Football League Two - KO 15:00
Northampton 2 (0) - 0 (0) Bradford
McKay 61
Tozer 81
At Sixfields Stadium on 25-09-2010
Next fixture
L2 (A) v Rotherham September 28, 2010 K.O. 7.45pm
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Northampton: Dunn, Tozer, Johnson, Rodgers (Herbert, 72 ) , Gilligan, Thornton (McKenzie, 66 ) , Davis, Holt,
Osman, Jacobs, McKay (Guinan, 86 )
Subs not used: Hall,Wedderburn,Walker,Harris,
Bradford: McLaughlan, Duff, Oliver, O'Brien, Williams, Hunt ( Rehman, 12 ) , Bullock, Doherty ( Osborne, 78 ) ,
Syers, Speight, Moult ( Hendrie, 53 )
Subs not used: Evans, Chilaka, Saxton, Adeyemi,
Bookings: Rodgers (Northampton) Bullock , Rehman (Bradford)
Attendance: 4646
Referee: P Gibbs (West Midlands)
Cobblers Wobblers
4 Shots On Target 1
1 Shots Off Target 0
7 Fouls (Conceded) 13
4 Corners 3
1 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
===========================
Monday morning report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8414996./
Cobblers 2 Wobblers 0 as Bantams fans left feeling short-changed
7:40am Monday 27th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Northampton 2 Bradford City 0
So City went the same way as Liverpool.
And being dumped in such illustrious company will be no consolation whatsoever for the beaten Bantams and their
beleaguered fans.
The large exodus of away supporters well before the final whistle said it all on another dismal afternoon.
Hopes raised by the late, late show against Gillingham a week before had been quickly shot down.
And this against a team who were supposed to be out on their feet after their midweek night of Carling Cup
giant-slaying.
Northampton were meant to be the team going through the motions.
Northampton were meant to be the team with their heads in the clouds still reliving their fairy tale at Anfield.
Northampton were meant to be the team that would fade away in the final half hour as the effects of Wednesday
kicked in.
Fat chance.
City, supposedly fresh from a free week, looked disjointed, disillusioned and finished very much second best. The
moment the first goal went in, we might as well all have packed up and headed for the M1.
The visitors could not even muster a single shot after the break.
The only two efforts on goal – one of which, thankfully, at least tested keeper Chris Dunn – both came in the first
half.
It was woeful stuff; another no-show in a season that is clocking those up at a worrying rate.
But why should it be like that? How could a side buzzing from victory at the final whistle the week before suddenly
become a collection of lost souls again?
Peter Taylor was left scratching his head like the rest of us.
He had talked all week about the tide turning and how City could kick on from the spark of Steve Williams' dramatic
winner.
Instead, City's expected elevation up the table remained as dormant as the disused Express Lift Tower which
dominates the Northampton skyline between the football and rugby grounds.
Once again, he referred to "nervous" players lacking confidence. But only a string of decent results can improve
that – and to get those, you need that belief which this side are clearly lacking.
City are trapped in a vicious circle and it's depressing to watch. It's a conundrum Taylor must solve and it
doesn't get any easier with Rotherham looming tomorrow night.
Life could not be more different for Northampton.
Their warm-up was accompanied by radio commentary of the best bits from Anfield. The screeching description of
Wednesday's winning penalty was followed by the velvety sound of Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World.
It must be great living on Cloud Nine.
Far from resting tired legs and minds, Cobblers boss Ian Sampson named the same line-up. Taylor, for his part, made
only one change, with out-of-form Robbie Threlfall's back injury denying him a return to the ground where he played
for a month last season.
And for the first 45 minutes, it was a case of as you were. Both teams had two chances apiece and there was nothing
to split them.
For City, there was the early blow of Lewis Hunt hobbling away after falling awkwardly in a tackle with Northampton
winger Michael Jacobs Hunt may not be everyone's favourite defender but he has filled in manfully during Simon
Ramsden's protracted absence. The prospect of losing him with a knee injury for three months now just adds to the
club's woes.
Zesh Rehman was once again thrown in to plug the gap and stuck to the task pretty well. Unless Taylor can squeeze
the budget to bring in another body, Rehman will be expected to take on the accustomed role on a regular basis.
Rehman immediately fed Louis Moult, whose quick feet undid marker Andy Holt before firing off a shot which Dunn
blocked with his shins. That was as good as it got for the visitors.
There was another sniff of a chance when Williams headed wide after Luke Oliver headed a free-kick across goal but
no more. That 38th-minute effort proved to be their last.
Taylor had left Anfield singing the praises of Kevin Thornton's sweet left foot and two first-half free-kicks
served warning. But the goalless score at half-time suggested the City gameplan was on track.
That all changed just after the hour, although the warning signs had been there in the early exchanges after the
re-start when City suddenly struggled to string two passes together.
Lee Hendrie appeared with one or two bright touches, nearly playing in Jake Speight, but he soon faded like the
rest.
And the critical final third of the game – when City had hoped to take over – began instead with a decisive blow
form the home side.
Oliver clipped John Johnson just over the halfway line in retaliation for a foul a few minutes before. Ben Tozer
drove it long, neither centre half got anything on it, and the ball dropped for Billy McKay to whip in on the turn.
City's response was non-existent and Northampton could enjoy applying the finishing touches to a memorable week.
Rehman rescued his goalkeeper on the line after Jon McLaughlin had completely misjudged a Jacobs corner but the
tricky left winger played his part in Northampton's second, with the smaller McKay outjumping the defence to meet
his cross and set up loan centre half Tozer for a goal on his league debut.
With 15 minutes to go, a fair few City fans had seen enough and streamed for the exit. They didn't miss anything.
Even joint-chairman Julian Rhodes decided to call it quits five minutes from time with a face like thunder. It
summed up the mood.
Rotherham's unloved Don Valley Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for City the past two years. How they could
do with that same shot in the arm tomorrow.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8416583./
Taylor's ultimatum to Bradford City players: Shape up or ship out
7:30am Tuesday 28th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor today threatened to dump all his City under-achievers on the transfer list.
Taylor delivered the ultimatum ahead of the derby clash with Rotherham because he is fed up with the poor start to
the campaign.
The Bantams boss believes it is time for his squad to shape up – or ship out.
Taylor blasted: "We're third from bottom after eight matches and have got more chance of being relegated than
getting promoted at the minute.
"I think the boys totally understand the situation. It's not good enough, we're not playing well enough; their
performances are not good enough and they've got to change.
"If they don't, I'm going to draw up a transfer list and they are all going to be on it. It's as simple as that.
"I think Bradford City is a magnificent club to play for at this level. If they don't appreciate that or can't
handle it, then I'm going to make some changes.
"I'm expecting a positive response tonight. If they haven't the confidence or character to perform against
Rotherham, then they are not needed here."
Taylor is ready to make more changes and may opt to switch formation again. But he insists that criticism of the
4-3-3 system he likes to play is way off the mark.
"I know there are experts out there saying why aren't we doing this or that.
"The reason I keep changing things is that I haven't got a clue right now how consistent a player is going to
perform.
"We play 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 and I can name a good performance with both those systems, so which one do you go for?
"I know we're not a goal threat at the minute but we played 4-3-3 against Gillingham and created more chances than
the opposition and then we kept the same system on Saturday and never got near Northampton.
"It's a very easy way out for players to hide behind the system but it's down to how the players perform and how
hard they work.
"The staff are doing everything we can to get the best performance out of them but it's about time that it was down
to them."
Third-placed Rotherham are unbeaten at the Don Valley Stadium and top scorer Adam Le Fondre has already netted
eight times in the league – double City's total. But Taylor won there last season and does not see it as a lost
cause.
He added: "At the moment Rotherham are better than us and have got more confident players. It's obviously a big
test.
"But to me, Bradford in League Two shouldn't fear anybody and I'm looking for the players to impress me.
"Le Fondre wouldn't have scored so many if he was in our team right now but he might have got us a goal to nick us
a win and make us more confident.
"Because we're playing poorly, a striker's not going to get a load of chances. Jake Speight's not; Gareth Evans is
not.
"But confidence is such a brilliant thing and with a couple of results, i.e. if we'd beaten Stockport 1-0, then
that would have really helped our season.
"I'm very surprised and disappointed we're in the position that we are. After the way we finished last season I
really expected us to start very well.
"But there's still plenty of time providing we can start putting in the performances, and that's down to the
players."
===========================
Hunt injury adds to Bradford City's misery
7:00am Monday 27th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor branded City's dismal display at Northampton as the worst yet this season.
The Bantams slipped back to third from bottom with Saturday's defeat at Liverpool's cup conquerors.
And right back Lewis Hunt faces three months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
After last week's dramatic win over Gillingham, Taylor was shocked by the latest no-show.
"I've got no excuses," he said. "That performance was as bad and as flat as I've seen us.
"I was expecting the opposite. I really thought we had a good week and should have been flying after the last
result.
"Unfortunately we weren't and that's very disappointing."
Taylor had hoped to cash in on Northampton's fatigue from their midweek Anfield marathon. Instead City were hit by
two goals in the last half hour.
He admitted that confidence within the squad remains fragile as they try to lift chins for tomorrow's Yorkshire
derby with Rotherham.
"You need results (to change that) and maybe that's more than just a late goal against Gillingham.
"The players are looking nervous. We're giving the ball away too easily and having to do too much defending because
of that.
"We've got to be bigger, stronger, braver but it's all right just talking about it.
"We've got to do a lot better because we're playing against another team doing well."
Zesh Rehman is set for a run at right back after Hunt damaged ligaments when his foot stuck in the turf during a
tackle.
Taylor said: "He's going to be out for about 12 weeks. We've lost Simon Ramsden and now Hunty so it's a big blow."
===========================
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
L2 (H) W1-0 v Gillingham September 18, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM
NPower League Two
Bradford C (0) 1 Williams 90+2
Gillingham (0) 0
Att: 10,722
Next fixture
Next match: (A) Northampton, Saturday Sept 25, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Lee Hendrie info
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=3422
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2158553,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Bradford Gillingham
9(3) Shots (on Goal) 7(4)
6 Fouls 12
1 Corner Kicks 5
4 Offsides 4
51% Time of Poss. 49%
1 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
6 Saves 4
Ref: Oliver Langford (West Midlands).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Osborne (54 min).
Gillingham: Fuller (90).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff, 12. Steve
Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall (46), 22. Lee Bullock, 8. Tommy Doherty, 3.
Luke O'Brien, 10. Jake Speight (46), 6. Luke Oliver, 19. Louis Moult (66).
SUBS:13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 7. Omar Daley, 9. Gareth Evans
(66), 11. Lee Hendrie (46), 14. Leon Osborne (46), 23. Dave Syers.
Gillingham: 26. Lance Cronin, 2. Barry Fuller, 16. Josh Gowling, 15. Matthew
Lawrence, 3. John Nutter, 8. Mark Bentley, 17. Danny Spiller, 28. Jack
Payne, 12. Chris Palmer (63), 10. Cody McDonald (77), 27. Adebayo Akinfenwa
(63).
SUBS: 1. Alan Julian (GK), 4. Curtis Weston (63), 7. Kevin Maher, 9. Mark
McCammon, 21. Dennis Oli (63), 23. Stefan Payne, 30. Stanley Aborah (77).
Position: 19th.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8400744.
CITY 1 GILLINGHAM 0
4:57pm Saturday 18th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Steve Williams scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give City three vital points against Gillingham at Valley
Parade.
With the game in the second of three added minutes, centre half Williams rose at the far post to nod home Tommy
Doherty's first-time cross.
It was a huge win for the Bantams - their first since August 14.
Lee Hendrie enjoyed a winning start after coming on as a second-half substitute.
He nearly made it a goal-scoring debut with a diving header which flew just over.
Peter Taylor used Luke Oliver as a targetman and the big fella battled gamely in the role. He twice went close
early on with headers as well as setting up sub Leon Osborne for a good effort after the break.
Gillingham substitute Stanley Aborah wasted their best chance when he headed straight at Jon McLaughlin.
And City cashed in when Williams capped an assured return to the side with his priceless winner./
===========================
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/9006949.stm
Hessenthaler praises mentor Peter Taylor ahead of clash
Gillingham's Andy Hessenthaler has paid tribute to his mentor, Bradford boss Peter Taylor, but says there will be
no love lost when the two sides meet.
Ahead of their game at Valley Parade on Saturday, the Gills boss said Taylor had been one of the most influential
figures in his life.
"Other than my father, Peter would be second in line without a doubt. I owe him a lot," he told BBC Radio Kent.
"We've known each other for a long time and know each other inside out."
It was Taylor who helped get Hessenthaler his first professional contract at Watford in 1991.
Their close friendship later brought Taylor to Priestfield as Gillingham manager when Hessenthaler was captain.
"At that time myself and Steve Butler weren't ready to take over," he said.
"Peter was out of work at the time after being relieved of his duties with the England under-21s.
"I made a call and asked him if he would come here and be manager of Gills. The rest is history - and he's gone on
from there.
"I think I've done him a favour, I'm taking credit for that and I'm sure he'll say that," joked Hessenthaler.
"It'll be an interesting day but afterwards we'll sit down with a glass of wine or a beer."
===========================
Monday Match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/8401115.print/
New Bradford City No 11 Hendrie will enjoy it while it lasts
7:20am Monday 20th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1 Gillingham 0
It has been the ghost shirt rarely seen at Valley Parade.
The number 11 has started only 53 league games in over five years.
Chris Brandon, Alex Rhodes and Owen Morrison all struggled to make more than fleeting appearances. Only Lee Holmes
had a decent stab at it and he was on loan and gone within five months.
And Scott Neilson, who started this season with the jersey, was sold to Crawley within a couple of weeks.
So let's hope Lee Hendrie does not believe in omens.
His open-ended deal is of the "suck it and see" variety. Wayne Jacobs reckons he's here for six months, Hendrie
himself believes it's up to January.
It could stretch to the end of the season or the end of next month. There is leeway on both sides to change as
circumstances pan out.
But there is no doubt about Hendrie's commitment to the cause while he is here.
The player still nurses the hurt of recent rejection at Sheffield United and Derby. That burning sense of injustice
should stoke up his efforts in claret and amber.
First impressions on Saturday were very favourable. A few quality passes, a near-miss with his head and, more
importantly, a desperately-needed home win.
Hendrie played the whole second half – his first real action of any sort since early May.
"It might take me two or three games," he said afterwards. "I have missed a pre-season and you do find yourself
playing catch-up.
"I'd get the ball and think I'd have more time but I'd be doing one thing one minute and then get smashed by
somebody the next. The timing will come as I play more at this level.
"I had to get my second wind but it felt brilliant just to be out on the pitch again and the fans gave me a great
reception. That was a big thing for me.
