down_on_foul_play_against_his_playmakers/



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

When the dust settled - match report


Ronnie Moore the merrier as his Rovers rattle Bradford City

6:00am Monday 14th October 2013

By Simon Parker

City 0, Tranmere 1

Ronnie Moore may no longer be public enemy number one at Valley Parade – that dubious honour belongs to Steve Evans these days. But he will always be a Dick Dastardly character among the home fans.

It may be 11 years ago but none have forgotten Moore's outburst that City should have been kicked out of the league when they first fell into administration.

He has not been back here for a while, since Tom Adeyemi's 'was it, wasn't it' winner for Peter Jackson two-and-a-half years ago.

But Moore returned with a vengeance yesterday as his lowly Tranmere did a job on the Bantams, inflicting a first home defeat in League One with the first second-half goal conceded for eight games.

The feelgood factor had been punctured by a wily old hand.

Phil Parkinson had pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the unannounced appearance of former Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates on the bench.

The 26-year-old, who can play centre half, right back or midfield, had been training with City but Parkinson had kept the free agent's arrival under a veil of secrecy.

And a week of defensive pass the parcel ended with another centre half in the ranks as Carl McHugh was flown back by the club from Romania. He had been an unused substitute for Republic of Ireland's under-21s in their 0-0 draw in Piatra Neamt on Friday.

But McHugh, like Bates, was not in the starting line-up as Parkinson went with the Luke Oliver and Nathan Doyle pairing that had practised in training this week. Doyle's move backwards also meant a first outing at home for Jason Kennedy alongside his old Rochdale sparring partner Gary Jones.

City's first effort of the afternoon came from the back four. James Hanson was unable to get enough on James Meredith's cross but the ball was kept alive for right back Stephen Darby to flash a volley over from close range.

Kyel Reid tried to re-enact his Walsall wonder goal from a short free-kick but his wild drive flew nearer the corner flag than Rovers keeper Owain Fon Williams.

Tranmere were giving as good as they got in the opening exchanges but were perhaps fortunate not to give away a penalty when Garry Thompson appeared to be wrestled to the ground from Reid's cross. An animated Parkinson thought so and made his point clear to the assistant referee.

But that was nothing to the manager's furious reaction when Ian Goodison caught Reid flush in the face with a forearm smash right in front of the City bench.

The Tranmere captain, making his 400th appearance, was immediately confronted by an irate Parkinson and a melee ensued involving both sides.

When the dust settled, referee Darren Drysdale showed a yellow rather than red card to Goodison – a decision greeted with dismay from the home crowd.

But the incident had livened up a pretty flat game and certainly got the fans involved. Moore, a low-key figure up to that point, became the target for their derision.

Hanson took retribution into his own hands with a late lunge on Goodison, which also saw his name taken.

Drysdale, who once famously sent off Dean Windass in the Valley Parade car park, was the villain of the piece once again when he ignored another penalty shout after Mark Yeates was pulled backwards.

Then more argy-bargy on the touchline followed as Ryan Lowe shoved Doyle into the City dugout and flattened Parkinson, who leapt up before going eyeball-to-eyeball with the Rovers frontman.

Tranmere were happy to frustrate City by getting men behind the ball but there was the occasional threat on the counter and Jon McLaughlin needed to be alert to turn away Chris Atkinson's header.

As half-time approached, the City keeper was called into action again to claw Jim McNulty's free-kick away from a crowd of players in the six-yard box.

Tranmere began the second period in a positive vein with efforts from Max Power and Jake Kirby.

But they were still happy to kill the clock and Drysdale ran 50 yards to have a word with Fon Williams for dawdling over a goal kick.

It was becoming a frustrating afternoon for the Bantams and, after McNulty thwarted Hanson at the near post, Reid fired another wayward right-footer high into the upper reaches of the Bradford end.

The winger did far better after 65 minutes when Thompson's quick throw-in on halfway gave him the room to open his legs. His low shot was saved by Fon Williams but at least the hosts had mustered an effort on target.

Yeates drove wide before Parkinson summoned Caleb Folan from the bench as the half reached the midway point.

City were finally finding their shooting boots and Reid was not too far away with another shot from distance.

