L1 D0-0 (h) Preston North End Tuesday January 28, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Rochdale re-sign midfielder Jason Kennedy on loan from League One side Bradford City until the end of the season.
BBC http://bbc.in/KQoOXw
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/kennedy-loaned-to-rochdale-1313133.aspx

Bradford City sign Huddersfield midfielder Chris Atkinson and Doncaster winger Kyle Bennett on loan.
BBC http://bbc.in/KQwTLE
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/atkinson-arrives-at-city-1314213.aspx
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/city-bring-in-bennett-1313078.aspx

Northampton Town boss Chris Wilder signs Bradford pair Alan Connell and Ricky Ravenhill on free transfers
http://bbc.in/Mzq8j8


Injuries

Suspensions
Preston: FA overturns Neil Kilkenny's red card, Kyle Bennett's ban is reduced
http://bbc.in/LewSBt

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


Preview
http://bbc.in/Le87Gi
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/early-preston-team-news-1317182.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssPOz02tFhU&feature=youtu.be

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10969559.FT__City_0_Preston_0/
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25821773

No Goals Match Highlights -
quote "A match full of chances but not according to these highlights"
http://youtu.be/7l_RXKVFrPI
Then all is explained
" Please note that on YouTube we can only show you very short highlights for extended highlight please subscribe to Bantams Player - http://www.player.bradfordcityfc.co.uk"

Post Game Interview
http://youtu.be/gRHC71sZGDg


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

Final whistle - match report

League One
Bradford C (0) 0
Preston NE (0) 0
Att: 13,686


Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

Kyle Bennett was sent off on his debut but City held high-flying Preston in
a lively Valley Parade encounter tonight.

The on-loan Doncaster winger was dismissed along with Preston's Neil
Kilkenny after what looked a minor incident midway through the first half.

But the ten men of both teams served up an exciting game which could have
gone either way.

Fourth-placed Preston will feel they should have won it after hitting the
post twice through Paul Gallagher and Josh Brownhill. But City had their
moments as well with left winger Adam Reach producing a real crowd-pleasing
performance.

And at the back, Andrew Davies successfully negotiated his first game since
October 5 looking as confident as ever. His return heralded only City's
second clean sheet since that day.


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

When the dust settled - match report


Davies delivers Bradford City clean sheet after referee takes centre stage

6:30am Wednesday 29th January 2014

By Simon Parker

City 0, Preston 0

The referee infamous for awarding the ‘goal that never was’ added a couple of seemingly ‘phantom’ red cards to his portfolio at Valley Parade last night.

Stuart Attwell will forever be haunted by that Reading effort at Watford six years ago. Now he can expect an equally warm reception when he next appears in West Yorkshire.

His over-zealous reaction ensured that Kyel Bennett’s City debut lasted only 25 minutes before he was dismissed in a clash which also saw Preston opponent Neil Kilkenny follow.

What should have been dismissed as a minor midfield skirmish ended with both players facing three-game bans for ‘violent conduct’. To add to Bennett’s punishment, he will miss Saturday’s trip to his boyhood club Wolves.

The fact that the game was still an exciting spectacle, despite the referee, was credit to both sides. As goalless draws go, this one was a belter.

And while City’s wait for a home win reached a ninth game on the four-month anniversary of their last one, there was plenty to be pleased about.

While Bennett won’t look back too fondly on his first taste of City life, the same could not be said for Adam Reach on the left flank. His debut made him an instant crowd-pleaser with the Valley Parade faithful.

There was also the satisfying sight of Andrew Davies comfortably negotiating his first action since knee surgery in early October. Typically, his return played a significant role in a first clean sheet since November 2.

Phil Parkinson had heralded the game as a fresh start after his hectic activity in the transfer window. There was certainly a positive vibe about the place.

As well as a first glimpse of two of last week’s three loanees, Aaron Mclean also lined up for a home debut after his busy display at Sheffield United.

Only Gary Jones, who had instigated the Bramall Lane fightback ten days earlier, remained from that midfield.

Reach took over from the unfortunate Kyel Reid on the left flank and Bennett gave Garry Thompson a breather on the right – not that it will now last for long. Nathan Doyle returned alongside Jones, with the third loanee Chris Atkinson named on the bench.