"I felt a bit nervous but that's natural and it's good to be like that. I can't wait to get to the stage when I'm
fully confident again and the fans made me feel like that towards the end.
"The contract just depends on what happens and if (the club) want me here. I'm not even looking at that.
"I'm here until January at the moment and until then I'll try and enjoy it and bring something positive in."
Hendrie had no part in Steve Williams' late, late winner but showed his quality with the way he'd make space for
himself to get the ball and then look to spread the play.
The pass he slipped through for Gareth Evans right at the death should have earned an assist but the sub slid his
shot the wrong side of the post.
And Hendrie could have had a goal himself with a header that flashed over the bar from Lewis Hunt's cross.
He added: "I'm disappointed with that. It was just a little glance but I'm not one for heading the ball!
"Maybe I should have scored myself but I tried to get in some good positions. Sometimes I will shoot but usually
I'm looking to give that pass.
"The lads will get used to the way I play. I've already told the front boys that every time I get on the ball and
start running at the defence to just go and I'll try to slide you in."
Hendrie's presence may have raised a few eyebrows but the biggest surprise Peter Taylor sprung on Saturday was
throwing Luke Oliver up top on targetman duties.
It did allow Taylor to revert to 4-3-3, with Oliver flanked by Jake Speight and Louis Moult given a start ahead of
Evans.
Williams also found himself back in from the cold alongside Shane Duff at the heart of the defence.
That pairing completely snuffed out the battering ram threat of Adebayo Akinfenwa. At the other end, Oliver enjoyed
himself in the air against two centre halves who were each giving away at least half a foot in height.
Oliver could have scored twice in a bright City opening.
Robbie Threlfall's free-kick swung in from the right was nodded into the side-netting and behind with keeper Lance
Cronin floundering. Then Luke O'Brien's cross from the left was headed just wide of the other post.
Having failed to find that early breakthrough, City seemed to lose heart, despite the best efforts of the crowd to
encourage them to keep passing.
Gillingham, without an away win for 26 games, had their moments but a lack of conviction betrayed their low
confidence from so many unsuccessful forays outside Kent.
Taylor shuffled the pack at half-time. Speight, troubled by a heavy cold, and Threlfall were sacrificed for Leon
Osborne and Hendrie.
The atmosphere picked up with the sight of the new boy and even more so when Osborne found himself on the wrong end
of a couple of borderline challenges.
Gills skipper Barry Fuller meted it out but Osborne was the first name in the book for retaliation. Fuller's own
yellow card towards the end was long overdue.
As the crowd came into it, so did City, and Hendrie had two goes at breaking his duck.
But neither keeper had been unduly called upon. Cronin got fingertips to Osborne's cross-shot that was going wide
anyway and Jon McLaughlin didn't have to move to pouch a wasteful free header from Stanley Aborah.
Then City got their break in the second of the three added minutes.
Given a soft foul, Luke O'Brien's free-kick was headed clear of danger by Josh Gowling. Tommy Doherty chased
towards the right touchline and swung it back in first time on the half volley.
It should have been Cronin's catch at the far post but the keeper was spooked by Williams, who bundled the ball
into the roof of the net.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8401108./
Bradford City goal hero Williams turns negative into a positive
8:10am Monday 20th September 2010
By Simon Parker
City's last-gasp hero Steve Williams today thanked Peter Taylor for giving him a "kick up the backside".
The big centre half nodded the only goal against Gillingham deep into stoppage time, earning Taylor's troops their
first win in a month.
It was payback for Williams after he had been branded unprofessional by his boss and dropped earlier in the season.
He said: "I started most games under Stuart McCall but now it's maybe more in and out. But we've got a big squad
and everyone wants the shirt.
"Nobody wants to be injured or miss training. Nobody wants to be slack because everyone's up for it.
"I definitely need that kick up the backside from the gaffer like some of the other lads do.
"Even if we go in 1-0 up, he'll still point out the negatives and how we need to improve. But if you've got him and
some of the experienced lads getting on to us, we'll take that on and hopefully have a good season."
New signing Lee Hendrie played the second half and assistant manager Wayne Jacobs believes he has provided a "shot
in the arm" for the club and the fans.
Jacobs said: "Lee's come in here with a smile on his face and it's infectious.
"He's caused a buzz down around the city and down at the training ground and I think that he's the little boost we
needed. We all know he's been a good player over the years.
"He was so close to getting a contract at Reading in the Championship so it speaks volumes that he has come here.
He's certainly not here on high wages, that's for sure.
"Lee has shown a desire to play for this club and he'll get better as he gets to know our lads and how they play as
individuals."
Williams can already see the benefit of the midfielder's arrival.
"You can see him getting in little holes and making things happen," said the defender. "The attacking players will
learn a lot.
"We've been working hard and trying different things in training but things just haven't fallen for us on a
Saturday. But at some point you're going to win and hopefully the club can start buzzing now. We can take that
confidence forward."
===========================
Opposition View
http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/Cronin-mistake-cost-us-__-Hessenthaler-newsinkent40069.aspx?news=sport
Cronin mistake cost us - Hessenthaler
By David Pritchard
Andy Hessenthaler said he would not rush to judge Lance Cronin too harshly after the goalkeeper's error allowed
Bradford City to grab a last-gasp winner on Saturday.
The Gills stopper was out-jumped by Steve Williams in stoppage time and the defender nodded into the net. The
visiting players looked forlornly to the officials in the hope they would give a foul, but their muted protests
suggested they knew it was a legitimate goal.
It was harsh on Gillingham's players, who sank to their knees when the full-time whistle blew a minute later. A
disappointed Hessenthaler found little wrong in their efforts but could not hide his frustration at Cronin's
slip-up.
"To work so hard for that amount of time and then it's taken away from you right at the end it's a bitter one to
take. That's how it is, you've got to defend and concentrate for 90-plus minutes and unfortunately we didn't do
that," he said.
"[Cronin]'s saying [Williams] held him down, but it didn't look like it for me. I'm not going to be too critical of
the lad, he's made a mistake and we all make mistakes. Unfortunately it's come right at the death and it's cost us
the game."
Alan Julian, whose hand injury gave Cronin his chance in the team, is due back in training this week but
Hessenthaler stopped short of saying Julian would be rushed back into the side.
Saturday's game was book-ended by mistakes from Cronin. If anything his decision to come and miss Robbie
Threlfall's ninth-minute free kick was more glaring, but Shane Duff was so surprised the ball reached him that he
headed wide at the back post.
Gillingham's best spell was in the half hour leading up to the interval. They gained control of the game without
creating clear chances, but it was enough to get the home fans agitated.
The break rejuvenated City, who were galvanised by the introduction of Lee Hendrie for his debut. The former Aston
Villa midfielder came close to opening the scoring with a header which flew just over on the hour as the hosts
increasingly dictated the play.
Gillingham's only chance of the half also fell to a debutant, but substitute Stanley Aborah headed tamely at Jon
McLaughlin.
While they had been on the back foot for much of the second half, Gillingham's back four gave little away. It
looked like they had ground out the point their display had merited, until Williams' late winner.
The result did much to undo the momentum generated by beating Shrewsbury a week earlier. With Burton Albion and
Southend United visiting Priestfield in the next week Hessenthaler demanded a swift response.
He said: "We're gutted but we've now got to win our next two home games. Simple as that."
===========================
Bradford C (0) 1 Williams 90+2
Gillingham (0) 0
Att: 10,722
Next fixture
Next match: (A) Northampton, Saturday Sept 25, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Lee Hendrie info
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=3422
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2158553,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Bradford Gillingham
9(3) Shots (on Goal) 7(4)
6 Fouls 12
1 Corner Kicks 5
4 Offsides 4
51% Time of Poss. 49%
1 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
6 Saves 4
Ref: Oliver Langford (West Midlands).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Osborne (54 min).
Gillingham: Fuller (90).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff, 12. Steve
Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall (46), 22. Lee Bullock, 8. Tommy Doherty, 3.
Luke O'Brien, 10. Jake Speight (46), 6. Luke Oliver, 19. Louis Moult (66).
SUBS:13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 7. Omar Daley, 9. Gareth Evans
(66), 11. Lee Hendrie (46), 14. Leon Osborne (46), 23. Dave Syers.
Gillingham: 26. Lance Cronin, 2. Barry Fuller, 16. Josh Gowling, 15. Matthew
Lawrence, 3. John Nutter, 8. Mark Bentley, 17. Danny Spiller, 28. Jack
Payne, 12. Chris Palmer (63), 10. Cody McDonald (77), 27. Adebayo Akinfenwa
(63).
SUBS: 1. Alan Julian (GK), 4. Curtis Weston (63), 7. Kevin Maher, 9. Mark
McCammon, 21. Dennis Oli (63), 23. Stefan Payne, 30. Stanley Aborah (77).
Position: 19th.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8400744.
CITY 1 GILLINGHAM 0
4:57pm Saturday 18th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Steve Williams scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give City three vital points against Gillingham at Valley
Parade.
With the game in the second of three added minutes, centre half Williams rose at the far post to nod home Tommy
Doherty's first-time cross.
It was a huge win for the Bantams - their first since August 14.
Lee Hendrie enjoyed a winning start after coming on as a second-half substitute.
He nearly made it a goal-scoring debut with a diving header which flew just over.
Peter Taylor used Luke Oliver as a targetman and the big fella battled gamely in the role. He twice went close
early on with headers as well as setting up sub Leon Osborne for a good effort after the break.
Gillingham substitute Stanley Aborah wasted their best chance when he headed straight at Jon McLaughlin.
And City cashed in when Williams capped an assured return to the side with his priceless winner./
===========================
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/g/gillingham/9006949.stm
Hessenthaler praises mentor Peter Taylor ahead of clash
Gillingham's Andy Hessenthaler has paid tribute to his mentor, Bradford boss Peter Taylor, but says there will be
no love lost when the two sides meet.
Ahead of their game at Valley Parade on Saturday, the Gills boss said Taylor had been one of the most influential
figures in his life.
"Other than my father, Peter would be second in line without a doubt. I owe him a lot," he told BBC Radio Kent.
"We've known each other for a long time and know each other inside out."
It was Taylor who helped get Hessenthaler his first professional contract at Watford in 1991.
Their close friendship later brought Taylor to Priestfield as Gillingham manager when Hessenthaler was captain.
"At that time myself and Steve Butler weren't ready to take over," he said.
"Peter was out of work at the time after being relieved of his duties with the England under-21s.
"I made a call and asked him if he would come here and be manager of Gills. The rest is history - and he's gone on
from there.
"I think I've done him a favour, I'm taking credit for that and I'm sure he'll say that," joked Hessenthaler.
"It'll be an interesting day but afterwards we'll sit down with a glass of wine or a beer."
===========================
Monday Match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/8401115.print/
New Bradford City No 11 Hendrie will enjoy it while it lasts
7:20am Monday 20th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1 Gillingham 0
It has been the ghost shirt rarely seen at Valley Parade.
The number 11 has started only 53 league games in over five years.
Chris Brandon, Alex Rhodes and Owen Morrison all struggled to make more than fleeting appearances. Only Lee Holmes
had a decent stab at it and he was on loan and gone within five months.
And Scott Neilson, who started this season with the jersey, was sold to Crawley within a couple of weeks.
So let's hope Lee Hendrie does not believe in omens.
His open-ended deal is of the "suck it and see" variety. Wayne Jacobs reckons he's here for six months, Hendrie
himself believes it's up to January.
It could stretch to the end of the season or the end of next month. There is leeway on both sides to change as
circumstances pan out.
But there is no doubt about Hendrie's commitment to the cause while he is here.
The player still nurses the hurt of recent rejection at Sheffield United and Derby. That burning sense of injustice
should stoke up his efforts in claret and amber.
First impressions on Saturday were very favourable. A few quality passes, a near-miss with his head and, more
importantly, a desperately-needed home win.
Hendrie played the whole second half – his first real action of any sort since early May.
"It might take me two or three games," he said afterwards. "I have missed a pre-season and you do find yourself
playing catch-up.
"I'd get the ball and think I'd have more time but I'd be doing one thing one minute and then get smashed by
somebody the next. The timing will come as I play more at this level.
"I had to get my second wind but it felt brilliant just to be out on the pitch again and the fans gave me a great
reception. That was a big thing for me.
"I felt a bit nervous but that's natural and it's good to be like that. I can't wait to get to the stage when I'm
fully confident again and the fans made me feel like that towards the end.
"The contract just depends on what happens and if (the club) want me here. I'm not even looking at that.
"I'm here until January at the moment and until then I'll try and enjoy it and bring something positive in."
Hendrie had no part in Steve Williams' late, late winner but showed his quality with the way he'd make space for
himself to get the ball and then look to spread the play.
The pass he slipped through for Gareth Evans right at the death should have earned an assist but the sub slid his
shot the wrong side of the post.
And Hendrie could have had a goal himself with a header that flashed over the bar from Lewis Hunt's cross.
He added: "I'm disappointed with that. It was just a little glance but I'm not one for heading the ball!
"Maybe I should have scored myself but I tried to get in some good positions. Sometimes I will shoot but usually
I'm looking to give that pass.
"The lads will get used to the way I play. I've already told the front boys that every time I get on the ball and
start running at the defence to just go and I'll try to slide you in."
Hendrie's presence may have raised a few eyebrows but the biggest surprise Peter Taylor sprung on Saturday was
throwing Luke Oliver up top on targetman duties.
It did allow Taylor to revert to 4-3-3, with Oliver flanked by Jake Speight and Louis Moult given a start ahead of
Evans.
Williams also found himself back in from the cold alongside Shane Duff at the heart of the defence.
That pairing completely snuffed out the battering ram threat of Adebayo Akinfenwa. At the other end, Oliver enjoyed
himself in the air against two centre halves who were each giving away at least half a foot in height.
Oliver could have scored twice in a bright City opening.
Robbie Threlfall's free-kick swung in from the right was nodded into the side-netting and behind with keeper Lance
Cronin floundering. Then Luke O'Brien's cross from the left was headed just wide of the other post.
Having failed to find that early breakthrough, City seemed to lose heart, despite the best efforts of the crowd to
encourage them to keep passing.
Gillingham, without an away win for 26 games, had their moments but a lack of conviction betrayed their low
confidence from so many unsuccessful forays outside Kent.
Taylor shuffled the pack at half-time. Speight, troubled by a heavy cold, and Threlfall were sacrificed for Leon
Osborne and Hendrie.
The atmosphere picked up with the sight of the new boy and even more so when Osborne found himself on the wrong end
of a couple of borderline challenges.
Gills skipper Barry Fuller meted it out but Osborne was the first name in the book for retaliation. Fuller's own
yellow card towards the end was long overdue.
As the crowd came into it, so did City, and Hendrie had two goes at breaking his duck.
