Thursday, January 19, 2012
L2 (H) D2-2 Morecambe, Saturday January 14, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM.
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Jan 12 onwards
Andy Haworth, 1 month loan, Bury
Ricky Ravenhill, signed, two and a half years.
Deane Smalley, loan, Oxford United, end of season
Jan 18
Marcel Seip, extended for the rest of the season.
Injuries
Oliver, Hamstring, 10 days to one month
Rob Kozluk "50-50" for Burton game
Ricky Ravenhill, ankle, hoping to return to training on Thursday
===========================
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Official Mobile app
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===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Bradford City: McLaughlin, Kozluk (Dean 76), Oliver (Taylor 58), Davies, Seip, Fagan, Ravenhill, Jones, Haworth (Stewart 69), Hanson, Wells.
Unused substitutes: Duke, Hannah.
Morecambe: Roche, Parrish, Fenton, McCready, Wilson, Carlton (Ellison 71), Hunter (Jevons 71), McDonald, Haining, Alessandra (Price 89),
Drummond. Unused substitutes:Routledge, McGee.
Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).
Man of the match: Ricky Ravenhill.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
From the YP
Bradford City 2 Morecambe 2: Parkinson bemoans lack of concentration as Bantams let it slip
Manager Phil Parkinson praised his team despite the disappointment at seeing Bradford City let two valuable points slip from their grasp in a
frenetic finish at Valley Parade, which saw three goals scored in five minutes.
City were leading 1-0 with four minutes of normal time left thanks to a 60th-minute strike from midfield player Ricky Ravenhill.
However, in a dramatic finale, Morecambe equalised when Bradford defender Andrew Davies turned a cross from Laurence Wilson into his own net in
the 86th minute.
Then, defender Marcel Seip restored City's lead two minutes later, firing into the net after James Hanson's shot was blocked only for former City
loanee, substitute Kevin Ellison, to earn a point for his team in the first minute of stoppage time, volleying home from fellow substitute Phil
Jevons's cross.
Parkinson said: "Obviously when you concede so late it feels like a defeat and their late equaliser was a blow to us, but I could not ask for
more from the players. It was a really good performance, but lack of concentration near the end cost us dearly.
"Marcel Seip's goal should have been the winner. We also had moments when we could have killed the game off at 1-0, but we didn't take them and
you always leave yourself open to the counter attacking type of goal. We are a little bit down, but we will bounce back."
The increasingly influential Ravenhill nearly did not play after hurting his ankle in the warm-up, but Parkinson explained: "We strapped it up
and gave it a go. He is an important player for us."
Ravenhill went on to score his first goal for the club as did Seip.
===========================
Monday morning match report
Player fans love to hate on as sub to score late goal that denies Bradford City victory
6:40am Monday 16th January 2012
By Simon Parker
City 2, Morecambe 2
James Hanson would have been advised to switch his phone off on Saturday night. The City striker was in for a long evening otherwise from a text
pest.
Kevin Ellison planned to give Hanson a hard time after netting Morecambe's dramatic second equaliser only hours earlier.
That took his former team-mate one goal ahead of City's top marksman; another little victory on a day when Ellison had the last defiant say on
every Valley Parade critic.
He is the original Marmite man of League Two; the winger who could stir up a fight in a phone box. Love him or loathe him, Ellison is hard to
ignore.
A stiff back restricted him to the last 20 minutes on his return to West Yorkshire but that was enough for a full repertoire of tricks.
There were the usual dark arts – throttling Craig Fagan and then an apparent clothes line on Ritchie Jones in the build-up to Morecambe's first
goal – and then the superb finish on his weaker right foot to level again in stoppage time.
All this against the backdrop of abuse that he carries like a badge of honour. No wonder Ellison milked it at the final whistle, lapping up the
moment as the cat calls continued to rain down.
He smiled: "I was getting stick from the first minute I warmed up but I expect that. But I gave a bit back and some people don't like that.
"Half of them must get bullied at home by the missus so they come to the game and have a shout at the big bald ugly one – and it's back-fired.
"They were mouthing off and shouting 'you're finished, you're this, you're that' and loads of stuff I can't repeat. So, yeah, it was good to
score.
"When Bradford scored the second time, I looked at the clock and it was as good as over. But we went straight up the other end.
"Bradford have been flying recently and it was good to keep big Hanson quiet and not on the scoresheet.
"There's a little personal battle between me and him. He's got nine goals in the league and now I've just sneaked above him up to ten, so I'll be
letting him know!"
It was a dramatic finale to an eventful afternoon. Encounters with Morecambe usually are.
Four months earlier, it was City celebrating the smash-and-grab point when Ross Hannah's late intervention earned a first point for Phil
Parkinson as manager.
So Jim Bentley's Shrimps will feel that Ellison settled a score on their behalf just as much as his own.
The old cliche that it felt like a defeat summed up the mood that engulfed Valley Parade afterwards. But the fans shouldn't get too downcast.
This was another uplifting display from their team despite the eventual stalemate. On the back of the Crewe and Shrewsbury games, there was again
plenty for the home crowd to cheer about.
The drama had begun before the game when Ricky Ravenhill went down during City's training routine.
The midfield battler had turned over his ankle and needed ten minutes of intensive treatment from physio Dave Hanson while those in the ground
looked on anxiously.
Ravenhill has quickly become such a key player in Parkinson's plans. To lose him on top of David Syers and Michael Flynn would have left a giant
hole in the team's engine room.
Chris Mitchell was being prepared for action behind the scenes as Hanson strapped up the injury and put the new signing through his paces.
Gingerly at first, Ravenhill did enough to assure everyone he was fit for battle.
He then proceeded to underline just why Parkinson was so chuffed to get him on a permanent deal for the next two and a half years.
As the manager said, Ravenhill sets the tone and tempo for the team. The high-energy, pressing efforts that are becoming a hallmark of
Parkinson's reign are typified by the fella at the heart of proceedings.
Ultimately his switch to right back, forced by the injuries to Luke Oliver and Rob Kozluk, cost City their balance. Both Morecambe goals
originated from that side.
But it would be harsh to point the finger at the emergency reshuffle. Ravenhill had already put in a real shift in his own position which should
have been enough to secure a third home win on the bounce.
The first half had been fairly mundane, with little indication of the drama that was to unfold. The pitch didn't help but City had adapted better
and tried to pass their way round Morecambe's rehashed system.
The visitors turned up with three centre halves but City adapted to that unexpected tactic and the Hanson and Nahki Wells attacking combo was
again making waves.
One Hanson knock-down just evaded the Bermudian and then Wells appeared to be tumbled by goalkeeper Barry Roche as he tried to reach another. But
the closest City came was a fizzing long-range effort from Jones which Roche fingered over the bar.
Home hopes took a knock with the worrying sight of Oliver limping away just before the hour mark. The standing ovation and chant that accompanied
his departure showed how much the lanky defender's fortunes have changed.
Once seen by fans as an unwanted legacy of the Peter Taylor era, Oliver's name is arguably now the first on the teamsheet. He will be sorely
missed while the hamstring heals.
But there was no immediate problem for City as Wells stretched Roche into a tumbling save – and the corner produced the breakthrough.
Andrew Davies hooked the ball back into the box where it was cleared as far as Ravenhill, who met it with a scorching strike from 20 yards.
City had the bit between their teeth now and substitute Mark Stewart slid a ball just out of reach of Hanson running in at the back post. Then
Wells was a bit too casual with a shot on the spin, ballooning over after good interplay with Kozluk.
But Ellison's arrival changed the dynamic. First he headed down for Lewis Alessandra to jab wide, before grabbing City skipper Fagan in a
confrontation on the halfway line.
With four minutes left, he knocked over Jones off the ball. But referee Scott Mathieson played on as Morecambe broke and Laurence Wilson's cross
was turned into his own net by the sliding Davies.
A sense of injustice simmered, only for Marcel Seip to restore City's advantage. Hanson's shot was blocked by a smothering defender and, while
his team shouted in vain for handball, the Dutchman coolly took a touch before picking his spot in the bottom corner.
Ravenhill, who had signed on Thursday, and Seip, due to put pen to paper today, had both shown their commitment to the City cause by scoring the
goals. It would have made a good story.
Unfortunately there was one last twist to follow. Morecambe again attacked the home side's weakened right flank, Jason Price set up Ellison and
the panto villain fired beyond the reach of Jon McLaughlin.
Attendance: 10,065
===========================
How did the game compare to the predictions?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/319717?cc=5739
Things are Kozluk-ing good for Bantams
Bradford's latest signing Rob Kozluk is expected to go straight into the starting line-up against Morecambe.
The 34-year-old former Sheffield United and Barnsley defender has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season as cover for skipper
Simon Ramsden, who will be sidelined for several weeks with a broken toe.
David Syers will sit out the second game of his three-match ban and fellow midfielders Kyel Reid (hamstring) and Michael Flynn (gastroenteritis)
are also unavailable.
Flynn, skipper in Ramsden's absence earlier this season, had a recent spell in hospital because of his illness and the armband has been passed on
to striker Craig Fagan.
The Bantams are bidding to bounce back from last week's FA Cup defeat at Watford. Phil Parkinson's side slipped up at Rotherham in their last
league game after three straight wins had lifted them up the table.
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley has no new injury worries.
Winger Izak Reid is still ruled out with a hernia problem that is set to sideline him for another three to four weeks.
Long-term injury victim Paul Scott has suffered another setback on his road to recovery from a knee ligament problem and is set for more time on
the absentee list having returned to light training recently.
Despite a relatively clean bill of health, the Shrimps are currently enduring a dismal run of one win in 10 matches, including defeat to lowly
Northampton last time out, and the slump is set to drive Bentley into the transfer market.
"We have spoken to a couple of players but money and location has been an issue,'' he told the Morecambe Visitor.
"We haven't got a massive budget and we have to make sure that whoever we bring in will make us stronger.''
===========================
City boss Phil Parkinson spoke to the Bantams' official website - www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk - this Monday afternoon to pass on the latest
information on some of the ill and injured players in his squad.
In an eventful afternoon at the Coral Windows Stadium, Parkinson saw the trio of Rob Kozluk, Ricky Ravenhill and Luke Oliver all picked up
injuries when Morecambe visited the Coral Windows Stadium last Saturday.
Ravenhill, who twisted his ankle in the warm up, managed to play on and score his first ever City goal in the 2-2 draw, but Kozluk (calf) and
Oliver (hamstring) had to be withdrawn in the second half of the Shrimps fixture.
Parkinson says none of the injuries appear to be too serious at present, but the Bantams should have better idea of things later this week.
"Rob Kozluk is 50-50 for the weekend, he's got a bit of tightness in his calf. It just looks like he's had a bit of a spasm in the muscle though,
" said Parkinson.
"We'll have to see how Ricky Ravenhill is later in the week, but we hope he can get back into full training by Thursday. He isn't in too much
pain with the ankle but it is a bit swollen.
"Luke Oliver will have a scan on his hamstring on Wednesday and we should obviously have a better idea on his situation then. At the moment
though, his injury doesn't seem too serious."
Parkinson also had an update on the fitness of absence skipper Michael Flynn.
The Welsh midfielder returned back into hospital last week for further tests after suffering with a form of stomach virus since before Christmas.
Parkinson added: "It has been the first day today that he has managed to keep his food down. He is still likely to be kept in hospital until the
end of this week, but hopefully things can get a bit better for Michael now.
"He's had various tests done on him to have a good look inside, and, thankfully, it looks like nothing sinister is going on. It just seems like
he has been suffering with a really bad case of gastroenteritis."
===========================
Dean Windass seeking help after failed 'suicide bid'
4:20pm Sunday 15th January 2012
By Simon Parker
Former City star Dean Windass plans to go into rehab to battle the depression that he claimed left him trying to take his own life.
The 42-year-old has admitted he needs help after plunging the depths following the end of his football career.
Windass said he had hit "rock bottom" after Helen, his wife of 18 years, left him. His father John also suddenly died following a heart attack.
Without football to fall back on, he felt there was nothing to live for. He currently plays non-league football for Scarborough Athletic, his
only source of income.
In an interview with a national Sunday newspaper, Windass revealed that he had twice even attempted suicide.
"I have cried every day for the last two years since retiring," he said.
"People outside football think we have it all. But I was in a hole that I honestly didn't know how to get out of.
"Just over a week ago I decided to end it all. I first took an overdose and, when that didn't work, tried to hang myself.
"I felt so alone and believed I had nothing to live for.
