Friday, March 05, 2010
L2 v Aldershot (a) L0-1 March 2nd 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Aldershot: Henderson ,Herd ,Charles ,Winfield (Blackburn ,22 ) ,Straker (Spencer ,77 ) ,Harding ,Bozanic ,Donnelly ,Hudson (Jackson ,84 ) ,Sandell ,Hylton
Subs not used: Soares,Riza,Chalmers,Jaimez-Ruiz,
Bradford: Glennon ,Ramsden ,Clarke ,Luke O'Brien (Daley ,58 ) ,Threlfall ,Williams ,Flynn ,Bullock ,Evans (Grant ,73 ) ,McCammon (O'Neill ,58 ) ,Hanson
Subs not used Michael Boulding,Thorne,McLaughlan,Bateson,
Bookings: Clarke ,Daley ,Hanson (Bradford)
Attendance: 2311
Referee: P Crossley (Kent)
TEAM STATS
Aldershot Bradford
7(4) Shots (on Goal) 6(1)
5 Fouls 9
7 Corner Kicks 10
2 Offsides 1
48% Time of Poss. 52%
0 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
2 Saves 4
===========================
T&A
Another Tayl of woe at the Wreckreation Ground
6:50am Wednesday 3rd March 2010
By Simon Parker
Aldershot 1 City 0
City's mini-revival was Shot down in Hampshire last night to extend Peter Taylor's Recreation Ground jinx.
Taylor had been beaten here in the previous two seasons with Wycombe and Stevenage.
And he collected an unwanted hat-trick as his new club failed to build on their back-to-back wins.
Although City can play a lot better, they were still kicking themselves for missing several chances to get
something from the game.
Buoyed by the confidence of successive victories, Taylor had named an unchanged side for the first time, with
non-contract striker Gavin Grant added to the bench at a ground where he had scored on his last two non-league
visits with Taylor's Stevenage and Grays.
The game began in unremarkable fashion. Both sides forced a couple of corners in the opening ten minutes without
troubling either keeper.
Aldershot midfielder Ben Harding tried to emulate the long-range rockets from last season's fixture but sent the
ball towering over the bar.
But there was a flutter in City's defence after Gareth Evans fouled Andy Sandell near the touchline. Scott
Donnelly's free-kick beat its intended target and Matt Glennon before bouncing wide.
Aldershot then went route one, keeper Stephen Henderson launching a booming clearance towards Kirk Hudson. He held
off Luke O'Brien on the edge of the box and found Donnelly but Robbie Threlfall was across to snuff out the danger.
The home side were enjoying the bulk of the play but City kept numbers behind the ball. The flat atmosphere wasn't
helped by injury stoppages for Mark McCammon and then Shots defender Dave Winfield, who had to limp off.
With City looking to hit the big two up front, the lofty Winfield's absence played into their hands and James
Hanson won his first aerial tussle with substitute Chris Blackburn.
And Hanson had City's first chance from a Simon Ramsden corner, Henderson needing two grabs to hold his header
before Evans could pounce.
The match was turning into a corner-fest – with ten clocked up in just over half an hour – but it lacked any real
quality.
City weren't holding on to the ball well enough and Aldershot's main tactic seemed to focus on Henderson hoofing
the ball 70 yards at the earliest opportunity.
They strung a better move together as Hudson cut inside Threlfall but he slipped while shooting and Glennon had an
easy save.
Corners remained City's most likely route to an opening goal, with the frontmen proving a handful. Another good
delivery from Ramsden was met by a combination of Hanson and Steve Williams but McCammon was unable to direct his
shot on the turn from close range and the chance dribbled away.
Henderson, under pressure on the byline from O'Brien, put himself in trouble with a scuffed clearance that landed
at Flynn's feet. But Anthony Charles got in a crucial block to save his keeper's bacon.
Aldershot shouted in vain for a penalty as half-time approached. Danny Hylton appeared to be nudged over by Matt
Clarke as they chased another long ball but referee Phil Crossley was unimpressed.
In a dour opening half, City had kept it pretty tight against the third top home scorers in the division. Aldershot
had enjoyed the bulk of possession and played the better football yet City had looked the more likely to break the
deadlock.
McCammon appeared after the break with a bandage round his head following his early knock. It was reminiscent of
Graeme Lee at Aldershot last season.
Aldershot had a chance four minutes in but Harding skied it into the trees behind the open end of the ground. But
that lifted the home side and Hudson was almost played in from a slick passing exchange down the right flank.
City responded as Flynn picked out Evans in space to cross. His ball flew behind Hanson but bounced back to him off
Ben Herd's shin.
The goal opened up briefly but Blackburn slid in with a vital interception to smother the shot wide.
But the stalemate was ended after 54 minutes – and City paid the price for not clearing their lines.
The danger seemed to have passed when Ramsden headed a corner away but Donnelly, who had taken it, fired the ball
back in straight to Charles and the centre half had room to control and drive his fourth goal of the season past
Glennon.
Taylor reacted to the setback with a double change, bringing on Omar Daley and Steve O'Leary for O'Brien and
McCammon. Flynn was pushed further forward as City switched to 4-3-3.
The heat was starting to rise and Hanson was booked for going in late on the keeper.
It was not happening for City and Flynn headed over harmlessly. Then Daley set off on an angled charge into the
Aldershot box but his cross sailed behind.
The Jamaican got a stern warning for clattering Herd but there was no escaping a card when he did it again on the
other side two minutes later.
Aldershot had upped their game and a thunderbolt from Hylton was palmed up in the air by Glennon, who recovered in
time to deal with the rebound.
Grant came on for his debut with 17 minutes left as Clarke received City's third booking for clattering Hylton.
Aldershot should have sealed the points when Glennon parried Harding's header. The ball fell for newly-arrived
substitute Damian Spencer eight yards out but he thrashed wildly over.
City launched a late rally and subs O'Leary and Daley combined to tee up Threlfall but he screwed his shot across
goal.
And they were almost gifted an equaliser in stoppage time when Herd headed Daley's through ball past his own keeper
but the wrong side of the post.
Then O'Leary's volley fell conveniently for Lee Bullock, who crashed it over from ten yards. It was a big miss and
summed up City's frustrating evening.
===========================
T&A
Taylor dwells on positives after defeat
7:00am Wednesday 3rd March 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor believes City are heading the right way despite last night's setback at Aldershot.
The two-match winning run was ended with a 1-0 loss at the Recreation Ground. Defender Anthony Charles notched the
only goal before Lee Bullock missed a great chance to equalise deep into stoppage time.
But Taylor, who is looking for another loan addition ahead of Saturday's clash with Rotherham, saw more reasons for
optimism.
He said: "Of course it's disappointing after the last couple of results. You'd love to win every match and go on
fantastic runs but we have got to be realistic on that.
"There were still good things – and some poor ones as well – and overall I feel we are still getting slightly
better.
"We can improve in certain areas. Aldershot had a bit more patience on the ball and I felt we were looking for
longer passes and 'worldy' balls.
"That's probably down to confidence and the players that we've got here.
"We can play better but we still probably created as many chances as the opposition, if not more. We looked very
strong on set-pieces and our corners were good."
But Taylor was unhappy with the 54th-minute goal as City half-cleared a corner and then left centre half Charles
unmarked when the ball came back into the penalty area.
Striker Gavin Grant made his first appearance from the bench and produced a couple of lively runs.
Taylor added: "He's lively and decent, although he's not ready for a full game yet.
"Gavin got a bit of a whack on his ankle at the end but hopefully it's not too bad.
"Mark McCammon also had four stitches in his head but he'll be okay."
===========================
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=32366&newstype=i
Boss - Bradford Reaction
Shots boss Kevin Dillon spoke to The Shots Online following his side's 1-0 victory over Bradford City on Tuesday
evening saying: "It was a very good performance, the team were together from Danny [Hylton] up front who chased
everything, the midfield looked very competitive tonight and we had the width and Kirk [Hudson] caused a lot of
problems.
"We had the back four who were nice and solid and the keeper [Stephen Henderson] was terrific tonight and he got a
great reception at half-time and I'm pleased with the crowd tonight and the reaction we got.
"I thought he made a couple of good saves and he took one in his head for the team and one in his stomach and a
couple of others. His manager was here tonight and I'm sure he was pleased with his performance.
"At the end there we kept the ball down there [in the opposition's corner] for about three minutes and the idiot
that's got up [in the crowd] who started shouting at Donnelly; it's ridiculous; what does he want?
"There's two minutes to go, I'm screaming at Donnelly to keep it in the corner because we've won the game and
perhaps he shouldn't have reacted the way that he has done, but I might have done the same if I'd been in his
situation because he never stopped - he kept going on and on and on and you don't need people like that, it's not
necessary.
"I was telling the lads after the game, I sensed a different mentality on Saturday - even on Friday on the bus
going up to the game and then tonight I thought everybody was together again - the dressing room was solid, they
went out as a team and stuck together as a team and came in as a team and that was nice to see."
===========================
from wycombe web site:
OLIVER JOINS TAYLOR AT BRADFORD (1 month loan)
Posted on: Wed 03 Mar 2010
*Luke Oliver has today joined Peter Taylor's Bradford City on a
one-month loan deal.
*The move reunites the centre-back with the manager that brought him to
Adams Park in January 2009 on a free transfer from Blue Square Premier
side Stevenage Borough.
However, Oliver has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot since
Gary Waddock took charge in October and has moved to Valley Parade in
search of first team football.
The 26-year-old will remain with the League Two side until Saturday 3rd
April.
---
from Bucks free press
Wycombe WANDERERS defender Luke Oliver has joined Bradford City on loan
He rejoins Peter Taylor the manager who signed him for Wycombe.
The 6ft 7ins defender has lost his place in the Wanderers' back four
recently with new signings Alan Bennett and Adam Hinselwood being chosen
to partner Chris Westwood instead.
---
PETER TAYLOR HAS HIGH HOPES FOR NEW SIGNING OLIVER
7:00am Thursday 4th March 2010
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Luke Oliver is ready to make a big impression on City after becoming Peter
Taylor's fourth signing.
The Wycombe centre half, who today rejoined his old boss on a month's loan,
stands at a towering 6ft 7in.