But neither keeper had been unduly called upon. Cronin got fingertips to Osborne's cross-shot that was going wide
anyway and Jon McLaughlin didn't have to move to pouch a wasteful free header from Stanley Aborah.
Then City got their break in the second of the three added minutes.
Given a soft foul, Luke O'Brien's free-kick was headed clear of danger by Josh Gowling. Tommy Doherty chased
towards the right touchline and swung it back in first time on the half volley.
It should have been Cronin's catch at the far post but the keeper was spooked by Williams, who bundled the ball
into the roof of the net.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8401108./
Bradford City goal hero Williams turns negative into a positive
8:10am Monday 20th September 2010
By Simon Parker
City's last-gasp hero Steve Williams today thanked Peter Taylor for giving him a "kick up the backside".
The big centre half nodded the only goal against Gillingham deep into stoppage time, earning Taylor's troops their
first win in a month.
It was payback for Williams after he had been branded unprofessional by his boss and dropped earlier in the season.
He said: "I started most games under Stuart McCall but now it's maybe more in and out. But we've got a big squad
and everyone wants the shirt.
"Nobody wants to be injured or miss training. Nobody wants to be slack because everyone's up for it.
"I definitely need that kick up the backside from the gaffer like some of the other lads do.
"Even if we go in 1-0 up, he'll still point out the negatives and how we need to improve. But if you've got him and
some of the experienced lads getting on to us, we'll take that on and hopefully have a good season."
New signing Lee Hendrie played the second half and assistant manager Wayne Jacobs believes he has provided a "shot
in the arm" for the club and the fans.
Jacobs said: "Lee's come in here with a smile on his face and it's infectious.
"He's caused a buzz down around the city and down at the training ground and I think that he's the little boost we
needed. We all know he's been a good player over the years.
"He was so close to getting a contract at Reading in the Championship so it speaks volumes that he has come here.
He's certainly not here on high wages, that's for sure.
"Lee has shown a desire to play for this club and he'll get better as he gets to know our lads and how they play as
individuals."
Williams can already see the benefit of the midfielder's arrival.
"You can see him getting in little holes and making things happen," said the defender. "The attacking players will
learn a lot.
"We've been working hard and trying different things in training but things just haven't fallen for us on a
Saturday. But at some point you're going to win and hopefully the club can start buzzing now. We can take that
confidence forward."
===========================
Opposition View
http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent-news/Cronin-mistake-cost-us-__-Hessenthaler-newsinkent40069.aspx?news=sport
Cronin mistake cost us - Hessenthaler
By David Pritchard
Andy Hessenthaler said he would not rush to judge Lance Cronin too harshly after the goalkeeper's error allowed
Bradford City to grab a last-gasp winner on Saturday.
The Gills stopper was out-jumped by Steve Williams in stoppage time and the defender nodded into the net. The
visiting players looked forlornly to the officials in the hope they would give a foul, but their muted protests
suggested they knew it was a legitimate goal.
It was harsh on Gillingham's players, who sank to their knees when the full-time whistle blew a minute later. A
disappointed Hessenthaler found little wrong in their efforts but could not hide his frustration at Cronin's
slip-up.
"To work so hard for that amount of time and then it's taken away from you right at the end it's a bitter one to
take. That's how it is, you've got to defend and concentrate for 90-plus minutes and unfortunately we didn't do
that," he said.
"[Cronin]'s saying [Williams] held him down, but it didn't look like it for me. I'm not going to be too critical of
the lad, he's made a mistake and we all make mistakes. Unfortunately it's come right at the death and it's cost us
the game."
Alan Julian, whose hand injury gave Cronin his chance in the team, is due back in training this week but
Hessenthaler stopped short of saying Julian would be rushed back into the side.
Saturday's game was book-ended by mistakes from Cronin. If anything his decision to come and miss Robbie
Threlfall's ninth-minute free kick was more glaring, but Shane Duff was so surprised the ball reached him that he
headed wide at the back post.
Gillingham's best spell was in the half hour leading up to the interval. They gained control of the game without
creating clear chances, but it was enough to get the home fans agitated.
The break rejuvenated City, who were galvanised by the introduction of Lee Hendrie for his debut. The former Aston
Villa midfielder came close to opening the scoring with a header which flew just over on the hour as the hosts
increasingly dictated the play.
Gillingham's only chance of the half also fell to a debutant, but substitute Stanley Aborah headed tamely at Jon
McLaughlin.
While they had been on the back foot for much of the second half, Gillingham's back four gave little away. It
looked like they had ground out the point their display had merited, until Williams' late winner.
The result did much to undo the momentum generated by beating Shrewsbury a week earlier. With Burton Albion and
Southend United visiting Priestfield in the next week Hessenthaler demanded a swift response.
He said: "We're gutted but we've now got to win our next two home games. Simple as that."
===========================
Friday, September 17, 2010
Breaking news - Lee Hendrie
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=3422
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Hendrie
CITY SIGN FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL HENDRIE
Former England international Lee Hendrie has joined City on a short-term
deal.
The 33-year-old trained with his new team-mates this morning and goes
straight into contention for tomorrow's home clash with Gillingham.
Hendrie, who will wear the No 11 shirt, played more than 250 games for Aston
Villa before spending two years with Sheffield United.
He was released by Derby in the summer and has recently been training with
Reading.
The cousin of John Hendrie, he played regularly under City boss Peter Taylor
for the England under-21 side.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Hendrie
CITY SIGN FORMER ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL HENDRIE
Former England international Lee Hendrie has joined City on a short-term
deal.
The 33-year-old trained with his new team-mates this morning and goes
straight into contention for tomorrow's home clash with Gillingham.
Hendrie, who will wear the No 11 shirt, played more than 250 games for Aston
Villa before spending two years with Sheffield United.
He was released by Derby in the summer and has recently been training with
Reading.
The cousin of John Hendrie, he played regularly under City boss Peter Taylor
for the England under-21 side.
Monday, September 13, 2010
L2 (A) v Stockport D1-1 September 11, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM
Npower League Two
Stockport C (0) 1 Donnelly 78
Bradford C (0) 1 Syers 56
Att: 4,277
Next fixture
Next match: (H) Gillingham, Saturday Sept 18, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Stats: Stockport - Bradford C
Possession: 51 - 49%
Shots on target: 5 - 2
Shots off target: 13 - 5
Fouls: 9 - 6
Corners: 5 - 5
Ref: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)
Yellow cards: None
Stockport C: 27. Matthew Glennon, 2. Mark Lynch (83), 5. Danny Swailes, 6.
Mansour Assoumani, 12. Adam Griffin, 7. James Vincent (63), 4. Paul
Turnbull, 8. Greg Tansey, 15. Matty Mainwaring, 10. George Donnelly, 9.
Barry Conlon (63).
SUBS: 1. Owain Fon Williams (GK), 14. David Poole, 16. Danny Pilkington, 17.
Andy Halls, 19. Tom Fisher (63), 21. Jake Simpson (83), 26. Jamie Proctor
(63).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 6. Luke Oliver, 16. Shane
Duff, 28. Robbie Threlfall (90), 23. Dave Syers, 22. Lee Bullock, 8. Tommy
Doherty, 3. Luke O'Brien, 9. Gareth Evans (63), 10. Jake Speight.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 7. Omar Daley, 12. Steve Williams, 14. Leon
Osborne (90), 19. Louis Moult (63), 25. Chibuzor Chilaka, 27. Louis Horne.
Position: 22nd
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City stopped the losing rot but would have expected more from soggy
Stockport.
David Syers fired Peter Taylor's side in front early in the second half. But
hopes of picking up only a second league win were dashed by George
Donnelly's equaliser after they switched off from a quickly-taken corner.
In a featureless first half, Stockport striker Donnelly came as close as
anyone with a low drive that took a slight deflection wide.
There were few moments of excitement at either end. City tried something
different from a free-kick as Gareth Evans raced from the wall, turned and
hammered off a shot but it flew wide.
Luke Oliver forced a routine save with a header from a corner but it was
poor entertainment in the pouring rain.
Donnelly and Adam Griffin both fired wide at the start of the second half.
But it was City who grabbed the lead after 56 minutes. Jake Speight held off
centre half Mansour Assoumani as he powered into the left side of the
penalty area before drilling in a low cross which Syers smashed home at the
far post.
Stockport upped their pressure in search of an equaliser and got it with 12
minutes left. A short corner caught the visitors napping and Donnelly headed
home Adam Griffin's cross.
Tommy Doherty tested former City keeper Matt Glennon and Luke O'Brien's
charge into the box was denied by a sliding Danny Swailes as City looked in
vain for a second.
===========================
From Tuesday 7th
TAYLOR DENIES QUIT THREAT
Bradford City have vehemently denied that Peter Taylor has threatened to
quit as boss following a row with the board.
The Bantams have lost four of their opening five league games, but Taylor,
appointed as Stuart McCall's permanent successor in February, insists he is
committed to turning the club's fortunes around.
He told Bradford's official website: "Apparently it was suggested I've had a
fall-out with Mark Lawn and basically told him to pay me up and I'll go.
That's a load of old rubbish.
"It isn't right at the minute and we all know that. But I'm very determined
to turn this round and produce a team that will go on a good run."
Joint chairman Mark Lawn said: "If this so-called story came from a source,
then it's a particularly bad source.
"Peter had a discussion with (joint chairman) Julian (Rhodes) and myself
last week, but at no time was there anything like that mentioned."
===========================
From Wednesday 7th
From: Mike Harrison, City Gent Editor
I had an appointment to meet up with Zesh Rehman down at VP this afternoon to do an interview with him for the next
issue of The City Gent.
I was kept waiting for an hour after our appointed time because the team were kept behind after returning from
training today for a team meeting. I estimate this meeting went on for almost 2 hours. Zesh didn't go into detail
about the meeting and I wouldn't have expected him to, but he did say it was about Saturday's game at Stockport.
I suppose there are all sorts of ways you can take this information, but it sounds to me they're taking the game on
Saturday very seriously indeed, and so they should.
===========================
Just for interest purposes, here is a web site with loads of players on free
transfers.
http://www.givemefootball.com/pfa-transfer-list?name=FullName&page=1
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8387228./
Torrential rain adds to sense of Armageddon for Bradford City
6:40am Monday 13th September 2010
By Simon Parker
Stockport 1, City 1
At around 3.30pm on Saturday, Edgeley Park felt like the set of one of those 'end of the world' movies.
Macclesfield and Morecambe were both winning. City were, at that moment, bottom of the entire Football League.
The rain took on monsoon proportions in keeping with the sense of Armageddon. The open away end, housing the Bantams fans, was getting drowned.
You half-expected Bruce Willis to be lowered down by helicopter with an army of angry aliens on his tail.
By half-time the outlook was slightly less nightmarish. Hereford were losing at home by then and had taken over the dubious honour of the basement shift – and things did improve a bit more.
For the soggy supporters, there was finally the opportunity to sit in the empty covered stand nearby. Though you wonder why it took so long for Stockport to open the gate and let them in to some belated shelter.
And for the team themselves, at least the four-game losing slump was put to bed. But let's not kid ourselves that suddenly everything is bright and shiny. The performance deserved nothing more than a point.
Even allowing for the defensive sloppiness which again undid City and cost them an equaliser, victory would have been incredibly harsh on their hard-working hosts.
But maybe, just maybe, those few melodramatic minutes towards the end of a wretched first half were the low point from which City will now claw their way back.
Maybe we might be able to look back in May, through a haze of celebration champagne, and recall that rain and that league table with a wry smile. Maybe.
There is an awful long way to go for that to happen. Firstly, City have to stop the errors and lapses in concentration that are hitting them hard.
Last week there was the Port Vale corner that shouldn't have been and the free header that followed. Then there was the comical second goal.
This time it was a quickly-taken corner which undid them. So quickly taken, in fact, that even Peter Taylor missed it.
He assumed George Donnelly's drive had flown straight out and turned away from the action to have a word with Wayne Jacobs.
When he looked back, the ball was already sailing over the penalty area for Donnelly to thump home at the far post.
Taylor was not the only one caught out. City's defence never reacted when left back Adam Griffin received the short pass and had time to measure his cross.
Luke Oliver said: "Half the people weren't in their positions because they were trying to argue with the ref.
"It didn't seem like the ball took a deflection, so quite a few of us thought it was our goal kick.
"Stockport found it hard to break us down but one lack of concentration cost us."
Taylor had talked in the build-up to the game about the silly errors and here was another with a much-needed victory tantalisingly close.
For all their shots, Stockport had hardly troubled Jon McLaughlin into a proper save.
His goal was peppered from distance but never under real threat. One or two whistled narrowly wide but, as boss Paul Simpson admitted, Stockport will need another week of intense shooting practice in training.
Not that City exactly over-extended Matt Glennon either. The keeper released by Taylor at the end of last season had little opportunity to show his former employers they might have made a mistake.
Jake Speight was his usual tigerish self, which was illustrated with his set-up play to City's goal, but alongside him Gareth Evans looks lacking in confidence.
Evans has lost that sparkle and edge that was so evident in his approach at the tail-end of last season and the warm-up to this one.
If Taylor cannot find the loan striker he is after to cover James Hanson's absence, maybe it is time to give Louis Moult an extended run.
Tom Adeyemi's toe injury had meant a recall for Lee Bullock. Otherwise it was the same team that had looked better against Port Vale.
There was no chopping and changing and the back four certainly appeared stronger for that continuity. Centre halves Oliver and Shane Duff won pretty much everything against an attack hardly inspired by the anonymous Barry Conlon.
Once again Big Baz was hauled off early against his old club to the jeers of the travelling fans. He had not troubled the scorers.
Neither team threatened to do that in a forgettable first 45 minutes. City tried to lift the gloom with a natty free-kick move straight from the training ground as Evans broke away from the Stockport wall to take Robbie Threlfall's touch, turn and have a pop from 25 yards. But the shot, though decently struck, sailed well wide.
Stockport, with Paul Turnbull pulling the strings at the base of their midfield diamond, had most of the play but the football on offer was not worth the drenching.
Then City grabbed a surprise lead 11 minutes into the second half. Speight powered past the otherwise rock-solid Mansour Assoumani and crossed low and hard; David Syers slid in to connect from close range.
It was his first league goal – and he also became City's top scorer so far with two in total.
Stockport levelled late as defensive minds went wandering and that set up a helter-skelter last ten minutes which saw more action than the previous 80 combined.
Luke O'Brien delivered the run of the match, exchanging one-twos with Threlfall and Speight before Danny Swailes smothered his effort as he drove into the box.
But City also lived on their nerves when another long-ranger from Turnbull flashed past McLaughlin's right post a bit too close for comfort.