"People have this image of me as this big strong man who can take anything life throws at him. But I'm not ashamed to say I wanted to end it
after a string of setbacks.
"I need to sort myself out, which is why I'm speaking out now. It is part of the healing process."
Windass is the same age as former Leeds midfielder Gary Speed, who hanged himself in November.
He admits the attempt to sort his life out will be bigger than any battle he faced in a decent playing career that included two spells at Valley
Parade.
Windass said: "I felt like I had no purpose any more. I had nothing to get up for.
"I've hurt the people closest to me so I've come out now and admitted I need help. I'm trying to get better and get back on track. I don't want
to be miserable every day."
It is understood that Windass and Helen are now attempting to get back together again. But he hopes the football authorities will do more to
prevent other retired players from following the same slippery path.
He said: "The Professional Footballers' Association need to help us. I was quite a confident person and footballer who contributed to the game
for 20 years. Maybe I took it for granted I would get something at the end of it."
===========================
Bradford City: 'More help needed for players like Dean Windass'
4:21pm Monday 16th January 2012
By Simon Parker
Mark Lawn insists the Professional Footballers' Association must do more to help former players like Dean Windass cope with returning to "normal"
life.
Windass has claimed that he nearly took his own life because of depression.
City's joint-chairman said: "The PFA have a duty of care for their members. They should have some sort of facility to help these ex-players.
"It's akin to being in the army who put people on courses a year before they are due to leave to make sure they can handle civilian life.
"Football has been like a drug for players. Their bodies have been primed to get ready every Saturday since they were 16.
"There must be a hell of an adrenaline rush through their brain and suddenly you're coming off cold turkey. They must still crave that buzz but
it's not there any more."
===========================
From Jan 12
Bury winger Andy Haworth is joining City on a month's loan.
The 23-year-old former Blackburn trainee, who can operate on either side,
has played 52 games for the Shakers, half of them as a sub.
He spent a month on loan at Oxford earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Ricky Ravenhill will sign a contract tying him to the Bantams for
the next two and a half years.
Marcel Seip is also putting pen to paper on a new deal for the rest of the
season.
===========================
Collection at Burton fixture
Posted on: Tue 17 Jan 2012
Bradford City season ticket holder Rob Blamires will be holding a collection at this Saturday's Burton Albion match for a charity trek he is
embarking upon later this year.
Rob will be walking through the Grand Canyon in November to help raise funds for Marie Curie Hospice Bradford.
The trek will be over seven days and will entail walking of approximately 130km.
All the money raised is guaranteed to go directly to the local hospice and not get swallowed up by administration costs. More information on the
trek can be found HERE (http://bit.ly/yi7NEf) .
It costs the hospice £3.3 million per annum to carry on running, of which £1.4 million is provided to them by the government. The rest is made up
of purely donations.
Rob's wife Lisa Blamires was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2010 at the age of 25.
Sadly, the tumour was inoperable and after receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Lisa passed away on April 18th 2011.
The hospice has been a great help to Lisa, Rob and their families during this time. From the little things, like Lisa being able to use the
facilities there for her hair doing to physiotherapy sessions, through to counselling being available for all the family.
Rob is eternally grateful to the hospice for all the help they have given and wants to be able to give something back to them.
You will see Rob himself and a lot of his friends around the Coral Windows Stadium ahead of the Burton fixture this Saturday (21st January).
Please give generously if you can. If you are not able to give today but would link to make a donation please go on line to:
http://www.justgiving.com/rob-blamires/
Many thanks for all your support.
===========================
Abbott a guest at Cleckheaton
Carlisle boss and former City midfielder Greg Abbott will be a special guest at Cleckheaton Sports Club on Thursday, January 26.
The 'evening with' event will also feature Radio Five Live commentator – and Bantams fan – Ian Dennis. Tickets are £10 on the night and it starts
at 7.45pm.
===========================
Marcel Seip has pledged his immediate future to the Bantams by signing a new contract extension.
Seip, who's original deal was due to expire this month, has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the Coral Windows Stadium until the end of this season.
News of Seip's decision to remain at the Bantams will come as a welcome boost to City boss Phil Parkinson after making the Dutchman a vital part in his defensive plans in recent weeks.
Seip has featured in City's last thirteen League 2 fixtures - making seventeen appearances in total for the Bantams so far - and has featured in a number of positions along Parkinson's back four.
After making his City debut in central defence at Hereford United in October shortly after originally arriving at Valley Parade on a three month deal, Seip has since been asked to play at right back and left back due to other defensive injuries.
===========================
Smalley signs on loan
Posted on: Thu 19 Jan 2012
City boss Phil Parkinson has moved to bolster his attacking arsenal this Thursday by bringing in striker Deane Smalley on loan from Oxford United.
Smalley, 23, has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of this season and, subject to receiving the relevant clearances, will now be in contention to make his Bradford debut against Burton Albion this weekend.
Under the terms of City's agreement with Oxford for Smalley's services, the striker will not be able to play for the Bantams, however, when the U's travel to the Coral Windows Stadium on Saturday 10 March 2012.
The Manchester-born forward will wear squad number 11 during his stay at Valley Parade this season.
"I'm delighted to add Deane to our squad today. His arrival will increase competition for places up front, which can only be a good thing," said Parkinson.
"He did well in League 2 with Chesterfield last season and played a part in getting them promoted.
"It hasn't quite worked out for him at Oxford this season for one or two reasons, but we're pleased to have him on board with us."
Starting his professional career in League 1 in 2007 with Oldham Athletic, the 6' 0'' striker spent four years at Boundary Park before moving to Oxford last summer.
While at Oldham, Smalley most notably helped Chesterfield to the League 2 Championship last season while on loan at the b2net Stadium from the Latics.
Smalley featured in 29 matches of Chesterfield's title-winning campaign and managed to find the net on twelve seperate occasions, including the winning goal when the Spireities travelled to the Coral Windows Stadium last February.
As well as his successful period with Chesterfield, Smalley also played in League 1 on loan at Rochdale in the same 2010/2011 season.
Despite those two loan spells away from Boundary Park, Smalley still managed to rack up over a century of appearances for Oldham during his time as a Latic.
===========================
Monday, January 16, 2012
FAC3 L2-4 (A) Watford, Saturday January 7, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM.
FA CUP 3rd ROUND
Watford (2) 4 Deeney 3, Sordell 40, Forsyth 56, 59.
Bradford C (1) 2 Hanson 8, Wells 88.
Att: 8,935
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
(see article below)
SEIP & RAVENHILL EXPECTED TO SIGN
Rob Kozluk, to end of season, free transfer (Port Vale)
WILLIAMS ON LOAN TO INVERNESS
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Watford - Bradford C
Possession: 56 - 44%
Shots on target: 7 - 4
Shots off target: 3 - 3
Fouls: 13 - 14
Corners: 10 - 6
Ref: Gavin Ward (Surrey).
Yellow cards:
Watford: None.
Bradford C: Ravenhill (33 min), Fagan (60), Bullock (68).
WATFORD: 30. Jonathan Bond, 12. Lloyd Doyley, 6. Adrian Mariappa, 33. Nyron
Nosworthy, 3. Carl Dickinson, 4. John Eustace, 7. Mark Yeates (85), 11.
Craig Forsyth, 32. Jonathan Hogg, 9. Troy Deeney (70), 20. Marvin Sordell
(70).
SUBS: 34. Jack Bonham (GK), 10. Chris Iwelumo (70), 14. Ross Jenkins, 19.
Prince Buaben, 25. Joe Garner (70), 29. Adam Thompson, 31. Tom James (85).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 36. Marcel Seip, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Ritchie Jones (64), 14. Richard Ravenhill
(75), 15. Charlie Taylor, 39. Craig Fagan, 9. James Hanson (84), 21. Nahki
Wells.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien, 7. Mark Stewart, 10. Ross Hannah
(84), 16. Chris Mitchell, 18. Luke Dean (75), 22. Lee Bullock (64).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City's first trip to the FA Cup third round for eight years went
disappointingly with the form book today on a ground where they have never
won.
Watford's added Championship class proved too much for Phil Parkinson's men,
who were backed by over 1,200 travelling fans.
City matched them for the bulk of the first half but ultimately did not help
themselves with slack defending to blame for three of the home goals.
Their hopes of taking the sting out of the Hornets in the early stages were
blown away inside the opening three minutes.
Marvin Sordell crossed to the far post where Troy Deeney out-jumped Robbie
Threlfall to nod Watford into an immediate lead.
But, to their credit, City were level within five minutes. Ricky Ravenhill's
goal-bound drive was blocked by Carl Dickinson but James Hanson fired home
the rebound for his tenth goal of the campaign.
Watford skipper John Eustace tested Jon McLaughlin low down but City had
bounced back well from that early blow against a side 48 places higher up
the league ladder.
Mark Yeates cut the ball back from the byline to cause panic in a crowded
six-yard box. But Adrian Mariappa's attempted backheel was blocked by weight
of numbers.
But Hanson missed a good chance for his second when he headed over Robbie
Threlfall's corner, City's first of the game.
Watford made them pay by retaking the lead five minutes before the break.
Yeates passed between Threlfall and Ricky Ravenhill to give Sordell a clear
run inside the box. He cleverly dribbled round Andrew Davies before firing
under McLaughlin.
Nahki Wells got a first chance to show his pace soon after the re-start,
bursting past Nyron Nosworthy but Hanson could not get to his cutback first.
But two Craig Forsyth goals in the space of three minutes then put the tie
out of City's reach.
The left winger's first was a tap-in after McLaughlin had palmed away
Sordell's dangerous cross. Deeney and Yeates kept it alive in the danger
zone for Forsyth to finish.
His second just before the hour was a cracking first-time finish from
outside the box after City had been caught upfield by Eustace's counter
attack.
Forsyth was only back in the home side because Michael Kightly had gone back
to Wolves and had seized his opportunity.
City did pull one back two minutes from the end as Nahki Wells slipped
through a static defence to turn in Charlie Taylor's cross And sub Ross
Hannah thought he had made it 4-3 but his header was ruled out for offside.
At least City's cup adventure ended with a bit of a flourish as the focus
now returns to reaching calmer waters in League Two.
===========================
Monday morning match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/9459286.print/
Disallowed Ross Hannah goal denies Bradford City grandstand finish but Championship quality proves decisive
6:20am Monday 9th January 2012
By Simon Parker
Watford 4, City 2
Mark Lawn may have lost his beard but City slipped out of the FA Cup with their credibility and confidence still in place.
It was no close shave like the joint-chairman enjoyed after the game – though it might have been had Ross Hannah's late header been allowed to
stand.
But there was no disgrace or hint of embarrassment about his club's third-round exit.
Watford were simply too good and too strong, as they ought to be for a side currently sitting 48 places higher up the league ladder.
They are also one of the Championship's form teams. Monday's defeat at Portsmouth was their first in nine games and they had not lost at Vicarage
Road since mid-October.
If it was hardly the most glamorous way to go in City's first third-round appearance in eight years, at least they made the favourites work for
their reward.
And you wonder how much closer it could have been if Phil Parkinson had been able to field the talents of David Syers, Simon Ramsden and Kyel
Reid.
Hornets boss Sean Dyche, unlike many contemporaries, respected the competition by naming his best possible line-up. Apart from the suspended
Scott Loach and a couple of loanees, City were pretty much up against the team that had put together that recent run.
The front two, Marvin Sordell and Troy Deeney, were unchanged from Fratton Park and were the liveliest pair the Bantams will face this season.
On Saturday's display, it's easy to see why England under-21 international Sordell is being eyed by several Premier League clubs.
His pace and movement kept City's back four on red alert throughout. Throw in Mark Yeates on the wing and every Watford attack hinted at danger.
The 1,200 Bantams fans must have feared the worst when the hosts struck within the first three minutes.
Andrew Davies had already blocked from Deeney when Sordell too easily eluded Marcel Seip on City's right. It was the start of a difficult
afternoon for both full backs.
With Seip out of the equation, Sordell could pick his spot with the cross and Deeney outjumped Robbie Threlfall to nod past Jon McLaughlin.
Parkinson was livid on the touchline; his frustration all the more audible because of the absence of any fans in the condemned stand that props
up the dugouts.
He said: "You have to be right on your mettle from minute one. If some people don't start right you'll get punished and we did.
"The cross came in too easily and we didn't defend the back stick. I was annoyed that we started so slowly."
The best City had managed in 11 previous visits to Watford were three draws. It was not an encouraging omen. But within five minutes, they were
right back in it beneath the noses of the travelling hordes.