But they were suddenly stunned on the break as Tranmere broke the deadlock. A ball over the top was flicked over Meredith by Kirby to get Lowe in the clear and his finish was clinical through McLaughlin's legs.

Reid was taking the fight single-handed to the visitors and tried to respond straight away. Then Kennedy lobbed over the bar as the Kop cranked up the noise once more.

Alan Connell's arrival for Oliver saw City switch to 3-4-1-2 for the closing stages as they frantically searched for an equaliser. Yeates stood up a cross to the back post which bounced off the top of the woodwork but that was as close as it got.

Fon Williams belatedly got his booking for time-wasting and City sub Folan's lunge on Ridehalgh levelled it up at three yellow cards apiece.

Folan nearly atoned with a header that Fon Williams stretched to turn away in a late spell of pressure. Jones then tried to bundle in from a close-range scramble but there was no way through.

The boos that greeted the final whistle were for the referee and the visiting manager – and there was an animated discussion between Moore and Parkinson as the teams left the field.

The Tranmere chief then directed a sarcastic wave in the direction of the home crowd. His work was done.

Attendance: 14,674

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

ANDREW DAVIES OUT FOR NEXT 3 - 4 MONTHS
By Simon Parker (T&A)

City have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Andrew Davies will miss
the next three to four months.

The hugely-influential centre half went under the knife for an operation
yesterday after his long-standing knee problem flared up again.

Davies had been struggling in the build-up to the Walsall game and his knee
ballooned afterwards.

City had the problem area examined and decided that surgery was the only
option. It mirrors this time last season when he suffered the injury at
Burton and did not return until February.


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

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11096/8962492/goal-of-the-week
Get voting for Reid

McArdle is 90-minute man for Northern Ireland
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10740445.McArdle_is_90_minute_man_for_Northern_Ireland/

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

RICKY RAVENHILL TO LEAVE CITY ON LOAN
By Matt Law, La Liga Correspondent

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson has revealed that Ricky Ravenhill wants to
depart the League Two outfit on loan.

The 32-year-old, who joined Bradford from Notts County in 2012, has made
just three substitute appearances for the club this season.

"Ricky Ravenhill has expressed his desire to go out on loan," Parkinson told
reporters at a press conference.

"He feels he's at an age where he needs to be playing regularly and I agree
with him."

Ravenhill started his career with Barnsley, but did not make a single
first-team appearance before joining Doncaster Rovers in 2002.

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

L1 W2-0 (a) Walsall Saturday October 5, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Caleb Folan on his move
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BaQJaS8ObY

Injuries

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


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24349425

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368178&action=stats&wjb
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10721021.Reid_my_lips__Bantams_one_of_best_sides_in_division/

Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Zzz9h8JiXzA
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201321445256604&set=o.2208709274&type=2&theater

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10720242.Live_blog__Walsall_v_Bantams/


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

When the dust settled - match report

Rocket man Reid has a blast before claiming: I've scored better

7:50am Monday 7th October 2013

By Simon Parker

Walsall 0 Bradford City 2

Gary Jones gets most things right – and he was spot on with his assessment of Kyel Reid's wonder goal.

"If a Barcelona player had scored that," said an admiring captain, "they'd be talking about it for the rest of the year."

It was a strike worthy of the highest level but not, amazingly, the best on his CV, accoring to Reid.

For that honour, you have to go back to an FA Youth Cup tie for West Ham against Chester-le-Street at Upton Park when a 15-year-old winger scored from the halfway line!

Coming on the same day that Alan Pardew gave him his first contract, that remains a special memory. But his blast at the Bescot must have run a close second.

Collecting the ball just inside City territory, Reid surged forward with devilish intent. James Meredith had overlapped on his left and found himself loads of space to take the expected pass.

Instead Reid chose to take it on himself – and how. The ball rocketed from his left boot like a howitzer propelling a missile.

Bang... in a flash the ball flew 35 yards into the top corner of Richard O'Donnell's net so violently that the force pinged it straight back out.

Reid said: "Everyone was shouting pass it, pass it because Mezza was in. But there was a gap for me to hit it and the ball just kept rising.

"I was more than happy to get on the scoresheet, especially with our top goal scorer missing.