Taylor said: "Every now and again you saw some good things like what Luke O'Brien did at the end. That's what I see on the training ground but it's not happening enough. We'll just have to keep working at it." Attendance: 4,277
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8387166./
Another set-piece error costs Bradford City points after joy of Syers strike
7:40am Monday 13th September 2010
By Simon Parker
David Syers today admitted that City must start learning from their mistakes if they want to pull the season
around.
The rookie midfielder's joy at bagging his first league goal on Saturday was marred by the soft Stockport equaliser
as it finished 1-1.
For the second game running, City paid the price for not dealing with a corner – and Syers insisted that has to
change.
He said: "We go through these things every day in training. We know where we're supposed to be and who's doing
what.
"You switch off for a minute and you get punished. We've got to know that by now.
"You saw the five minutes after we scored and there was definitely a lift but then we let it slip.
"A few of the lads didn't think it was a corner but if the ref gives it, you've still got to pick up your men."
At least City halted a four-game losing rut after Syers had fired them in front from Jake Speight's cross.
He said: "The gaffer is always telling me to get myself into the box when I'm playing on the right. It was great
work from Jake and I just managed to connect right.
"I always fancy myself to score goals from midfield. That's how I've staked my claim. I back myself to get forward
and hopefully make a difference.
"If you're a midfielder who can help out the strikers, then it all adds up to more points at the end of the season.
"I've no doubt we will hit a purple patch with the quality we've got up front and start scoring for fun. But the
midfield have got to chip in.
"It was a great feeling to get a goal but I'd rather have come away with three points.
"But you aren't telling me that any team goes through a season without having a blip. Unfortunately ours has been
at the start."
Peter Taylor conceded it was another average display but was pleased for Syers.
"It wasn't one of his better games but he keeps working exceptionally hard," said the City chief.
"There were a few like that out there who didn't perform brilliantly but kept working.
"The players will feel okay on the strength of stopping the rot but we know we've got to be better."
Robbie Threlfall had to go off suffering from cramp in both calves, while City will be keeping their fingers
crossed over Tom Adeyemi's x-ray after he was ruled out following a nasty kick on the toe in training.
===========================
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
L2 v Port Vale (h) L0-2 September 4th 2010
Npower League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Port Vale (1) 2 Marc Richards 32, Justin Richards 75.
Att: 10,834
Next fixture
Next match: (A) Stockport, September 11, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Stats: Bradford C - Port Vale
Possession: 49 - 51%
Shots on target: 4 - 6
Shots off target: 9 - 8
Fouls: 7 - 13
Corners: 11 - 10
Ref: David Coote (Newark).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Syers (45 min), Oliver (84).
Port Vale: M Richards (3 min), J Richards (39), Roberts (45).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff, 6. Luke
Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 23. Dave Syers, 20. Tom Adeyemi (67), 8. Tommy
Doherty, 3. Luke O'Brien (67), 9. Gareth Evans, 10. Jake Speight.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 12. Steve Williams, 14. Leon
Osborne (67), 19. Louis Moult (67), 22. Lee Bullock, 25. Chibuzor Chilaka.
Port Vale: 12. Stuart Tomlinson, 2. Adam Yates, 5. John McCombe, 6. Gareth
Owen, 15. Lee Collins, 10. Tommy Fraser (90), 22. Gary Roberts, 4. Anthony
Griffith, 17. Sean Rigg (88), 9. Marc Richards (83), 11. Justin Richards.
SUBS: 1. Chris Martin (GK), 3. Robert Taylor, 8. Louis Dodds (83), 14. Kris
Taylor, 19. Anthony Malbon, 21. Ritchie Sutton (90), 23. Abdulai Bell-Baggie
(88).
League position: 22nd
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City's dire start continued as Port Vale made it four defeats in
the opening five league games.
There were more boos from the Valley Parade crowd following another grim
afternoon.
After a fairly bright opening, City's fragile confidence was punctured after
33 minutes when Marc Richards was left unmarked to head home from a corner.
Vale defender John McCombe hammered a clearance against his own bar from a
cross by Jake Speight, who was again the liveliest home player by far.
Speight then handled in front of goal from Luke Oliver's knockdown right on
half-time as City pressed for an equaliser.
But Vale always looked the better side and made sure of their third
successive away win with a gift goal 15 minutes from time.
Tommy Doherty's poor backpass was miscontrolled by Jon McLaughlin, allowing
Justin Richards to walk the ball home.
City's day was summed up when a goal-bound effort from Gareth Evans late on
struck Speight and rebounded out.
===========================
Bradford City manager Peter Taylor tells BBC Radio Leeds that despite losing
2-0 to Port Vale, he believes his side's performances are improving.
Click on the sound bite link to hear post-match comments.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8969428.stm
The question is asked about Hanson's hamstring but Taylor avoids a direct
answer.
===========================
HOW DOES BOOING HELP? ASKS TAYLOR
By Richard Sutcliffe (YP)
PETER TAYLOR leapt to the defence of Tommy Doherty after the Valley Parade
crowd turned on the midfielder.
The 31-year-old was booed by a small section of fans following his miscued
back-pass that led to Justin Richards netting Port Vale's second goal.
Taylor, who was upset when the fans gave his side stick after their only win
of the League Two season
against Stevenage on August 14, said: "I don't understand the booing.
"I am 57 and I don't understand how a player who has been outstanding in the
game then makes a mistake and gets booed.
"If someone can explain to me how that is going to help, I will introduce
booing in training. How will that make the player feel the next time?
"If that is what has happened at the club for the last 10 years, that might
be a reason why we haven't had a very good 10 years."
The defeat means City have lost four of their first five games and sit 22nd.
Despite that, Taylor insists there were grounds for optimism in his side's
display especially when compared to the 2-0 defeat at home to Southend
United in their previous outing.
He said: "The result is frustrating, but I thought the performance was a lot
better. Against Stevenage and Southend, we didn't create much but we did
(against Port Vale). That is more of a plus, even though when anyone reads
the paper it will say 'Bradford 0 Port Vale 2'.
"How we didn't score late in the first half and then after half-time amazes
me. But then we gave away a really comical goal.
"What we have to do is stick together and work hard on the training field."
The end of the game saw several Vale players race to join in with a
commotion in the tunnel. Taylor said: "It was nothing. People maybe thought
Geoff (Horsfield, Port Vale assistant) was having a go at (Louis) Moulty but
it wasn't. Geoff was just trying to calm it down."
===========================
DALEY WINS 57th JAMAICA CAP AFTER 12 MONTH ABSENCE
Bradford City winger Omar Daley won his 57th international cap for Jamaica
after appearing in his country's 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Sunday.
The 29-year-old stepped off the substitutes' bench in the second half as the
Reggae Boyz edged out their rivals at the National Stadium in Kingston.
It was the first time Daley had appeared for Jamaica since February 2009
when he sustained a career-threatening knee injury.
Daley is hoping to play a bigger role for the Reggae Boyz when they face
Peru in Fort Lauderdale in another friendly on Tuesday.
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
CITY DRAWN AWAY TO HARTLEPOOL
Posted on: Sun 05 Sep 2010
The Bantams have been drawn away to Hartlepool United in the second round of
the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Having received a bye in the first round, Bantams were paired with the
League 1 side in the northern section draw of Saturday morning's draw live
on Sky Sports Soccer AM show.
It is the second time on the trot that City have been handed an away tie
against League 1 opposition after Carlisle United ended the Bantams interest
in last season's competition back in December 2009 at the Northern Section
Semi-Final stage.
Pools booked their place in the second round after defeating Northampton
Town 4-0 on Tuesday (31 August 2010) evening.
City's last trip to Victoria Park came on the opening day of the 2005/06
Coca-Cola League 1 season. Goals from Dean Windass and Bobby Petta ensured
the Bantams left with all three points on that day.
The tie is scheduled to take place on the week commencing 4th October 2010.
Tickets details for the match will be announced shortly.
Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round draw in full:
Northern section:
Burton Albion vs Rotherham United
Hartlepool United vs BRADFORD CITY
Sheffield Wednesday vs Chesterfield
Huddersfield Town vs Peterborough United
Accrington Stanley vs Stockport County
Macclesfield Town vs Crewe Alexandra
Bury vs Shrewsbury Town
Carlisle United vs Port Vale
Southern section:
Colcehster United vs Wycombe Wanderers
Leyton Orient vs Brentford
Milton Keynes Dons vs Charlton Athletic
Barnet vs Southend United
Bristol Rovers vs Aldershot Town
Swindon Town vs Torquay United
Cheltenham Town vs Plymouth Argyle
Hereford United vs Exeter City
===========================
From Wednesday 1st
CITY DUO ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Bradford City skipper Simon Ramsden and midfielder Michael Flynn are both
"two to three weeks away" from a return to first-team action.
Defender Ramsden has missed the last four games due to a calf injury
sustained in the Carling Cup win over Nottingham Forest, while Flynn has yet
to appear this season after a double hernia operation and Taylor admitted
both players have been sorely missed.
Taylor told the club's official website: "I went to watch Barnet and Bury on
Saturday and you could see that Bury have got more experience than us in the
team at the minute. That's why not having the likes of Ramsden and Flynn is
really hurting us.
"I think they're both still two to three weeks away and we've just got to
get on with it."
City have won only one of their first four league games and Taylor added:
"It's very early days, but we know it's not good. All we can do is be honest
and prepare as well as we can."
===========================
Facebook page:
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Bradford City facebook page
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or search for
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***
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http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Bradford C (0) 0
Port Vale (1) 2 Marc Richards 32, Justin Richards 75.
Att: 10,834
Next fixture
Next match: (A) Stockport, September 11, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Stats: Bradford C - Port Vale
Possession: 49 - 51%
Shots on target: 4 - 6
Shots off target: 9 - 8
Fouls: 7 - 13
Corners: 11 - 10
Ref: David Coote (Newark).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Syers (45 min), Oliver (84).
Port Vale: M Richards (3 min), J Richards (39), Roberts (45).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff, 6. Luke
Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 23. Dave Syers, 20. Tom Adeyemi (67), 8. Tommy
Doherty, 3. Luke O'Brien (67), 9. Gareth Evans, 10. Jake Speight.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 12. Steve Williams, 14. Leon
Osborne (67), 19. Louis Moult (67), 22. Lee Bullock, 25. Chibuzor Chilaka.
Port Vale: 12. Stuart Tomlinson, 2. Adam Yates, 5. John McCombe, 6. Gareth
Owen, 15. Lee Collins, 10. Tommy Fraser (90), 22. Gary Roberts, 4. Anthony
Griffith, 17. Sean Rigg (88), 9. Marc Richards (83), 11. Justin Richards.
SUBS: 1. Chris Martin (GK), 3. Robert Taylor, 8. Louis Dodds (83), 14. Kris
Taylor, 19. Anthony Malbon, 21. Ritchie Sutton (90), 23. Abdulai Bell-Baggie
(88).
League position: 22nd
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City's dire start continued as Port Vale made it four defeats in
the opening five league games.
There were more boos from the Valley Parade crowd following another grim
afternoon.
After a fairly bright opening, City's fragile confidence was punctured after
33 minutes when Marc Richards was left unmarked to head home from a corner.
Vale defender John McCombe hammered a clearance against his own bar from a
cross by Jake Speight, who was again the liveliest home player by far.
Speight then handled in front of goal from Luke Oliver's knockdown right on
half-time as City pressed for an equaliser.
But Vale always looked the better side and made sure of their third
successive away win with a gift goal 15 minutes from time.
Tommy Doherty's poor backpass was miscontrolled by Jon McLaughlin, allowing
Justin Richards to walk the ball home.
City's day was summed up when a goal-bound effort from Gareth Evans late on
struck Speight and rebounded out.
===========================
Bradford City manager Peter Taylor tells BBC Radio Leeds that despite losing
2-0 to Port Vale, he believes his side's performances are improving.
Click on the sound bite link to hear post-match comments.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/8969428.stm
The question is asked about Hanson's hamstring but Taylor avoids a direct
answer.
===========================
HOW DOES BOOING HELP? ASKS TAYLOR
By Richard Sutcliffe (YP)
PETER TAYLOR leapt to the defence of Tommy Doherty after the Valley Parade
crowd turned on the midfielder.
The 31-year-old was booed by a small section of fans following his miscued
back-pass that led to Justin Richards netting Port Vale's second goal.
Taylor, who was upset when the fans gave his side stick after their only win
of the League Two season
against Stevenage on August 14, said: "I don't understand the booing.
"I am 57 and I don't understand how a player who has been outstanding in the
game then makes a mistake and gets booed.
"If someone can explain to me how that is going to help, I will introduce
booing in training. How will that make the player feel the next time?
"If that is what has happened at the club for the last 10 years, that might
be a reason why we haven't had a very good 10 years."
The defeat means City have lost four of their first five games and sit 22nd.
Despite that, Taylor insists there were grounds for optimism in his side's
display especially when compared to the 2-0 defeat at home to Southend
United in their previous outing.
He said: "The result is frustrating, but I thought the performance was a lot
better. Against Stevenage and Southend, we didn't create much but we did
(against Port Vale). That is more of a plus, even though when anyone reads
the paper it will say 'Bradford 0 Port Vale 2'.
"How we didn't score late in the first half and then after half-time amazes
me. But then we gave away a really comical goal.
"What we have to do is stick together and work hard on the training field."
The end of the game saw several Vale players race to join in with a
commotion in the tunnel. Taylor said: "It was nothing. People maybe thought
Geoff (Horsfield, Port Vale assistant) was having a go at (Louis) Moulty but
it wasn't. Geoff was just trying to calm it down."
===========================
DALEY WINS 57th JAMAICA CAP AFTER 12 MONTH ABSENCE
Bradford City winger Omar Daley won his 57th international cap for Jamaica
after appearing in his country's 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica on Sunday.
The 29-year-old stepped off the substitutes' bench in the second half as the
Reggae Boyz edged out their rivals at the National Stadium in Kingston.
It was the first time Daley had appeared for Jamaica since February 2009
when he sustained a career-threatening knee injury.
Daley is hoping to play a bigger role for the Reggae Boyz when they face
Peru in Fort Lauderdale in another friendly on Tuesday.
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
CITY DRAWN AWAY TO HARTLEPOOL
Posted on: Sun 05 Sep 2010
The Bantams have been drawn away to Hartlepool United in the second round of
the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Having received a bye in the first round, Bantams were paired with the
League 1 side in the northern section draw of Saturday morning's draw live
on Sky Sports Soccer AM show.
It is the second time on the trot that City have been handed an away tie
against League 1 opposition after Carlisle United ended the Bantams interest
in last season's competition back in December 2009 at the Northern Section
Semi-Final stage.
Pools booked their place in the second round after defeating Northampton
Town 4-0 on Tuesday (31 August 2010) evening.
City's last trip to Victoria Park came on the opening day of the 2005/06
Coca-Cola League 1 season. Goals from Dean Windass and Bobby Petta ensured
the Bantams left with all three points on that day.