He is very tall and very strong in the air. I brought him in at Wycombe last
season and he helped to clinch promotion
Like Gavin Grant, Oliver has played for Taylor at both Stevenage and
Wycombe. And the Bantams boss is confident he will provide a real presence
at the back.
Taylor said: "He is very tall and very strong in the air. I brought him in
at Wycombe last season and he played a few games for us, helping to clinch
promotion.
"He didn't start the first game this season but after that got in the team
quite early. But he's been left out for the last few weeks so it's a chance
for him to get back playing again.
"With Zesh (Rehman) having a calf injury at the moment, I wanted a little
bit of cover defensively. And I'm always out to push everyone I can and
hopefully Luke coming here will do that."
Oliver, 27, is in his second spell in league football. Having been released
by Wycombe in 2004, he played for Woking and Stevenage before Taylor took
him back to Adams Park last January as cover when skipper Mike Williamson
was sold to Watford.
He played eight games during the run-in, though only once from the start.
His main role was coming off the bench to close down a game if opponents
posed a danger in the air.
Oliver, who is out of contract in the summer, has been more involved this
term in League One with 21 starts for the struggling Chairboys. But he has
not featured in the last three games since a 1-1 draw with Brentford on
February 13 and played for Wycombe's reserves against Ipswich on Tuesday.
The Londoner will train with his new team-mates at Apperley Bridge this
morning and is set to go straight in against Rotherham on Saturday.
Oliver follows Grant, Mark McCammon and Robbie Threlfall as Taylor continues
to shake up the squad he inherited just over a fortnight ago.
===========================
NEILSON LOANED TO CAMBRIDGE UNITED
11:24am Thursday 4th March 2010
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City winger Scott Neilson has joined Cambridge United on a month's
loan.
The 22-year-old, signed in August from Cambridge City to replace Joe
Colbeck, has not featured in the last three games under Peter Taylor.
Cambridge United boss Martin Ling said: "He's been playing League Two
football this season and due to the change in manager has become available."
Neilson is likely to make his Conference debut at Barrow on Saturday.
===========================
Midfielder Adam Bolder joins the Bantams from League 1 side Millwall for an
initial one month period.
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1984562,00.html
===========================
Monday, March 01, 2010
L2 v Darlington (h) W1-0 Feb 28th 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
Next matches:
(A) Aldershot, Tuesday March 2, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM
(A) Rotherham, Saturday March 5, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM
(A) Port Vale, Tuesday March 9, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM.
===========================
Stats: Bradford C - Darlington
Possession: 48 - 52%
Shots on target: 4 - 5
Shots off target: 12 - 4
Fouls: 8 - 11
Corners: 4 - 7
Ref: Karl Evans (Greater Manchester).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Flynn (15 min), McCammon (40).
Darlington: Diop (29), Gray (42).
Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Matthew Clarke, 12.
Steve Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Lee Bullock, 4. Michael Flynn, 3.
Luke O'Brien (71), 9. Gareth Evans, 29. Mark McCammon (62), 17. James
Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 7. Omar Daley (71), 10. Peter Thorne, 14.
Michael Boulding (62), 16. Jonathan Bateson, 24. Louis Horne, 25. Steve
O'Leary.
Darlington: 23. Shane Redmond, 22. Simon Madden, 6. Ian Miller, 33. Richie
Byrne (47), 20. Stuart Giddings, 24. Nathan Mulligan (57), 11. Gary Dempsey,
28. Gareth Waite, 12. Josh Gray (83), 30. Mor Diop, 19. Tadgh Purcell.
SUBS: 13. Nick Liversedge (GK), 4. Alan White (47), 14. Gary Smith, 15.
Curtis Main (83), 16. Danny Groves, 27. John McReady, 29. Patrick Deane
(57).
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Hanson 26
Darlington (0) 0
Att: 11,532
By Simon Parker
Mark McCammon was oblivious to the significance of the achievement.
As far as he was concerned, the on-loan striker had just done his bit to help pocket three points against the worst team in the division.
McCammon knew nothing of how much a win at Valley Parade meant to City.
"I'm really surprised at that," admitted the Gillingham targetman when informed of the four-month home hoodoo. "I didn't realise they'd had a run like that.
"But maybe that's a good sign that I didn't know. From what I've seen, there's a good togetherness in the camp and everyone's a bit more confident now."
So maybe, as Peter Taylor has been stressing, winning at home isn't such a big deal. McCammon's ignorance to the statistics showed that City's awful run of form in front of their own fans was not a major motivational tool of the manager's in the build-up.
The feelgood factor engendered by the eye-catching victory at Rochdale had overcome any fears of struggling to put their own house in order again.
All right, there were some nervy moments when we all wanted to look away – the split-second when the ball bounced up against Matt Clarke's hand in the penalty area being one of them.
But referee Karl Evans, a stickler for fussiness with most other decisions, gave nothing. That luck which Stuart McCall had wished for with ever-increasing desperation was there for all to see – all, except, Mr Evans and his assistants.
City did enough to win – and collect their second double of the season – though nobody was hanging out the celebration bunting. But given the previous eight Valley Parade results, a win's a win however ordinary.
And Taylor's decision to field a large-and-large front pair by pitting McCammon alongside James Hanson looked a good one.
Most expected McCammon's arrival at Apperley Bridge the day before would give Hanson the breather he has been needing in recent weeks.
Instead the new guy, admittedly rusty after three months without a start, shared the load with City's top scorer, who looked a lot brighter for it. For once, not everything in the air had to go through Hanson.
One training session and an hour's game-play is hardly the basis of a long-standing relationship. But McCammon, who had also denied any knowledge of Rotherham's reported interest, can see positive early signs ahead of the rush of matches this month.
He said: "I wasn't aware of how good Hanson was in the air. He's very strong and can hold the ball up well.
"No defender will like to play against us with our physical presence and hopefully we'll work on getting a bit more understanding as the games go on."
Taylor had praised Hanson's refusal to let his head drop when things go wrong. In the last two games, the big man has fluffed superb scoring chances – but still bounced back to have an assist in Gareth Evans' cracking result-sealer at Spotland.
Again on Saturday, Hanson rode early adversity to display a mental toughness that is admirable for someone who has been in the professional game for less than a season.
McCammon had already gone close with two ricochets as City made a fast start.
Richie Byrne slipped over trying to deal with a cross which took the striker by surprise in front of goal. Then he almost managed to divert a ball inside the near post with his right knee.
As the visitors wobbled, Michael Flynn sent Hanson bursting clear after ten minutes. It was a three-on-three break and a goal was surely on the cards this time; instead his touch was far too heavy and Darlo frantically slammed the door back shut.
Others might have drifted out of play after such a setback but Hanson showed again that he is made of sterner stuff and set about creating and finishing the game's decisive moment.
It was his well-guided pass that released Evans on the right wing – and his head that met the perfect cross and bulleted it beyond Shane Redmond.
A well-executed goal – even more so considering the heavy state of the pitch, which gets boggier week on week.
City still tried to play the ball around, with Flynn and Lee Bullock the fulcrum in midfield and Evans clearly relishing the freedom of his new role out wide.
The goal was not the only decent cross he whipped in during a first half which should have seen City home and hosed. Left back Robbie Threlfall, too, repeated the quality of set-piece delivery from his Rochdale debut and Clarke should have buried his free-kick just before the break.
Instead the scoreline remained close enough to keep Darlington interested and their own belief grew as City dropped off.
Matt Glennon denied Josh Gray and needed a couple of grabs at Gary Dempsey's 25-yard volley, while the defence had to be on their guard to negotiate a couple of awkward crosses in the six-yard box.
On came Michael Boulding and Omar Daley as City finally wrestled back control. McCammon's hour of hard toil finished with a fat lip from a whack by centre half Alan White.
"He looked like he'd taken a right-hander from Sonny Liston," laughed Taylor afterwards, "but that's showing my age there!"
City could have extended their advantage. Evans was denied by a double block – the second an outstanding save from Redmond – and Boulding twice missed chances, including a gilt-edged one in stoppage time.
But that first home win since the clocks went back had been secured. Now to start moving forward again and making up for lost time.
===========================
Photos
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1979830,00.html
video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8542160.stm
===========================
McCammon will be on best behaviour at Aldershot
By Simon Parker »
Mark McCammon will have a point to prove at the Recreation Ground.
The big forward's last visit to Aldershot ended after just 13 minutes when he was sent off for Gillingham.
McCammon was shown a straight red for his challenge on keeper Nikki Bull and later lost an appeal against a three-match ban.
Play-off winners Gillingham and Peter Taylor's Wycombe were both beaten in Hampshire last season and Aldershot remain a tough nut to crack on their own patch.
Only Bury and Dagenham have won there this time, with the Daggers coming from two down to triumph a week ago.
Kevin Dillon's side recovered quickly though with an impressive win at Chesterfield at the weekend to remain three points off seventh spot.
Dillon said: "It is really tight in this division and I am still hoping to strengthen the squad between now and the end of the loan deadline.
"The players here are the reason why we are in the position we are in but it is about being realistic.
"We have half a chance of making the play-offs but I will say again that if we finish in the top ten then we have done well."
Dillon has recruited two new strikers – Omer Riza, who had been released by Shrewsbury, and former Cheltenham and Brentford targetman Damian Spencer. He has joined the Shots on loan from Kettering for the rest of the season.
With Marvin Morgan still struggling with a back strain, Dillon is likely to keep the same line-up that won at Saltergate.
===========================
Lucky for us, Taylor's arrival has worked wonders
7:00pm Monday 1st March 2010
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By Simon Parker »
Matt Glennon believes that fortune is finally smiling on City.
Successive wins have lifted spirits ahead of tomorrow night's tricky trip to Aldershot.
Glennon has acknowledged the impetus that Peter Taylor's arrival has given City - and the luck that is starting to go their way.
The keeper said: "I noticed that on Saturday when Clarkey (Matt Clarke) handled in the box.
"The first couple of weeks I came to the club, the referee would have spotted that and we'd have drawn a game that we should have won.
"It was like that with the penalty at Bury in my first game. The guy obviously bought it and the referee gave them the decision but against Darlington we got that break at last.
"Football is a fantastic game to be in when you're winning. It keeps a great feeling around the club.
"The fans sing more from the start and we enjoy the games more.