But perhaps the most significant change saw the return of Davies, 115 days after his last game against Walsall. In that time City had managed just one win and one clean sheet – so the focus was on their defensive talisman straight away.

Despite numerous postponements elsewhere, the Valley Parade pitch looked remarkably well considering all the rain. But it was obviously soft in places, particularly the side in front of the dugouts.

Both City wingers were straight into the action as Bennett nutmegged Preston skipper John Welsh before feeding Mclean. His cross missed intended target James Hanson but Reach was behind him to fire into the side-netting.

The swirling rain made the conditions tricky and there was little pattern to the early stages. Josh Brownhill tried to use the slick surface to test Jon McLaughlin, who twice saved comfortably.

Bennett teed up Mclean for a snap-shot 12 yards out but the ball would not come down for the striker, who could only fire into the ground.

But the game exploded midway through the first half when both teams were sensationally reduced to ten men.

Bennett fouled Kilkenny on the halfway line and they had a bit of a nibble at each other on the floor. Both appeared to shove each other as they got up, with the former Leeds man falling to the floor.

It looked to be nothing more than a bout of ‘handbags’ but Attwell immediately reached for his red card to dismiss the City debutant.

As players from both sides rushed over to join the scrum, he also sent Kilkenny on his way. Once again, an official had taken centre stage.

With an extra edge suddenly injected into the game, Preston should have grabbed the lead. Scott Laird’s cross was missed by Joe Garner but strike partner Paul Gallagher somehow managed to hit the post from no more than a couple of yards out.

Laird skewed an ambitious attempt well wide before City bounced back with two efforts from Doyle. That lifted the crowd – as did a couple of positive runs from Reach, eagerly looking to fill the big boots left by the injured Reid.

The young Middlesbrough winger had promised to whip crosses in for fun and was keeping his word, picking out Mclean, whose header was punched theatrically away by the flying Declan Rudd in Preston’s goal.

The second half began at a furious pace with chances at both ends.

A careless mistake from Matthew Bates gifted possession to Gallagher but Brownhill’s shot from the edge of the box was straight at McLaughlin.

Straight away Rudd denied Mclean’s response before Hanson flicked over the bar from a corner.

Both sides were chasing the win as the reduced numbers gave them more room to play. Reach was certainly trying to cover plenty of it – and Davies even appeared on City’s left wing to deliver a cross.

On the other side, Stephen Darby was doing an excellent job up and down the flank left vacant by Bennett’s early exit.

But City had another escape when Preston struck woodwork for a second time. The lively Brownhill left McLaughlin clutching thin air with a cracking left-foot drive that smacked against the post.

It may not have hit the heights of the thriller at Deepdale in October but there was plenty of entertainment and Hanson’s effort on the turn took a touch before bouncing just the wrong side of the post.

Garner did have the ball in City’s net with a close-range volley but the wild celebrations on the pitch – and from the Preston dugout – were cut short by the assistant’s flag for offside.

Attendance: 13,686

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

Parkinson brands Kyle Bennett red card harsh as promising Bradford City debut cut short
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10969832.Parkinson_brands_Bennett_red_card_harsh_as_promising_Bradford_City_debut_cut_short/

Jorge Cadete: the former striker who lost everything
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jan/29/jorge-cadete-portugal-celtic-state-benefits



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

L1 D2-2 (a) Sheffield Utd Saturday January 18, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Left winger Adam Reach joins Bradford City on loan
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10957524.Left_winger_Reach_joins_Bradford_City_on_loan/


Aaron Mclean joins Bradford from Hull Tigers, for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25743892
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11719/9118749/parky-buoyed-by-mclean-signing
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10939778.Gotcha__McLean_set_to_sign_for_Bradford_City_today/
Mcleans' 1st day in training: http://youtu.be/7cu8jXNQ9No

Injuries
Reid - out for season, up to 8 months
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10949985.Bradford_City_winger_Reid_out_for_the_season/




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


Preview
http://bbc.in/1dAM2vR

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10947385.FT__Sheffield_United_2_Bradford_City_2/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368379&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://youtu.be/K9hnP9_7M7k


Post Game Interview



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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10947970.print/

Bradford City pick themselves off floor to nick a draw

8:40am Monday 20th January 2014

By Simon Parker

Sheffield United 2 Bradford City 2

Two down in south Yorkshire in front of a huge army of away fans – it was an eerily familiar feeling for Gary Jones.