The tie is scheduled to take place on the week commencing 4th October 2010.
Tickets details for the match will be announced shortly.
Johnstone's Paint Trophy second round draw in full:
Northern section:
Burton Albion vs Rotherham United
Hartlepool United vs BRADFORD CITY
Sheffield Wednesday vs Chesterfield
Huddersfield Town vs Peterborough United
Accrington Stanley vs Stockport County
Macclesfield Town vs Crewe Alexandra
Bury vs Shrewsbury Town
Carlisle United vs Port Vale
Southern section:
Colcehster United vs Wycombe Wanderers
Leyton Orient vs Brentford
Milton Keynes Dons vs Charlton Athletic
Barnet vs Southend United
Bristol Rovers vs Aldershot Town
Swindon Town vs Torquay United
Cheltenham Town vs Plymouth Argyle
Hereford United vs Exeter City
===========================
From Wednesday 1st
CITY DUO ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Bradford City skipper Simon Ramsden and midfielder Michael Flynn are both
"two to three weeks away" from a return to first-team action.
Defender Ramsden has missed the last four games due to a calf injury
sustained in the Carling Cup win over Nottingham Forest, while Flynn has yet
to appear this season after a double hernia operation and Taylor admitted
both players have been sorely missed.
Taylor told the club's official website: "I went to watch Barnet and Bury on
Saturday and you could see that Bury have got more experience than us in the
team at the minute. That's why not having the likes of Ramsden and Flynn is
really hurting us.
"I think they're both still two to three weeks away and we've just got to
get on with it."
City have won only one of their first four league games and Taylor added:
"It's very early days, but we know it's not good. All we can do is be honest
and prepare as well as we can."
===========================
Facebook page:
BCFC
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
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
***
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http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Monday, August 30, 2010
L2 v Southend (h) L0-2 August 27th 2010
Npower League Two
Bradford C (0) 0
Southend U (1) 2 Corr 16, Grant 54
Att: 10,752
Next fixture v Port Vale (h) ko 3pm
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, O'Brien, Williams, Hunt, Evans, Daley, Bullock (Speight, 46 ) , Doherty, Hanson
(Threlfall, 46 ) , Moult (Syers, 46 )
Subs not used: Duff,Rehman,Saxton,Adeyemi,
Southend: Morris, Gilbert, Clohessy(sent off 77), Barker, Bilel, Grant, Hall ( Prosser, 83 ) , Easton, Simpson,
Sturrock ( Soares, 77 ) , Corr ( Paterson, 80 )
Subs not used: Evans, Herd, Bouzid, Coughlan,
Bookings: Bullock , Evans , Syers (Bradford) Clohessy , Easton , Gilbert (Southend)
Attendance: 10752
Referee: Paul Tierney ()
Game Statistics
City Shrimpers
11 Goal Attempts 12
5 On Target 6
5 Corners 9
13 Fouls 8
3 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 1
48 % 52
===========================
Match report
By Simon Parker
Awful City slumped to their third league loss of the season against a
Southend side celebrating their first away win in 2010.
It was a grim night for the Bantams, who looked a shadow of the team that
had matched Preston for so long three days earlier.
They never recovered after slack marking allowed Barry Corr to convert
Anthony Grant's pass after 16 minutes.
Peter Taylor used all three substitutes at half-time in a bid to gee them up
after the break and Jake Speight at least offered a bit of bite.
But any hopes of a fightback were dashed when they fell further behind nine
minutes after the break as Grant drove in from 25 yards.
Southend defender Sean Clohessy was sent off near the end but the ten men
did not come under any pressure.
And once again there were a few boos at the final whistle.
===========================
Frustrated Peter Taylor took the blame for City's woeful Valley Parade loss to South-end last night.
The Bantams were beaten 2-0 – their third loss in four in the league – and were second best throughout a depressing
game.
It was a total contrast to the way they had played against Preston three days before. And afterwards, the City
chief held up his hand to take the rap.
Taylor said: "I'm the one that's put the players together and when they play like that, it's my fault.
"If we were flying now and being the best team in the country, then I'd be lording it. I'd be saying that's down to
me.
"I've signed the majority of players so the way we've played is down to me. We've got no excuses.
"We're too inconsistent and it's not good enough. Southend had extra-time on Tuesday like ourselves but they looked
hungrier, fitter and better than us."
Taylor admitted he was baffled at his side's failure to string decent displays together. They rarely tested the
Southend goal even when the visitors were down to ten men after defender Sean Clohessy's red card.
"It was totally opposite to Tuesday night. But I don't really know what performance we are going to give at the
minute.
"I don't think anybody's got a clue how we are going to perform and who's going to turn up and be confident or
who's going to be nervous.
"I would have thought we'd be (confident) but come kick-off time it doesn't seem to work out that way.
"We seem to need to have a fantastic start for us to be really confident but it hasn't happened this year."
Half-time substitute Jake Speight injected some passion into City's play. Having shaken off his knee injury, the
striker is set to be rewarded with a full game against Port Vale next week.
Taylor said: "He was very close to starting and we thought he had an hour in him. He showed a couple of glimpses.
"That won't do him any harm so he'll have a good week."
===========================
From TOny Watson
"Noone seems to vhave mentioned Taylor's appearance on Football Focus
yesterday morning with Lawro and Dan Carter - a shortened one because of the
Grand Prix practice.
It was quite appropriate since they were concentrating on Wigan & Martinez
and asking Taylor how managers handle such situations. No unexpected pearls
of wisdom were uttered, just the usual 'We're all in it together etc etc'
Wigan of course got a result yesterday - perhaps we will next week.
Of course Lawro is a Preston director but he didn't comment much. They
showed the goals from Tuesday THEN they showed the Southend goals. Taylor
looked suitably glum when they showed the second goal with no-one anywhere
near Grant the goalscorer. 'Giving them shooting practice' he mumbled. We
obviously signed the wrong Grant."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360881.McLaughlin_accepts_Taylor_criticism_a_back_handed_com
pliment
McLaughlin accepts Taylor criticism a back-handed compliment
6:50pm Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor didn't beat around the bush when he blamed his goalkeeper for both goals that cost City at Torquay
recently.
It was a tough learning curve for Jon McLaughlin as he heard the manager's very public reaction to his performance.
But in a way, it also demonstrated how strongly Taylor believes in the 22-year-old.
His criticism was a back-handed compliment for a keeper he clearly thinks is very much up to the task.
In experience terms, McLaughlin is a baby as a number one. Despite being the season's only ever- present, he has
still got only 14 senior appearances under his belt.
Taylor knew the risks when he went into the campaign with such a relative rookie as his first choice. Back-up
keeper Lloyd Saxton has never played in the first team and Chris Elliott has just been awarded his first pro
contract after being named youth-team player of the year.
Even coach Tim Dittmer is much younger than Matt Glennon, who occupied City's goal when Taylor first took the
Valley Parade reins in February.
But rather than look for another old head in the summer, Taylor put his faith in youth. And despite what he said in
the aftermath of Devon last week, that faith remains unshaken.
McLaughlin, for his part, held up a giant hand over what the boss had to say.
"You've got to be big enough to know what's expected of you," he said. "Once you're made a part of the team
properly, that's a sign they believe you're a good quality player and they expect you to be of a high standard in
games.
"The better you get, the more things are going to get picked out. You're always trying to learn and you're not out
there to make mistakes.
"But as a keeper, I'm always disappointed to concede a goal, even with the Preston winner in the cup, which was an
absolute blast into the top corner.
"I don't think I ever had any right to save the shot but, at the same time, you're not happy to watch it go in.
"You don't look at it and think 'never mind'. You're still wondering if there was anything that you could have done
better.
"So when a goal goes in because of a mistake you've got to accept it. Then you go into training next week and try
to work on the things that have gone wrong in the game."
Every goalkeeper will tell you that mental strength is just as important as ability and physical fitness. It's
about getting over the inevitable lapses that will affect even the very best and not letting them play on your
mind.
Taylor has no doubt that McLaughlin is tough enough up top to recover from any pitfalls.
The keeper himself, having waited so long to finally get his opportunity, has no intention of letting it slip from
his grasp.
"I've had to be pretty patient to get my chance and I'm really grateful with the gaffer for making me his number
one.
"I've been enjoying it so far playing games on a regular basis and it's great to take on that added responsibility.
"All three of us are young goalkeepers and the gaffer's talked to us before about being able to move on after a
goal and not let it affect the rest of your performance.
"Whether it's a mistake by ourselves, a bad decision by an official or just a good goal, you've got to forget about
it as quickly as possible.
"Concentrate on the next shot or cross. You can go back to the goal after the game and pick through it all day
long.
"It can be tough to do and you need to make sure the players around you help but we've got good players in our
defence with experience.
"They're not all over you about it. They know you haven't tried to do it wrong on purpose."
The fact that McLaughlin saved another penalty at Plainmoor was almost forgotten. But his stop from Torquay skipper
Nicky Wroe extended a record that has also included saves at Burton in his first game under Peter Taylor and then
in pre-season against Rochdale.
Clearly those shoot-outs with the Great Britain side in last year's World Student Games in Belgrade have proved a
valuable grounding.
He said: "It's always great to save penalties and help the team out but hopefully it won't mean people expecting me
to save them.
"You're always the underdog as a goalkeeper but if (my record) plants a seed of doubt in the penalty-taker's head
then maybe it helps.
"I don't really have too much of a system. I just gauge the player, think about what he might do and just commit to
it.
"If you then save it, that's great."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360342.Fighting_talk_from_Bradford_City_ace_Ramsden
Fighting talk from Bradford City ace Ramsden
7:00am Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker
A week of soul-searching on the City training ground will sort out the men from the boys, according to Simon
Ramsden.
Just a month into the season, the Port Vale home game on Saturday has taken on huge significance after three
defeats from the first four games.
Peter Taylor was furious over their limp loss to Southend, and injured skipper Ramsden predicted a demanding period
ahead for the squad.
He said: "The performance on Friday wasn't to the level that's expected for Bradford City. So starting on Saturday,
we've got to be brave – every one of us.
"We've got to go out there and show some fight. This is where you'll see the men from the boys.
"It's not just about playing well with the ball. You've got to get the nasty things right like getting about teams
and putting your foot in there – we didn't do that at times on Friday.
"Fans will cheer you and clap you off if everyone's given their all. They don't mind even if it hasn't come off as
long as the effort's there – you saw that against Preston.
"The crowd were very upset on Friday and booed the team off and you can understand where they are coming from. At
times we didn't look like the home side because Southend had a lot of possession.
"I'm sure the gaffer will be working on it all week because we can't have another performance like that."
Ramsden is easing his way back from a torn calf and hoped to get the all-clear to start running again today.
Being stuck on the sidelines while City struggle just increases his personal frustration.
"I really wish I was back but you've got to be careful with a tear. Sometimes it might feel fine but one sprint too
many and you're back to square one.
"It's going to be a long, hard week on the training ground for everyone. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of
what's gone wrong and put it right for Saturday.
"It's the inconsistency that's so frustrating for the fans and ourselves. We played very well in the cup against
Forest and Preston, two sides who on paper are a lot better than us.
"Then, although we got a victory against Stevenage, we produced a very disappointing performance and it was the
same on Friday.
"Let's hope it's a different story on Saturday and we can prove what a good side we are.
"We've definitely got the players capable of doing it, even if it didn't look like that on Friday."
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
BCFC
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
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
***
Bradford C (0) 0
Southend U (1) 2 Corr 16, Grant 54
Att: 10,752
Next fixture v Port Vale (h) ko 3pm
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, O'Brien, Williams, Hunt, Evans, Daley, Bullock (Speight, 46 ) , Doherty, Hanson
(Threlfall, 46 ) , Moult (Syers, 46 )
Subs not used: Duff,Rehman,Saxton,Adeyemi,
Southend: Morris, Gilbert, Clohessy(sent off 77), Barker, Bilel, Grant, Hall ( Prosser, 83 ) , Easton, Simpson,
Sturrock ( Soares, 77 ) , Corr ( Paterson, 80 )
Subs not used: Evans, Herd, Bouzid, Coughlan,
Bookings: Bullock , Evans , Syers (Bradford) Clohessy , Easton , Gilbert (Southend)
Attendance: 10752
Referee: Paul Tierney ()
Game Statistics
City Shrimpers
11 Goal Attempts 12
5 On Target 6
5 Corners 9
13 Fouls 8
3 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 1
48 % 52
===========================
Match report
By Simon Parker
Awful City slumped to their third league loss of the season against a
Southend side celebrating their first away win in 2010.
It was a grim night for the Bantams, who looked a shadow of the team that
had matched Preston for so long three days earlier.
They never recovered after slack marking allowed Barry Corr to convert
Anthony Grant's pass after 16 minutes.
Peter Taylor used all three substitutes at half-time in a bid to gee them up
after the break and Jake Speight at least offered a bit of bite.
But any hopes of a fightback were dashed when they fell further behind nine
minutes after the break as Grant drove in from 25 yards.
Southend defender Sean Clohessy was sent off near the end but the ten men
did not come under any pressure.
And once again there were a few boos at the final whistle.
===========================
Frustrated Peter Taylor took the blame for City's woeful Valley Parade loss to South-end last night.
The Bantams were beaten 2-0 – their third loss in four in the league – and were second best throughout a depressing
game.
It was a total contrast to the way they had played against Preston three days before. And afterwards, the City
chief held up his hand to take the rap.
Taylor said: "I'm the one that's put the players together and when they play like that, it's my fault.
"If we were flying now and being the best team in the country, then I'd be lording it. I'd be saying that's down to
me.
"I've signed the majority of players so the way we've played is down to me. We've got no excuses.
"We're too inconsistent and it's not good enough. Southend had extra-time on Tuesday like ourselves but they looked
hungrier, fitter and better than us."
Taylor admitted he was baffled at his side's failure to string decent displays together. They rarely tested the
Southend goal even when the visitors were down to ten men after defender Sean Clohessy's red card.
"It was totally opposite to Tuesday night. But I don't really know what performance we are going to give at the
minute.
"I don't think anybody's got a clue how we are going to perform and who's going to turn up and be confident or
who's going to be nervous.
"I would have thought we'd be (confident) but come kick-off time it doesn't seem to work out that way.
"We seem to need to have a fantastic start for us to be really confident but it hasn't happened this year."
Half-time substitute Jake Speight injected some passion into City's play. Having shaken off his knee injury, the
striker is set to be rewarded with a full game against Port Vale next week.
Taylor said: "He was very close to starting and we thought he had an hour in him. He showed a couple of glimpses.
"That won't do him any harm so he'll have a good week."
===========================
From TOny Watson
"Noone seems to vhave mentioned Taylor's appearance on Football Focus
yesterday morning with Lawro and Dan Carter - a shortened one because of the
Grand Prix practice.