Nyron Nosworthy cleared out a throw-in but Ricky Ravenhill was straight on to it. His blast from the edge of the box was blocked by Carl
Dickinson but the rebound fell for James Hanson to thrash his tenth goal into the roof of the net.
What a couple of weeks the big man has had – no wonder Parkinson sniffed at the suggestion of him being on anyone else's radar during this
transfer window.
For the rest of the half, City took on Watford as equals. McLaughlin was called upon a couple of times but his sure-handed approach showed there
were no lingering demons from the Don Valley.
But otherwise the League Two visitors were bridging the gulf in class. So much so that Hanson should have headed them in front when he climbed
free to meet their first corner from Threlfall.
Then another dozy moment at the wrong end again proved City's undoing. Threlfall and Ravenhill were drawn into no man's land by Yeates. His pass
from the touchline took both out of the play and Sordell was free in the box.
A neat piece of skill wrong-footed Davies before he fired beneath McLaughlin to send City into half-time chasing the game again.
Parkinson used the break to urge more from his front players, Nahki Wells in particular. The Bermudian had hardly got involved for 45 minutes.
His words struck home and Wells emerged once again the potent threat that has worried league defences in the last few games.
At last he got the chance to run at Watford's defence and a brief acceleration left Sunderland's on-loan Nosworthy floudering. The cut-back into
the six-yard box begged for a City finish but the ball was scrambled away.
That was as close as the Bantams were to get. Yeates shot wide from John Eustace's pass as Watford once more upped their game.
Sordell's cross was frantically palmed away by a stretching McLaughlin but Deeney was straight on to the loose ball. He turned it back into the
goal-mouth, Yeates touched on and Craig Forsyth converted from close range.
City had to throw more men forward and paid the price within four minutes. With so many caught upfield, Eustace had acres of room to counter-
attack. Craig Fagan tried to bring him down but failed and the Watford skipper was able to get his pass into the path of Forsyth.
The left winger, only back in because Michael Kightly had returned to Wolves, seized the chance with a lavish first-time blast that flew into the
top corner. The game was up.
Both sides made changes – Watford resting Yeates and both front two after a job professionally done and Parkinson to ensure that defeat would not
turn into humiliation.
He had no need to fear as City raised a late smile by pulling one back. Charlie Taylor produced the best moment of a quiet performance to cross
for Wells to nudge in the goal his second-half efforts had earned.
It looked too little too late – until substitute Hannah nodded beyond debutant keeper Jonathan Bond a minute later. But hopes of an unexpected
grandstand finish were instantly extinguished by the assistant's raised flag for a narrow offside.
Parkinson said: "I'm pleased we got that goal at the end because it wasn't a 4-1 scoreline. It shows the strength we've got in the team and the
good characters that stood strong.
"We had moments but that's the difference in quality with the Championship. You get punished and I thought their strikers were very good and
clinical.
"Every time they broke, you thought that it could end up in the back of the net because of that extra bit of quality.
"I'm obviously not happy with conceding goals and we need to get that clean-sheet mentality back for next week. But it was a good performance and
we certainly did ourselves proud."
===========================
SEIP & RAVENHILL EXPECTED TO SIGN, WILLIAMS ON LOAN TO INVERNESS
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City are confident that Marcel Seip and Ricky Ravenhill will both be signed
up by Saturday.
But Steve Williams is set to head for the Scottish Premier League to join
Inverness on loan.
The former non-league centre half, who has been out of favour under Phil
Parkinson, had a two-day trial with Terry Butcher's side last week and is
expected to return to the Highlands for the rest of the season.
Seip and Ravenhill have been key players in City's recent league revival and
Parkinson is keen to keep them on board.
Talks have been ongoing and it is likely that both will stay at Valley
Parade for the remainder of the campaign, with City hoping to make
Ravenhill's move from Notts County permanent.
Parkinson still hopes to add another couple of signings during the transfer
window.
He is chasing a striker after missing out on one – thought to be Chris
Dagnall – and is also in the market for another winger.
But despite gathering rumours on the internet, it is not going to be Jack
Compton. Rotherham are believed to be chasing him.
Parkinson said: "We spoke to Jack about staying here. He wanted a long-term
commitment and financially we didn't think it added up - nothing more to
it."
City are hoping to shift some of the fringe players to help clear the decks
for Parkinson to continue rebuilding the squad.
He said: "We want to keep what we've got (in the starting side) but there
are other players who we would consider letting out if we get offers to take
them on loan.
"You expect more to happen as the window starts hotting up."
Some of those out of the picture will get a run-out for the reserves at
Scunthorpe this afternoon.
===========================
http://www.kentonline.co.uk
A football club is feeling flush after scooping £100,000 for having the worst toilets in England.
Ebbsfleet United have been crowned 'Best Loosers' and will receive the money to upgrade the loos at their Stonebridge Road stadium.
Fleet were announced as the winners with more than 6,000 votes beating former Premier League sides Sheffield United, Barnsley and Bradford City.
The competition was set up by Plumb Center and was open to all league clubs in the country.
===========================
DEFENDER KOZLUK OFFERED CITY CHANCE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Former Sheffield United and Barnsley right back Rob Kozluk is appearing for
City's reserves this afternoon.
The 34-year-old, who recently played for Port Vale, faced Scunthorpe with a
view to being offered a deal until the end of the season.
Phil Parkinson sees him as experienced cover for the injured Simon Ramsden.
Result: Scunthorpe Res 0 - 2 City Reserves.
and...
Kozluk completes City move
Posted on: Wed 11 Jan 2012
City have today (Wednesday) completed the signing of highly experienced defender Rob Kozluk on a short-term deal.
The right back, who played 45 minutes in City's reserve win at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday afternoon, has signed a deal to keep him at the Coral
Windows Stadium until the end of the season.
Kozluk, 34, joins on a free transfer after leaving fellow League 2 side Port Vale last month.
Subject to receiving the relevant clearances, Kozluk will now go into contention for a place in City boss Phil Parkinson's match-day squad for
this Saturday's npower League 2 fixture with Morecambe at the Coral Windows Stadium.
With fellow right back Simon Ramsden still looking to be at least a few weeks away from a return due to a broken toe, Parkinson feels Kozluk will
be a perfect addition to his squad.
Article continues
Advertisement
"Simon has been to see the specialist recently and he was told to come back to see him again in two and a half weeks time," revealed Parkinson.
"He won't be able to do any running during this period so it means that it will still be some time before he is ready to return.
"With this in mind, I felt we obviously needed cover at the right back position and Rob fits the bill.
"He is a hugely experienced defender, who can play in a couple of positions along the back four, and I am looking forward to working with him."
The Mansfield-born defender will head to Valley Parade with over 330 first team appearances - mainly in the Championship with Sheffield United -
to his name .
He has also featured in all four English divisions, including the Premier League, during his career so far.
Kozluk actually enjoyed his time in the Premiership with the Blades after helping them to promotion into the top flight at the end of the 2005/06
season.
He spent around nine years in total at Bramall Lane over two seperate spells with the club and became a firm favourite with the United faithful
in the process due a series of committed displays.
Starting his career with Derby County, Kozluk also featured for the Blades' South Yorkshire neighbours Barnsley for three seasons between 2007
and 2010
===========================
Watford (2) 4 Deeney 3, Sordell 40, Forsyth 56, 59.
Bradford C (1) 2 Hanson 8, Wells 88.
Att: 8,935
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
(see article below)
SEIP & RAVENHILL EXPECTED TO SIGN
Rob Kozluk, to end of season, free transfer (Port Vale)
WILLIAMS ON LOAN TO INVERNESS
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Watford - Bradford C
Possession: 56 - 44%
Shots on target: 7 - 4
Shots off target: 3 - 3
Fouls: 13 - 14
Corners: 10 - 6
Ref: Gavin Ward (Surrey).
Yellow cards:
Watford: None.
Bradford C: Ravenhill (33 min), Fagan (60), Bullock (68).
WATFORD: 30. Jonathan Bond, 12. Lloyd Doyley, 6. Adrian Mariappa, 33. Nyron
Nosworthy, 3. Carl Dickinson, 4. John Eustace, 7. Mark Yeates (85), 11.
Craig Forsyth, 32. Jonathan Hogg, 9. Troy Deeney (70), 20. Marvin Sordell
(70).
SUBS: 34. Jack Bonham (GK), 10. Chris Iwelumo (70), 14. Ross Jenkins, 19.
Prince Buaben, 25. Joe Garner (70), 29. Adam Thompson, 31. Tom James (85).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 36. Marcel Seip, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Ritchie Jones (64), 14. Richard Ravenhill
(75), 15. Charlie Taylor, 39. Craig Fagan, 9. James Hanson (84), 21. Nahki
Wells.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien, 7. Mark Stewart, 10. Ross Hannah
(84), 16. Chris Mitchell, 18. Luke Dean (75), 22. Lee Bullock (64).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City's first trip to the FA Cup third round for eight years went
disappointingly with the form book today on a ground where they have never
won.
Watford's added Championship class proved too much for Phil Parkinson's men,
who were backed by over 1,200 travelling fans.
City matched them for the bulk of the first half but ultimately did not help
themselves with slack defending to blame for three of the home goals.
Their hopes of taking the sting out of the Hornets in the early stages were
blown away inside the opening three minutes.
Marvin Sordell crossed to the far post where Troy Deeney out-jumped Robbie
Threlfall to nod Watford into an immediate lead.
But, to their credit, City were level within five minutes. Ricky Ravenhill's
goal-bound drive was blocked by Carl Dickinson but James Hanson fired home
the rebound for his tenth goal of the campaign.
Watford skipper John Eustace tested Jon McLaughlin low down but City had
bounced back well from that early blow against a side 48 places higher up
the league ladder.
Mark Yeates cut the ball back from the byline to cause panic in a crowded
six-yard box. But Adrian Mariappa's attempted backheel was blocked by weight
of numbers.
But Hanson missed a good chance for his second when he headed over Robbie
Threlfall's corner, City's first of the game.
Watford made them pay by retaking the lead five minutes before the break.
Yeates passed between Threlfall and Ricky Ravenhill to give Sordell a clear
run inside the box. He cleverly dribbled round Andrew Davies before firing
under McLaughlin.
Nahki Wells got a first chance to show his pace soon after the re-start,
bursting past Nyron Nosworthy but Hanson could not get to his cutback first.
But two Craig Forsyth goals in the space of three minutes then put the tie
out of City's reach.
The left winger's first was a tap-in after McLaughlin had palmed away
Sordell's dangerous cross. Deeney and Yeates kept it alive in the danger
zone for Forsyth to finish.
His second just before the hour was a cracking first-time finish from
outside the box after City had been caught upfield by Eustace's counter
attack.
Forsyth was only back in the home side because Michael Kightly had gone back
to Wolves and had seized his opportunity.
City did pull one back two minutes from the end as Nahki Wells slipped
through a static defence to turn in Charlie Taylor's cross And sub Ross
Hannah thought he had made it 4-3 but his header was ruled out for offside.
At least City's cup adventure ended with a bit of a flourish as the focus
now returns to reaching calmer waters in League Two.
===========================
Monday morning match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/9459286.print/
Disallowed Ross Hannah goal denies Bradford City grandstand finish but Championship quality proves decisive
6:20am Monday 9th January 2012
By Simon Parker
Watford 4, City 2
Mark Lawn may have lost his beard but City slipped out of the FA Cup with their credibility and confidence still in place.
It was no close shave like the joint-chairman enjoyed after the game – though it might have been had Ross Hannah's late header been allowed to
stand.
But there was no disgrace or hint of embarrassment about his club's third-round exit.
Watford were simply too good and too strong, as they ought to be for a side currently sitting 48 places higher up the league ladder.
They are also one of the Championship's form teams. Monday's defeat at Portsmouth was their first in nine games and they had not lost at Vicarage
Road since mid-October.
If it was hardly the most glamorous way to go in City's first third-round appearance in eight years, at least they made the favourites work for
their reward.
And you wonder how much closer it could have been if Phil Parkinson had been able to field the talents of David Syers, Simon Ramsden and Kyel
Reid.
Hornets boss Sean Dyche, unlike many contemporaries, respected the competition by naming his best possible line-up. Apart from the suspended
Scott Loach and a couple of loanees, City were pretty much up against the team that had put together that recent run.
The front two, Marvin Sordell and Troy Deeney, were unchanged from Fratton Park and were the liveliest pair the Bantams will face this season.