"It's a long way off to get to the play-offs – that would be a massive ask – but although we're not in the top half of the table, everyone feels so much better if you are winning."
Taylor prides his teams on being tough to break down. And Glennon, fresh from his second clean sheet in City colours, reckons they have tightened up.
He said: "In the last five games, apart from Accrington, we've not given too much away. I've had a lot of work to do but not with shot-stopping.
"We're keeping a good line and playing really well at the back.
"I've only played eight games now in a year so I'm still getting my feet back under the table but I'm feeling better with each week.
"Accrington was a very poor game but I thought we were fantastic at Rochdale. It's been a good week since and everyone's a lot more upbeat.
"I had a good feeling we would beat Darlington, though I thought it would have been 3-0 or 4-0. But I'll take the three points and a clean sheet any day."
Taylor's input has been limited because of the congested fixture schedule but Glennon, who played for him at Hull, has noticed a few tweaks.
"It's difficult for him to get too many of his ideas across when we are playing every Saturday and Tuesday because you can't get long training sessions in but he's starting to explain how he wants us to play and we're looking better for it.
"It's slightly different from the last manager and at the moment it's working. All systems are great when you're winning."
===========================
T&A Friday
By Simon Parker »
For Peter Taylor, there was always something missing at Wycombe.
He enjoyed the challenge and success of leading the Chairboys out of League Two last season.
If you want to go and play in front of 3,000 people, then you're not as ambitious as you should be
But that extra ingredient was lacking.
The impact off the field never changed.
In a ground that only holds 10,000, attendances hovered around half of that.
"We felt we improved the team but couldn't do that with the crowd," Taylor admitted. "Here it's very different."
Taylor will this afternoon get his first experience of the big-crowd scenario that was such a persuasive factor in
taking the City job for the rest of the season.
At his unveiling press conference, he waxed lyrical about the potential within. He talked about Wycombe's unbeaten
18-game start last year and wondered how a similar run with the Bantams would have the place packed to the rafters.
For all the impressive work put in at Rochdale on Tuesday, such a spectacular charge remains in the realms of
fantasy for now.
Taylor's immediate task is engineering ONE win in front of the home supporters.
Whipping boys Darlington would seem purpose-built for the task but then this is City at Valley Parade; nothing will
be taken for granted.
But Taylor has no time for talk of a fear factor from playing at home. He doesn't understand anyone whose game may
be inhibited by the grandiose surroundings.
"I want players to realise they are representing a very good club. If you get support like that, you are very
lucky.
"The team should look forward to it and be confident of playing in front of a crowd that size. That's the beauty of
Bradford City.
"If you want to go and play in front of 3,000 people, then you're not as ambitious as you should be."
The feelgood factor returned to the training ground after that unexpected success at Spotland.
There was more fun when the Sky cameras turned up at Apperley Bridge on Thursday to film the players taking the
"crossbar challenge" for next Saturday's edition of Soccer AM.
But there is a real bar to be cleared tomorrow.
Taylor expects to enjoy his first home win. Then he'll want to know what all the fuss was about.
===========================
Posted on: Fri 26 Feb 2010
Following their superb victory over table toppers Rochdale, the
Bantams have been awarded the F&C Investments Performance of the Week
Award.
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week
panel, comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson,
Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry, were in agreement that this
week's award should go to City following their excellent result
against high flying Rochdale in Coca-Cola League Two on Tuesday night.
City had travelled to Spotland as heavy underdogs, but returned back
to Valley Parade with a superb three points in the bag after a
brilliant performance.
Peter Taylor received a specially engraved crystal football in a
presentation on Friday, which will be screened on Sky Sports' Gillette
Soccer Saturday this Saturday (27 February).
The award is the Bantams first Performance of the Week Award this
season and it has come in only Taylor's second game in charge.
Following a bright start for Taylor's men, Matthew Clarke opened the
scoring for Bradford at Rochdale before Chris Dagnall leveled for the
home side on the stroke of half time.
City didn't let Dagnall's equaliser get the better of them though, as
Robbie Threlfall and Gareth Evans each scored stunning goals late on
to secure Bradford's shock win over the Coca-Cola League 2 leaders.
After the match, manager Peter Taylor was delighted with the
performance and result;
"I think the players put in a brilliant performance. They all worked
very hard for each other, chased lost causes and were together all
night.
"We were very bad on Saturday, but great tonight. If I'm honest after
Saturday I didn't think the players could perform like that but I'm
delighted they have done it and they deserve to be smiling again.
"We changed the shape for this game and I think it served the players
much better. They enjoyed playing in a more 4-4-2 better and I don't
think we'll change much for the weekend."
===========================
I nearly took my £1m out of City after yob fans attacked me
Bradford City's joint-chairman, Mark Lawn, today revealed he
considered pulling out of the club after his car was attacked by fans.
The aerial on his Bentley was snapped off and the side panels kicked
as he tried to leave the car park at Accrington where the team lost
last week.
Mr Lawn will ban the culprits from Valley Parade for life if he can
identify them.
But he admits the incident left him shaken – and seriously
questioning his involvement at the club.
Mr Lawn said: "The general abuse shocked me and I won't stand for
it. It's more than out of order. I talked to Julian (Rhodes) the
following day and said that I felt like taking the loan back. Then
Bradford City would be in administration – it's as simple as that.
"We have all these wonderful fans but there are always some who want
me out. But what would they do then?
"If I took my £1 million loan back, what do they think is going to
happen to the football club?
"Never mind my share investment capital, without that loan the club
would not exist."
Mr Lawn had arrived late at the Crown Ground because he was looking at
houses for new boss Peter Taylor. He was parked in a spot blocking
other cars and was therefore asked to leave five minutes early.
But as he moved off, he was targeted by a group of angry City
supporters.
He added: "One of them broke the aerial and another was kicking the
side of the car. Then one started smashing on the window and screaming
abuse at me.
"They were obviously frustrated and I will never stop any fan from
voicing their opinion. But do it in a sensible and adult manner.
"I'm a fan like them and I've two million more reasons to be
frustrated. But I don't go round kicking cars – what is the thought
process of these people?
"If the louts who did this don't come to me and explain their
actions then I will ban them from the club. And they will be banned
for life.
"I also intend to prosecute for criminal damage. I won't stand for
this sort of behaviour."
Mr Lawn, currently away for a few days, said he was quite happy to
meet disgruntled supporters at the club and discuss any issues they
have.
He said: "We have a procedure in place. If they write a letter to me
I will ask if they want to come in and talk personally.
"Then they will be given a copy of the report from that meeting and
what we have agreed to. I've had two fans who have done that recently.
"I'm not bothered if people don't like me. But I won't put up
with the thuggish behaviour I suffered last week.
"I've calmed down since but I'm still very angry. I won't take
abusing me, my family or my car. What are they hoping to achieve by
trying to drive me out?
"It took Julian two and a half years to coax me into the club and
I'm claret and amber when you cut me in half.
"If they think there's anybody else out there willing to put money
in, they've got a long wait."
===========================
===========================
Brandon? A saga in the making?
Quote "Has anyone else heard that Brandon's contract has been paid up and he has left the club?"
Reply from Mike harrison (City gent)
"This would not surprise me as the talk amongst the press box last Tuesday evening at Rochdale was that Lawn had
said to one of those present that he'll never play for City again.
I chatted again to Stuart (McCall) last Thursday about it and he told me about how it was Lawn who drew up
Brandon's contract whilst he was away on holiday and our joint chairman apparently scored a spectacular own goal by
all accounts. Perhaps if Brandon goes I might be free to divulge what Stuart told me, but whilst he is still at
City it wouldn't be right of me to do so. Stuart did say that he play him in his last few matches in order to try
and get another club to come in and take him on loan, but there were no takers.
I also heard from another source that Brandon was very down about his situation at City and was looking to get
away. So if the club has come to an agreement to pay up his contract early he's free to try and find another club
now rather than sit out the rest of the season in the reserves."
===========================
Friday, February 26, 2010
L2 v Rochdale (A) W3-1 Feb 23rd 2010 / Signings
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Football League Two - KO 19:45
Rochdale 1 (1) - 3(1) Bradford
Dagnall 45
Clarke 10
Threlfall 80
Evans 87
At Spotland on 23-02-2010
Rochdale: Fielding ,Thomas Kennedy ,Wiseman ,Stanton ,Dawson ,Taylor ,Jones ,Atkinson (Haworth ,69 ) ,O'Grady
,Dagnall ,Obadeyi (Higginbotham ,59)
Subs not used: Toner,Arthur,McArdle,Jason Kennedy,Flynn,
Bradford: Glennon ,Ramsden ,Clarke ,Luke O'Brien ,Threlfall (Rehman ,88 ) ,Williams ,Flynn ,Bullock ,O'Neill
(Michael Boulding ,75 ) ,Evans ,Hanson
Subs not used Thorne,Osborne,McLaughlan,Bateson,Neilson,
Bookings: Obadeyi ,Stanton (Rochdale) Bullock (Bradford)
Referee: C Sarginson ()
TEAM STATS
Rochdale Bradford
6(2) Shots (on Goal) 11(3)
6 Fouls 13
7 Corner Kicks 6
1 Offsides 2
51% Time of Poss. 49%
2 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
3 Saves 4
===========================
T&A
How's that for starters as Threlfall proves an instant hit
7:00am Wednesday 24th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Rochdale 1 City 3
City went from zeroes to heroes in the space of three days with a stunning success against the leaders last night.
Few would have given them a prayer at Spotland after the Accrington loss.
But Peter Taylor's brilliant Bantams turned the table on its head with a result that would have wrecked every
betting slip.
It was hard-earned, fully-deserved – and clinched with two of the best strikes you will see all season.
The first came from debutant Robbie Threlfall, who provided a belting free-kick.
What's that about Taylor and his League Two Midas touch?
The second was another rocket finish, this time from Gareth Evans, who made sure of the points with three minutes
left.
Liverpool youngster Threlfall, the first of an expected rush of loan signings, had come straight in at left back.
But Luke O'Brien maintained his ever-present record in an advanced left midfield role as City lined up 4-5-1, with
James Hanson the lone striker. Michael Flynn set up as the most attacking midfielder.
The snow was swirling at kick-off, though the pitch, which had passed an afternoon inspection, looked no worse than
the one at Valley Parade.