"Nahki (Wells) has been a massive player for us and we're gutted that he's injured. But the gaffer said it's time for thers to step up to the plate.

"It's a team game and you can't always rely on one man even though he's been unbelievable for us."

What an answer it was to those who questioned whether City could maintain their momentum without the goal power of Wells.

Last week's comeback against Shrewsbury may have made a point but this was concrete proof that there is so much about this side.

Jose Mourinho snorted at the Premier League table the other day and claimed that some teams at the top were in lofty positions because of a kind early schedule.

Some could have levelled that at City, who had not faced opposition in the top nine since going up. But now they've shown their mettle against a club whose form had been almost as impressive.

Walsall had recently claimed the scalp of neighbours Wolves at Molineux and just taken a first point off leaders Leyton Orient. This was a serious examination of any play-off credentials.

And they did it without a certain number 21 on the pitch.

In his absence, the onus shifted to the James Hanson and Mark Yeates combination that Phil Parkinson had thrown together against Shrewsbury.

With Yeates happier to float around just off the target man, it meant a shift of emphasis on Hanson's role once again.

Parkinson had praised the way Hanson had taken the different orders on board last week; he was effusive in the aftermath of the striker's lung-busting efforts in the West Midlands.

"I don't think there will have been many centre-forward performances today as good as James Hanson's. He was tremendous.

"He ran in behind and his hold-up play was out of the top, top drawer. Being without Nahki changed the dynamics of his game but he was intelligent enough to do that.

"His goal was a magnificent finish and all-round he was very, very good."

Parkinson had every right to wax lyrical about City's third win on the bounce and second successive away from Valley Parade.

That clear-the-air meeting on the eve of the Gillingham trip a fortnight ago seems to have blown away any doubts about playing on their travels.

The two games were very different – Gillingham all direct and in your face while Walsall was more clever movement and

youthful energy. But the unflinching approach and steely attitude of the visitors never changed.

The slow starts of those opening away games have thankfully been consigned to the past. Once again, City began on the front foot and dictating the play.

It helps when the backing from the travelling support is so vocal. The rammed away end made it feel like Valley Parade on tour.

Chances were at a premium for most of a fast and furious first half but Reid signalled his intentions early by drilling into the side-netting.

Jon McLaughlin thwarted a decent effort from Sam Mantom, Walsall's best player, but City kept them comfortably at bay.

The Saddlers were neat and tidy with the extra body in midfield but all their work was done in front of the back four.

Yeates almost broke the deadlock but was foiled by a sliding block from home skipper Andy Butler. It didn't matter.

With the interval fast approaching, Reid blew the game apart with his moment of magic and City never looked back.

Still shell-shocked as they emerged for the second half, Walsall found themselves deeper in the mire within two minutes.

Rory McArdle humped a long ball upfield, Yeates touched it into Hanson's path and the finish at the near post was unerring.

For the second week running, Reid and Hanson had taken on the scoring mantle. Nahki who?

Walsall boss Dean Smith threw the dice and went all in with a triple substitution on the hour. He switched the system, playing the three new arrivals behind lone striker Craig Westcarr, and they did improve.

Sadly for Walsall their gilt-edged chance of launching a recovery fell to a centre half as Paul Downing missed hideously from five yards. To say it was a typical defender's finish would be a sleight on every other defender ...

Ashley Hemmings, one of the subs, drove narrowly across goal but City did not spook easily. Those scares aside, the back four stayed unruffled to ensure another second half passed off without incident in their goalmouth.

The season is still early but it is hard not to get wrapped up in the euphoria that greeted the final whistle as players and fans celebrated as one. This was another mightily impressive result to add to a growing collection.

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

From the Official BCFC Website:

COVENTRY MATCH ON TV

The Bantams' Sky Bet League 1 fixture with Coventry City at the Coral
Windows Stadium will now be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

As a result, the date of the game will now be moved from Saturday 16
November 2013 to Sunday 17 November 2013 - kick off 3:30pm.

The fixture will be City's first of the season to been shown live by the
satellite giants, although City did feature on Sky an impressive seven times
last season following their success in the Capital One Cup and League 2
Play-Offs.