"I was getting a few flashbacks at the time," admitted the City skipper as he contemplated another Rotherham-size letdown at Bramall Lane.

The fact it didn't happen – and the enormous 3,130-strong following left the steel city buoyed by a second-half fightback – will make the approaching blank week far easier to handle.

For both players and fans, the eight-day wait until Preston visit Valley Parade would have seemed an eternity if City had failed to drag themselves off the floor.

So a sixth draw in nine winless games ultimately felt more than that, especially as few would have seen it coming.

Two poorly-defended goals had given Sheffield United all the encouragement they needed to be in control at half-time. On the balance of play, 2-0 was harsh but City had paid a heavy price for basic errors and switching off – how often have we said that?

Once again, it seemed, a travelling army of supporters would be left high and dry – a point rammed home by Phil Parkinson in the dressing room.

The half-time team talk spelled it out clearly – give those people something to show for their money.

Jones said: "You look at the number of fans who've come here – it's absolutely superb.

"The gaffer made the point that it was a local derby and to go out with a whimper would be awful. I did think of Rotherham and we were desperate for that not to happen again."

What's that saying about fortune favouring the brave?

City might have felt, with some justification, that the footballing Gods had been concentrating their gaze elsewhere in the first 45 minutes.

When James Hanson's header rocked the bar and Carl McHugh's follow-up was blocked on the line by Stephen McGinn's upper left arm, they were wondering when a break might finally come their way.

Referee Roger East certainly did them few, if any, favours with a generally inept display which ridiculed his billing as a Premier League official.

One decision for handball against Hanson, when photographic evidence clearly showed the arm making contact belonged to home defender Harry Maguire, was beyond laughable.

But City's fortunes – and the game itself – changed on one critical intervention in the 56th minute.

Rory McArdle's long ball was flicked on by Hanson. New boy Aaron Mclean, given little to work with on a hard-working debut, held the ball up for Jones to have a pop from 20 yards.

He struck the shot well enough but George Long would have fancied his chances of making a regulation save. That was until it struck Matt Hill, which completely diverted its direction and left the keeper helplessly grounded the wrong way.

"I think it was going in anyway," smiled Jones. "But it took a nice deflection and went in the other corner.

"I don't get many chances nowadays, so I'll definitely be claiming that."

Like a dominant boxer who carelessly leaves his chin open for a sucker punch, the Blades were suddenly dazed.

And within seven minutes it was all square. Jones this time provided the assist with a free-kick nudged in through a corridor of players by Hanson's left shin – via Long's right boot. There's that slice of luck again.

Home boss Nigel Clough admitted the deflected goal was the turning point. Even then, his side spent the final 25 minutes almost camped in City territory hunting a third.

But a back four that had been sliced open seemingly at will up to that point managed to stand firm through the siege. A combination of good blocks, last-ditch clearances and snatchy finishing ensured the comeback went rewarded.

Jones felt they were good value for the point on the second-half display. Assistant boss Steve Parkin, on post-match media duties, thought City had done enough all round.

The spirited fightback and subsequent rearguard action certainly warranted something. But that also masked a jittery defensive display and passengers in the midfield.

There was also the significant blow of Kyel Reid's departure, the latest in the endless line of injuries. Like James Meredith, his oppo in City's left-sided union, he will leave a big hole.

In the immediate term it should mean a chance for Aston Villa starlet Jordan Graham, who is yet to see any action. In a role so crucial to the team's attacking intentions, let's hope the teen can hit the ground running.

Mclean's attempts to do so on his debut were foiled by a lack of decent service. Once Reid went off, Mark Yeates could not provide the same level of pace or supply.

But there were hints of a partnership being forged by the front pair – something that can only develop during the extended build-up to the next game.

Mclean felt he should have had penalty near the end as he went to ground when Maguire wrestled him for a through ball. All he received from an extended stay on the floor were the jeers of the home crowd and a non-committal response from East.

A call in City's favour then and the come-from-behind scenario could have been complete. But nobody should quibble at one point given what went on earlier.