City's travelling support was not surprisingly a lot down on Saturday – and nowhere near the 3,000 that made the
trip last season.
The visitors were heavy underdogs given current form but they had the first shot on goal, with Evans testing Frank
Fielding on the skidding surface.
And after ten minutes they had the first goal. Threlfall's corner was nodded goalwards by Lee Bullock and
Fielding's parry fell for Matt Clarke to ram home from eight yards out.
It was the first goal City had scored in nearly five hours of football – and no more than their bright start
warranted.
The strong wind behind them was certainly helping and Rochdale were caught out again as O'Brien got beyond Hanson
in the box and appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty.
But City were nearly undone from the resulting corner. O'Leary's miscontrol near halfway was seized on by Chris
O'Grady to send Gary Jones clear but the Rochdale skipper, with Clarke in hot pursuit, failed to keep his shot
down.
Taylor was getting his point across on the sidelines, leaving players in no doubt when they were doing something
wrong. But he must have been pleased with the response from the weekend.
Clarke was in the thick of it and flicked wide from another decent Threlfall corner.
Bullock picked up his ninth yellow card for a trip on Temitope Obadeyi and Matt Glennon had to be alive to turn
over Tom Kennedy's free-kick.
City continued to look sharp going forward. Bullock picked out Flynn's angled run and Hanson stretched to divert
his pass only inches wide.
Evans needed treatment after a collision with Fielding but it was leaders Rochdale who needed a chance to catch
their breath. O'Grady skied an effort on the resumption before Flynn showed him how it should be done with a
rasping half-volley on the turn which the keeper appeared to fingertip over, even though a goalkick was given.
The City fans were enjoying it as their team got stuck in. It was chalk and cheese compared with the Accrington
debacle.
Rochdale's wingers had swapped sides but Obadeyi's first involvement on the left was a booking for catching Evans
in the head.
Dale were pushing more as half-time approached – and City's previous good work was undone right on the break.
Annoyingly, it was another poor goal to add to the collection.
O'Grady used his strength to roll Steve Williams, who tried to win the ball instead of holding him up.
O'Grady supplied strike partner Chris Dagnall, who took a shot in his stride which wriggled under Glennon's body at
the near post. It was a soft way to cancel out all their previous efforts.
A half that had shown plenty of promise ended on a real bum note for the Bantams, and left them facing the prospect
of a second-half onslaught playing into the elements.
Thankfully the snow had eased by the restart, which began with a new yellow ball.
It soon settled into a predictable session of attack against defence as Rochdale chased a second goal. City needed
to start keeping the ball better.
Flynn won an early corner but referee Chris Sarginson rightly ignored shouts for handball against Nathan Stanton.
Dale countered and the tricky Obadeyi, now back on the right, cut inside O'Brien but saw his shot charged down.
Hanson did well to stoop and knock back Threlfall's hopeful pass and Evans unleashed an early strike that flew
wide.
Evans then picked out Hanson bursting into the box and he tried to play in Flynn but got too much on the ball.
Rochdale made the first sub on the hour with Obadeyi surprisingly withdrawn, although it has been a regular tactic
in recent games.
City escaped four minutes later from a corner. Will Atkinson's flick was missed by Dagnall coming in at the far
post and O'Grady scooped the ball over.
Then Scott Wiseman used his pace to zip past O'Brien to set up Dagnall for a tap-in, which Glennon just managed to
smother.
Bullock had an isolated chance for City but the bulk of the game was being played in their half.
Glennon had to time his dive perfectly to snaffle possession away from the sliding Dagnall.
But then, like Saturday, Hanson missed a glorious chance to put the Bantams back in front.
The big striker initially did well to latch on to Simon Ramsden's long pass and hold off Craig Dawson. Suddenly he
was goal-side just outside the six-yard box with only Fielding to beat – and jabbed the ball wide.
Taylor sensed the game was there for the winning again and added Michael Boulding as an extra striker.
Threlfall suddenly cut through from nowhere, only to be taken down on the edge of the box by Stanton. Flynn
cheekily put the ball on the penalty spot but the foul was inside the D.
Threlfall took the free-kick – and bent a spectacular effort over the wall and in off the keeper and bar.
Technically it hit Fielding last but it would be incredibly harsh to deny the new boy a dream finish and his first
senior goal.
And City sealed it with three minutes left with an even better strike.
Hanson nodded O'Brien's angled cross into the path of Evans and from 20 yards he almost broke the net with a
screamer into the top corner.
One win doesn't change a season. But this was a night to savour.
===========================
Taylor hails 'brilliant' triumph at league leaders
7:20am Wednesday 24th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor watched City stun leaders Rochdale and purred: There were so many good things out there.
The Bantams notched their first win under the new boss – and only their second in 11 games – with a shock 3-1
victory at Spotland.
Stunning goals from debutant Robbie Threlfall and Gareth Evans topped off Matt Clarke's early opener to earn lavish
praise from Taylor.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted with them. They are really pleased with themselves, and quite rightly so.
"There were so many good things but most importantly they realised that they got the result through hard work and
togetherness."
City were full value for the win as they bounced back from the abject display at Accrington.
And they did not buckle after Rochdale equalised just before half-time.
Taylor added: "That would have knocked a few teams down but we got stronger.
"It's been a brilliant night and it was a different changing room afterwards.
"I'd told the boys that you've got to earn everything in football and they've done that."
Taylor still expects to have another couple more new faces in before the end of the week. But given last night's
rousing display, he is unlikely to make too many changes for the home game against Darlington on Saturday.
Evans admitted City had to buck their ideas up.
The striker said: "The way we played at Accrington wasn't good enough to say the least. There weren't any
performers on the park that really deserved to keep their shirt.
"But we've gone to the in-form side in the league and put in a fantastic team effort.
"There have been times when the opposition have scored and we've bowed down a bit but that didn't happen – maybe
that's testament to the new manager and the confidence he has instilled.
"We got everything we deserved. But now we want to build on it and start getting some more points on the board."
Midfielder Chris Brandon, who started at the weekend, was not even named in the squad.
Taylor said: "Robbie came in so I had to make one change. That was the change I decided to make."
===========================
Dales's comments
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rochdale/8534068.stm?
Quote "We've got excellent players. We just came up against a good side in Bradford, a resolute side who came with
a game plan to contain us."
===========================
Taylor: I want Jacobs to stay on
Peter Taylor sees Wayne Jacobs as his long-term No 2 at Valley Parade.
The new City boss is hoping to earn a deal at the club beyond the end
of the season.
He's a very good professional and a really honourable man and
hopefully he is as happy as I am with him
And if he does, Taylor will push for Jacobs to continue as his right-
hand man.
Jacobs is also out of contract in the summer and was facing an
uncertain future after Stuart McCall walked away a fortnight ago.
But Taylor has made it clear that he is very much part of his
management structure at City.
He said: "I'm definitely here for another 16 matches but hopefully
it can be a lot longer. And if it's down to me, Wayne Jacobs will be
here a lot longer.
"I know he was interested in the (manager's) job and quite rightly
so because he's been here a long time. As much as Wayne was
disappointed that he might have been overlooked on this occasion, he
has been absolutely first class with me.
"He's a very good professional and a really honourable man and
hopefully he is as happy as I am with him."
Junior Lewis, who has worked with Taylor at several clubs, will be
added to the coaching staff before the Darlington home game on
Saturday but Taylor stressed that Jacobs will always have a big say.
And he credited his assistant with the tactical ploy behind Tuesday's
stunning victory at leaders Rochdale.
Taylor said: "It was very important to me that Wayne stayed on and I
made that clear in my interview when we talked about the staff.
"He has been a great help with team selection. Before the Rochdale
game, he mentioned that he thought Michael Flynn could play in that
attacking position, which I wouldn't have known, and that was very
important to our performance."
Meanwhile, Taylor will ensure there is no slacking off in training as
City go from one extreme to the other by preparing to face rock-bottom
Darlo.
He said: "The players were determined on Monday and very determined
on Tuesday evening against the top team. Now we are playing the side
at the bottom but we've got to show the same desire."
===========================
Lincoln City fundraiser for Burns Unit
http://www.redimps.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10440~1975483,00.html?
===========================
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8537123.stm
Mark McCammon and Gavin Grant sign for Bradford City
Bradford City have made a dual signing by bringing in Gillingham striker Mark McCammon on a one-month loan, as well
as winger Gavin Grant.
Former Millwall and Wycombe man Grant, 25, who arrives on non-contract terms, played for new Bradford boss Peter
Taylor last season at Adams Park.
And much-travelled 31-year-old McCammon comes in search of first team football, having not started a game in 2010.
"Going out on loan will be good for him," said Gills boss Mark Stimson.
"He needs games and, if he comes back fit in four weeks, that would be great.
"We want him sharp and scoring goals," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent. "Then he could come back because we might need
someone like him.
"Last season he stepped in and put in a good shift. At the moment he's frustrated, like all the other boys who are
not playing.
"He didn't want to drop down to League Two, but it might get his career back on track."
McCammon started his career at Cambridge and has also played for Charlton Athletic, Swindon Town, Brentford,
Millwall, Brighton, Bristol City and Doncaster Rovers.
He had also been a target for Bradford's League Two Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United.
But Millers boss Ronnie Moore told BBC Radio Sheffield: "Everything seemed fine, then we had a call late on from
the agent saying he'd had a change of mind and he's going to Bradford. It's disappointing for us.
"Is it the ground? Is there some other reason why he's not come? It disappoints you because I know they get 11,000
or whatever it is they've got in season ticket holders there. Maybe he's gone for that reason."
---
He is also the player who was threatened with a knife by ex-City loanee
Moses Ashikodi:-
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article1014967.ece
===========================
City sign Grant
The Bantams have secured their second new player of the day with the
capture of Gavin Grant.
Following the earlier signing of Mark McCammon, Peter Taylor has made
Grant the third new face to arrive at the Coral Windows Stadium since
his appoint as manager just over a week ago.
Grant has joined the football club on a non-contract basis until
further notice as he looks to work his way back into football.
A non-contract deal basically means Grant will not receive a salary
for his time with the Bantams.
He will now go straight into contention for Saturday's match with
Darlington.
Both Grant and McCammon were joined at the club by Junior Lewis as the
first team coach started his first official day at Valley Parade.