On Saturday's display, it's easy to see why England under-21 international Sordell is being eyed by several Premier League clubs.
His pace and movement kept City's back four on red alert throughout. Throw in Mark Yeates on the wing and every Watford attack hinted at danger.
The 1,200 Bantams fans must have feared the worst when the hosts struck within the first three minutes.
Andrew Davies had already blocked from Deeney when Sordell too easily eluded Marcel Seip on City's right. It was the start of a difficult
afternoon for both full backs.
With Seip out of the equation, Sordell could pick his spot with the cross and Deeney outjumped Robbie Threlfall to nod past Jon McLaughlin.
Parkinson was livid on the touchline; his frustration all the more audible because of the absence of any fans in the condemned stand that props
up the dugouts.
He said: "You have to be right on your mettle from minute one. If some people don't start right you'll get punished and we did.
"The cross came in too easily and we didn't defend the back stick. I was annoyed that we started so slowly."
The best City had managed in 11 previous visits to Watford were three draws. It was not an encouraging omen. But within five minutes, they were
right back in it beneath the noses of the travelling hordes.
Nyron Nosworthy cleared out a throw-in but Ricky Ravenhill was straight on to it. His blast from the edge of the box was blocked by Carl
Dickinson but the rebound fell for James Hanson to thrash his tenth goal into the roof of the net.
What a couple of weeks the big man has had – no wonder Parkinson sniffed at the suggestion of him being on anyone else's radar during this
transfer window.
For the rest of the half, City took on Watford as equals. McLaughlin was called upon a couple of times but his sure-handed approach showed there
were no lingering demons from the Don Valley.
But otherwise the League Two visitors were bridging the gulf in class. So much so that Hanson should have headed them in front when he climbed
free to meet their first corner from Threlfall.
Then another dozy moment at the wrong end again proved City's undoing. Threlfall and Ravenhill were drawn into no man's land by Yeates. His pass
from the touchline took both out of the play and Sordell was free in the box.
A neat piece of skill wrong-footed Davies before he fired beneath McLaughlin to send City into half-time chasing the game again.
Parkinson used the break to urge more from his front players, Nahki Wells in particular. The Bermudian had hardly got involved for 45 minutes.
His words struck home and Wells emerged once again the potent threat that has worried league defences in the last few games.
At last he got the chance to run at Watford's defence and a brief acceleration left Sunderland's on-loan Nosworthy floudering. The cut-back into
the six-yard box begged for a City finish but the ball was scrambled away.
That was as close as the Bantams were to get. Yeates shot wide from John Eustace's pass as Watford once more upped their game.
Sordell's cross was frantically palmed away by a stretching McLaughlin but Deeney was straight on to the loose ball. He turned it back into the
goal-mouth, Yeates touched on and Craig Forsyth converted from close range.
City had to throw more men forward and paid the price within four minutes. With so many caught upfield, Eustace had acres of room to counter-
attack. Craig Fagan tried to bring him down but failed and the Watford skipper was able to get his pass into the path of Forsyth.
The left winger, only back in because Michael Kightly had returned to Wolves, seized the chance with a lavish first-time blast that flew into the
top corner. The game was up.
Both sides made changes – Watford resting Yeates and both front two after a job professionally done and Parkinson to ensure that defeat would not
turn into humiliation.
He had no need to fear as City raised a late smile by pulling one back. Charlie Taylor produced the best moment of a quiet performance to cross
for Wells to nudge in the goal his second-half efforts had earned.
It looked too little too late – until substitute Hannah nodded beyond debutant keeper Jonathan Bond a minute later. But hopes of an unexpected
grandstand finish were instantly extinguished by the assistant's raised flag for a narrow offside.
Parkinson said: "I'm pleased we got that goal at the end because it wasn't a 4-1 scoreline. It shows the strength we've got in the team and the
good characters that stood strong.
"We had moments but that's the difference in quality with the Championship. You get punished and I thought their strikers were very good and
clinical.
"Every time they broke, you thought that it could end up in the back of the net because of that extra bit of quality.
"I'm obviously not happy with conceding goals and we need to get that clean-sheet mentality back for next week. But it was a good performance and
we certainly did ourselves proud."
===========================
SEIP & RAVENHILL EXPECTED TO SIGN, WILLIAMS ON LOAN TO INVERNESS
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City are confident that Marcel Seip and Ricky Ravenhill will both be signed
up by Saturday.
But Steve Williams is set to head for the Scottish Premier League to join
Inverness on loan.
The former non-league centre half, who has been out of favour under Phil
Parkinson, had a two-day trial with Terry Butcher's side last week and is
expected to return to the Highlands for the rest of the season.
Seip and Ravenhill have been key players in City's recent league revival and
Parkinson is keen to keep them on board.
Talks have been ongoing and it is likely that both will stay at Valley
Parade for the remainder of the campaign, with City hoping to make
Ravenhill's move from Notts County permanent.
Parkinson still hopes to add another couple of signings during the transfer
window.
He is chasing a striker after missing out on one – thought to be Chris
Dagnall – and is also in the market for another winger.
But despite gathering rumours on the internet, it is not going to be Jack
Compton. Rotherham are believed to be chasing him.
Parkinson said: "We spoke to Jack about staying here. He wanted a long-term
commitment and financially we didn't think it added up - nothing more to
it."
City are hoping to shift some of the fringe players to help clear the decks
for Parkinson to continue rebuilding the squad.
He said: "We want to keep what we've got (in the starting side) but there
are other players who we would consider letting out if we get offers to take
them on loan.
"You expect more to happen as the window starts hotting up."
Some of those out of the picture will get a run-out for the reserves at
Scunthorpe this afternoon.
===========================
http://www.kentonline.co.uk
A football club is feeling flush after scooping £100,000 for having the worst toilets in England.
Ebbsfleet United have been crowned 'Best Loosers' and will receive the money to upgrade the loos at their Stonebridge Road stadium.
Fleet were announced as the winners with more than 6,000 votes beating former Premier League sides Sheffield United, Barnsley and Bradford City.
The competition was set up by Plumb Center and was open to all league clubs in the country.
===========================
DEFENDER KOZLUK OFFERED CITY CHANCE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Former Sheffield United and Barnsley right back Rob Kozluk is appearing for
City's reserves this afternoon.
The 34-year-old, who recently played for Port Vale, faced Scunthorpe with a
view to being offered a deal until the end of the season.
Phil Parkinson sees him as experienced cover for the injured Simon Ramsden.
Result: Scunthorpe Res 0 - 2 City Reserves.
and...
Kozluk completes City move
Posted on: Wed 11 Jan 2012
City have today (Wednesday) completed the signing of highly experienced defender Rob Kozluk on a short-term deal.
The right back, who played 45 minutes in City's reserve win at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday afternoon, has signed a deal to keep him at the Coral
Windows Stadium until the end of the season.
Kozluk, 34, joins on a free transfer after leaving fellow League 2 side Port Vale last month.
Subject to receiving the relevant clearances, Kozluk will now go into contention for a place in City boss Phil Parkinson's match-day squad for
this Saturday's npower League 2 fixture with Morecambe at the Coral Windows Stadium.
With fellow right back Simon Ramsden still looking to be at least a few weeks away from a return due to a broken toe, Parkinson feels Kozluk will
be a perfect addition to his squad.
Article continues
Advertisement
"Simon has been to see the specialist recently and he was told to come back to see him again in two and a half weeks time," revealed Parkinson.
"He won't be able to do any running during this period so it means that it will still be some time before he is ready to return.
"With this in mind, I felt we obviously needed cover at the right back position and Rob fits the bill.
"He is a hugely experienced defender, who can play in a couple of positions along the back four, and I am looking forward to working with him."
The Mansfield-born defender will head to Valley Parade with over 330 first team appearances - mainly in the Championship with Sheffield United -
to his name .
He has also featured in all four English divisions, including the Premier League, during his career so far.
Kozluk actually enjoyed his time in the Premiership with the Blades after helping them to promotion into the top flight at the end of the 2005/06
season.
He spent around nine years in total at Bramall Lane over two seperate spells with the club and became a firm favourite with the United faithful
in the process due a series of committed displays.
Starting his career with Derby County, Kozluk also featured for the Blades' South Yorkshire neighbours Barnsley for three seasons between 2007
and 2010
===========================
Friday, January 06, 2012
CFML special : Parkinson wins League 2 Manager Of The Month
City boss Phil Parkinson has been named as npower League 2 Manager of the Month for December this Friday morning.
Parkinson has beaten off competition from Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman, Cheltenham Town's Mark Yates and Port Vale's Micky Adams to win the monthly managerial gong.
The award for the City chief is reward for the Bantams' superb form throughout the final month of 2011 - a month which saw Parkinson's men drop only two points from their four league matches.
Highlights from December's fixtures for City included impressive wins over promotion-chasing Southend United and Shrewsbury Town, while City scored eight goals and conceded only two throughout the month.
Parkinson said: "I am obviously delighted to pick up this award but I feel I am collecting it on behalf of the whole team.
"This is a reward for all the hard work put in by the staff and players recently and hopefully something we can build on."
The honour for Parkinson is the first time a City manager has won such an award since October 2004 when the then-Bantams boss Colin Todd won the equivalent prize for League 1.
Unfortunately the Bantams' consistent defender Luke Oliver was unable to add to City's celebrations after he lost out in the vote for December's League 2 Player of the Month.
Oliver was nominated for the award but the judging panel went for Accrington Stanley's Bryan Hughes instead.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
L2: L0-3 (A) Rotherham, Monday January 2, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM.
NPower League Two
Rotherham ( 0) 3 Grabban 63, pen 68, Williams 74
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 5,368
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Ramsden, broken toe (v Shrewsbury), out 3-6 weeks
To City, On Loan
Charlie Taylor, Left wing, Leeds United (28 days)
Returned to City
Nialle Rodney (1 month @ mansfield)
Returned to parent clubs
Jack Compton (falkirk)
Michael Bryan (watford)
Jamie Devitt (Hull)
Liam Moore (leicester)
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Rotherham - Bradford C:
Possession: 55 - 45%
Shots on target: 4 - 1
Shots off target: 4 - 2
Fouls: 9 - 12
Corners: 6 - 3
Ref: Robert Madley (Ossett, West Yorkshire).
Yellow cards:
Rotherham: Schofield (90+2 min).
Bradford C: Davies (81 min).
ROTHERHAM: 1. Rhys Taylor, 2. Dale Tonge, 24. Michael Raynes, 17. Johnny
Mullins, 26. Sam Wood, 20. Chris Holroyd (71), 4. Danny Harrison (46), 9.
Alex Revell, 11. Danny Schofield, 8. Jason Taylor, 23. Lewis Grabban.
SUBS: 21. Andy Warrington (GK), 10. Brett Williams (71), 15. Mark Bradley,
22. Troy Brown, 25. Jon Harley (46).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 36. Marcel Seip, 38. Andrew Davies, 6. Luke
Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 39. Craig Fagan, 23. David Syers (77), 14.
Richard Ravenhill, 15. Charlie Taylor (78), 9. James Hanson, 21. Nahki Wells
(59).
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 7. Mark Stewart (78), 10. Ross Hannah (59), 16.
Chris Mitchell, 22. Lee Bullock (77).
===========================
Monday evening match report
By Simon Parker
Bradford City let in three goals in nine minutes to crash to defeat against
Rotherham this afternoon.
They conceded more in a dreadful second-half spell than in the previous five
league games as the unbeaten run came to an abrupt end.
The first half was almost devoid of incident.
City looked comfortable and James Hanson and Nahki Wells looked a handful
without seriously troubling Rotherham's on-loan keeper Rhys Taylor.
Hanson had the only on-target effort of 45 dour minutes with a shot straight
at him after latching on to a long ball from Luke Oliver.
Simon Ramsden's broken toe meant a shuffle at the back and Robbie Threlfall
returned for his first start since injury.
But the backline, so impressive in recent weeks, had a pretty easy run of
it. It took Rotherham 40 minutes before they created a proper chance, Lewis
Grabban setting up Danny Schofield for a cross-shot wide.
Schofield forced Jon McLaughlin into his first proper save just before the
hour with a powerful drive which the keeper turned away.
Rotherham had looked livelier since half-time and made the breakthrough
after 63 minutes, Grabban turning in the loose ball after City failed to
deal with a free-kick.
Within four minutes it was 2-0. McLaughlin caught Sam Wood as he burst into
the box and Grabban sent him the wrong way with the penalty.
The game was then put firmly beyond them by a speculative strike from sub
Brett Williams which deceived McLaughlin, who fumbled it into the net.