The opening Sheffield United goal exposed the problems at left back without Meredith. Tony McMahon danced around McHugh, among others, before sliding a ball across goal, where Jamie Murphy beat Stephen Darby to convert.

The second just before the break was no better from a City point of view. Maguire out-jumped both centre halves from a corner and McLaughlin and Jason Kennedy got in each other's way as the ball dropped in almost apologetically inside the far post.

At that point, images of another venue just down the road hovered into view. But that was another day and another performance.

Jones and a rare appearance from Lady Luck made sure this script at least would not copy the ending.

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

When the dust settled - match report


Bantams boss has eight days to sign a left back after Sheffield United exploit weakness

7:30am Monday 20th January 2014

By Simon Parker

City will redouble their efforts to have a new left back in place for their next outing against high-flying Preston.

With no game at the weekend, Phil Parkinson has eight days to get someone in place to fill in for the injured James Meredith.

Parkinson has been trying to bring in a back-up – and will make that his top target again after City's limitations in that area were exposed at Sheffield United.

City fought back from two down to grab a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane but they struggled to contain the Blades out wide. Carl McHugh again deputised to start with but was switched round with Matthew Bates in the second half as the home side dominated on the wings.

Assistant boss Steve Parkin confirmed that Parkinson remains in the market for a specialist in the role, with Meredith expected to miss six more weeks with a broken foot.

Parkin said: "It already has been (a priority). It wasn't just a case of bringing in Aaron Mclean up top.

"Phil has been on the phone for the best part of a couple of days trying to strengthen with a recognised left back.

"Carl played really well last week but he's a young player and coming to a place like Sheffield United against a winger in top form is sometimes difficult.

"We put Batesy out there for his extra bit of pace and experience. But that's certainly a position we'll have to look at in the next week.

"I think Carlo has stood up well. He's a good young player and has had some outstanding football matches for us, especially in the cup run last year.

"But it would be ideal if we could bring one in. But as people know, centre forwards and left backs are the most difficult ones to get."

City must also face up to the absence of Kyel Reid after the winger was stretchered off with a twisted knee following a collision with defender Tony McMahon. He is having a scan this afternoon.

Reid is the latest in a long list of injuries hampering Parkinson's side, who have now gone nine games without a win.

Parkin admitted: "It looks a bad one. Reidy's foot stuck in the ground when McMahon went in the back of him.

"He was just trying to push off and his knee twisted. It caused a nasty pain and could be quite serious.

"Every manager you speak to will rue their injuries but we've had a couple of really serious ones. We had Andrew Davies injured before Christmas, Mezza is going to be for a good while and now we've lost Reidy.

"It is disappointing. While we have a reasonably good squad, we have seven or eight injuries to key players."

Losing 2-0, a deflected goal from Gary Jones gave City a foothold back in the contest before James Hanson levelled off his shin – his second in successive games since the exit of Nahki Wells.

"We've had a couple of difficult weeks," added Parkin. "We had the to-ing and fro-ing of Nahki leaving, the broken foot to Mezza, the other injuries to first-team players – it's been stop-start.

"We've had too many draws and not enough wins – we know that. But to come back and show the spirit we did was important for all of us. The commitment is very much intact."

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



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

City's home game against Port Vale has been moved to Tuesday, February 18


I'll be a standout striker for Bantams, promises Aaron Mclean
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10943765.I___ll_be_a_standout_striker_for_Bantams__promises_Mclean_as_he_vows_to_grab_goals_and_the_attention/

Supporters' Trust in bid to use legislation to protect ground from being sold off
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10939456.Bradford_City_supporters_ask_Council_to_name_Valley_Parade_as_a_community_asset/

This is my worst time as a manager, reveals Phil Parkinson
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10951893.Bradford_City__This_is_my_worst_time_as_a_manager__reveals_Parkinson/

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

L1 D1-1 (h) Bristol City Saturday January 11, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc #TRANSFERTALK

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


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Wells to ...well, you know..."for a club record fee on a four-and-a-half-year deal"
http://www.htafc.com/news/article/first-team-news-nahki-wells-signs-1286689.aspx
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25682217
Lawn interviewed on Pulse about Wells sale.
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/


Arron Jameson arrives on loan.
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/jameson-arrives-on-loan-1285088.aspx
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25685815


Jordan Graham joins up with City.
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/graham-joins-city-1285252.aspx
#19 Jersey

Bates extends to end of current season
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/bates-signs-new-deal-1296549.aspx

Injuries
James Meredith, foot: broken bone
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/meredith-injury-blow-1281334.aspx
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10922570.Bradford_City_left_back_Meredith_in_hot_water_over_feet_tweet/

In the Treatment Room
Nathan Doyle, Raffaele De Vita, Andy Gray, Matt Taylor and established absentee Andrew Davies.