Given this latest change to City's fixture list, the club can confirm in
full the alterations that have been made to their League 1 schedule so far
this season:

Sunday 13 October 2013 - Tranmere Rovers (H) - kick off 3:00pm
Sunday 17 November 2013 - Coventry City (H) - kick off 3:30pm
Sunday 1 December 2013 - Oldham Athletic (A) - kick off 3:00pm
Saturday 15 February 2014 - Coventry City (A) - kick off 2:00pm

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

Update on Season Highlights DVD

This is on target for 11 November 2013 launch. Following review by the Club, this has been editied into two parts, one showing a 45 documentary style overview of the season and the other a series of monthly chapters showing highlights of all games. A final review is scheduled for 26 September when full aproval is expected for production of a UK Region DVD and a limited number for other Region

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

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/folan-receives-clearance-1093694.aspx

PUBLISHED

16:59 3rd October 2013
New Bantams striker Caleb Folan has now received international clearance following his recent deal to bring him to the

Coral Windows Stadium.

Folan's international clearance means that the powerful forward can now be officially confirmed as a Bradford City player.

The striker, who will wear number 19 during his time with City this season, is now also available for selection for Bantams

boss Phil Parkinson - starting with this Saturday's match at Walsall in Sky Bet League 1.

The need for Leeds-born Folan to receive international clearance before his move to Bradford could be finally confirmed was

due to the fact that the striker's previous club was T-Team in Malaysia.

Read more at http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/folan-receives-clearance-1093694.aspx#pbp3kdWslhmEgb0g.99

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

Bradford City lose another defender to international call
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10723513.Bradford_City_lose_another_defender_to_international_call/

Globetrotting Bantams striker Caleb Folan has game of his life at White House
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10721627.Globetrotting_Bantams_striker_Folan_has_game_of_his_life_at__White_House/



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

L1 W2-1 (h) Shrewsbury Saturday September 28, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Wigan and Hull striker Caleb Folan on a contract until December

striker Louie Swain joins Guiseley AFC on loan

Injuries

 Nahki Wells , ankle ligaments
 Gary Jones ,tight hamstring
 Garry Thompson, Achilles problem
 Rory McArdle, still not recovered sufficiently from his weekend illness to return to training.


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


General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

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

Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24185127
http://youtu.be/1qLGxjQHDFE

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368155&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://youtu.be/bdUe6wOuDQk
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151733209503645&set=o.2208709274&type=2&theater

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10705371.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Shrewsbury/



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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10713289.Super_Bantams_second_to_none_after_going_nine_games____unbeaten____after_the_break/


Super Bantams second to none after going nine games 'unbeaten' after the break

7:10am Thursday 3rd October 2013

By Simon Parker

City are officially the best second-half team in the country right now.

Last week's come-back win over Shrewsbury was just the latest example of the staying power of Phil Parkinson's side.In their nine league games, City have "won" six of the second periods and drawn the other three.

They are one of only six teams across all four divisions who are still "unbeaten" after the break.

And their plus nine goal difference just shades it over MK Dons and current League Two leaders Chesterfield.

City last conceded a goal in the second half when Doug Loft fired a deflected winner for Port Vale on August 17 – they have kept six "clean sheets" since then.

The one previous second-half strike came from Bristol City's Jay Emmanuel-Thomas on the first day of the season.

Phil Parkinson said: "That's a good record. It shows the fitness of the team and the mental toughness to keep going like that.

"We've had those few away games when I felt we didn't start too well but equally to have the ability to keep going is so important.

"You see it all the time in football that a game's not over 'til it's over. You get late goals all the time.

"We are a very fit team and there is a great attitude in the dressing room. Myself, Steve (Parkin) and Nick (Allamby) approach every game knowing that we will keep going all the way."

Eleven of City's 19 league goals have come after the interval – including both to beat Shrewsbury which moved them up to fifth. James Hanson sealed the recovery with the second in the third minute of added time.

Parkinson insists that finishing so strongly is a great habit to have.

"You just have to look at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson over the years and the games they won late on. The number of times it happened is phenomenal.

"Obviously, ideally you want to be up in the game at half-time and make it more comfortable after that.