He has been out of the game since leaving Wycombe Wanderers in March
2009 due to personal reasons.
The powerful and athletic winger, who can also feature as a striker,
is renowned for his lighting pace and tricky wing play.
The London born attacker started his career with local non-league
outfit Tooting & Mitcham, scoring 10 goals in 16 matches.
Such form earned him a jump up to league football with Gillingham.
After spending a season at Priestfield, Grant moved to Londerers
Millwall on a free transfer in 2006.
During his time at the New Den, the 26 year old featured in loans
spells at Gray Athletic and Stevenage Borough, where he first played
under Peter Taylor.
Taylor was reunited with Grant at Wycombe Wanderers when the paceman
signed at two year deal at Adams Park in 2008.
Grant will wear squad number 31 during his time at Valley Parade
----
Some interesting links about the new boy:-
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article61072.ece
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/4778266.Former_Wanderers_player_on_trial_for_murder/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Grant_%28footballer%29
----
> Both Grant and McCammon were joined at the club by Junior Lewis as the
>first team coach started his first official day at Valley Parade.
Someone told me Lewis is married to Taylor's daughter!
===========================
Taylor's first programme notes in City hotseat
Posted on: Fri 26 Feb 2010
*On the eve of his first home match in charge of the Bantams, Peter
Taylor's programme notes against Darlington are now available to view.*
"As soon as I found out there was a chance that Bradford were
interested in me, I was certainly interested in Bradford.
I was really enthusiastic to come here because of the potential of the
club.
There's no doubt it should be doing better than it is but you only have
to look at the size of the crowds it can attract. With a football club,
if you can do well and fill the stadium then you know it's a good club.
Following Stuart McCall is certainly not an easy thing to do. He is
quite rightly a legend at this club and a very respected figure.
But I couldn't wait to get up here and start work.
I love the enthusiasm of the fans but I would also like them to be a
bit patient as well. I know they are frustrated because this is a big
club that shouldn't be in the position we are in.
But if we can show a little bit of patience I think long term that will
help the players.
I've had two games to report since taking over and they couldn't have
been more different.
The first one at Accrington was a very poor performance, though I
wouldn't say it was down to lack of effort. More a lack of confidence maybe.
People get frustrated and it's the easiest thing to say the lads didn't
try. But that's wasn't the case - they want to do well and it just
didn't happen.
It was a poor performance that we were glad to get out the way.
Then incredibly we go to play the best team in the division and turn in
a terrific display.
There's no doubt in my mind that Rochdale will go up this season but I
thought we were magnificent. We showed great belief, togetherness and
desire and I couldn't have asked for any more.
I am still looking for new players and I will probably have brought in
a couple of new faces by this afternoon. But those players here now will
also be given every opportunity to impress me and show that they want to
be part of it as well.
The players were determined in training on Monday and very determined
on Tuesday evening against the top team.
Now we are playing the bottom team and we must show exactly the same
levels of determination and everything. You have to work for everything
in this game.
I must say I've been very pleased with the support I have had from
Wayne Jacobs.
When I asked about the staff during my interview, I can honestly say
that I wanted Wayne to stay as my assistant.
I know he was interested in the job and quite rightly so because he has
been here for a long time. As much as Wayne was disappointed that he
might have been overlooked on this occasion, it was very important to me
that he remained here.
He has been natural and absolutely first class with me and a great help
with team selection. Wayne mentioned to me before Rochdale that he
thought Michael Flynn could play in that attacking position which I
wouldn't have known. That type of thing is a big help.
Wayne is a very good professional and a really honourable man and I
hope he is as happy as I am working with him.
Junior Lewis, someone who I have worked with before, will be coming in
as a coach but Wayne is my assistant.
At the moment I'm here definitely for 16 matches but hopefully it will
be a lot longer. If that is the case, I would hope that Wayne Jacobs
will also be here a lot longer".
Enjoy the game
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Monday, February 22, 2010
L2 v Accrington (A) L0-2 Feb 20th 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
Next matches:
(A) Rochdale, Tuesday February 23, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM. (preview below)
(H) Darlington, Saturday February 27, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Accrington (0) 2 Miles 54, 86
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 3,396
Stats: Accrington - Bradford C
Possession: 54 - 46%
Shots on target: 6 - 1
Shots off target: 3 - 7
Fouls: 12 - 11
Corners: 2 - 1
Ref: Trevor Kettle (Rutland).
Yellow cards:
Accrington: Ryan (63 min.)
Bradford C: None
Accrington: 25. Ian Dunbavin, 26. Tom Lees, 5. Darran Kempson, 12. Phil
Edwards, 15. Dean Winnard, 6. Andrew Procter, 8. Luke Joyce, 11. Robert
Grant, 14. James Ryan, 19. Michael Symes, 7. John Miles.
SUBS: 1. Dean Bouzanis (GK), 9. Billy Kee, 16. Chris Turner, 17. Sean
McConville, 20. Peter Murphy, 24. Gary King, 31. Jonathan Flynn.
Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 2. Simon Ramsden, 3. Luke O'Brien, 5. Zesh
Rehman (83), 6. Matthew Clarke, 8. Lee Bullock, 4. Michael Flynn, 11. Chris
Brandon (60), 26. Scott Neilson (69), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 10. Peter Thorne (83), 12. Steve Williams,
14. Michael Boulding (60), 16. Jonathan Bateson, 20. Leon Osborne (69), 25.
Steve O'Leary.
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Accrington (0) 2 Miles 54, 86
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 3,396
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor suffered a losing start this afternoon as City went down to
play-off chasers Accrington.
A travelling army of nearly 2,000 away fans packed into the tiny Crown
Ground hoping to see a new start under the new boss.
Instead, they saw a poor performance on a poor pitch - and could have no
complaints that Stanley took the points.
The first half had been a tedious repeat of Grimsby. Chris Brandon, recalled
to the starting line-up, had two efforts off target and Bobby Grant volleyed
wide for Accrington but there was little quality on show on a tricky pitch.
City had a glorious chance to break the deadlock straight after the
re-start. Simon Ramsden's free-kick fell to James Hanson four yards out but
somehow he put the ball over.
It was a big miss and City paid the price after 54 minutes. The assistant
referee's flag stayed down for once, allowing Accrington winger John Miles
to run through and beat Matt Glennon.
Miles almost had a second when Ramsden tripped on the ball but Glennon beat
out his shot.
Substitute Michael Boulding volleyed over and Matt Clarke couldn't direct
his header when City finally won their first corner after 73 minutes.
And Miles made sure of the home points with three minutes left, finishing
Michael Symes' low cross from a tight angle.
Taylor knows he has got his hands full.
===========================
Taylor to act after admitting: We need new blood
Peter Taylor will have a new coach and possibly a new player on board
for tomorrow's daunting trip to leaders Rochdale.
The City boss is ready to start putting plans in place after
witnessing the dispiriting defeat at Accrington.
I have been around a little bit so I've got some players in mind.
Looking at us, we do need some
He is looking at two loan signings this week and could have one signed
up in time for an immediate debut at Spotland.
Taylor said: "I have been around a little bit so I've got some
players in mind. Look-ing at us, we do need some.
"We might have a chance of one of them before the next game.
"I really wanted to have a look first of all because it was the first
time I've seen some of the players in action."
Junior Lewis, Taylor's former No 2 at Wycombe, is expected to be at
Apperley Bridge today after joining the coaching staff. It is the
seventh time they will have worked together.
Taylor added: "Junior's been out of work since so he will come up
until the end of the season as well. He's just here as a coach and
Wayne (Jacobs) will still be my assistant.
"He'll be fine. I know he can help explain to Wayne the type of
things I look for."
City slipped another place to 18th after being sunk by two second-half
John Miles goals at the Crown Ground in front of nearly 2,000 away fans.
Taylor was bitterly disappointed by the flat display.
"We started with a good tempo but didn't show enough quality," he
said. "The pitch was awkward but there were certain times where we
should have looked to play the ball and didn't take that advantage.
"We've probably dropped our standard too many match days and this
was one of them.
"If that happens too many times, you lose confidence. It's going to
be a difficult time for the boys but they've just got to grind out
some results.
"They need to keep working hard and try to lead by example.
"I thought (Michael) Flynn and (Lee) Bullock were very good and
pushed on like good leaders. But we needed a few more of them."
===========================
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 02,00.html
Skysports.com understands Bradford City have snapped up Liverpool full-
back Robbie Threlfall on an initial month-long loan.
Threlfall has been in fine form for Liverpool's reserve side this
season and has now secured the chance to build up his first-team
experience at Bradford.
The 21-year-old had a stint at Northampton Town at the start of the
campaign and will now sample League Two football for the second time
this season.
New Bantams boss Peter Taylor confirmed he has been looking to bring
in loan signings after taking charge at Valley Parade last week.
===========================
Bradford City boss pays tribute to Accrington Stanley
11:32am Monday 22nd February 2010
By Matt Donlan
FORMER top boss Peter Taylor says that John Coleman doesn't get anywhere near enough credit for the job he has done at Accrington Stanley.
Coleman came out on top in his battle with former England caretaker manager Taylor as Stanley strolled past Bradford City 2-0 in a poor game at the Crown Ground.
It was Taylor's first game in charge of the fallen West Yorkshire giants and, while he was fulsome in his praise of Coleman and Stanley, he was not exactly over impressed with his new charges.
The Bantams who were totally out-muscled and outclassed by the Reds, who got their promotion push back on track after a shaky start to February.
"I am fairly sure Accrington will say both goals were well worked but both goals were bad ones to give away and were stoppable," said Taylor.
"But this is a hard place to play and Accrington are a very good team, make no mistake about that.
"John Coleman has them well organised and they do not get the credit they deserve."
===========================
===========================
Rochdale v Bradford
Published: Monday, 22 February 2010, 3:59PM
No worries for Dale
Rochdale manager Keith Hill has no fresh concerns ahead of the League Two leaders` home clash with Bradford.
Dale host the Bantams aiming to record their third successive win at Spotland following victories against Crewe and Dagenham.
Saturday`s win against the Daggers saw defender Nathan Stanton shake off a thigh injury to be passed fit and play the full 90 minutes.
He looks certain to retain his starting berth alongside Craig Dawson at the heart of the defence.