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25599666

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10930982.FT__City_1_Bristol_City_1/


Goals
http://youtu.be/9jHvoyU_Kc8



Post Game Interview



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

When the dust settled - match report


Hanson back to his best to kick off new Bradford City era

6:10am Monday 13th January 2014

By Simon Parker

City 1, Bristol City 1

The whack on the nose was a medal of honour for James Hanson.

City's targetman had put his head in where it hurts all afternoon and reminded the Valley Parade faithful that while one half of their vaunted frontline had gone elsewhere, the other was very much still in the thick of it.

With the ground still murmuring about Nahki Wells, Hanson chose the perfect moment to rediscover his best form.

He was not the only one to finish with a bloodied nose – ask Bristol's three battered and bruised centre halves.

"That's back to how he can play," said a delighted Phil Parkinson. "His hold-up play was great and he led the line really well.

"All strikers want to score but you've got to remember with Hans that he has contributed to the success of Nahki Wells over the last 18 months or so.

"As I always say, he is a very unselfish player and a great partner to have up there for any striker.

"It was a tough old day for him playing against three centre backs, and another player sat just in front, but he battles his heart out.

"Seven goals, all from open play, is not a bad return playing at this level for the first time."

In the wake of losing their top scorer to the lot down the road, this threatened to be a "tough old" afternoon for all involved.

These remain testing times, not helped by a lengthy list of niggles and convoluted minor injuries. Two more were added to the list on Saturday.

Ricky Ravenhill twisted ankle ligaments after a barn-storming opening 20 minutes then Kyel Reid pulled up before the end with a tight calf. That cost City some late impetus after the winger had shown plenty of devil in his attacking play.

On the face of it, another draw and another home game without a win solves little. But scratch beneath the surface and there was plenty to be positive about.

This was a much improved performance on recent weeks – the ten-day break since New Year's Day's no show at Notts County had done everyone a favour.

As well as Hanson and Reid, others could be pleased with their afternoon's efforts. Jason Kennedy used Ravenhill's unexpected early exit as an opportunity to win some of his critics round. He almost scored within five minutes of coming on and played with growing confidence and conviction alongside his old oppo Gary Jones.

The skipper also looked sharper for last week's breather. If only his second-half screamer had not crashed back into play off the inside of the post, just as everyone – Jones included – was already starting to celebrate.

At the back, Matthew Bates strengthened his claim for a renewed contract with a composed performance against Bristol's lively frontline.

Carl McHugh, never a natural at left back, overcame some sticky early moments as the visitors targeted his flank to throw himself into the role of James Meredith's understudy. "He's got a heart the size of a dustbin," remarked Parkinson later.

And Oliver McBurnie, given the unenviable task of playing the "Wells role", gave it so much that he cramped up late on and was literally unable to carry on.

How the script-writers would have loved the fairy-tale ending of seeing the youngster snatch his first senior goal to win the first game after the Wells era.

There were chances in front of the Kop – none more so than the one squared to him ten yards out by Hanson. But the ball seemed to hold up on the surface and McBurnie could only scuff it against the sliding Aden Flint.

No doubt if that had been a Saturday morning for the youth team, the net would have rustled. But that should not take away from a young lad who gave more evidence that he has a bright future ahead.

So City may not have got the finale they wanted but the start had gone like a dream. Before anyone could say the words "Nahki who", Valley Parade were on their feet to cheer the first goal.

Reid won a corner within 20 seconds and Jones delivered it deep for the head of Hanson. His nod back across goal was blocked back into his path, allowing the big man to stab home his first goal since October 22. A great weight had been lifted in more ways than one.

But Bristol City are undoubtedly League One's biggest under-achievers this season. For a side who have been stuck in the relegation zone since September, they possess a squad bristling with talent.