"But if you do have a difficult start, like we did on Saturday, it's great that you've got that determination and mentality to keep going right to the end."




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

When the dust settled - match report

City hard luck story has a happy ending

8:00am Monday 30th September 2013

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 2 Shrewsbury 1

So a day when events threatened to conspire against City turned out to be all right.

And that included the source of both comeback goals from the most breathless win of the season so far.

Kyel Reid and James Hanson may be left-footed players but the conviction of their finishes proved that the other leg is there for more than just balance.

The dramatic nature of City's fourth success in five attempts at home also once again underlined the indomitable spirit that seeps through every pore of Phil Parkinson's squad.

So shame on those in the crowd who had taken a chance by sneaking off a couple of minutes early.

They might have just caught that bus by beating the crush. But was that any consolation when news came through of Hanson's late, late show?

City's day had got off on the wrong foot when Parkinson received a morning phone call from a sickly Rory McArdle. For only the third time since promotion, the boss had to contemplate a team change.

Things got worse just 90 seconds into the game as Shrewsbury caught the hosts stone cold through Tom Bradshaw's header.

And they appeared to hit rock bottom when Nahki Wells got cracked on the ankle and was unable to continue. The first half was barely halfway through and City were facing a fightback without their deadliest marksman.

But without wanting to labour the point, this bunch of Bantams are built of the sternest stuff.

One fan joked on Twitter on Saturday night that writing match reports must be getting easier these days. The biggest danger, it seems, is repeating yourself by extolling the team's virtues week after week.

But there is always a fresh element to the fighting qualities on display.

This time it was a goal at Valley Parade for Reid – his first on home soil in just over a year.

The winger had brought his exhilarating Gillingham form back with him, topping off another livewire display by answering his manager's plea for more cutting edge in the penalty area.

"We've being telling him to get in the 18-yard box because that's where goals come from," said Parkinson. "Very few, in reality, are scored from outside there.

"We talk to Reidy all the time in training about how he can take his game to the next level. That's by getting the goals, getting inside his defender and getting across people."

Reid has seized the opportunity since winning a recall a month ago. But Mark Yeates, the man who made way, looked just as hungry when given his chance again by the Wells injury.

When City turned to Yeates for the second-striker role, it looked a slap in the face for Alan Connell.

Parkinson acknowledged Caleb Folan's arrival on a short-term deal by stating that you can never have enough strikers.

Folan did make his first appearance at Valley Parade on Saturday, albeit in a pre-match warm-up tutorial with Nick Allamby as he waits for the red tape of international clearance to be sorted.

But Connell, another established forward, had to wait an hour longer than he would have expected to join the fray.

Parkinson's decision to opt for Yeates instead raised eyebrows among fans – but it was a position where the Irishman had played many times before when the pair were together at Colchester.

And if Wells is sidelined for any length of time, expect Yeates to reprise the role as Hanson's chief support.

Like Reid before him, the player's positive attitude during the week had caught his manager's eye.

Parkinson added: "Yeatesy has been outstanding since we left him out of the team. He's probably been the best player in training.

"He gave us something different in that position and got better and better as the game went on.

"He's got the ability to find little holes to get the ball into his feet. And when he turns, he's always a dangerous player – he gave us a different dimension in the second half."

City were a very different proposition after the break. Reid aside, they had been too anxious and frantic in the opening 45 minutes – trying too hard, in Parkinson's words, to come to terms with that early setback.

Shrewsbury were missing their most creative player, suspended winger Jon Taylor, but his replacement Ryan Woods, shoved forward from right back, delivered a text-book cross which Adam Reach steered into Bradshaw's path to bury.

The Wells-less hosts struggled to find their feet. Only Reid carried a direct threat to the Shrews, bringing the crowd to life with one surge that must have covered 70 yards.

As half-time approached, he jinked through three blue and yellow shirts before warming Chris Weale's hands with a rising drive. That was better but City needed more.

The dressing room message banned any talk of hard luck stories. "Nobody wants to hear excuses," Parkinson told his players, "we need wins."

The challenge was thrown down to do it without Wells. Show League One this is more than a one-man team.

City emerged with more composure in their play; midfield got on the ball more and fed the flanks. The left wing, in particular, was a constant source of joy, with Reid supplemented by the ever-willing James Meredith.