And Hill has no other worries as his men bid to move a step closer towards securing the club`s first promotion since 1969.
The Spotland boss said: "We don't fear the word promotion because we've accepted the challenge of being in top spot. We've just decided to embrace it."
New Bradford boss Peter Taylor could hand a debut to Robbie Threlfall.
The full-back has joined on an initial month-long loan deal from Liverpool and will go straight into the squad at Spotland as Taylor looks for victory in his second game in charge of the Bantams.
Taylor could opt to shuffle his pack after Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Accrington but he will definitely be without the services of Omar Daley and James O'Brien.
Daley is still a few weeks away from a return from a hamstring problem, while O'Brien continues his recovery from a nose operation.
The struggling Bantams will be looking to overturn a poor run of form that has seen them win just one of their seven league games since the turn of the year.
===========================
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Taylor gets Bantams job
Official confirmation
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1968122,00.html
===========================
Daily Mail
http://tr.im/OwbK
Former England boss Peter Taylor named new boss of League Two Bradford City
Peter Taylor has been named as the new Bradford City manager after agreeing a three month contract at the League
Two club.
The former England, Leicester City and Hull City boss has signed a deal until the end of the season with a view to
making the move long term in the summer.
Taylor, 57, has been out of work since being sacked by Wycombe Wanderers in October following their poor start to
the season.
But the Bantams have broken the bank to offer him a return to management in the wake of Stuart McCall's decision to
stand down last week.
Taylor has beaten competition from Peter Jackson, Iain Dowie, Steve Cotterill and former favourite Dean Windass to
land the job as McCall's replacement.
===========================
T&A
http://tr.im/OwcE
Taylor gets Bantams job
6:22pm Tuesday 16th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor has been offered the City job.
The 57-year-old former England under-21 boss is expected to take up the post in the morning and will be in charge
for the rest of the season. It is understood he pipped Martin Allen for the chance to succeed Stuart McCall.
Full story in tomorrow's T&A
===========================
Taylor on grass roots footy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efAD3l80z44&feature=channel
===========================
Taylors management stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1572
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Bradford-City39s-potential-excites-Peter.6078036.jp
By Richard Sutcliffe
EXCLUSIVE
PETER TAYLOR last night insisted Bradford City boast the same
potential as his former club Hull City.
The 57-year-old will today sign a short-term contract to remain at
Valley Parade until the end of the season.
However, Taylor, who led Hull to back-to-back promotions from the
basement division and laid the foundations for their tilt at the
Premier League, is already targeting an extended stay at Valley Parade.
Speaking exclusively to the Yorkshire Post after arriving in the
county late last night, the former England Under-21 manager said:
"This is a club with a lot of potential and that is a big attraction
for me.
"I remember what happened at Hull when I went in there (in 2002) with
the club sitting 18th in the bottom division.
"We went on to enjoy a lot of success and I see similar potential here
at Bradford. Certainly, if we can go on a run then there is a
potential of putting bums on seats.
"I still believe we can do something this year. But if that does not
prove to be the case, then definitely next year.
"The potential here is huge and I want to tap into that. It is why I
am looking well beyond this season.
"I agreed with the two chairmen at my interview that an appointment
until the end of the season made sense.
"But I am hoping that both chairmen and myself will be looking much
longer term than that."
City have endured another hugely frustrating season and sit 16th in
the League Two table, well adrift of the play-off places.
Despite that, Taylor is adamant there is still plenty to play for in
the final 17 games – starting at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
He added: "People might think there is not a lot left to play for
season but that is why I think the play-offs are a brilliant idea.
"They gives teams a chance, even when by rights their season should be
dead and buried.
"I am certainly not coming here thinking we cannot go on a run where
we win three or four games.
"Football can be strange like that. Unfortunately, the team have not
been performing but sometimes a change can make all the difference."
Bradford spent four days either side of the weekend interviewing the
12 prospective candidates bidding to be Stuart McCall's successor.
Former City striker Dean Windass and caretaker manager Wayne Jacobs
were the final two to be grilled yesterday before the board whittled
the dozen names down to a final shortlist of three.
After a short discussion between Rhodes and Lawn, the decision was
taken during the afternoon to hand Taylor the reins at Valley Parade.
He is understood to have impressed the board at interview last Friday
afternoon. Taylor then went to the trouble of making a follow-up
telephone call on his return journey to Essex to suggest two players
who could be brought in to improve City's mis-firing team.
On the appointment until the end of the season when the board will sit
down and decide on a permanent successor to McCall, joint chairman
Lawn said: "We have basically gone for a proven track record as Peter
has done it twice in this division with Wycombe and Hull.
"He will come in until May and that gives both Peter and ourselves a
chance to look at each other.
"Peter wants to be here next season and we want him to be successful
so it suits all parties.
"The standard of application was really high and the vast majority
were very professional in their presentations. It was a strong field
that Peter headed."
Taylor beat off fierce competition from Peter Jackson, Russell Slade,
Martin Allen, Jim Magilton and Steve Cotterill.
The deal means Bradford have secured a manager with a pedigree of
getting clubs promoted from the basement division.
Taylor, a former England international who played four times under Don
Revie in 1976 despite playing for Third Division Crystal Palace at the
time, led Hull up in 2004 and repeated the trick with Wycombe last term.
His CV also boasts a trio of promotion successes from the third tier -
Gillingham in 2000 via the play-offs, Brighton as champions in 2002
and Hull three years later.
richard.sutcliffe@ypn.co.uk
===========================
T&A
http://tr.im/OBoH
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1968122,00.html
===========================
Daily Mail
http://tr.im/OwbK
Former England boss Peter Taylor named new boss of League Two Bradford City
Peter Taylor has been named as the new Bradford City manager after agreeing a three month contract at the League
Two club.
The former England, Leicester City and Hull City boss has signed a deal until the end of the season with a view to
making the move long term in the summer.
Taylor, 57, has been out of work since being sacked by Wycombe Wanderers in October following their poor start to
the season.
But the Bantams have broken the bank to offer him a return to management in the wake of Stuart McCall's decision to
stand down last week.
Taylor has beaten competition from Peter Jackson, Iain Dowie, Steve Cotterill and former favourite Dean Windass to
land the job as McCall's replacement.
===========================
T&A
http://tr.im/OwcE
Taylor gets Bantams job
6:22pm Tuesday 16th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor has been offered the City job.
The 57-year-old former England under-21 boss is expected to take up the post in the morning and will be in charge
for the rest of the season. It is understood he pipped Martin Allen for the chance to succeed Stuart McCall.
Full story in tomorrow's T&A
===========================
Taylor on grass roots footy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efAD3l80z44&feature=channel
===========================
Taylors management stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1572
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/Bradford-City39s-potential-excites-Peter.6078036.jp
By Richard Sutcliffe
EXCLUSIVE
PETER TAYLOR last night insisted Bradford City boast the same
potential as his former club Hull City.
The 57-year-old will today sign a short-term contract to remain at
Valley Parade until the end of the season.
However, Taylor, who led Hull to back-to-back promotions from the
basement division and laid the foundations for their tilt at the
Premier League, is already targeting an extended stay at Valley Parade.
Speaking exclusively to the Yorkshire Post after arriving in the
county late last night, the former England Under-21 manager said:
"This is a club with a lot of potential and that is a big attraction
for me.
"I remember what happened at Hull when I went in there (in 2002) with
the club sitting 18th in the bottom division.
"We went on to enjoy a lot of success and I see similar potential here
at Bradford. Certainly, if we can go on a run then there is a
potential of putting bums on seats.
"I still believe we can do something this year. But if that does not
prove to be the case, then definitely next year.
"The potential here is huge and I want to tap into that. It is why I
am looking well beyond this season.
"I agreed with the two chairmen at my interview that an appointment
until the end of the season made sense.
"But I am hoping that both chairmen and myself will be looking much
longer term than that."
City have endured another hugely frustrating season and sit 16th in
the League Two table, well adrift of the play-off places.
Despite that, Taylor is adamant there is still plenty to play for in
the final 17 games – starting at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
He added: "People might think there is not a lot left to play for
season but that is why I think the play-offs are a brilliant idea.
"They gives teams a chance, even when by rights their season should be
dead and buried.
"I am certainly not coming here thinking we cannot go on a run where
we win three or four games.
"Football can be strange like that. Unfortunately, the team have not
been performing but sometimes a change can make all the difference."
Bradford spent four days either side of the weekend interviewing the
12 prospective candidates bidding to be Stuart McCall's successor.
Former City striker Dean Windass and caretaker manager Wayne Jacobs
were the final two to be grilled yesterday before the board whittled
the dozen names down to a final shortlist of three.
After a short discussion between Rhodes and Lawn, the decision was
taken during the afternoon to hand Taylor the reins at Valley Parade.
He is understood to have impressed the board at interview last Friday
afternoon. Taylor then went to the trouble of making a follow-up
telephone call on his return journey to Essex to suggest two players
who could be brought in to improve City's mis-firing team.
On the appointment until the end of the season when the board will sit
down and decide on a permanent successor to McCall, joint chairman
Lawn said: "We have basically gone for a proven track record as Peter
has done it twice in this division with Wycombe and Hull.
"He will come in until May and that gives both Peter and ourselves a
chance to look at each other.
"Peter wants to be here next season and we want him to be successful
so it suits all parties.
"The standard of application was really high and the vast majority
were very professional in their presentations. It was a strong field
that Peter headed."
Taylor beat off fierce competition from Peter Jackson, Russell Slade,
Martin Allen, Jim Magilton and Steve Cotterill.
The deal means Bradford have secured a manager with a pedigree of
getting clubs promoted from the basement division.
Taylor, a former England international who played four times under Don
Revie in 1976 despite playing for Third Division Crystal Palace at the
time, led Hull up in 2004 and repeated the trick with Wycombe last term.
His CV also boasts a trio of promotion successes from the third tier -
Gillingham in 2000 via the play-offs, Brighton as champions in 2002
and Hull three years later.
richard.sutcliffe@ypn.co.uk
===========================
T&A
http://tr.im/OBoH
Taylor's track record sways City board
7:00am Wednesday 17th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor today began work as City's new boss for the next 18 games.
The former England under-21 coach this morning signed a short-term deal until the end of May, with a view to extending it if results go well.