None more so than Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who gave City a torrid time at Ashton Gate on the opening day and was in the mood for more on Saturday. The former Arsenal trainee was involved in the build-up to their equaliser later in the first half.

In a move practised on the training ground, he pulled McHugh inside to compete for Derrick Williams' cross-field ball and won the flick-on. Reid should have picked up Scott Wagstaff's run in behind but didn't, allowing the winger plenty of room for a lethal shot that was too hot for Jon McLaughlin.

City rode the blow and continued to push forward with purpose. Under orders to use the space out wide, both wings provided a steady flow of crosses for the towering front two.

Garry Thompson should have scored right on the break after a one-two with Hanson but jabbed wide.

But then Marvin Elliott was equally guilty within minutes of the restart, putting a free header wide of the same Bradford End goal.

Emmanuel-Thomas thumped the City woodwork with a fizzing drive that swerved away at the final second. Then time seemed to stand still as the ball left the right boot of Jones and pinged against the post with Robins keeper Elliott Parish well beaten.

City could not find a late goal to match the debutant at the John Smith's Stadium – a goal that will prove a nice little earner for his former employers – but they had at least restored some faith.

By next week's trip to Sheffield United they should have a new goal-scorer in the ranks, most likely to be Aaron McLean. But whoever it is should make a point of acknowledging the weight being shouldered by the guy alongside him.

Attendance: 13,050

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


'Thank you for saving my life...' Bradford fire survivor's message to former Bantams striker John Hawley
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10929549.___Thank_you_for_saving_my_life_______Bradford_fire_survivor_s_message_to_former_Bantams_striker_nearly_three_decades_on/

Bradford City fans urged to respect departing Nahki Wells' ambition
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10930446.Bradford_City_fans_urged_to_respect_departing_Wells____ambition/

Stewart case decision date confirmed - Friday 7 February 2014
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/stewart-case-date-decision-1296008.aspx


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

L1 L0-3 (a) Notts County Wednesday January 1, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


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

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

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Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25513056
http://youtu.be/An3dgjFgZ00
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10906232.Flash__bang__wallop__Bantams_striker_Hanson_ready_to_bolt_out_of_blocks_as_he_bids_for_action_replay_against_Notts_County/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10906038.Pitch_battle_with_County_Notts_one_for_the_purist__says_Bantams_boss
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10905398.Keeper___s_jersey_in_safe_hands_with_McLaughlin__says_Bantams_boss

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368338&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Game Highlights / Lowlights
http://youtu.be/ZSnKNYelVv8

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10907969.FT__Notts_County_3_City_0/

Post Game Interview
http://youtu.be/TLb6URZM_kI

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Final whistle - match report


Beaten Bantams in a New Year's daze as Parkinson grapples with dilemma of how to improve form with Wells exit looming

8:00am Thursday 2nd January 2014

By Simon Parker

Notts County 3 Bradford City 0

If this was a taster for life without Nahki Wells, it was terribly hard to swallow.

City signed off a horrible holiday period with the worst result of the lot. Happy New Year? Not from this side of the Trent.

Two very late goals might have added some gloss to the margin of victory but this was an afternoon as depressing as the weather.

And it will inevitably raise questions about how they will cope when, rather than if, their top scorer leaves Valley Parade for pastures new – a move that is set to happen within the next few weeks.

Wells did not travel because of his tight hamstring – not, as the cynics will suggest, just to protect him ahead of the January deal everyone is waiting for.

Instead Garry Thompson was given his role alongside James Hanson while Jason Kennedy won his place back – to play on the right of midfield.

Matthew Bates was recalled to central defence for Carl McHugh, who was given a breather after coming back with two strong performances in the space of a few days. Parkinson had promised to rotate his options through the holiday spell.

Injuries had an impact with the subs too, with Nathan Doyle (groin) and Matthew Taylor (hamstring) both ruled out. So midfielder Jack Stockdill, a mainstay of the youth team's success this season, found himself added to the youngsters on the City bench.

City had the driving rain and strong wind at their backs for the first half and should have used those advantages to exploit the home side's fragile confidence.

Thompson's running caused one early flicker of panic in the Notts ranks and then Kennedy had a chance in the box from James Meredith's cross but could only shoot into the ground. But the pressure never materialised.