Substitute Mark Stewart headed against the post but City were left to rue a
second half to forget.
===========================
Three-goal Rotherham blitz sends Bradford City crashing to defeat
8:10am Tuesday 3rd January 2012
By Simon Parker
Rotherham 3 Bradford City 0
How fitting that Olympic year should kick off at an athletics stadium.
But the only similarity with the Don Valley and London 2012 is the running track.
With its 1970s East German clock looming over the vast swathe of empty seating, there cannot be a less inviting arena to watch sport. It's got a good view of the hills surrounding Sheffield but that's about it.
No wonder Rotherham cannot get out quick enough.
Forget the countdown to the summer games, the Millers are ticking off the hours until they can pitch up in New York – their new home which is due to open for next season.
But until yesterday, the Don Valley had been a happy hunting ground for the Bantams. Trips to this wide-open bowl had usually been worth the trouble.
That all changed in 11 nightmarish minutes midway through the second half.
For just over an hour, City seemed to be cruising towards a second successive goalless away draw with Rotherham to go with two earlier wins.
Then, like a runner suddenly hitting the wall, Phil Parkinson's men were brushed aside as a quickfire treble blast put paid to the unbeaten run.
Parkinson had been forced to break up the back four that had done such an impressive recent job after Simon Ramsden broke a toe courtesy of the late lunge by Shrewsbury full back Joe Jacobson on Saturday.
Marcel Seip switched sides and Robbie Threlfall returned for his first start since getting injured at Macclesfield in October.
Leeds loan signing Charlie Taylor also came straight in for Jack Compton and Ricky Ravenhill was back from suspension. Alongside him, David Syers kept his place ahead of the club's appeal over his hotly-disputed Shrewsbury red card.
For a Yorkshire derby, the game started off in a very flat atmosphere – in Olympic terms, more the first qualifying round of the archery than the 100 metres final.
You sense Man United and Man City would have struggled to generate much better at a venue that is so far removed from the crowd it feels like playing on the moon.
But City were once again backed in good numbers, making up a third of the 5,368 crowd, and all confident of seeing their recent good form continue.
The visitors looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, enjoying plenty of the ball, although little was happening.
James Hanson, trying to extend his hot streak, was the first to offer a shot in anger as he warmed the hands of Rhys Taylor after chasing Luke Oliver's clearance.
The Rotherham keeper, one of three Taylors in action, had only joined hours earlier on loan from Chelsea.
It was stop-start stuff, with the ball spending a fair chunk of the time out of play. A lack of ball boys just added to the delays.
As the game struggled to find a rhythm, Ravenhill needed treatment after a clash of heads with Danny Harrison. The break briefly roused the home side and Jason Taylor found room for a shot over the bar.
Hanson and Nahki Wells were asking questions of the Rotherham back four without creating anything. Charlie Taylor had a good chance to cross for Hanson but lingered in possession and the opportunity was lost.
After a tepid half hour, the away fans tried to rouse proceedings by upping the volume. There was no noise from the home supporters in their soulless environment – the day they move into a ground they can call their own cannot come soon enough.
An ugly long-range drive from Harrison drew an ironic cheer as it bounced across the running track behind Jon McLaughlin's goal.
City had a sniff after 36 minutes from their second corner. Craig Fagan's deep kick picked out the flying Hanson but the striker could not get a decent contact on the ball.
There wasn't the snap in the passes from Saturday and it looked like a second game in three days. But City had not been remotely troubled as half-time approached.
Syers won another corner and the keeper got in trouble as he came for it through a ruck of players. The ball bobbled around invitingly before referee Robert Madley dug Rotherham out of the hole by giving a free-kick for a push.
But City had a scare just before the break when they failed to close down Lewis Grabban outside the penalty area. He slid a pass through to Danny Schofield, whose cross-shot did not miss the far post by much as McLaughlin looked on anxiously.
At least it did trigger a little flurry of action in the two added minutes.
Wells tried to burrow his way into the Rotherham box but the ball wouldn't come down for him. Rotherham went straight up the other end to win a corner but Andrew Davies blocked the header and then cleared out any danger.
City were attacking towards the corner segment of their fans for the second half. But Rotherham had the first chance when Oliver leaned all over Chris Holroyd, Sam Wood wasting the free-kick from 25 yards out.
Syers had been quieter than Saturday but a bursting run into the box almost set up Wells, who just failed to control the ball in his stride. Rotherham responded with a corner but Johnny Mullins nodded off course.
The City keeper was called upon after a loose pass from Oliver was picked off on the halfway line. Wood found Schofield, whose well-struck drive was palmed away – McLaughlin's first save of the afternoon.
Parkinson introduced Ross Hannah's fresh legs on the hour for Wells as he looked to liven things up. But Rotherham had shown more conviction since the break – and made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute.
Oliver was again punished for a foul and City failed to deal with the free-kick when it was hoisted into the mix. McLaughlin tried to claim in the scrum but the ball popped up loose and Grabban forced home as the visitors claimed in vain for a push on the keeper.
It got worse for McLaughlin four minutes later as Wood burst clear to his left. The City keeper went to challenge with his feet and claimed he played the ball onto the full back as he tumbled, but instead of awarding a goal-kick, referee Madley pointed to the spot.
Protests once again fell on deaf ears and Grabban sent McLaughlin the wrong way to double Rotherham's advantage.
City had paid a heavy price for not coming out of the traps for the second half – just as they had done at Valley Parade in November.
For McLaughlin, the agony was not finished. Brett Williams had only been on for three minutes when he chanced his arm with an outrageous attempt from the touchline 25 yards out.
The keeper was left back-pedalling as he tried to deal with the flying effort but the momentum took him into the net with the ball.
Parkinson opted to rest Syers by bringing on Lee Bullock and Mark Stewart also got a run-out, nearly pulling one back with a header that bounced off the post.
But the contest was finished and the majority of travelling supporters had headed for the exit long before the final whistle.
===========================
Fans form with PP
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2564898,00.html?
City supporters will have the opportunity to pick the brains of the Bantams boss Phil Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin in a special fans forum to be held at the Coral Windows Stadium next Tuesday (10 January 2012).
The evening, which has been organised by City kit man Graham Duckworth's charity Bantams Trek, will take place in the 1911 Club at Valley Parade.
Tickets for the evening are priced at £10.00 per person, with the admission cost also entitling supporters to a pie and pea supper.
As with all Bantams Trek events, a proportion of the profits from the evening will go towards City's chosen charity, the Bradford Burns Unit.
Events will start from 8:00pm next Tuesday.
Supporters can purchase their tickets now by ringing the football club on 0871 978 1911. Tickets are also on sale from the Bantams Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium.
===========================
From the radio...
On radio Sheffield Andy Scott the Rotherham manager was full of praise for his team's second half performance as you might expect but interestingly he stated that he'd been to see us Play Shrewsbury on Saturday and thought that City turned in the best display of any team he had seen this season.
===========================
News of ex-Bantams
As I am currently struggling to find time to update
www.antipodeanbantams.com I thought I would pass on a couple of bits of news
on former Bantams, Australia duo Gareth Edds and Paul Reid.
Edds has retired at the age of 30 and is now running the Gareth Edds Soccer
Academy in Townsville.
Reid is currently without a club after a stint with Iranian Premier League
side Mes Sar ... which reportedly lasted five days!
Oh, Bobby Petta is now running a company called Bobby Petta Fitness in
Glasgow while Jonathan Gould, who was mentioned on this list recently, is
now goalkeeping coach at A-League side Perth Glory.
Cheers,
Mark
===========================
Jan 4th
City Lose Syers Red Card Appeal
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City this afternoon failed to get David Syers' red card overturned.
An FA panel upheld referee Dean Mohareb's decision to send him off against
Shrewsbury.
The midfielder will now miss the next three games, starting with Saturday's
FA Cup tie at Watford.
===========================
Rotherham ( 0) 3 Grabban 63, pen 68, Williams 74
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 5,368
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Ramsden, broken toe (v Shrewsbury), out 3-6 weeks
To City, On Loan
Charlie Taylor, Left wing, Leeds United (28 days)
Returned to City
Nialle Rodney (1 month @ mansfield)
Returned to parent clubs
Jack Compton (falkirk)
Michael Bryan (watford)
Jamie Devitt (Hull)
Liam Moore (leicester)
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Rotherham - Bradford C:
Possession: 55 - 45%
Shots on target: 4 - 1
Shots off target: 4 - 2
Fouls: 9 - 12
Corners: 6 - 3
Ref: Robert Madley (Ossett, West Yorkshire).
Yellow cards:
Rotherham: Schofield (90+2 min).
Bradford C: Davies (81 min).
ROTHERHAM: 1. Rhys Taylor, 2. Dale Tonge, 24. Michael Raynes, 17. Johnny
Mullins, 26. Sam Wood, 20. Chris Holroyd (71), 4. Danny Harrison (46), 9.
Alex Revell, 11. Danny Schofield, 8. Jason Taylor, 23. Lewis Grabban.
SUBS: 21. Andy Warrington (GK), 10. Brett Williams (71), 15. Mark Bradley,
22. Troy Brown, 25. Jon Harley (46).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 36. Marcel Seip, 38. Andrew Davies, 6. Luke
Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 39. Craig Fagan, 23. David Syers (77), 14.
Richard Ravenhill, 15. Charlie Taylor (78), 9. James Hanson, 21. Nahki Wells
(59).
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 7. Mark Stewart (78), 10. Ross Hannah (59), 16.
Chris Mitchell, 22. Lee Bullock (77).
===========================
Monday evening match report
By Simon Parker
Bradford City let in three goals in nine minutes to crash to defeat against
Rotherham this afternoon.
They conceded more in a dreadful second-half spell than in the previous five
league games as the unbeaten run came to an abrupt end.
The first half was almost devoid of incident.
City looked comfortable and James Hanson and Nahki Wells looked a handful
without seriously troubling Rotherham's on-loan keeper Rhys Taylor.
Hanson had the only on-target effort of 45 dour minutes with a shot straight
at him after latching on to a long ball from Luke Oliver.
Simon Ramsden's broken toe meant a shuffle at the back and Robbie Threlfall
returned for his first start since injury.
But the backline, so impressive in recent weeks, had a pretty easy run of
it. It took Rotherham 40 minutes before they created a proper chance, Lewis
Grabban setting up Danny Schofield for a cross-shot wide.
Schofield forced Jon McLaughlin into his first proper save just before the
hour with a powerful drive which the keeper turned away.
Rotherham had looked livelier since half-time and made the breakthrough
after 63 minutes, Grabban turning in the loose ball after City failed to
deal with a free-kick.
Within four minutes it was 2-0. McLaughlin caught Sam Wood as he burst into
the box and Grabban sent him the wrong way with the penalty.
The game was then put firmly beyond them by a speculative strike from sub
Brett Williams which deceived McLaughlin, who fumbled it into the net.
Substitute Mark Stewart headed against the post but City were left to rue a
second half to forget.
===========================
Three-goal Rotherham blitz sends Bradford City crashing to defeat
8:10am Tuesday 3rd January 2012
By Simon Parker
Rotherham 3 Bradford City 0
How fitting that Olympic year should kick off at an athletics stadium.
But the only similarity with the Don Valley and London 2012 is the running track.
With its 1970s East German clock looming over the vast swathe of empty seating, there cannot be a less inviting arena to watch sport. It's got a good view of the hills surrounding Sheffield but that's about it.
No wonder Rotherham cannot get out quick enough.
Forget the countdown to the summer games, the Millers are ticking off the hours until they can pitch up in New York – their new home which is due to open for next season.
But until yesterday, the Don Valley had been a happy hunting ground for the Bantams. Trips to this wide-open bowl had usually been worth the trouble.
That all changed in 11 nightmarish minutes midway through the second half.
For just over an hour, City seemed to be cruising towards a second successive goalless away draw with Rotherham to go with two earlier wins.
Then, like a runner suddenly hitting the wall, Phil Parkinson's men were brushed aside as a quickfire treble blast put paid to the unbeaten run.
Parkinson had been forced to break up the back four that had done such an impressive recent job after Simon Ramsden broke a toe courtesy of the late lunge by Shrewsbury full back Joe Jacobson on Saturday.
Marcel Seip switched sides and Robbie Threlfall returned for his first start since getting injured at Macclesfield in October.
Leeds loan signing Charlie Taylor also came straight in for Jack Compton and Ricky Ravenhill was back from suspension. Alongside him, David Syers kept his place ahead of the club's appeal over his hotly-disputed Shrewsbury red card.