But it also allows City to keep their options open in the summer – with reported interest from a couple of managers currently at other clubs.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "Peter is a very professional man and we've gone for him because of his track record.
"The three-month spell gives us the chance to look at each other so it's good for both parties.
"If Peter proves himself, I'm sure we will be talking about a longer-term contract. But it does mean we can look at others.
"We have been approached by other people who are still under contract and asked if we wanted to talk to them.
"Obviously Bradford City do our business properly so we won't be doing that until the summer.
"We had asked their clubs for permission which was refused. But if they want to come and speak to us in the summer, when they are out of contract, the opportunity is there.
"But myself and Julian (Rhodes) are very excited about Peter Taylor joining us. His calibre is there for all to see and he cannot wait to get stuck into it."
While Stuart McC-all arrived as a hot-seat rookie, 57-year-old Taylor brings with him a wealth of experience.
City will be the eighth league club on his managerial CV, which spans almost a quarter of a century since his first job at Dartford in the Southern League.
He can also boast five promotions – a total for the English game that can only be topped by Dave Bassett.
Taylor, who has managed in all four divisions, also had two very successful spells in charge of England under-21s. He even had one game in charge of the senior side on a caretaker basis, giving David Beckham his captaincy debut against Italy in 2000.
But he is best known in Yorkshire for winning back-to-back promotions with Hull, kick-starting their unlikely charge from the basement division to the Premier League. He also took Wycombe up from League Two a year ago.
Lawn and Rhodes had whittled down the shortlist to two yesterday afternoon after the final round of interviews with Dean Windass and Wayne Jacobs. Martin Allen is understood to be the other candidate who ran Taylor close.
Taylor, sacked by Wycombe in October, faces a tough start with successive away games against Accrington on Saturday and then leaders Rochdale.
He had been repeatedly linked with Notts County. And last week his name was even in the hat for the vacant national job in Nigeria alongside Guus Hiddink.
But the challenge of lifting City from the doldrums – and the parallels with Hull – excites him and he was due to get straight down to business.
Wednesday is usually a day off for the City players. But they came in today to meet the new manager, who was then taking them for training at Apperley Bridge.
There is no immediate talk of Taylor bringing in his own backroom staff. He has asked Jacobs to stay on and assist him.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Post McCall
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
McCall's reign is over
5:54pm Saturday 6th February 2010
By Simon Parker »
Stuart McCall's 133-game reign as City boss is over.
McCall will officially step down on Monday when he meets joint-chairman Julian Rhodes.
But the Bantams legend has made it clear that his mind is made up.
Speaking after today's 1-0 home loss to Bury, McCall said: "It's time for somebody else to come in and take up the
reins and hopefully do well.
"I've been very fortunate as a player to have had two great spells here. I've been very fortunate to have the
career I've had.
"I've been honoured to be here and the support I've had from everyone has been fantastic.
"Today would have been a defining line in the season for me. If we had beaten Bury, the dream of making seventh
place would have been on.
"The form has been okay, the results haven't been good enough. It's just not meant to be.
"It's really hard because I came with hopes and aspirations of fulfilling a lot of people's dreams."
===========
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Bury (0) 1 Morrell 52
Att: 11,965
PROBABLE FAREWELL GESTURE FROM McCALL
Stuart McCall's reign as City boss was in doubt after another home defeat
this afternoon.
McCall deliberately went to every stand at the final whistle to applaud the
supporters. It looked very much a gesture of farewell.
Andy Morrell's 52nd-minute strike earned promotion-chasing Bury a league
double over the Bantams. It also stretched City's run without a Valley
Parade win to seven games.
Now the spotlight is back on McCall after the Bantams failed to build on
last week's dramatic victory over Torquay.
City certainly battled away against their high-riding opponents as they had
done at Gigg Lane a few weeks ago.
They also had the chances to fight back from Morrell's strike after the
defence had been opened up by Stephen Dawson.
Gareth Evans went close three times, Zesh Rehman - playing at right back -
volleyed straight at keeper Wayne Brown and Luke O'Brien lashed narrowly
over.
Then deep into stoppage time, Peter Thorne flashed a free header agonisingly
wide.
McCall had asked for the backing of the fans - and made a point of walking
around the pitch to clap the stands afterwards.
It was the most obvious sign that his time is coming to a close.
===========================
SM texted the Football League Show, as on BBC last
night. After the League 2 games as usual Lizzie read out the fans comments and she
said "We start with a manager who we absolutely, categorically know was the real
McCoy. Stuart McCall has texted in ...".
They knew it really was him as they called back to check (when he also confirmed things
where not looking good and he had a meeting with the chairman on Monday). His sms
was to say he'd "just like to thank the unbelievable support i've received from the fans at
bradford, unfortunately it was just not meant to be ... "
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4993624.McCall_gone_but_he_will_never_be_forgotten/
McCall gone but he will never be forgotten
6:10pm Sunday 7th February 2010
By Simon Parker
Julian Rhodes was at a wedding and missed Saturday's game.
But tomorrow morning he will be back at Valley Parade to witness the end of a match he hoped would be made in
heaven.
Stuart McCall and City seemed the perfect marriage when Rhodes unveiled his man in May 2007.
With City facing their first season in the bottom tier for a quarter of a century, fortunes were at their lowest
ebb.
Step forward a club legend to take the helm; a man with claret and amber in his veins.
The fairy tale would have seen McCall lead City out of the wilderness and back up the divisions. He would have been
manager ad infinitum.
Reality, in the gnarled old world of League Two, doesn't work like that.
McCall discovered that within nine minutes of his first kick-off as Macclesfield gatecrashed the opening-day
celebration. Opposing teams did not cower in the Valley Parade limelight – most seemed to bask in it.
So 132 games later it ended with Andy Morrell, a real warrior at this level, breaking City's resistance in front of
the Bradford End.
There was a symmetry about McCall's final league record. From 119 games, he had won 43 and lost the same. Hardly
the stuff of legend.
Yet nobody put in more work or more hours for "their" club than McCall.
He would watch and rewatch match DVDs long into the early hours; sometimes breaking up family get-togethers or
nights out to rush back and study them one more time.
Yes, he was very well paid by bottom division standards, even allowing for the pay cut he voluntarily took during
last summer's belt- tightening exercise.
But City certainly got their pound of flesh from a guy who was so desperate to reward the fans for their support.
It was more than a job; it was his club and his people – and he felt personally responsible.
McCall would read every letter that landed on his desk and reply to them personally. The only time he got others to
help out was because of the sheer weight of mail that arrived in the wake of last season's U-turn to stay on. That
was a decision prompted by the overwhelming public response. His public.
The quit threat at Bournemouth was no empty gesture to attract sympathy and easy headlines. It came from the heart
– like everything he did.
McCall was always acutely aware of public opinion. He could relate to all levels of the club from the boardroom to
the young lads in the school of excellence.
Unlike several predecessors, he would take a keen interest in every age group and knew many of the players by name.
Nothing was beneath him.
But it has been no smooth ride. His relationship with Mark Lawn has become strained to the point where they have
barely communicated in months.
Suggestions from above that he should bring in the know-how of an older head in his coaching staff have been
rebuffed.
McCall is very much his own man and will leave Valley Parade on his own terms. But he remains a man of the Bradford
people and that will never change.
Who else would text the BBC's Football League show late on a Saturday night to personally thank the fans?
McCall will always care what people think. And that's why people will always care deeply for McCall.
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
Bradford City Football Club have released the following statement:
Stuart McCall has today left his post as manager of Bradford City.
The decision was felt to be in the best interests of all parties following a run of disappointing results that have
left the club in 16th place in the League Two table.
The club would like to place on record its appreciation for Stuart's efforts as manager over the past two years and
seven months.During this time he has worked tirelessly and no one is more disappointed that his endeavours have not
been rewarded with more success on the field than Stuart himself.
Stuart will always have a special place in the hearts of our fans for the dedication and passion he has
consistently shown to Bradford City, starting with two highly successful spells as a player with the club.No one
could have anticipated the overwhelming response to the season ticket campaign of 2007/2008.This great achievement
illustrated the huge regard Stuart is held in by everyone connected with the club.His place in some of the most
memorable times in the club's history is assured.
The Board would like to thank Stuart who, in recognition of the financial position of the club, has accepted a
settlement in lieu of the remaining period of his contract that is reasonable, affordable and by no means as much
as he could have been entitled to.This is because Stuart wants the club's finances to be as strong as possible in
order to achieve the ambition of climbing back up the Football League.
The club will now seek to appoint a new manager to help us to achieve this ambition and reward the loyalty of the
fans, including the 6,800 who have already purchased season tickets for the 2010/2011 campaign.
JACOBS OVERSEAS TRAINING
Bradford City Football Club can confirm Wayne Jacobs took charge of first
team training today (Monday 8 February 2010) following the departure of
Stuart McCall.
Jacobs has been asked to look after first team affairs and oversee training
until further notice.
The football club would like to confirm that no decision has currently been
made over the managerial position at the Coral Windows Stadium.
No one person has been appointed as acting manager for this season or even
for this Saturday's fixture against Grimsby Town at this moment in time.
The football club will not be making any further comment on this matter at
this moment.
===========================
Any names leaping out? - this is so up to date McCall is already on the list
- Source = http://www.leaguemanagers.com
===========================
BBC news
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8502899.stm
===========================
Saturday, February 06, 2010
L2 v Bury (h) L0-1 Feb 6th 2010 : MCCALL TO QUIT MONDAY
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
McCall's reign is over
5:54pm Saturday 6th February 2010
By Simon Parker »
Stuart McCall's 133-game reign as City boss is over.
McCall will officially step down on Monday when he meets joint-chairman Julian Rhodes.
But the Bantams legend has made it clear that his mind is made up.
Speaking after today's 1-0 home loss to Bury, McCall said: "It's time for somebody else to come in and take up the reins and hopefully do well.
"I've been very fortunate as a player to have had two great spells here. I've been very fortunate to have the career I've had.
"I've been honoured to be here and the support I've had from everyone has been fantastic.
"Today would have been a defining line in the season for me. If we had beaten Bury, the dream of making seventh place would have been on.
"The form has been okay, the results haven't been good enough. It's just not meant to be.
