Game Summary:
From the cauldron of Middlesbrough on the Premiership's opening day to a low-key finale at Wycombe, it's been some journey for David Wetherall. Three divisions lower and nine years on, Adams Park could never hope to compare with the Riverside. But Wetherall's memories of his 330th appearance in claret and amber will be every bit as fond as his first.
The true professional that he is, the result of his last outing will irk. Particularly the two goals in the against column. But City's new first-team coach will never forget the rousing farewell he received from the fans.
A bit of City humour... http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
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Highlights (UK only) Virgin Media
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Match Stats
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Game Statistics
Wycobe / Wetheralls Last Game
11 Goal Attempts 9 7 On Target 7 11 Corners 3 5 Offside 2 8 Fouls 12 1 Yellow Cards 0 0 Red Cards 0 51 % 49
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BCFC Report (from the T&A )
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Wetherall given rousing send-off
By Simon Parker
From the cauldron of Middlesbrough on the Premiership's opening day to a low-key finale at Wycombe, it's been some journey for David Wetherall.
Three divisions lower and nine years on, Adams Park could never hope to compare with the Riverside. But Wetherall's memories of his 330th appearance in claret and amber will be every bit as fond as his first.
The true professional that he is, the result of his last outing will irk. Particularly the two goals in the against column.
But City's new first-team coach will never forget the rousing farewell he received from the fans.
A week after Valley Parade said its own goodbye, the 600-strong travelling army - including joint chairman Mark Lawn in his replica shirt - delivered their own special encore.
As the non-stop chorus boomed from behind the goal, Wetherall was clearly moved.
"It was fantastic from the moment I first came on the pitch," he admitted in an emotional voice. "The support I've had since being at the club has been magnificent.
"I'm extremely fortunate to have made my living up to now by playing football. When you can do that and experience what I have, the last couple of weeks is really special.
"I don't think supporters sometimes realise the effect they have on people and what their backing does. It has made a massive difference to me and I really do appreciate it."
Wetherall's career change starts on Tuesday when he sits down with Stuart McCall as his freshly-appointed first-team coach.
The fact he has already been supplied with a company mobile suggests a busier summer break than he would have enjoyed previously with the "old job".
"A lot of thoughts went through my head when the final whistle went. The chief one was thinking that once I got off the pitch that was it - the last bit of the last game.
"That's when it finally hits you. But times change and you can't keep doing the same things forever."
Having made his mark as City's best centre half in recent times, Wetherall played out his final moments at centre forward!
McCall added to the sense of occasion in the last ten minutes by replacing Luke Medley with defender Simon Ainge to allow his skipper to maraud up top.
We all hoped for that dream scenario; one cross; one header; one emotional equaliser. Sadly it didn't happen, although Wetherall was not too far away from getting something on Paul Heckingbottom's centre right at the death.
As referee Nigel Miller called time, Wetherall was smothered in a hug by opposing centre half Leon Johnson. The respect was clear as the tribute chorus rang down from behind the goal.
McCall said: "It would have been nice if the big man had got on the end of something. But it's such a mark of the man that in his last season he has played every second of every game.
"I've told the rest of the lads that if they achieve even a quarter of what Wethers has done then they will have a good career. He's been a terrific servant, both for us and Leeds, and a great ambassador for this club.
"As much as I'm disappointed that he won't be putting his boots on for us next season, I'm excited that we're getting another coach."
Wetherall may not have had a Paul Gascoigne to contain, as he did on his City debut, but there was a Spaniard called Torres. Midfielder Sergio Torres was among the Wycombe big-hitters recalled by Paul Lambert for their final dress rehearsal before Sunday's play-off with Stockport.
By contrast, City fielded a side of mix-and-match variety. Scott Phelan was given a rare start in the week that he had been bombed out - two others of the unlucky 13, Alex Rhodes and David Brown, were named on the bench.
It looked a mis-match on paper and Wycombe needed only five minutes to show why. Youngster Matt Phillips carved through the midfield before teeing up the much-travelled Delroy Facey to score via the foot of the far post.
The lead was doubled after 25 minutes.
City had just survived a scare as Scott Loach flapped at a Torres free-kick, David McCracken outjumping Barry Conlon to nod against the bar. The ball was scrambled behind for a corner but Wycombe were not finished.
Mike Williamson won the flick-on and Leon Knight, so often a thorn in City's side, reacted quickly from close range to hook home.
Things were looking bleak for the Bantams but not that you'd have known it from the private party going on behind Loach's goal. The away fans, quite a few in fancy dress, had created their own carnival atmosphere from well before kick-off and weren't going to let the small manner of a lop-sided scoreline to spoil the fun.
They sung and danced and tried regularly to get the rest of an apathetic crowd to join in the Mexican wave - even getting McCall to join in at one stage.
Maybe the Wycombe fans were keeping their powder dry for next week. Without the constant banter from the travelling army, you'd have been able to hear a pin drop.
Barry Conlon went off with a knock to give Brown his final chance and the little terrier made a quick impact when he chased a well-placed through ball from Ben Starosta.
Brown's speed got him to the ball a fraction before keeper Frank Fielding in the corner of the area and had his legs taken away.
The fans shouted for Wetherall to take it, which he laughed off with a shrug on the halfway line; instead it was young Luke Medley's chance to mark his full debut by confidently sending the keeper the wrong way.
That was it for the scoring, though City threatened to pull level in an improved second-half display.
Wycombe always looked capable of moving up a gear or two but there was nothing half-hearted about Fielding's magnificent save to deny Omar Daley. City also had a decent penalty shout ignored after Phelan was blatantly shoved over by Craig Woodman.
On another day it could have been a major point of grievance but City's thoughts, both on and off the field, were concentrated on one man.