It was quite appropriate since they were concentrating on Wigan & Martinez
and asking Taylor how managers handle such situations. No unexpected pearls
of wisdom were uttered, just the usual 'We're all in it together etc etc'
Wigan of course got a result yesterday - perhaps we will next week.
Of course Lawro is a Preston director but he didn't comment much. They
showed the goals from Tuesday THEN they showed the Southend goals. Taylor
looked suitably glum when they showed the second goal with no-one anywhere
near Grant the goalscorer. 'Giving them shooting practice' he mumbled. We
obviously signed the wrong Grant."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360881.McLaughlin_accepts_Taylor_criticism_a_back_handed_com
pliment
McLaughlin accepts Taylor criticism a back-handed compliment
6:50pm Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor didn't beat around the bush when he blamed his goalkeeper for both goals that cost City at Torquay
recently.
It was a tough learning curve for Jon McLaughlin as he heard the manager's very public reaction to his performance.
But in a way, it also demonstrated how strongly Taylor believes in the 22-year-old.
His criticism was a back-handed compliment for a keeper he clearly thinks is very much up to the task.
In experience terms, McLaughlin is a baby as a number one. Despite being the season's only ever- present, he has
still got only 14 senior appearances under his belt.
Taylor knew the risks when he went into the campaign with such a relative rookie as his first choice. Back-up
keeper Lloyd Saxton has never played in the first team and Chris Elliott has just been awarded his first pro
contract after being named youth-team player of the year.
Even coach Tim Dittmer is much younger than Matt Glennon, who occupied City's goal when Taylor first took the
Valley Parade reins in February.
But rather than look for another old head in the summer, Taylor put his faith in youth. And despite what he said in
the aftermath of Devon last week, that faith remains unshaken.
McLaughlin, for his part, held up a giant hand over what the boss had to say.
"You've got to be big enough to know what's expected of you," he said. "Once you're made a part of the team
properly, that's a sign they believe you're a good quality player and they expect you to be of a high standard in
games.
"The better you get, the more things are going to get picked out. You're always trying to learn and you're not out
there to make mistakes.
"But as a keeper, I'm always disappointed to concede a goal, even with the Preston winner in the cup, which was an
absolute blast into the top corner.
"I don't think I ever had any right to save the shot but, at the same time, you're not happy to watch it go in.
"You don't look at it and think 'never mind'. You're still wondering if there was anything that you could have done
better.
"So when a goal goes in because of a mistake you've got to accept it. Then you go into training next week and try
to work on the things that have gone wrong in the game."
Every goalkeeper will tell you that mental strength is just as important as ability and physical fitness. It's
about getting over the inevitable lapses that will affect even the very best and not letting them play on your
mind.
Taylor has no doubt that McLaughlin is tough enough up top to recover from any pitfalls.
The keeper himself, having waited so long to finally get his opportunity, has no intention of letting it slip from
his grasp.
"I've had to be pretty patient to get my chance and I'm really grateful with the gaffer for making me his number
one.
"I've been enjoying it so far playing games on a regular basis and it's great to take on that added responsibility.
"All three of us are young goalkeepers and the gaffer's talked to us before about being able to move on after a
goal and not let it affect the rest of your performance.
"Whether it's a mistake by ourselves, a bad decision by an official or just a good goal, you've got to forget about
it as quickly as possible.
"Concentrate on the next shot or cross. You can go back to the goal after the game and pick through it all day
long.
"It can be tough to do and you need to make sure the players around you help but we've got good players in our
defence with experience.
"They're not all over you about it. They know you haven't tried to do it wrong on purpose."
The fact that McLaughlin saved another penalty at Plainmoor was almost forgotten. But his stop from Torquay skipper
Nicky Wroe extended a record that has also included saves at Burton in his first game under Peter Taylor and then
in pre-season against Rochdale.
Clearly those shoot-outs with the Great Britain side in last year's World Student Games in Belgrade have proved a
valuable grounding.
He said: "It's always great to save penalties and help the team out but hopefully it won't mean people expecting me
to save them.
"You're always the underdog as a goalkeeper but if (my record) plants a seed of doubt in the penalty-taker's head
then maybe it helps.
"I don't really have too much of a system. I just gauge the player, think about what he might do and just commit to
it.
"If you then save it, that's great."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8360342.Fighting_talk_from_Bradford_City_ace_Ramsden
Fighting talk from Bradford City ace Ramsden
7:00am Monday 30th August 2010
By Simon Parker
A week of soul-searching on the City training ground will sort out the men from the boys, according to Simon
Ramsden.
Just a month into the season, the Port Vale home game on Saturday has taken on huge significance after three
defeats from the first four games.
Peter Taylor was furious over their limp loss to Southend, and injured skipper Ramsden predicted a demanding period
ahead for the squad.
He said: "The performance on Friday wasn't to the level that's expected for Bradford City. So starting on Saturday,
we've got to be brave – every one of us.
"We've got to go out there and show some fight. This is where you'll see the men from the boys.
"It's not just about playing well with the ball. You've got to get the nasty things right like getting about teams
and putting your foot in there – we didn't do that at times on Friday.
"Fans will cheer you and clap you off if everyone's given their all. They don't mind even if it hasn't come off as
long as the effort's there – you saw that against Preston.
"The crowd were very upset on Friday and booed the team off and you can understand where they are coming from. At
times we didn't look like the home side because Southend had a lot of possession.
"I'm sure the gaffer will be working on it all week because we can't have another performance like that."
Ramsden is easing his way back from a torn calf and hoped to get the all-clear to start running again today.
Being stuck on the sidelines while City struggle just increases his personal frustration.
"I really wish I was back but you've got to be careful with a tear. Sometimes it might feel fine but one sprint too
many and you're back to square one.
"It's going to be a long, hard week on the training ground for everyone. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of
what's gone wrong and put it right for Saturday.
"It's the inconsistency that's so frustrating for the fans and ourselves. We played very well in the cup against
Forest and Preston, two sides who on paper are a lot better than us.
"Then, although we got a victory against Stevenage, we produced a very disappointing performance and it was the
same on Friday.
"Let's hope it's a different story on Saturday and we can prove what a good side we are.
"We've definitely got the players capable of doing it, even if it didn't look like that on Friday."
===========================
===========================
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***
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***
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***
Friday, August 27, 2010
FLC2 v Preston (h) L1-2 August 24th 2010
Football League Cup 2nd Round
Bradford C (0) 1 Speight 83
Preston NE (1) 2 Coutts 45, Treacy 109
AET - Full time: 1-1
Att: 4,221
Next fixture
FRIDAY Aug 27 1:45 PM CT - Bradford City vs Southend United
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
English League Cup - Round 2 - KO 19:45
Bradford 1 (0) - 2 (1) (AET) Preston
Speight 83
Coutts 45
Treacy 109
At Valley Parade on 24-08-2010
Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, Rehman, O'Brien, Williams, Daley (Speight, 70 ) , Doherty (Hanson, 55 ) , Adeyemi, Syers, Evans (Chilaka, 79 ) , Moult
Subs not used: Duff,Bullock,Saxton,Hunt,
Preston: Lonergan, Davidson, Morgan, St. Ledger ( Wright, 46 ) , Gray, Treacy, Coutts, Mayor ( Russell, 68 ) , James, Hayes ( Brown, 62 ) , King
Subs not used: Parkin, Barton, Arestidou, McLaughlin,
Bookings: Gray , King , Treacy (Preston)
Attendance: 4221
Referee: C Sarginson ()
STAT ATTACK
CITY PNE
4 Shots On Target 14
7 Shots Off Target 8
8 Fouls (Conceded) 15
10 Corners 10
0 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
===========================
From the Official BCFC website…
TAYLOR PROUD OF HIS PLAYERS
Peter Taylor had a simple message to his Bantams battlers: I'm proud of you
all.
Preston winger Keith Treacy settled Tuesday's thrilling second-round tie
with a 109th minute stunner.
City had earlier forced the tie into extra time when Jake Speight grabbed
his first goal for the Bantams with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
There was no Nottingham Forest comeback this time but Taylor's side had once
again shrugged off the two-division difference between the teams.
"We're disappointed to have lost but we've just played a very good
Championship team," said the City boss to the Telegraph & Argus. "A wonder
goal has beaten us and the players have got to take a lot of good things out
of that.
"We showed if we work as hard as that and try to play the ball at the right
times, we can be decent.
"Once we started believing and passing the ball correctly, I thought we did
some very good things."
Speight, who had recovered from a knee injury, notched his first goal since
his £25,000 summer move from non-league outfit Mansfield and the controversy
that followed his one-week jail term.
Taylor believes that will be the first goal of many for the 24-year-old.
He added: "I'm pleased for Jake. We knew he couldn't play that long but it's
really good he's off the mark.
"He's a handful and will get confidence from that.
"He looks as though he's got plenty of goals in him, and that's why we
signed him."
City are back at Valley Parade on Friday night to face Southend. But the
Essex side also played two hours before going down to a last-gasp defeat at
Premier League Wolves.
Taylor said: "Our fitness is good but to have two days before the next game
is a little bit harsh at this stage of the season.
"But hearing that Southend were in the same boat was good news."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8350793.Brave_Bradford_City_bow_out_in_extra_time/?ref=rss
Brave Bradford City bow out in extra-time
7:20am Wednesday 25th August 2010
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1, Preston 2
Sir Alex Ferguson saw City give it their best shot before their Carling Cup adventure was ended by an extra-time stunner.
The Manchester United boss made a rare visit to Valley Parade to watch his son Darren's Preston team.
But family loyalties aside, Fergie must have been impressed by the determined efforts from the npower League Two hosts.
Peter Taylor's exhausted troops could not have given any more. Now they must go again on Friday against Southend.
Taylor said he would rest players with that game in mind, so it was no surprise to see five changes from the Torquay defeat.
Jon McLaughlin, publicly backed by his boss after the weekend, made a nervous start when he needed two grabs at David Gray's 25-yarder.
But City were agonisingly close to going in front on 20 minutes. Gareth Evans led a dangerous counter and, with Omar Daley and Louis Moult pouring forward alongside him, went it alone and drilled a firm shot past Andy Lonergan and against a Preston post.
Left winger Keith Treacy posed the biggest danger to the home side, testing McLaughlin from long range, then chipping over the bar after drifting inside.
Omar Daley was keen to make his mark after sitting on the bench at Plainmoor and looked full of running. There was plenty of energy about the attack and Moult was not far away from his first City goal with a thumping strike from well out.
The crowd certainly appreciated the home side's efforts as Moult threatened again, squaring for Evans, whose low shot was clung onto by Lonergan at full stretch.
It was an excellent save and became even more significant when Preston grabbed the lead right on half-time.
McLaughlin was fuming with himself for losing a loose ball to Danny Mayor but scrambled across to deny Treacy from close range.
But the keeper then found himself beaten by Paul Coutts' drive from a similar distance to Torquay's opener at the weekend.
McLaughlin's reaction showed his disappointment, although the fans immediately tried to lift him and his team-mates with a rallying cheer. It would need another Forest-style recovery to keep the cup dream alive.
City began the second half with a couple of corners as the top half of the Kop kept up the noise. But there was nothing to trouble Lonergan.
Tommy Doherty, an assured figure in midfield, made way after 55 minutes for first-round hero James Hanson. He linked up with Moult as City switched to 4-4-2.
Preston were furious with Evans when he slid in on Matt James, who stayed down for treatment. But referee Chris Sarginson ruled that both players had been stretching for the ball and gave the free-kick City's way.
Luke Oliver could have fuelled Preston's anger when he nodded it across goal but there was nobody close enough to convert. The big fella followed up with two more headers at the back post but Steve Williams couldn't keep his effort down.
Preston sub Chris Brown nearly buried City with his first touch, whipping the ball across goal on the turn. Evans tried to respond but took a costly touch after being teed up invitingly by Daley.
The Jamaican made way 20 minutes from time, Jake Speight going on to test his injured knee. He pressured Callum Davidson into a foul straight away, level with the Preston box, but Zesh Rehman and Hanson got in each other's way going for the header from Luke O'Brien's free-kick.
There was still plenty of effort about City's approach but time was ticking away without a serious effort on goal. At the other end, a clever drag-back from Brown created space for a low shot straight at McLaughlin.
Ferguson junior was unhappy with Moult's reaction to a foul right in front of the visiting bench by Josh King, who was shown the first yellow card of the night.
And his mood blackened eight minutes from time when City grabbed a leveller. O'Brien, having a storming game, drove in the cross and the diminutive Speight rose highest to head home his first City goal.
City went hunting a dramatic winner but were almost undone as James fired into the side-netting.
Then Nigerian trialist Chib Chilaka, on for Evans, and Oliver both went close in a breathless finish to normal time as the chances at both ends clocked up.
City were faced with another extra-time - and straight away were cursing the woodwork as David Syers was denied another cup goal by the crossbar.
But Preston regained their advantage in style three minutes into the second period.
Treacy, who had just seen McLaughlin tip his cross on to the bar, gave the keeper no chance with a spectacular volley that crashed into the roof of the net.
And Treacy nearly had a second when he rattled the bar again with another lethal left-footer. It would have been cruel on the Bantams, who deserved the loud ovation from their fans.
CITY: J McLaughlin 6, Rehman 6, Williams 7, Oliver 7, O'Brien 8, Doherty 7 (Hanson 55min, 7), Adeyemi 7, Syers 7, Daley 7 (Speight 70min, 7), Evans 7 (Chilaka 80min, 5), Moult 8. Subs (not used): Hunt, Duff, Bullock, Saxton.
PRESTON: Lonergan 7, Gray 6, St Ledger 6 (Wright 46min, 6), Morgan 6, Davidson 7, Mayor 6 (Russell 68min, 6), Coutts 6, James 7, Treacy 9, Hayes 6 (Brown 62min, 7), King 6. Subs (not used): Barton, Parkin, C McLaughlin, Arestidou.
REFEREE: Craig Sarginson (Staffs) ATTENDANCE: 4,221
===========================
The City Gent view
City had three good chances to score in the first half, Evans hit the post and he also had a shot well savedbty their keeper and Moult had a shot on target. But right on half time when City failed to clear the ball Coutts slammed a low shot past Mclaughlin from about 30 yards out.
Secomd half was fairly even as pressed pressed forward without creating a really good chance. Hanson, Speight and Chilake came off the bench replacing Doherty, Evans and Daley who all had a decent game. With 7 minutes left to play good work by man of the match Luke O'Brien fired in a cross from the left close to the corner flag and Speight was unmarked to head home from 8 yards out. As the game approached the final whistle Chib Chilake was played in by Speight but he hesitated too long before shooting and his shot was deflected wide for a corner. It could have been an instant hero if he'd have scored.