"It's really hard because I came with hopes and aspirations of fulfilling a lot of people's dreams."
===========
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Bury (0) 1 Morrell 52
Att: 11,965
PROBABLE FAREWELL GESTURE FROM McCALL
Stuart McCall's reign as City boss was in doubt after another home defeat
this afternoon.
McCall deliberately went to every stand at the final whistle to applaud the
supporters. It looked very much a gesture of farewell.
Andy Morrell's 52nd-minute strike earned promotion-chasing Bury a league
double over the Bantams. It also stretched City's run without a Valley
Parade win to seven games.
Now the spotlight is back on McCall after the Bantams failed to build on
last week's dramatic victory over Torquay.
City certainly battled away against their high-riding opponents as they had
done at Gigg Lane a few weeks ago.
They also had the chances to fight back from Morrell's strike after the
defence had been opened up by Stephen Dawson.
Gareth Evans went close three times, Zesh Rehman - playing at right back -
volleyed straight at keeper Wayne Brown and Luke O'Brien lashed narrowly
over.
Then deep into stoppage time, Peter Thorne flashed a free header agonisingly
wide.
McCall had asked for the backing of the fans - and made a point of walking
around the pitch to clap the stands afterwards.
It was the most obvious sign that his time is coming to a close.
===========
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
L2 v Torquay Utd (a) W2-1 Jan 30th 2010
Next match: (H) Bury, Saturday, February 6, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Torquay: Poke ,Charnock ,Robertson ,Smith ,Mansell ,Wroe ,Stevens ,Thompson ,Zebroski ,Benyon ,Rendell (O'Kane ,61)
Subs not used: Bevan,Carayol,Ellis,Nicholson,Cox,Haldin,
Bradford: Glennon ,Ramsden ,Clarke ,Luke O'Brien ,Williams (Evans ,46 ) ,Flynn ,Daley ,Bullock ,Brandon (Rehman
,46) ,Neilson (Thorne ,77 ) ,Michael Boulding
Subs not used Rory Boulding,McLaughlan,Bateson,O'Neill,
Bookings:
Benyon ,Zebroski (Torquay)
Clarke ,Ramsden ,Williams (Bradford)
Attendance: 2592
Referee: R East (England)
TEAM STATS
Torquay / Bradford
14(8) Shots (on Goal) 7(4)
15 Fouls 18
5 Corner Kicks 7
3 Offsides 5
52% Time of Poss. 48%
2 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
3 Saves 8
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Torquay Utd (1) 1 Robertson 15
Bradford C (0) 2 Evans 82, 90+3.
Att: 2,592
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Gareth Evans grabbed a late double to earn City a dramatic victory - and
save Stuart McCall's job.
The manager's position was hanging by a thread after a game in which his
side had been second best for long periods.
Torquay should have been out of sight before substitute Evans equalised
seven minutes from time with his first goal since November 14.
A draw would still probably not have been enough for his under-pressure
boss.
But City - and Evans - were not finished and the striker rammed home the
winner in stoppage time to provoke wild scenes among the away players and
fans.
City's brittle confidence was shattered just 15 minutes in.
Matt Glennon stretched to turn Elliot Benyon's curling shot past the far
post but City failed to deal with the resulting corner. How often have we
said that?
The ball dropped to big defender Chris Robertson who had all the time in the
world to smash home from ten yards.
McCall had opted for an attacking 4-2-1-3 formation but there was a
desperation about their play. It took them nearly half an hour to register
the first shot.
City had no height up front at all but too many balls were still hit long
and high, only to be gobbled up by the Torquay central defenders.
The home side were far more dangerous and lively winger Danny Stevens should
have made it two after 36 minutes from Chris Zebroski's low cross.
City, who had a good backing for such a long trek, were fortunate to go into
the break only 1-0 down.
McCall threw the dice with two half-time substitutions. Zesh Rehman, hooked
at the interval at Lincoln, came on for the struggling Steve Williams and
Evans replaced Chris Brandon as City went 4-4-2.
But Torquay still threatened to increase their tally. Scott Rendell and
Kieran Charnock both went close and Simon Ramsden cleared off the line from
Stevens.
You couldn't see a way back. But City dug deep, cranked up the pressure and
Evans emerged the hero.
City's first win since December 5 was a massive one for everyone. But for
one man more than most.
===========================
McCALL ACCEPTS FORTUNATE VICTORY
Bradford City boss Stuart McCall admitted his side were fortunate to come
away with all three points following their 2-1 win over Torquay.
Bantams substitute Gareth Evans hammered home a stoppage-time winner after
skipper Simon Ramsden's deep free-kick was knocked down.
Evans had already equalised in the 82nd minute after United took an early
lead through central defender Chris Robertson.
McCall said: "There is no doubt that we rode our luck but I am fed up this
season with how many times I have said we have been unfortunate so it makes
a welcome change. We should have more points than we have got but, as you
can imagine, it's a happy, happy dressing room.
"It's been frustrating. Sometimes you need a result to play a little more at
ease. Hopefully this result can help us play with a little more confidence.
It's a welcome three points.
"We need to win three out of the next four if we want any chance of making
the play-offs. One result is fantastic but we have got to build on that now
against Bury next week."
===========================
Next 4 games are
(H) Bury
(H) Grimsby
(A) Accrington
(A) Rochdale
===========================
McCall thanks Evans for saving his job
Mon Feb 1, 2010 1:37 am (PST)
Relieved Stuart McCall dodged a bullet and then urged City to use
Saturday's smash-and-grab win at Torquay as a turning point.
The board were ready to pull the trigger on McCall's reign if the
Bantams failed to take three points from the Devon strugglers.
But two late goals from Gareth Evans – the second in stoppage time
– saw City steal their first victory since early December.
McCall admitted his side, who were outplayed for most of the game, had
ridden their luck but deserved the break.
He said: "It's not before time because we've come away from so
many games this season when we've not got what we deserved.
"The longer you go on a run that we've been having, naturally the
confidence and sparkle isn't going to be there.
"We just needed something to give us that bit of belief because
it's such a big part of football.
"You saw the dressing room afterwards and would think we'd won the
cup. Everyone was so pleased for myself and for each other.
"It's only three points but it could be the most important three
points of the season for what it does to the belief of the players and
supporters."
Evans, who had not scored since November, said the players were
desperate to ease the heat on McCall.
The striker added: "The gaffer's been fantastic to me since I
joined the club and I'll do anything in my power to keep him in a job.
"Hopefully those two goals have helped him and we can get rid of all
the demons now and make something of our season."
McCall knows he is still under pressure but has vowed to keep on
fighting. He said: "I'll always do what's best for the club. We
needed to win and if we hadn't done, who knows what might have
happened.
"But I still believe that if we get all the players back and the
confidence levels rise, things will run for us.
"There are still another 20 games to go and who knows what lies
ahead. I've seen teams go on great runs from nowhere.
"We've got to take all the confidence out of this and hopefully
come out next Saturday against Bury in front of a believing crowd."
===========================
Hanson on road to recovery
6:50am Tuesday 2nd February 2010
James Hanson hopes to give Stuart McCall another timely boost by returning to training.
City's top scorer has missed the last three games with a torn muscle in his back.
But he is making steady progress and could be in contention to rejoin the rest of the squad ahead of Saturday's
home clash with Bury – though that game may come too soon for him.
McCall said: "We've missed James's physical presence recently but hopefully he'll be back training with us at the
back end of the week.
"Things are looking a bit brighter on that side for us. We've got Peter Thorne coming back, Steven O'Leary's
training, and Omar (Daley) has got through his second full game and looked stronger as it went on.
"I will probably have a difficult decision to make next game with all the players available but that's a nice
problem to have."
McCall's own future remains up in the air but the dramatic comeback win over Torquay has raised spirits around
Valley Parade.
"You could see afterwards that everyone got a huge lift," he added. "They didn't look like a team with nothing to
play for the rest of the season.
"We should have had more points up to now with the way we've performed. We should be just up above mid-table.
"Taking only one point from 15 before Saturday made that very, very difficult but we've got to take the belief from
that win into the rest of our games.
"We've got two home matches coming up and we know we need an upturn in form there but I'm sure everyone will be
bright and bubbly in training this week."
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
O'LEARY EXTENDS HIS STAY
Posted on: Tue 02 Feb 2010
Steven O'Leary has today tied himself down to the Bantams until the end of
the season after signing a fresh contract extension.
The Irish midfielder only signed a new short term deal a month ago, but that
was due to expire this week.
O'Leary's new contract will now see him stay at the Coral Windows Stadium
until at least the end of this current campaign and allow him to focus
on gaining a place in Stuart McCall's starting line up.
He is now fully recovered from the fractured toe that had put a halt on his
Bantams career and was named among the substitutes for City's match at
Torquay United last weekend.
The former Luton and Hereford midfielder originally signed for the Bantams
on a six month deal back in August after impressing while on trial with the
club.
He made his full debut for Bradford in City's first home match of the season
against Port Vale, but broke down injured in the warm up for the following
match with Lincoln and had to pull out of the starting line-up.
O'Leary hasn't featured since for the Bantams, but was given a further one
month deal to enable him to prove his fitness at the turn of the year.
With O'Leary's month contract due to expire this Wednesday, McCall moved
quickly to sort out the Irishman's future with the Bantams.
O'Leary will now be in contention for Bradford's weekend match with Bury at
Valley Parade.
===========================
HANSON DEAL SETTLED BY TRIBUNAL
By Simon Parker (T&A)
James Hanson's transfer fee from Guiseley has finally been settled by
tribunal.
Six months of haggling over the Bradford City striker's worth was brought to
an end by a league panel in Manchester today.
The final figure is thought to be around £7,500, with a 25% sell-on clause
for the non-leaguers should Hanson move on from Valley Parade. City have
also promised to play a pre-season friendly at Nethermoor.
The deal is similar to that which the Bantams got from Barnet for Luke
Medley following an independent hearing.
Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes, who attended the tribunal alongside Hanson,
said: "What they were awarded was very similar to what we had offered.
"We are happy with the verdict and I hope that Guiseley feel the same. We
would like to think that we can retain our good relationship with them.
"We're glad that the matter has finally been resolved and it will be nice to
move forward."
It was the first instance of a part-time club ever taking a league side to a
tribunal.
===========================
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