Reid claimed the equaliser in the space created by Hanson's step-over, taking a touch before firing home from a low cross from Yeates.

Bradshaw should have done better on the break with a lob over the bar but City continued to build a head of steam.

For the frenetic finish, they were facing ten men as Dave Winfield was red-carded on his Shrewsbury debut. He had been living on borrowed time.

Graham Turner thought the second booking for handling was harsh but if the centre half had been booked for his whack on

Wells – which he should have been by over-lenient ref Geoff Eltringham – his game would have finished much earlier when he tugged back Hanson.

Connell finally got his call as Parkinson threw on an extra striker and City lobbed the kitchen sink goalwards for the four minutes of stoppages.

Three had passed when Steve Parkin turned to the home bench and promised there was time for one more chance.

True to his word, Hanson won a header and the ball dropped in a scrum of players. Connell engineered enough space for

Yeates to line up a shot but instead it was Hanson jumping in with a swing of his right boot and Valley Parade was celebrating one more memorable moment.

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10705886.We___re_not_a_one_man_team__says_Bantams_goal_hero_Hanson/


We're not a one-man team, says Bantams goal hero Hanson

7:20am Monday 30th September 2013

By Simon Parker

Last-gasp hero James Hanson savoured City's latest triumph and roared: "That proves we can win without Nahki Wells."

The Bantams hope to have a better idea today on the extent of the left ankle injury which forced off their top scorer so early in Saturday's 2-1 win over Shrewsbury.

Initial reports suggested it was not too serious but they are waiting for the swelling to go down.

Even without their nine-goal talisman, City rallied to come from behind with a victory that pushed them up to fifth.

Hanson slammed the stoppage-time winner to send Valley Parade wild – and then insisted that the team had passed a major test of character.

He said: "Going 1-0 down early on and then losing your top goalscorer is going to hurt anyone.

"At half-time, maybe too many lads were looking round and wondering who was going to do it when Nahki went off.

"He's a great player, don't get me wrong, but the second half showed what we are made of as a team with a comeback like that.

"Yeatesy (Mark Yeates) was different class when he came on and every time we got him on the ball he was a threat."

Kyel Reid wiped out Shrewsbury's early advantage on the hour with his first goal at home for a year. Then Hanson capped a frenetic finish – which also saw visiting defender Dave Winfield red-carded – by scoring off the post in the third minute of time added on.

Hanson said: "A lot of balls were being pumped in there as it got a little bit desperate.

"I won the initial header, Alan Connell backed in and it turned into a big scramble. Yeatesy prepared to have a swing but then I thought I'd just go for it.

"We were a bit too frantic in the first half and trying too hard. Their goal caught everyone cold.

"But the gaffer said at half-time we were more than capable of getting back into it. We were much better after the break and there was only one winner in the last 20 minutes."

Hanson also reserved praise for the crowd, who saw City maintain the best home record in the division with a fourth win in five attempts.

"I didn't sense any negativity around the ground, even when we were 1-0 down at half-time. The fans stuck behind us and played their part in getting us the result.

"Eighteen points from nine games is such a solid start. We wanted to cement our place (in the top six) and who knows how far we can go from here."

Phil Parkinson was unhappy with referee Geoff Eltringham's performance – particularly when Winfield was not even booked for his foul that crocked Wells.

Parkinson said: "I didn't feel the ref gave us any favours at all. Every little decision seemed to go against us. We've had it before where we get a young ref and they want to show the big crowd won't get it their way.

"But I was so pleased for the lads. Nahki has been a big influence for us over a period of time but it was a day for other people to take centre stage and we did that."


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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10709385.Nahki_Wells_suffers_ankle_ligament_damage/


Nahki Wells suffers ankle ligament damage

1:34pm Tuesday 1st October 2013

By Simon Parker

Top scorer Nahki Wells has been ruled out of Bradford City's plans for "at least a couple of weeks."

The results of the scan on his injured left ankle today revealed he had suffered ligament damage from the challenge by Shrewsbury defender Dave Winfield.

Boss Phil Parkinson said: "The scan showed there was nothing really serious.