In the first half extra time after 2 minutes David Syers had a shot from the edge of the box rebound off the Preston crossbar, but after that both sides had quite a few corner but neither could make the breakthrough. but 4 minutes into the 2nd half of extra time a wonder shot from their number 11 arrowed it's way to the top corner of City's net leaving McLaughlin absolutely no chance. After that City tried hard but Preston played a possesion game and denied City any chance to get back into the game though Chilake was brought down just inside the corner of the box but claims for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
A very similar game to the Nottingham Forest game but with the opponents scoring the winner in extra time. A far better display from City tonight and the 4-5-1 formation of the first half did well against a team 2 leagues above us.
Lets hope that playing 120 minutes hasn't taken too much out of the players and that they're fit and ready for Southend United on Friday night.
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
Twitter - thecitygent
===========================
Full article on the Official BCFC website...
KAMARA MADE MCCC AMBASSADOR
Former Bantams boss Chris Kamara is today being named as an ambassador for
Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of the charity's Official Partnership with
The Football League for the 2010/11 season.
As the face of the campaign, the popular pundit will climb Mount Kilimanjaro
in June 2011 to raise cash for the charity. And he's encouraging football
fans to join him and help take over 'Mount Kamaramanjaro'.
To sign up for the trek click the following link:
http://www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
...
Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League, added:
"Chris Kamara is a real fans' favourite and it is fantastic that he is
giving up his time to help the partnership in this way.
"I would encourage as many fans as possible to get involved with this worthy
cause - together we can raise half a million pounds for Marie Curie this
season."
A dedicated Marie Curie week [March 7 - 13] will also see the League's 72
clubs raise funds during their home games.
There are many ways Football League fans can get behind the partnership from
volunteering to do a charity collection before a game or even coming up with
a unique fundraising event. For more information about the partnership and
how to get involved, please visit: www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
To make a £3 donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care text GOAL to 70300 (1)
1. Each text will cost £3 plus your standard network messaging rate. Marie
Curie Cancer Care will receive at least £2.67 from each donation depending
on the network, some networks payout 100 per cent. Please get the bill
payer's permission to donate. For full terms and conditions visit
www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
BCFC
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
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
***
Bradford C (0) 1 Speight 83
Preston NE (1) 2 Coutts 45, Treacy 109
AET - Full time: 1-1
Att: 4,221
Next fixture
FRIDAY Aug 27 1:45 PM CT - Bradford City vs Southend United
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Match stats
English League Cup - Round 2 - KO 19:45
Bradford 1 (0) - 2 (1) (AET) Preston
Speight 83
Coutts 45
Treacy 109
At Valley Parade on 24-08-2010
Bradford: McLaughlan, Oliver, Rehman, O'Brien, Williams, Daley (Speight, 70 ) , Doherty (Hanson, 55 ) , Adeyemi, Syers, Evans (Chilaka, 79 ) , Moult
Subs not used: Duff,Bullock,Saxton,Hunt,
Preston: Lonergan, Davidson, Morgan, St. Ledger ( Wright, 46 ) , Gray, Treacy, Coutts, Mayor ( Russell, 68 ) , James, Hayes ( Brown, 62 ) , King
Subs not used: Parkin, Barton, Arestidou, McLaughlin,
Bookings: Gray , King , Treacy (Preston)
Attendance: 4221
Referee: C Sarginson ()
STAT ATTACK
CITY PNE
4 Shots On Target 14
7 Shots Off Target 8
8 Fouls (Conceded) 15
10 Corners 10
0 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
===========================
From the Official BCFC website…
TAYLOR PROUD OF HIS PLAYERS
Peter Taylor had a simple message to his Bantams battlers: I'm proud of you
all.
Preston winger Keith Treacy settled Tuesday's thrilling second-round tie
with a 109th minute stunner.
City had earlier forced the tie into extra time when Jake Speight grabbed
his first goal for the Bantams with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
There was no Nottingham Forest comeback this time but Taylor's side had once
again shrugged off the two-division difference between the teams.
"We're disappointed to have lost but we've just played a very good
Championship team," said the City boss to the Telegraph & Argus. "A wonder
goal has beaten us and the players have got to take a lot of good things out
of that.
"We showed if we work as hard as that and try to play the ball at the right
times, we can be decent.
"Once we started believing and passing the ball correctly, I thought we did
some very good things."
Speight, who had recovered from a knee injury, notched his first goal since
his £25,000 summer move from non-league outfit Mansfield and the controversy
that followed his one-week jail term.
Taylor believes that will be the first goal of many for the 24-year-old.
He added: "I'm pleased for Jake. We knew he couldn't play that long but it's
really good he's off the mark.
"He's a handful and will get confidence from that.
"He looks as though he's got plenty of goals in him, and that's why we
signed him."
City are back at Valley Parade on Friday night to face Southend. But the
Essex side also played two hours before going down to a last-gasp defeat at
Premier League Wolves.
Taylor said: "Our fitness is good but to have two days before the next game
is a little bit harsh at this stage of the season.
"But hearing that Southend were in the same boat was good news."
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/8350793.Brave_Bradford_City_bow_out_in_extra_time/?ref=rss
Brave Bradford City bow out in extra-time
7:20am Wednesday 25th August 2010
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1, Preston 2
Sir Alex Ferguson saw City give it their best shot before their Carling Cup adventure was ended by an extra-time stunner.
The Manchester United boss made a rare visit to Valley Parade to watch his son Darren's Preston team.
But family loyalties aside, Fergie must have been impressed by the determined efforts from the npower League Two hosts.
Peter Taylor's exhausted troops could not have given any more. Now they must go again on Friday against Southend.
Taylor said he would rest players with that game in mind, so it was no surprise to see five changes from the Torquay defeat.
Jon McLaughlin, publicly backed by his boss after the weekend, made a nervous start when he needed two grabs at David Gray's 25-yarder.
But City were agonisingly close to going in front on 20 minutes. Gareth Evans led a dangerous counter and, with Omar Daley and Louis Moult pouring forward alongside him, went it alone and drilled a firm shot past Andy Lonergan and against a Preston post.
Left winger Keith Treacy posed the biggest danger to the home side, testing McLaughlin from long range, then chipping over the bar after drifting inside.
Omar Daley was keen to make his mark after sitting on the bench at Plainmoor and looked full of running. There was plenty of energy about the attack and Moult was not far away from his first City goal with a thumping strike from well out.
The crowd certainly appreciated the home side's efforts as Moult threatened again, squaring for Evans, whose low shot was clung onto by Lonergan at full stretch.
It was an excellent save and became even more significant when Preston grabbed the lead right on half-time.
McLaughlin was fuming with himself for losing a loose ball to Danny Mayor but scrambled across to deny Treacy from close range.
But the keeper then found himself beaten by Paul Coutts' drive from a similar distance to Torquay's opener at the weekend.
McLaughlin's reaction showed his disappointment, although the fans immediately tried to lift him and his team-mates with a rallying cheer. It would need another Forest-style recovery to keep the cup dream alive.
City began the second half with a couple of corners as the top half of the Kop kept up the noise. But there was nothing to trouble Lonergan.
Tommy Doherty, an assured figure in midfield, made way after 55 minutes for first-round hero James Hanson. He linked up with Moult as City switched to 4-4-2.
Preston were furious with Evans when he slid in on Matt James, who stayed down for treatment. But referee Chris Sarginson ruled that both players had been stretching for the ball and gave the free-kick City's way.
Luke Oliver could have fuelled Preston's anger when he nodded it across goal but there was nobody close enough to convert. The big fella followed up with two more headers at the back post but Steve Williams couldn't keep his effort down.
Preston sub Chris Brown nearly buried City with his first touch, whipping the ball across goal on the turn. Evans tried to respond but took a costly touch after being teed up invitingly by Daley.
The Jamaican made way 20 minutes from time, Jake Speight going on to test his injured knee. He pressured Callum Davidson into a foul straight away, level with the Preston box, but Zesh Rehman and Hanson got in each other's way going for the header from Luke O'Brien's free-kick.
There was still plenty of effort about City's approach but time was ticking away without a serious effort on goal. At the other end, a clever drag-back from Brown created space for a low shot straight at McLaughlin.
Ferguson junior was unhappy with Moult's reaction to a foul right in front of the visiting bench by Josh King, who was shown the first yellow card of the night.
And his mood blackened eight minutes from time when City grabbed a leveller. O'Brien, having a storming game, drove in the cross and the diminutive Speight rose highest to head home his first City goal.
City went hunting a dramatic winner but were almost undone as James fired into the side-netting.
Then Nigerian trialist Chib Chilaka, on for Evans, and Oliver both went close in a breathless finish to normal time as the chances at both ends clocked up.
City were faced with another extra-time - and straight away were cursing the woodwork as David Syers was denied another cup goal by the crossbar.
But Preston regained their advantage in style three minutes into the second period.
Treacy, who had just seen McLaughlin tip his cross on to the bar, gave the keeper no chance with a spectacular volley that crashed into the roof of the net.
And Treacy nearly had a second when he rattled the bar again with another lethal left-footer. It would have been cruel on the Bantams, who deserved the loud ovation from their fans.
CITY: J McLaughlin 6, Rehman 6, Williams 7, Oliver 7, O'Brien 8, Doherty 7 (Hanson 55min, 7), Adeyemi 7, Syers 7, Daley 7 (Speight 70min, 7), Evans 7 (Chilaka 80min, 5), Moult 8. Subs (not used): Hunt, Duff, Bullock, Saxton.
PRESTON: Lonergan 7, Gray 6, St Ledger 6 (Wright 46min, 6), Morgan 6, Davidson 7, Mayor 6 (Russell 68min, 6), Coutts 6, James 7, Treacy 9, Hayes 6 (Brown 62min, 7), King 6. Subs (not used): Barton, Parkin, C McLaughlin, Arestidou.
REFEREE: Craig Sarginson (Staffs) ATTENDANCE: 4,221
===========================
The City Gent view
City had three good chances to score in the first half, Evans hit the post and he also had a shot well savedbty their keeper and Moult had a shot on target. But right on half time when City failed to clear the ball Coutts slammed a low shot past Mclaughlin from about 30 yards out.
Secomd half was fairly even as pressed pressed forward without creating a really good chance. Hanson, Speight and Chilake came off the bench replacing Doherty, Evans and Daley who all had a decent game. With 7 minutes left to play good work by man of the match Luke O'Brien fired in a cross from the left close to the corner flag and Speight was unmarked to head home from 8 yards out. As the game approached the final whistle Chib Chilake was played in by Speight but he hesitated too long before shooting and his shot was deflected wide for a corner. It could have been an instant hero if he'd have scored.
In the first half extra time after 2 minutes David Syers had a shot from the edge of the box rebound off the Preston crossbar, but after that both sides had quite a few corner but neither could make the breakthrough. but 4 minutes into the 2nd half of extra time a wonder shot from their number 11 arrowed it's way to the top corner of City's net leaving McLaughlin absolutely no chance. After that City tried hard but Preston played a possesion game and denied City any chance to get back into the game though Chilake was brought down just inside the corner of the box but claims for a penalty were waved away by the referee.
A very similar game to the Nottingham Forest game but with the opponents scoring the winner in extra time. A far better display from City tonight and the 4-5-1 formation of the first half did well against a team 2 leagues above us.
Lets hope that playing 120 minutes hasn't taken too much out of the players and that they're fit and ready for Southend United on Friday night.
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
Twitter - thecitygent
===========================
Full article on the Official BCFC website...
KAMARA MADE MCCC AMBASSADOR
Former Bantams boss Chris Kamara is today being named as an ambassador for
Marie Curie Cancer Care as part of the charity's Official Partnership with
The Football League for the 2010/11 season.
As the face of the campaign, the popular pundit will climb Mount Kilimanjaro
in June 2011 to raise cash for the charity. And he's encouraging football
fans to join him and help take over 'Mount Kamaramanjaro'.
To sign up for the trek click the following link:
http://www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
...
Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League, added:
"Chris Kamara is a real fans' favourite and it is fantastic that he is
giving up his time to help the partnership in this way.
"I would encourage as many fans as possible to get involved with this worthy
cause - together we can raise half a million pounds for Marie Curie this
season."
A dedicated Marie Curie week [March 7 - 13] will also see the League's 72
clubs raise funds during their home games.
There are many ways Football League fans can get behind the partnership from
volunteering to do a charity collection before a game or even coming up with
a unique fundraising event. For more information about the partnership and
how to get involved, please visit: www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
To make a £3 donation to Marie Curie Cancer Care text GOAL to 70300 (1)
1. Each text will cost £3 plus your standard network messaging rate. Marie
Curie Cancer Care will receive at least £2.67 from each donation depending
on the network, some networks payout 100 per cent. Please get the bill
payer's permission to donate. For full terms and conditions visit
www.football-league.co.uk/mariecurie
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
BCFC
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
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
***
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
L2 v Torquay Utd (a) W August 21st 2010
Npower League Two
Torquay Utd (1) 2 Stevens 2, Zebroski 66.
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 2,941
Next games
Tue Aug 24 7:45PM League Cup 2nd Round (H) Preston
FRIDAY Aug 27 1:45 PM CT - Bradford City vs Southend United
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
Stats: Torquay - Bradford C
Possession: 59 - 41%
Shots on target: 6 - 2
Shots off target: 8 - 4
Fouls: 14 - 7
Corners: 8 - 4
Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
Red card: Threlfall (Bradford C) 12 mins - (*) Foul and abusive language.
Yellow cards:
Torquay: Branston (72 min), Wroe (74), Mansell (80)
Bradford C: Doherty (42 min).
Torquay: 1. Scott Bevan, 5. Chris Robertson, 4. Mark Ellis, 23. Guy
Branston, 3. Kevin Nicholson, 7. Lee Mansell, 26. Chris Zebroski, 11. Nicky
Wroe, 19. Danny Stevens (90), 9. Elliot Benyon (90), 8. Billy Kee (55).
SUBS: 16. Danny Potter (GK), 2. Lathanial Rowe-Turner, 14. Lloyd Macklin,
20. Martin Gritton (90), 6. Kieran Charnock, 15. Wayne Carlisle (55), 10.
Eunan O'Kane (90).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt (76), 6. Luke Oliver, 16.
Shane Duff, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 22. Lee Bullock, 8. Tommy
Doherty (46), 19. Louis Moult (16), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien (46), 7. Omar Daley, 5. Zesh
Rehman (16), 23. Dave Syers (76), 12. Steve Williams, 25. Chib Chilak.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Ten-man City returned empty-handed from their longest trip of the season to
Torquay.
It was an afternoon to forget for the Bantams who lost their second away
game.
They were up against it within 90 seconds as 5ft 4in winger Danny Stevens
was given all the room in the world to run through and fire Torquay ahead.