For a Yorkshire derby, the game started off in a very flat atmosphere – in Olympic terms, more the first qualifying round of the archery than the 100 metres final.
You sense Man United and Man City would have struggled to generate much better at a venue that is so far removed from the crowd it feels like playing on the moon.
But City were once again backed in good numbers, making up a third of the 5,368 crowd, and all confident of seeing their recent good form continue.
The visitors looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, enjoying plenty of the ball, although little was happening.
James Hanson, trying to extend his hot streak, was the first to offer a shot in anger as he warmed the hands of Rhys Taylor after chasing Luke Oliver's clearance.
The Rotherham keeper, one of three Taylors in action, had only joined hours earlier on loan from Chelsea.
It was stop-start stuff, with the ball spending a fair chunk of the time out of play. A lack of ball boys just added to the delays.
As the game struggled to find a rhythm, Ravenhill needed treatment after a clash of heads with Danny Harrison. The break briefly roused the home side and Jason Taylor found room for a shot over the bar.
Hanson and Nahki Wells were asking questions of the Rotherham back four without creating anything. Charlie Taylor had a good chance to cross for Hanson but lingered in possession and the opportunity was lost.
After a tepid half hour, the away fans tried to rouse proceedings by upping the volume. There was no noise from the home supporters in their soulless environment – the day they move into a ground they can call their own cannot come soon enough.
An ugly long-range drive from Harrison drew an ironic cheer as it bounced across the running track behind Jon McLaughlin's goal.
City had a sniff after 36 minutes from their second corner. Craig Fagan's deep kick picked out the flying Hanson but the striker could not get a decent contact on the ball.
There wasn't the snap in the passes from Saturday and it looked like a second game in three days. But City had not been remotely troubled as half-time approached.
Syers won another corner and the keeper got in trouble as he came for it through a ruck of players. The ball bobbled around invitingly before referee Robert Madley dug Rotherham out of the hole by giving a free-kick for a push.
But City had a scare just before the break when they failed to close down Lewis Grabban outside the penalty area. He slid a pass through to Danny Schofield, whose cross-shot did not miss the far post by much as McLaughlin looked on anxiously.
At least it did trigger a little flurry of action in the two added minutes.
Wells tried to burrow his way into the Rotherham box but the ball wouldn't come down for him. Rotherham went straight up the other end to win a corner but Andrew Davies blocked the header and then cleared out any danger.
City were attacking towards the corner segment of their fans for the second half. But Rotherham had the first chance when Oliver leaned all over Chris Holroyd, Sam Wood wasting the free-kick from 25 yards out.
Syers had been quieter than Saturday but a bursting run into the box almost set up Wells, who just failed to control the ball in his stride. Rotherham responded with a corner but Johnny Mullins nodded off course.
The City keeper was called upon after a loose pass from Oliver was picked off on the halfway line. Wood found Schofield, whose well-struck drive was palmed away – McLaughlin's first save of the afternoon.
Parkinson introduced Ross Hannah's fresh legs on the hour for Wells as he looked to liven things up. But Rotherham had shown more conviction since the break – and made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute.
Oliver was again punished for a foul and City failed to deal with the free-kick when it was hoisted into the mix. McLaughlin tried to claim in the scrum but the ball popped up loose and Grabban forced home as the visitors claimed in vain for a push on the keeper.
It got worse for McLaughlin four minutes later as Wood burst clear to his left. The City keeper went to challenge with his feet and claimed he played the ball onto the full back as he tumbled, but instead of awarding a goal-kick, referee Madley pointed to the spot.
Protests once again fell on deaf ears and Grabban sent McLaughlin the wrong way to double Rotherham's advantage.
City had paid a heavy price for not coming out of the traps for the second half – just as they had done at Valley Parade in November.
For McLaughlin, the agony was not finished. Brett Williams had only been on for three minutes when he chanced his arm with an outrageous attempt from the touchline 25 yards out.
The keeper was left back-pedalling as he tried to deal with the flying effort but the momentum took him into the net with the ball.
Parkinson opted to rest Syers by bringing on Lee Bullock and Mark Stewart also got a run-out, nearly pulling one back with a header that bounced off the post.
But the contest was finished and the majority of travelling supporters had headed for the exit long before the final whistle.
===========================
Fans form with PP
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2564898,00.html?
City supporters will have the opportunity to pick the brains of the Bantams boss Phil Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin in a special fans forum to be held at the Coral Windows Stadium next Tuesday (10 January 2012).
The evening, which has been organised by City kit man Graham Duckworth's charity Bantams Trek, will take place in the 1911 Club at Valley Parade.
Tickets for the evening are priced at £10.00 per person, with the admission cost also entitling supporters to a pie and pea supper.
As with all Bantams Trek events, a proportion of the profits from the evening will go towards City's chosen charity, the Bradford Burns Unit.
Events will start from 8:00pm next Tuesday.
Supporters can purchase their tickets now by ringing the football club on 0871 978 1911. Tickets are also on sale from the Bantams Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium.
===========================
From the radio...
On radio Sheffield Andy Scott the Rotherham manager was full of praise for his team's second half performance as you might expect but interestingly he stated that he'd been to see us Play Shrewsbury on Saturday and thought that City turned in the best display of any team he had seen this season.
===========================
News of ex-Bantams
As I am currently struggling to find time to update
www.antipodeanbantams.com I thought I would pass on a couple of bits of news
on former Bantams, Australia duo Gareth Edds and Paul Reid.
Edds has retired at the age of 30 and is now running the Gareth Edds Soccer
Academy in Townsville.
Reid is currently without a club after a stint with Iranian Premier League
side Mes Sar ... which reportedly lasted five days!
Oh, Bobby Petta is now running a company called Bobby Petta Fitness in
Glasgow while Jonathan Gould, who was mentioned on this list recently, is
now goalkeeping coach at A-League side Perth Glory.
Cheers,
Mark
===========================
Jan 4th
City Lose Syers Red Card Appeal
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City this afternoon failed to get David Syers' red card overturned.
An FA panel upheld referee Dean Mohareb's decision to send him off against
Shrewsbury.
The midfielder will now miss the next three games, starting with Saturday's
FA Cup tie at Watford.
===========================
Saturday, December 31, 2011
L2 W3-1 (H) Shrewsbury, Saturday Dec 31, 2011. K.O. 3:00PM.
NPower League Two
Bradford C (2) 3 Hanson 24, Wells 29, Fagan 49.
Shrewsbury (0) 1 Morgan 78
Att: 10,567
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Hansons goal (1-0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EIAuGSffyM&context=C3997466ADOEgsToPDskKR2OLQJZEnvvU-A82xy9zu
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Shrewsbury
Possession: 52 - 48%
Shots on target: 4 - 3
Shots off target: 4 - 4
Fouls: 6 - 6
Corners: 6 - 7
Ref: Dean Mohareb (Cheshire).
Red card:
Bradford C: Syers (71 min).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Ramsden (88 min), Davies (90+1).
Shrewsbury: Jacobson (60 min), Sharps (88).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan, 8. Ritchie Jones, 23. David Syers,
11. Jack Compton (73), 21. Nahki Wells (68), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 10. Ross Hannah (68), 22. Lee Bullock (73), 26.
Michael Bryan, 28. Robbie Threlfall (90).
SHREWSBURY: 1. Chris Neal, 26. James Hurst, 5. Ian Sharps, 6. Shane
Cansdell-Sherriff, 3. Joe Jacobson, 7. Mark Wright, 14. Matthew Richards, 8.
Nicky Wroe, 23. Jon Taylor (69), 17. Tom Bradshaw (54), 9. James Collins
(54).
SUBS: 25. Benjamin Smith (GK), 2. Jermaine Grandison, 10. Marvin Morgan
(54), 19. James Wallace (69), 24. Terry Gornell (54).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City finished 2011 with a third straight win but the latest impressive
display against Shrewsbury was overshadowed by a red card for David Syers.
The midfielder had made a battling return in his first start since suffering
the serious knee injury at Leeds in August.
But he was controversially sent off by Dean Mohareb - one of several
baffling decisions by the first-year official - after appearing to win the
ball in a strong challenge.
That took the gloss off an otherwise excellent result for the Bantams as
they continue to build up a head of steam.
Like fellow high-fliers Southend before them, Shrewsbury were swept aside as
City put three past a defence that had been the second tightest in the
division.
City came out the blocks quickly and Joe Jacobson turned the ball over his
own bar after just 14 seconds.
Syers, in for the suspended Ricky Ravenhill, almost made it a dream start
with a 25-yard blast that flew just over.
At the other end, Andrew Davies pulled off a crucial saving tackle to deny
James Collins but otherwise it was the home side on top.
City's workrate was impressive again and sheer effort forced the opening
goal after 25 minutes. Davies headed a corner goalwards, Nahki Wells tried
to force it in and in came James Hanson to power his third goal in five
days.
It got even better five minutes later with a second. Luke Oliver headed out
of defence, Syers helped the ball on and Wells used his pace to leave the
stunned Shrewsbury defence in his wake as he clipped the ball past Chris
Neal.
Syers drilled another long-ranger straight at Neal and Wells scuffed one on
the turn from close range as City pushed for more. Craig Fagan's deflected
shot flew across the goal-mouth in stoppage time.
City went off to a standing ovation at the break - and it was entirely
justified.
The noise level went up a notch four minutes into the second half as the
lead increased to 3-0. Jack Compton's volley was pushed out by Neal but
Craig Fagan hammered it straight back through the keeper's grasp.
Mark Wright side-footed wide from an unmarked position but Syers nearly made
it four with a fierce waist-high volley across goal.
But the midfielder's afternoon suddenly ended with a straight red card after
he flew in to block Nicky Wroe just outside the City box. The home side
reacted with fury to Dean Mohareb's decision - the first sending off of his
refereeing career.
Lee Bullock came on to shore things up for his first appearance since the
opening day. But Shrewsbury pulled one back 11 minutes from time through
Marvin Morgan, who appeared to handle as he bundled home Joe Jacobson's
cross.
As the fans continued to vent their anger at the official, Jacobson was
inches away from reducing Shrewsbury's arrears further with a volley across
goal.
Mohareb seemed to lose all control as tempers rose in the closing minutes -
and a head butt on the faultless Luke Oliver went unpunished.
But despite their beef with the referee, City saw the job through to head
into Monday's derby with Rotherham in high spirits.
===========================
BANTAMS MISS OUT ON BENSON
Relegation rivals Bradford City have missed out in their chase for striker
Paul Benson, with Swindon announcing his signing.
The 32 year old will move to the County Ground in exchange for misfit
forward Leon Clarke. The Robins had made a late move for Benson in November
after Bradford had attempted a last-minute renegotiation on the agreed deal.
===========================
Bradford C (2) 3 Hanson 24, Wells 29, Fagan 49.
Shrewsbury (0) 1 Morgan 78
Att: 10,567
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
Hansons goal (1-0)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EIAuGSffyM&context=C3997466ADOEgsToPDskKR2OLQJZEnvvU-A82xy9zu
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Shrewsbury
Possession: 52 - 48%
Shots on target: 4 - 3
Shots off target: 4 - 4
Fouls: 6 - 6
Corners: 6 - 7
Ref: Dean Mohareb (Cheshire).
Red card:
Bradford C: Syers (71 min).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Ramsden (88 min), Davies (90+1).
Shrewsbury: Jacobson (60 min), Sharps (88).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan, 8. Ritchie Jones, 23. David Syers,
11. Jack Compton (73), 21. Nahki Wells (68), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 10. Ross Hannah (68), 22. Lee Bullock (73), 26.
Michael Bryan, 28. Robbie Threlfall (90).
SHREWSBURY: 1. Chris Neal, 26. James Hurst, 5. Ian Sharps, 6. Shane
Cansdell-Sherriff, 3. Joe Jacobson, 7. Mark Wright, 14. Matthew Richards, 8.
Nicky Wroe, 23. Jon Taylor (69), 17. Tom Bradshaw (54), 9. James Collins
(54).
SUBS: 25. Benjamin Smith (GK), 2. Jermaine Grandison, 10. Marvin Morgan
(54), 19. James Wallace (69), 24. Terry Gornell (54).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City finished 2011 with a third straight win but the latest impressive
display against Shrewsbury was overshadowed by a red card for David Syers.
The midfielder had made a battling return in his first start since suffering
the serious knee injury at Leeds in August.