Notts were playing with three men behind former Leeds targetman Enoch Showunmi. One of them, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, shanked an attempted chip and then Jack Grealish picked out Showunmi to fire well over.

Mark Fotheringham, one of their two holding midfielders, also drilled wide from 25 yards from the game's first corner.

Showunmi showed his defensive prowess to beat Rory McArdle to an inviting corner from Gary Jones. The City centre half did get his head on a free-kick from the skipper soon after but Bartosz Bialkowski saved comfortably.

City had not made the most of having the conditions in their favour, with Kyel Reid a particularly disappointing figure on the left flank.

And they paid the price after 32 minutes when Notts broke out to deadly effect.

Campbell-Ryce, a dangerous adversary in his Rotherham days, picked up possession just over the halfway line and made light of the heavy surface as he drove forward unchallenged.

Holding off Stephen Darby and then McArdle, Campbell-Ryce engineered enough space to squeeze a low shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Just like the Swindon game, they had allowed the scorer to run unchecked – and paid the price.

With the Magpies' tails up, City faced more trouble as Showunmi found room on the left wing. His low cross was bound for Callum McGregor at the far post but Bates slid across with a goal-saving interception.

Home morale was building against a City side looking devoid of attacking ideas. Darby pumped a decent cross into the mix as half-time approached but Manny Smith climbed highest to nod away and then Jones's follow-up was foiled.

Parkinson chose to stick instead of twist for the second half, expecting the same side to do themselves justice. At least the rain had stopped.

City were nearly level within five minutes. Meredith's cross was nodded down into the six-yard box by Thompson but Hanson was unable to wrap his foot round the close-range chance.

With the weather calming down, both sides took the opportunity to get the ball down more and Campbell-Ryce whipped an inviting ball across the face of the visiting goal.

McArdle glanced a header past the far post before Parkinson made the first change 11 minutes in. Predictably it was Oliver McBurnie coming on up front.

Thompson switched back to his usual wide position as Kennedy, who struggled in an alien role, made way.

Reid at least had upped his game and was scythed down by Campbell-Ryce as he burst into the box. The winger thought he was inside but referee Richard Clark didn't agree.

The foul was given right on the line and Jones's well-struck free-kick was fisted away by Bialkowski.

Mark Yeates took over from Thompson and the Irishman immediately fashioned a good chance on the edge of the box. At least his snap shot forced the Notts keeper into a proper save at the near post.

Reid was starting to enjoy himself against diminutive right back Mustupha Dumbuya and cut past him to unload a ferocious drive that brought an equally fine block from Bialkowski.

City were finally asking some serious questions of the bottom side. But they were indebted to a vital block from McArdle to deny Campbell-Ryce a second, smothering the winger's blast at goal after a slip by Darby.

Campbell-Ryce then left Darby on his backside with another menacing move into the box but dragged his effort off course.

With time running out, Lewis Clarkson was thrown on for his first taste of action. But before the former Scarborough striker had even touched the ball, the contest was done and dusted.

Again Notts County proved lethal on the break. With City pushing forward, the home side broke with superior numbers.

Campbell-Ryce was once more at the thick of it but the finish across McLaughlin and into the far corner came from McGregor.

And the pain was not over for City. As the board went up for five added minutes, Notts rumbled forward and Showunmi squeezed the ball into the path of Grealish for another convincing finish.

County's last two had been scored by loanees, Celtic's McGregor and Grealish from Aston Villa. No doubt, food for thought for Parkinson in the transfer window.


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When the dust settled - match report

We lost to the bottom club. End of.

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Well - is he or isn't he?

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Bradford City chairman Mark Lawn has told Sky Sports News Radio that strikerNahki Wells is attracting interest from a couple of Premier League clubs and they have received a fresh offer. There has been speculation linking Sunderland,Huddersfield Town, Leeds United andCeltic with a move. Find out more by listening to the interview.
https://soundcloud.com/skysportsradio/clubs-bid-for-nahki-wells
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Bradford City refuse first Wells offer
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10911090.Bradford_City_refuse_first_Wells_offer/

I don't want to play waiting game over Nahki Wells in transfer window
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10908244.I_don___t_want_to_play_waiting_game_over_Wells_in_transfer_window__says_Bradford_City_boss/



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