And City's day got worse after ten minutes when Robbie Threlfall, recalled
to the side at left back, was red-carded for handball.
At least McLaughlin, who was rooted to the spot for Torquay's opener, atoned
by saving Nicky Wroe's spot-kick.
The City keeper was far the busier against a team who extended their amazing
run of clean sheets in the league to ten games - 16 hours of football.
McLaughlin kept the ten-man Bantams in it with good saves from Lee Mansell
and Kevin Nicholson.
But he was caught out for the killer second midway through the second half
as his challenge with Chris Zebroski ended with the ball deflecting in off
the Torquay winger.
James Hanson twice went close with headers in the later stages but there was
no saving City from a depressing result. The journey back to Yorkshire will
never have felt longer for the players and travelling fans.
===========================
From the Official BCFC website.
THRELFALL TO MISS PNE CUP TIE
Robbie Threlfall will miss out on the Bantams Carling Cup 2nd round tie
against Preston North End due to his dismissal at Plainmoor.
The Bantams left back was given his marching orders after knocking the ball
away with his hand as Torquay United's Chris Zebroski tried to score.
Threlfall will now be suspended for the visit of North End, but he will be
available to Peter Taylor for Friday's npower League 2 fixture with Southend
United.
Unless Referee Mr Tanner gives any other reason for Threlfall's red card in
his match report, The 21 year old will be suspended for one match only.
F.A rules dictate that a player will be suspended for a single match if are
'dismissed from the field of play for denying a goal or a goalscoring
opportunity by physical means or by handling the ball'.
===========================
ADEYEMI CLEARED TO PLAY IN CUP TIE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Tom Adeyemi can play for City in tomorrow's Carling Cup second-round clash
with Preston at Valley Parade.
The on-loan teenager was expected to sit it out because his parent club
Norwich did not want him cup-tied.
But Peter Taylor contacted Canaries boss Paul Lambert last night and the
Championship side have agreed to allow him to feature.
===========================
From last week...
WILLIAMS DROPPED FOR NOT PLAYING BY TAYLOR'S RULES
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Steve Williams is back in City's plans for Torquay after being branded
"unprofessional" for failing to report an injury.
The centre half was axed by Peter Taylor for the Stevenage game despite
delivering an outstanding display in the heart of defence against Nottingham
Forest.
Williams was not even named on the bench last weekend because he had not
told the club in time about a hamstring complaint he suffered in the Carling
Cup tie. Injured players are expected to report for treatment as early as
possible.
Taylor said: "The players had the Wednesday off after Forest but if
anybody's injured, they've got to inform the physio at the end of the game
or - if they've woken up in pain - at the latest the following morning.
"One rule I've got is that there's no way players can get a day off if they
then can't train the next day.
"He had got Wednesday off quite rightly having done well in the Forest game
but then you've got to be training again on the Thursday.
"Then he rang later on that Wednesday to say that his hamstring was tight. I
don't like that.
"It's unprofessional and that cost him his place."
Williams was forced to pay a fine to the players' pool - and Taylor expects
his no-nonsense message to sink in.
He added: "Steve Williams has got to learn from it and go by the rules.
Injured players must still report to the club and there's no way they can
just have a day off.
"Early on (in the season) it's basically about how players perform and how
they behave. There's no problem now.
"I didn't select him last week because of what happened but that's not to
say I won't select him again in the future."
===========================
ONE EXITS, ONE IN?
Scott Neilson has left Bradford City to join up with Steve Evans' Blue
Square Premier team Crawley Town. Neilson has been sold for a reported
£50,000, showing a decent profit for the club who signed him just under a
year ago from Zamaretto league side Cambridge City.
Neilson's departure paves the way for an addition to Peter Taylors squad and
rumours are circulating that ex-Monaco, Leeds and Brighton winger Seb Carole
could be joining The Bantams.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
L2 v Stevenage (H) W1-0 August 14th 2010
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Next match: (A) Torquay, Saturday August 21, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Npower League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Evans pen 32
Stevenage (0) 0
Att: 10,967
Stats: Bradford C - Stevenage
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 1 - 5
Shots off target: 2 - 11
Fouls: 12 - 10
Corners: 3 - 4
Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Duff (28 min), Hunt (72 min).
Stevenage: Griffin (40 min), Mousinho (64 min).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff (60), 6. Luke
Oliver, 3. Luke O'Brien, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 8. Tommy Doherty (66), 22. Lee
Bullock, 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson, 7. Omar Daley (73).
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 4. Michael Flynn, 5. Zesh Rehman (60), 11.
Scott Neilson, 19. Louis Moult (73), 23. Dave Syers (66), 28. Robbie
Threlfall.
Stevenage: 16. Chris Day, 25. Ronnie Henry, 14. Mark Roberts, 24. Michael
Bostwick, 3. Scott Laird, 23. Robert Sinclair (88), 21. John Mousinho, 13.
Joel Byrom, 9. Charlie Griffin, 20. Chris Beardsley (83), 11. Yemi Odubade
(63).
SUBS: 1. Ashley Bayes (GK), 2. Lawrie Wilson, 4. Darius Charles, 6. Luke
Foster, 10. Lee Boylan (88), 17. Peter Winn (63), 30. Peter Vincenti (83).
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City opened their league home campaign with a win - but it was
really hard work.
They spluttered throughout against newly-promoted Stevenage and struggled to
string any moves of quality together.
The winning goal in the 31st minute came from the penalty spot after Lee
Bullock fell over Joel Byrom's outstretched leg. Gareth Evans sent keeper
Chris Day the wrong way with the coolest of spot-kicks, making amends for
the last-minute miss against Accrington last season.
It was City's only shot on target in the whole game.
Stevenage, backed by a noisy away following, applied the pressure after the
break. Thankfully their shooting lacked any accuracy.
But they should have equalised when Shane Duff's blind backpass went
straight to Yemi Odubade in front of goal.
The little striker had only Jon McLaughlin to beat but the keeper threw
himself forward to block with his feet and save a victory that City barely
deserved.
Three points are on the board but Peter Taylor won't need the smattering of
boos at the final whistle to know that his team will have to do a lot
better.
===========================
===========================
===========================
===========================
CITY SIGN SYERS
City have signed David Syers following an impressive trial spell with the
club.
The former Farsley and Harrogate midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal
until the end of the season with the option of a further year.
Syers joined up with the club early in the summer and although an ankle
injury initially disrupted his trial spell, manager Peter Taylor has been
impressed with what he has seen.
The 22-year-old starred in Tuesday's 2-1 Carling Cup win against Nottingham
Forest, coming on as a half-time substitute to score the equaliser and make
a key contribution in the centre of the park.
===========================
From the Official BCFC website....
PRESTON CARLING CUP TIE DATED
The football club can confirm that City's Carling Cup 2nd round tie with
Preston North End will take place on Tuesday 24th August 2010.
The home tie will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium and is scheduled
to kick off at 7.45pm.
The Bantams were tied with the Championship side on Wednesday evening when
the draw for the 2nd round took place live on Sky Sports News.
Ticket details for the match itself will be announced shortly.
===========================
Scott Neilson
Scott Neilson has signed for Crawley Town for an undisclosed five figure sum.
City have to give Cambridge 25% of the transfer fee due to a sell on clause.
===========================
The club/surridge have surpassed themselves with the 1911 cup replica
shirt as seen on Tuesday. It is priced at £27.
===========================
BANTAMS' SPENDING REDUCED
The Football League's latest figures show that Bradford spent £10,460 on
agents fees in the 2009/10 season.
The figure is below the £15,000 they spent in the 2008/09 campaign as clubs
in League Two committed £366,781 on agents fees in the last year.
The publication of Football League clubs' spending on agents' fees has
revealed that money committed has increased in the last 12 months from
£8.8million to £12.7million.
Football League chairman Greg Clarke voiced his concern, saying: "Given the
current economic climate, it is worrying to see such a significant amount
leaking from the game.
"This year's figures demonstrate a considerable increase on those of last
season and it is essential that clubs work to reduce this liability over the
coming campaign."
===========================
CAROLE LANDS BANTAMS TRIAL
Bradford City manager Peter Taylor has given free agent Seb Carole the
chance to win a contract with the club.
The former Monaco and Leeds winger featured for the Bantams' reserves on
Tuesday, and although Taylor knows he is lacking in fitness, he is pleased
with Carole's attitude.
"He's a lovely lad and has played at a good level," Taylor told the
Telegraph and Argus.
"You look at the clubs he's been at - Monaco, Leeds, West Ham and Brighton -
and I know that Brighton wanted to re-sign him.
"It's really down to him to show how good he is. He's not fit enough at the
moment."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
REHMAN REMAINS AS CLUB CAPTAIN
Peter Taylor has today (Wednesday) confirmed that Zesh Rehman will continue
in his role as club captain for the 2010/2011 season.
Rehman will also act as a deputy to first team captain Simon Ramsden.
The defender was originally handed the role of club captain by former
manager Stuart McCall at the start of last season.
After working with Rehman for around six months, Taylor feels there is no
reason to change that for the new campaign.
Taylor told the official website: "In my time here, he (Zesh) has always
been thoroughly supportive of all the other players in the squad".
"Zesh has also been a superb ambassador for the football club within the
local community.
"He is a supremely professional individual and will continue to make superb
club captain for this football club".
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
Next match: (A) Torquay, Saturday August 21, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Npower League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Evans pen 32
Stevenage (0) 0
Att: 10,967
Stats: Bradford C - Stevenage
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 1 - 5
Shots off target: 2 - 11
Fouls: 12 - 10
Corners: 3 - 4
Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Duff (28 min), Hunt (72 min).
Stevenage: Griffin (40 min), Mousinho (64 min).
Bradford C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Lewis Hunt, 16. Shane Duff (60), 6. Luke
Oliver, 3. Luke O'Brien, 20. Tom Adeyemi, 8. Tommy Doherty (66), 22. Lee
Bullock, 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson, 7. Omar Daley (73).
SUBS: 13. Lloyd Saxton (GK), 4. Michael Flynn, 5. Zesh Rehman (60), 11.
Scott Neilson, 19. Louis Moult (73), 23. Dave Syers (66), 28. Robbie
Threlfall.
Stevenage: 16. Chris Day, 25. Ronnie Henry, 14. Mark Roberts, 24. Michael
Bostwick, 3. Scott Laird, 23. Robert Sinclair (88), 21. John Mousinho, 13.
Joel Byrom, 9. Charlie Griffin, 20. Chris Beardsley (83), 11. Yemi Odubade
(63).
SUBS: 1. Ashley Bayes (GK), 2. Lawrie Wilson, 4. Darius Charles, 6. Luke
Foster, 10. Lee Boylan (88), 17. Peter Winn (63), 30. Peter Vincenti (83).
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City opened their league home campaign with a win - but it was
really hard work.
They spluttered throughout against newly-promoted Stevenage and struggled to
string any moves of quality together.
The winning goal in the 31st minute came from the penalty spot after Lee
Bullock fell over Joel Byrom's outstretched leg. Gareth Evans sent keeper
Chris Day the wrong way with the coolest of spot-kicks, making amends for
the last-minute miss against Accrington last season.
It was City's only shot on target in the whole game.
Stevenage, backed by a noisy away following, applied the pressure after the
break. Thankfully their shooting lacked any accuracy.
But they should have equalised when Shane Duff's blind backpass went
straight to Yemi Odubade in front of goal.
The little striker had only Jon McLaughlin to beat but the keeper threw
himself forward to block with his feet and save a victory that City barely
deserved.
Three points are on the board but Peter Taylor won't need the smattering of
boos at the final whistle to know that his team will have to do a lot
better.
===========================
===========================
===========================
===========================
CITY SIGN SYERS
City have signed David Syers following an impressive trial spell with the
club.
The former Farsley and Harrogate midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal
until the end of the season with the option of a further year.
Syers joined up with the club early in the summer and although an ankle
injury initially disrupted his trial spell, manager Peter Taylor has been
impressed with what he has seen.
The 22-year-old starred in Tuesday's 2-1 Carling Cup win against Nottingham
Forest, coming on as a half-time substitute to score the equaliser and make
a key contribution in the centre of the park.
===========================
From the Official BCFC website....
PRESTON CARLING CUP TIE DATED
The football club can confirm that City's Carling Cup 2nd round tie with
Preston North End will take place on Tuesday 24th August 2010.
The home tie will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium and is scheduled
to kick off at 7.45pm.
The Bantams were tied with the Championship side on Wednesday evening when
the draw for the 2nd round took place live on Sky Sports News.
Ticket details for the match itself will be announced shortly.
===========================
Scott Neilson
Scott Neilson has signed for Crawley Town for an undisclosed five figure sum.
City have to give Cambridge 25% of the transfer fee due to a sell on clause.
===========================
The club/surridge have surpassed themselves with the 1911 cup replica
shirt as seen on Tuesday. It is priced at £27.
===========================
BANTAMS' SPENDING REDUCED
The Football League's latest figures show that Bradford spent £10,460 on
agents fees in the 2009/10 season.
The figure is below the £15,000 they spent in the 2008/09 campaign as clubs
in League Two committed £366,781 on agents fees in the last year.
The publication of Football League clubs' spending on agents' fees has
revealed that money committed has increased in the last 12 months from
£8.8million to £12.7million.
Football League chairman Greg Clarke voiced his concern, saying: "Given the
current economic climate, it is worrying to see such a significant amount
leaking from the game.
"This year's figures demonstrate a considerable increase on those of last
season and it is essential that clubs work to reduce this liability over the
coming campaign."
===========================
CAROLE LANDS BANTAMS TRIAL
Bradford City manager Peter Taylor has given free agent Seb Carole the
chance to win a contract with the club.
The former Monaco and Leeds winger featured for the Bantams' reserves on
Tuesday, and although Taylor knows he is lacking in fitness, he is pleased
with Carole's attitude.
"He's a lovely lad and has played at a good level," Taylor told the
Telegraph and Argus.
"You look at the clubs he's been at - Monaco, Leeds, West Ham and Brighton -
and I know that Brighton wanted to re-sign him.
"It's really down to him to show how good he is. He's not fit enough at the
moment."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
REHMAN REMAINS AS CLUB CAPTAIN
Peter Taylor has today (Wednesday) confirmed that Zesh Rehman will continue
in his role as club captain for the 2010/2011 season.
Rehman will also act as a deputy to first team captain Simon Ramsden.
The defender was originally handed the role of club captain by former
manager Stuart McCall at the start of last season.
After working with Rehman for around six months, Taylor feels there is no
reason to change that for the new campaign.
Taylor told the official website: "In my time here, he (Zesh) has always
been thoroughly supportive of all the other players in the squad".
"Zesh has also been a superb ambassador for the football club within the
local community.
"He is a supremely professional individual and will continue to make superb
club captain for this football club".
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