But he was controversially sent off by Dean Mohareb - one of several
baffling decisions by the first-year official - after appearing to win the
ball in a strong challenge.
That took the gloss off an otherwise excellent result for the Bantams as
they continue to build up a head of steam.
Like fellow high-fliers Southend before them, Shrewsbury were swept aside as
City put three past a defence that had been the second tightest in the
division.
City came out the blocks quickly and Joe Jacobson turned the ball over his
own bar after just 14 seconds.
Syers, in for the suspended Ricky Ravenhill, almost made it a dream start
with a 25-yard blast that flew just over.
At the other end, Andrew Davies pulled off a crucial saving tackle to deny
James Collins but otherwise it was the home side on top.
City's workrate was impressive again and sheer effort forced the opening
goal after 25 minutes. Davies headed a corner goalwards, Nahki Wells tried
to force it in and in came James Hanson to power his third goal in five
days.
It got even better five minutes later with a second. Luke Oliver headed out
of defence, Syers helped the ball on and Wells used his pace to leave the
stunned Shrewsbury defence in his wake as he clipped the ball past Chris
Neal.
Syers drilled another long-ranger straight at Neal and Wells scuffed one on
the turn from close range as City pushed for more. Craig Fagan's deflected
shot flew across the goal-mouth in stoppage time.
City went off to a standing ovation at the break - and it was entirely
justified.
The noise level went up a notch four minutes into the second half as the
lead increased to 3-0. Jack Compton's volley was pushed out by Neal but
Craig Fagan hammered it straight back through the keeper's grasp.
Mark Wright side-footed wide from an unmarked position but Syers nearly made
it four with a fierce waist-high volley across goal.
But the midfielder's afternoon suddenly ended with a straight red card after
he flew in to block Nicky Wroe just outside the City box. The home side
reacted with fury to Dean Mohareb's decision - the first sending off of his
refereeing career.
Lee Bullock came on to shore things up for his first appearance since the
opening day. But Shrewsbury pulled one back 11 minutes from time through
Marvin Morgan, who appeared to handle as he bundled home Joe Jacobson's
cross.
As the fans continued to vent their anger at the official, Jacobson was
inches away from reducing Shrewsbury's arrears further with a volley across
goal.
Mohareb seemed to lose all control as tempers rose in the closing minutes -
and a head butt on the faultless Luke Oliver went unpunished.
But despite their beef with the referee, City saw the job through to head
into Monday's derby with Rotherham in high spirits.
===========================
BANTAMS MISS OUT ON BENSON
Relegation rivals Bradford City have missed out in their chase for striker
Paul Benson, with Swindon announcing his signing.
The 32 year old will move to the County Ground in exchange for misfit
forward Leon Clarke. The Robins had made a late move for Benson in November
after Bradford had attempted a last-minute renegotiation on the agreed deal.
===========================
Thursday, December 29, 2011
L2 W3-0 (H) Crewe Saturday Dec. 26, 2011. K.O. 3:00PM.
NPower League Two
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells 2, Hanson 64, 84.
Crewe Alex (0) 0
Att: 11,060
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Crewe
Possession: 56 - 44%
Shots on target: 4 - 4
Shots off target: 4 - 2
Fouls: 15 - 5
Corners: 3 - 4
Ref: Paul Tierney (Lancashire)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Ravenhill (42 min), Davies (45+1), Stewart (90).
Crewe: Fletcher (24 min).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan, 14. Richard Ravenhill, 8. Ritchie
Jones (90), 32. Kyel Reid (51), 21. Nahki Wells (75), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 7. Mark Stewart (75), 11. Jack Compton (51), 23.
David Syers (90).
28. Robbie Threlfall
CREWE: 1. Steve Phillips, 2. Matt Tootle, 5. David Artell, 6. Adam Dugdale,
15. Carl Martin, 11. Byron Moore, 7. Lee Bell, 28. Jamie Lowry, 25. Nick
Powell (81), 27. Wes Fletcher (76), 19. Max Clayton (67).
SUBS: 13. Alan Martin (GK), 3. Harry Davis, 4. Ashley Westwood (67), 8. Luke
Murphy (81), 10. Ajay Leitch-Smith (76).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
NPower League Two
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells 2, Hanson 64, 84.
Crewe Alex (0) 0
Att: 11,060
By Simon Parker (T&A)
James Hanson's double powered the Bantams to an impressive home win over
Crewe - and biggest victory of the season.
Phil Parkinson's men carried on from where they had left off ten days
earlier at Southend. A corner is definitely being turned.
City got off to the perfect start by registering their quickest goal so far
in the second minute.
Hanson's flick-on was knocked back out by Crewe centre half David Artell -
but straight against Nahki Wells and the ball looped into the unguarded net.
City immediately had an escape as Carl Martin's wind-assisted free-kick came
back off the post.
It was good entertainment with both sides having a go and Steve Phillips
denied Wells a second with a fine save after another Hanson knockdown.
City hit the woodwork just after the half hour through Hanson after a
dangerous break by Kyel Reid. And Wells twice went close in first-half added
time.
Crewe then wasted a great chance to equalise after being awarded a penalty
in the 52nd minute. Nick Powell seemed to go down easily under Ravenhill's
challenge but Lee Bell blew the spot-kick, hammering it against the bar.
City made the most of their let-off with Hanson doubling the lead 13 minutes
later from a narrow angle.
And Hanson grabbed his second in the closing stages from Jack Compton's
free-kick. With the result in the bag, Phil Parkinson gave David Syers his
first run-out since his serious knee injury in August.
The only downer on a good afternoon for the Bantams was an injury to Reid,
who was taken off on a stretcher. It looked like a hamstring for the danger
man, who will certainly be ruled out of next weekend's double header at
least.
===========================
Monday morning match report
===========================
FLYNN LAID LOW BY ILLNESS
Manager Phil Parkinson has revealed that Bradford City skipper Michael Flynn
missed the Boxing Day win over Crewe because of an illness which left him in
hospital.
The midfielder has been a regular fixture for the Bantams this season,
scoring six goals, but was absent for the 3-0 success.
Parkinson told the Club's official website: "Flynn is in hospital, he has a
virus at the moment.
"He's very dehydrated and he's been on a drip over Christmas, so he's not
been in too good a place."
City winger Kyel Reid also faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a
hamstring injury in the second half of the Crewe game.
Parkinson added: "We don't know about a timescale at the moment but it
doesn't look too good."
===========================
BANTAMS IN COMPTON TALKS
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson has confirmed he is in talks with
Falkirk regarding a loan extension for Jack Compton.
Parkinson is keen to agree a fresh deal for Compton after Kyel Reid suffered
a hamstring injury during Boxing Day's 3-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra.
Reid is expected to be sidelined for several weeks and he was replaced
against Crewe by Compton, who has made 20 appearances for the Bantams.
Compton's deal is due to expire after the New Year's Eve game at home to
Shrewsbury Town and Parkinson is optimistic an extension can be agreed.
"We're speaking to Falkirk already regarding Jack and we'll have to have
more conversations with him," said Parkinson.
"Obviously he's available for Saturday anyway and hopefully we'll get
something sorted.
"I'm really disappointed for Kyel Reid but sometimes you get those injuries
on the heavy grounds, especially with the explosive type of player that he
is."
----
MARK LAWN: BRADFORD CITY WON'T PAY OVER THE ODDS FOR HITMAN
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City are refusing to be dragged into an auction for a new striker.
A proven hitman is top of the list for what is shaping up to be a busy
transfer window for Phil Parkinson.
Obviously money spent now might impact on what's available in the summer.
But Mark Lawn stressed that the club will not get caught up in signing one
at all costs now - and risk paying over the odds.
Price tags are often inflated by the mad January scramble and there could be
better value in waiting for the summer.
Co-chairman Lawn said: "If we can get ourselves a 15-20 goal-a-year striker
in January, then all well and good.
"That's what we need but it would have to be the right person and Phil's got
a list of targets.
"Hopefully we will get at least one (new player) in but we've been here
before. We're absolutely not getting involved in an auction. The pressure of
the market will dictate."
Parkinson understands the board's caution but has already stated he feels
the squad needs beefing up now. Despite recording back-to-back wins for the
first time in his reign, the City chief insists there is still room for
improvement to keep that momentum going.
He said: "Obviously money spent now might impact on what's available in the
summer. The two chairmen have made that clear.
"But any decisions made are between us for both the short and long term."
City are approaching the loan deadline for several of the current squad and
are keen to keep Andrew Davies and Ricky Ravenhill, as well as Marcel Seip
when his three-month contract expires a week on Saturday.
They have also opened talks with Falkirk about Jack Compton after losing
fellow winger Kyel Reid to a hamstring injury on Boxing Day.
Lawn highlighted Davies as a key figure in the club's recent upturn and
believes the Stoke centre half will agree to remain at Valley Parade.
He said: "We've got to understand where we are in the league but we will do
our best (to keep him). Andrew is certainly enjoying it here.
"He is different quality - but what would you expect when you've got a
player on Premier League wages?
"He obviously wants to play at the highest level but he is putting himself
in the shop window here by playing every week."
While Parkinson hunts a strike partner for James Hanson, he praised Nahki
Wells for his performance alongside the big man against Crewe.
The Bermudian's third goal for City may have been a lucky one but Parkinson
thinks he is taking to the role.
The Bantams boss said: "Nahki is a handful because he's got incredible
athleticism. He's got pace and he'll just keep going.
"We want him to play it simple in the middle of the pitch, chase things
down, and that's when he shows that extra bit of quality that he's got.
"It's about educating him about being a forward in this division. The good
sign for Nahki is that he's learning quickly and you've got to do that in
football.
"For me, he's at the start of that learning curve. There's a lot to come
from him.
===========================
From RotherhanUnited-Mad
BRANSTON RETURNING TO BRADFORD
Defender Guy Branston is set to head back to Bradford City for further
treatment on a foot injury.
The Millers play host to Branston's parent side on January 2nd and with the
centre half still out of action he's due to return to Valley Parade shortly
after his second spell with the club.
===========================
DAVIES TO STAY FOR REST OF SEASON
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Andrew Davies today committed himself to Bradford City for the rest of the
season.
The on-loan Stoke centre half's stay was due to run out after the FA Cup tie
against Watford a week on Saturday.
But he has agreed an extension to the deal that will keep him at Valley
Parade until the end of May.
A delighted City boss Phil Parkinson said: "This is a big signing for us."
===========================
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells 2, Hanson 64, 84.
Crewe Alex (0) 0
Att: 11,060
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Crewe
Possession: 56 - 44%
Shots on target: 4 - 4
Shots off target: 4 - 2
Fouls: 15 - 5
Corners: 3 - 4
Ref: Paul Tierney (Lancashire)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Ravenhill (42 min), Davies (45+1), Stewart (90).
Crewe: Fletcher (24 min).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan, 14. Richard Ravenhill, 8. Ritchie
Jones (90), 32. Kyel Reid (51), 21. Nahki Wells (75), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 7. Mark Stewart (75), 11. Jack Compton (51), 23.
David Syers (90).
28. Robbie Threlfall
CREWE: 1. Steve Phillips, 2. Matt Tootle, 5. David Artell, 6. Adam Dugdale,
15. Carl Martin, 11. Byron Moore, 7. Lee Bell, 28. Jamie Lowry, 25. Nick
Powell (81), 27. Wes Fletcher (76), 19. Max Clayton (67).
SUBS: 13. Alan Martin (GK), 3. Harry Davis, 4. Ashley Westwood (67), 8. Luke
Murphy (81), 10. Ajay Leitch-Smith (76).
===========================
Saturday evening match report
NPower League Two
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells 2, Hanson 64, 84.
Crewe Alex (0) 0
Att: 11,060
By Simon Parker (T&A)
James Hanson's double powered the Bantams to an impressive home win over
Crewe - and biggest victory of the season.
Phil Parkinson's men carried on from where they had left off ten days
earlier at Southend. A corner is definitely being turned.
City got off to the perfect start by registering their quickest goal so far
in the second minute.
Hanson's flick-on was knocked back out by Crewe centre half David Artell -
but straight against Nahki Wells and the ball looped into the unguarded net.
City immediately had an escape as Carl Martin's wind-assisted free-kick came
back off the post.
It was good entertainment with both sides having a go and Steve Phillips
denied Wells a second with a fine save after another Hanson knockdown.
City hit the woodwork just after the half hour through Hanson after a
dangerous break by Kyel Reid. And Wells twice went close in first-half added
time.