"He will be out for at least a couple of weeks but we will know more when the swelling goes down."

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

BCFC list posting by Tony Watson <tony@tonywatson.free-online.co.uk>

"So both last year's finalists have gone out of this year's League Cup in their first match!! Swansea made 10 changes from the weekend.

No League One or Two teams left in the last 16 and only three Championship teams remain. Who says the top teams don't take this competition seriously?

It just confirms what a fantastic achievement our's was last season.

We even got a mention in Arsene's post match interview when the interviewer asked him if he thought about last December's penalty shoot-out as they had to go thru another at West Brom. He said 'Yes'!!"

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Mark Lawn axes Peter Jackson's book signing at City because he is angered at certain passages, particularly those related

to the Archie Christie saga.
http://www.examiner.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-legend-peter-jacksons-6099594?

Great to see former Bantams loan defender John Egan back
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10704299.Great_to_see_former_Bantams_loan_defender_Egan_back/

Walsall tickets sold out
(Sep 30th via Facebook)

tranmere rovers hospitality
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/tranmere-rovers-hospitality-1079611.aspx

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Bradford City: Caleb Folan signs on short-term contract

Bradford City have signed former Wigan and Hull striker Caleb Folan on a contract until the end of December.

The 30-year-old had been training with the Bantams and has impressed enough to earn a deal with the League One club.

Folan, capped seven times by the Republic of Ireland, has most recently been playing in Malaysia and has not appeared in a first-team game in England since October 2010.

Bradford are awaiting international clearance for the deal to be completed.

It means Folan will be made to wait for his debut, although manager Phil Parkinson is sure he will have an impact.

"He has looked great for us in training and we look forward to working with him on a permanent basis now," Parkinson told the club website.

"We've been looking for someone to give us that little bit extra competition up front and Caleb gives us that. He has the strength to be a real handful for defenders to deal with."


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Bradford City hit by quadruple injury scare

6:00am Wednesday 2nd October 2013

By Simon Parker

City face an anxious few days as injuries and illness threaten to disrupt Phil Parkinson's settled side.

The Bantams boss has hardly needed to make a change during the first two months of the season – a run that has seen them reach fifth spot with only one loss in nine games.

But his plans for Saturday's trip to Walsall have been hampered by problems to several first-team regulars.

City are definitely missing top scorer Nahki Wells after his injury against Shrews-bury was yesterday confirmed as ankle

ligament damage. The nine-goal hitman has already been ruled out for "at least a couple of weeks", pending a further examination when the swelling has subsided.

But Parkinson also has further concerns over Gary Jones, Garry Thompson and Rory McArdle.

Skipper Jones has been troubled by a tight hamstring, Thompson has an Achilles problem and McArdle has still not recovered sufficiently from his weekend illness to return to training.

Parkinson said: "We've had a few bumps and bruises this week and there are a few missing. It's disappointing but unfortunately that's part and parcel of football.

"But we've had a good run of late in terms of avoiding injuries and we'll have to see what happens."

The news on Wells is not as bad as it could have been. When he left Valley Parade on crutches on Saturday night, fans feared losing him for a lengthy period.

"The scan showed nothing really serious," said a relieved Parkinson. "He's going to be missing for at least a couple of weeks but we will know more once the swelling has gone down."

For Wells, sitting out City's clash at the Bescot will be a unique experience.

"Since I've been a pro I've been fortunate enough not to miss a game through injury yet," he told Bermuda's Royal Gazette newspaper.

"I'm a quick healer and I'm not going to come back too early because that wouldn't be smart. But I am going to do whatever it takes and get treatment every day to get back as soon as possible."

The striker's red-hot start to the season earned him the Sky Bet League One player of the month award for August.

And winger Kyel Reid could make it a City one-two after being named in today's four-man short-list for September.

Reid has been City's star performer in the last two games and scored his first Valley Parade goal for over a year at the weekend.

He is up against David Mooney from leaders Leyton Orient, Britt Assombalonga of Peterborough and Preston full back Scott Laird. The winner will be announced on Friday morning.

* City drew 1-1 with Sheffield United in their latest reserve team friendly, with Alan Connell scoring their goal from the penalty spot.

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