The banner unfurled before the game carried the words "Wetherall legend". It is impossible to argue.
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Official match report
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Misc. Report(s)
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Yorkshire Post
Wycombe Wanderers 2 Bradford City 1 DAVID WETHERALL ended his 17-year professional career as a makeshift striker but his efforts were not enough to see Bradford City sign off with a victory. Central defender Wetherall, who goes into coaching at City in the summer, was pushed up front in the closing stages of his 330th appearance as Stuart McCall's side pressed strongly for an equaliser at Adams Park. Wycombe, however, held on to go into the play-offs by finishing seventh. They finished 16 points clear of Bradford, who ended the season in 10th after being undone by goals from players who have both had stints with derby-rivals Huddersfield Town. Huddersfield-born and former Bradford loan striker Delroy Facey struck in the sixth minute after Matt Phillips ran through midfield unchallenged to set up the chance. One-time Chelsea prospect and striker-partner Leon Knight made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute when a deflected header from David McCracken struck the bar and went for a corner from which Knight prodded home from Mike Williamson's knock-down. Goalkeeper Scott Loach made some fine saves as Wycombe threatened to add to their tally, although some of their finishing was poor. City took advantage and struck just before the break when substitute David Brown, on for the injured Barry Conlon, was brought down by goalkeeper Frank Fielding and the referee pointed to the spot. The 600-plus City fans shouted for Wetherall to be given the spot-kick but, instead, Luke Medley stepped up to his score on his full debut. Fielding pulled off a great save from Omar Daley after the break as City showed greater resolve and substitute goalkeeper Craig Woodman was tested by Alex Rhodes and full debutant Sean Taylforth. Woodman also appeared to shove Scott Phelan to the ground but referee Nigel Miller refused to award City a further penalty. Wycombe Wanderers: Fielding (Young 57), Johnson, Williamson, McCracken, Woodman, Phillips (Oakes 78), Holt, Doherty, Torres, Knight, Facey (McGleish 78). Unused substitutes: Martin, Sutton. Bradford City: Loach, Starosta, Wetherall, Bower, Heckingbottom, Daley (Rhodes 75), Phelan, Nix, Taylforth, Conlon (Brown 28), Medley (Ainge 84). Unused substitutes: O'Brien, Sharry. Referee: N Miller (Durham). City man of the match: David Wetherall.
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Conlon signs six-month deal Exclusive By Simon Parker
Barry Conlon has declared himself "as happy as Larry" to sign a new deal for City - for only six months. The big striker is confident he has made the right move, even though the contract runs out in January. Conlon, forced off early in the 2-1 defeat at Wycombe after a knock in the ribs, said: "There are other clubs in this league and the one above that I could have gone to but I'm delighted to be here. "That's the main thing at this stage of my career. I want success and I believe that can happen at this club. "This season's been frustrating for me but I'm as happy as Larry to stay because I think the next one will be good. "The six-month contract works in favour of both the club and me but I'm confident enough in myself and back my ability to take it on from there." Stuart McCall has earmarked another striker among his transfer targets for the summer, which will push Conlon down the pecking order. The Irishman, who netted seven times, has made as many substitute appearances as starts and accepts he will have a fight on his hands to play regularly. He added: "The gaffer will have his own ideas about who he wants to bring in and he spoke to me about strengthening the squad. "He's looking for another striker but I'm happy with that. I don't mind that whatsoever because I am up for the challenge. "Everybody says the same things at this time of the year about having a good season next time but I'd rather be here than at the clubs who just talk about it. I really believe we can be successful." After spending recent years as a football nomad around the lower divisions, Conlon insists he will benefit from not being involved in the traditional summer scramble for out-of-contract players. "This time last year I didn't have a clue what was happening. I was away on my summer holiday when I got the phone call from the gaffer to come here. "At least now I won't have to leave it until the last minute. I've got a head start on people, which is always a bonus, and I'll make sure I stay on top of things and come back fit for pre-season."
Let's talk, says free agent Brandon Exclusive By Simon Parker
Chris Brandon today opened the door for a possible switch to hometown club City. Brandon has been released by new Huddersfield boss Stan Ternent after four years at the Galpharm. And the Bradford-born midfielder indicated that he would welcome an approach from the Bantams. Brandon said: "I'm open to offers at the moment and I'd be happy to talk to Bradford if they are interested. "I've been left in limbo a little bit as Gerry Murphy wanted to keep me at Hudders-field but the new manager has come in and made his decision, even though he's never seen me play." The 32-year-old grew up a City fan and used to idolise Stuart McCall as a youngster. He still lives within ten minutes of Valley Parade and has made no secret that he would love to play for his boyhood club one day. But despite the pulling power of his Bradford roots, City still face plenty of competition for his signature. His wages at Huddersfield are also believed to be above what they would be prepared to offer. "My agent has been contacted by about a dozen clubs," he added, "so we'll just have to wait and see what happens." Brandon began his career at Park Avenue and did not turn pro until 23 when he joined Torquay. After moving to Chesterfield, Peter Jackson brought him back to West Yorkshire in July 2004 and he played 148 games for Huddersfield, scoring 14 goals. Brandon can play anywhere across the midfield and Murphy briefly played him up front when he took temporary charge after Andy Ritchie was sacked. But Brandon sat out the last three games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the derby win over Leeds. Having released 13 players last week, McCall is busy finalising his transfer targets and will be watching the play-off games closely. The City boss said: "There are a lot of play-offs in the next couple of weeks where players might be available. There are also players that have got year options on their contracts and the clubs will be deciding whether to take that up. "I could go out now and get five or six players but are they going to be better than we've got? We want to aim high and try to get the best possible. "The phone calls are flying about and it's nice to hear agents saying that a player might have x, y or z to go to but he'd really like to speak to you."
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