Crewe then wasted a great chance to equalise after being awarded a penalty
in the 52nd minute. Nick Powell seemed to go down easily under Ravenhill's
challenge but Lee Bell blew the spot-kick, hammering it against the bar.
City made the most of their let-off with Hanson doubling the lead 13 minutes
later from a narrow angle.
And Hanson grabbed his second in the closing stages from Jack Compton's
free-kick. With the result in the bag, Phil Parkinson gave David Syers his
first run-out since his serious knee injury in August.
The only downer on a good afternoon for the Bantams was an injury to Reid,
who was taken off on a stretcher. It looked like a hamstring for the danger
man, who will certainly be ruled out of next weekend's double header at
least.
===========================
Monday morning match report
===========================
FLYNN LAID LOW BY ILLNESS
Manager Phil Parkinson has revealed that Bradford City skipper Michael Flynn
missed the Boxing Day win over Crewe because of an illness which left him in
hospital.
The midfielder has been a regular fixture for the Bantams this season,
scoring six goals, but was absent for the 3-0 success.
Parkinson told the Club's official website: "Flynn is in hospital, he has a
virus at the moment.
"He's very dehydrated and he's been on a drip over Christmas, so he's not
been in too good a place."
City winger Kyel Reid also faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering a
hamstring injury in the second half of the Crewe game.
Parkinson added: "We don't know about a timescale at the moment but it
doesn't look too good."
===========================
BANTAMS IN COMPTON TALKS
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson has confirmed he is in talks with
Falkirk regarding a loan extension for Jack Compton.
Parkinson is keen to agree a fresh deal for Compton after Kyel Reid suffered
a hamstring injury during Boxing Day's 3-0 home win over Crewe Alexandra.
Reid is expected to be sidelined for several weeks and he was replaced
against Crewe by Compton, who has made 20 appearances for the Bantams.
Compton's deal is due to expire after the New Year's Eve game at home to
Shrewsbury Town and Parkinson is optimistic an extension can be agreed.
"We're speaking to Falkirk already regarding Jack and we'll have to have
more conversations with him," said Parkinson.
"Obviously he's available for Saturday anyway and hopefully we'll get
something sorted.
"I'm really disappointed for Kyel Reid but sometimes you get those injuries
on the heavy grounds, especially with the explosive type of player that he
is."
----
MARK LAWN: BRADFORD CITY WON'T PAY OVER THE ODDS FOR HITMAN
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City are refusing to be dragged into an auction for a new striker.
A proven hitman is top of the list for what is shaping up to be a busy
transfer window for Phil Parkinson.
Obviously money spent now might impact on what's available in the summer.
But Mark Lawn stressed that the club will not get caught up in signing one
at all costs now - and risk paying over the odds.
Price tags are often inflated by the mad January scramble and there could be
better value in waiting for the summer.
Co-chairman Lawn said: "If we can get ourselves a 15-20 goal-a-year striker
in January, then all well and good.
"That's what we need but it would have to be the right person and Phil's got
a list of targets.
"Hopefully we will get at least one (new player) in but we've been here
before. We're absolutely not getting involved in an auction. The pressure of
the market will dictate."
Parkinson understands the board's caution but has already stated he feels
the squad needs beefing up now. Despite recording back-to-back wins for the
first time in his reign, the City chief insists there is still room for
improvement to keep that momentum going.
He said: "Obviously money spent now might impact on what's available in the
summer. The two chairmen have made that clear.
"But any decisions made are between us for both the short and long term."
City are approaching the loan deadline for several of the current squad and
are keen to keep Andrew Davies and Ricky Ravenhill, as well as Marcel Seip
when his three-month contract expires a week on Saturday.
They have also opened talks with Falkirk about Jack Compton after losing
fellow winger Kyel Reid to a hamstring injury on Boxing Day.
Lawn highlighted Davies as a key figure in the club's recent upturn and
believes the Stoke centre half will agree to remain at Valley Parade.
He said: "We've got to understand where we are in the league but we will do
our best (to keep him). Andrew is certainly enjoying it here.
"He is different quality - but what would you expect when you've got a
player on Premier League wages?
"He obviously wants to play at the highest level but he is putting himself
in the shop window here by playing every week."
While Parkinson hunts a strike partner for James Hanson, he praised Nahki
Wells for his performance alongside the big man against Crewe.
The Bermudian's third goal for City may have been a lucky one but Parkinson
thinks he is taking to the role.
The Bantams boss said: "Nahki is a handful because he's got incredible
athleticism. He's got pace and he'll just keep going.
"We want him to play it simple in the middle of the pitch, chase things
down, and that's when he shows that extra bit of quality that he's got.
"It's about educating him about being a forward in this division. The good
sign for Nahki is that he's learning quickly and you've got to do that in
football.
"For me, he's at the start of that learning curve. There's a lot to come
from him.
===========================
From RotherhanUnited-Mad
BRANSTON RETURNING TO BRADFORD
Defender Guy Branston is set to head back to Bradford City for further
treatment on a foot injury.
The Millers play host to Branston's parent side on January 2nd and with the
centre half still out of action he's due to return to Valley Parade shortly
after his second spell with the club.
===========================
DAVIES TO STAY FOR REST OF SEASON
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Andrew Davies today committed himself to Bradford City for the rest of the
season.
The on-loan Stoke centre half's stay was due to run out after the FA Cup tie
against Watford a week on Saturday.
But he has agreed an extension to the deal that will keep him at Valley
Parade until the end of May.
A delighted City boss Phil Parkinson said: "This is a big signing for us."
===========================
Friday, December 23, 2011
L2 W1-0 (A) Southend Friday Dec. 16, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM.
NPower League Two
Southend U (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 1 Oliver 88.
Att: 5,411
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2550621,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16237823.stm
===========================
Signings & Loans
ALLISON AND DIXON LEAVE CITY (see article below)
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Southend - Bradford C
Possession: 49 - 51%
Shots on target: 8 - 2
Shots off target: 4 - 6
Fouls: 8 - 12
Corners: 6 - 5
Ref: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire).
Yellow cards:
Southend: Gilbert (32 min).
Bradford C: Oliver (74 min), Reid (75).
SOUTHEND: 31. Luke Daniels, 2. Sean Clohessy, 15. Mark Phillips, 16. Luke
Prosser, 3. Peter Gilbert, 4. Ryan Hall, 12. Kane Ferdinand (65), 8. Michael
Timlin, 18. Ryan Leonard (68), 9. Neil Harris, 22. Liam Dickinson.
SUBS: 1. Glenn Morris (GK)
5. Graham Coughlan, 7. Anthony Grant (65), 11. Lee Sawyer (68), 21. Blair
Sturrock.
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 38. Andrew Davies, 6. Luke
Oliver, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan, 4. Michael Flynn, 14. Richard
Ravenhill, 32. Kyel Reid (85), 9. James Hanson, 21. Nahki Wells (83).
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien (85), 7. Mark Stewart (83), 8.
Ritchie Jones, 11. Jack Compton.
Position: 20th.
===========================
Friday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Impressive Bradford City broke their away duck with a notable scalp as Luke
Oliver sunk Southend tonight.
The big centre half struck late but it was no more than Phil Parkinson's men
deserved against a team who would have gone top with a win.
City began smartly and enjoyed plenty of the early play.
Michael Flynn forced an alert save from Luke Daniels, Ricky Ravenhill blazed
over from Craig Fagan's cross and Fagan saw his well-struck volley blocked
by defender Peter Gilbert.
Southend, considering their lofty position, carried little first-half threat
as the Bantams did all the running. But once again they could not turn their
control into a goal.
Nahki Wells headed wide straight from the restart before Andrew Davies threw
himself in the way of Ryan Hall's strike.
City were asking the questions without being able to deliver that killer
blow and James Hanson, who had a good game, whipped in an inviting cross
which should have been converted.
Southend took an age to get going but started to up the tempo in the final
half hour.
But City struck with two minutes left as Oliver forced the ball home after
Davies had hoisted it into the danger zone.
===========================
Statos corner
BTW I know I asked whether we had ever won before. No response was received.
Thanks to The Sun, we now know this is the first ever win at Roots Hall despite 14 previous attempts.
In January 1984, City were aiming to win their record TENTH game on the trot and that tenth game was at Roots hall, but that was called off. The
record tenth game was down at Exeter and we duly won 2-0 to create the record which of course still stands. The Southend game was eventually
played in April and although Southend were relegated that season, they stilll beat us 2-1.
===========================
ALLISON AND DIXON LEAVE CITY
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Wayne Allison has left City to take up a position at the Football
Association.
Allison spent five months with the club as a coach for the development
squad. He will start his new job next month as a research manager (coaching)
looking at ways to improving coaching at grassroots level.
Meanwhile, City have confirmed that striker Terry Dixon has joined
non-league Dover.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international signed for the club in the
summer but did not feature. He went out on loan to Halifax earlier in the
season.
===========================
Oliver named in FL Team of the Week
Posted on: Mon 19 Dec 2011
Last Friday's match-winner Luke Oliver has been rewarded for his efforts at Roots Hall by being named in the latest Football League Team of the
Week for npower League 2.
As well as stooping to net City's vital winning strike against the Shrimpers, Oliver put in another fine individual performance in the Bantams'
central defence to help Phil Parkinson's men to their third successive away league clean sheet.
Each week the Official Football League website release a "Team of the Week" for each of the three divisions - Championship, League 1 and League
2.
Produced by the Press Association, the eleven players in the selected team are chosen for their sparkling performances and have been judged to
have made the biggest impact over the previous weekend.
===========================
Independant SUFC
http://www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/parkinson_i_was_confident_that_we_had_the_ability_to_beat_this_team_718230/index.shtml?
===========================
BANTAMS TRIP TO BARNET RESCEDULED
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City have rearranged their trip to Barnet for Tuesday, February 28.
The Bantams were scheduled to face them on January 7 but the fixture clashes
with their FA Cup tie at Watford.
It could be a potentially crucial week for Phil Parkinson's men, who play
Hereford and Dagenham either side of their visit to Underhill.
===========================
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
L2 (h) D1-1 v Plymouth Dec 10th KO 3pm
NPower League Two
Bradford C (0) 1 Hanson 86
Plymouth (0) 1 Sutherland 59
Att: 10,143
By Ross Heppenstall (T&A)
James Hanson struck a brilliant late equaliser for City after Craig
Sutherland's 59th-minute strike looked to have condemned them to a
disastrous defeat.
Pilgrims striker Sutherland diverted home a low shot from skipper Simon
Walton following the visitors' first corner of the match.
But Phil Parkinson's men refused to surrender and Hanson, denied an
equaliser earlier in the half, rifled home a superb first-time left-foot
shot with just four minutes remaining.
Skipper Michael Flynn and Ricky Ravenhill then missed late chances to grab a
winner to leave City without a win at home in the league since October.
City were largely dominant during the first half but failed to maintain the
intensity levels after the restart as Plymouth hit them with a vicious
sucker-punch before Hanson saved the day.
Plymouth were reduced to 10 men after Onismor Bhasera's late dismissal.
The day started badly for City when Ross Hannah got injured during the
warm-up and was forced to pull out of the starting line-up.
His place went to Jack Compton, with Ritchie Jones added to the roster of
substitutes.
Plymouth, backed by a noisy 521-strong contingent from Devon, were neat and
tidy in possession, their quick passing initially putting the Bantams on the
back foot.
Yet City gradually assumed a foothold on proceedings and should have led
inside the 10th minute from their first corner.
Flynn whipped in a dangerous in-swinging delivery from the left flank and
the ball was crying out to be nodded home, only for Luke Oliver and Marcel
Seip to fail to connect from the edge of the six-yard box.
Four minutes later, Andrew Davies flighted a superb pass behind the Argyle
defence, where James Hanson was lurking menacingly.
Hanson's first touch betrayed him, however, and Pilgrims goalkeeper Jake
Cole was able to collect possession.
Moments later a corner from Kyel Reid on the opposite flank was met with a
firm header by Oliver but Plymouth cleared the danger.
Although the visitors looked dangerous on the counter attack, City continued
to build up a head of steam and began to dominate possession, with Reid and
Compton offering pace and creativity on the flanks.
They went agonisingly close in the 20th minute when Compton showed
delightful skill to cut infield and curl a fine left-foot shot which Cole
did well to parry.
It was easily the clearest chance for either side and moments later Craig
Fagan headed a free-kick inches over Cole's crossbar.
City continued to pin Plymouth inside their own half and Flynn's long
throw-in was flicked on by Hanson but Fagan could not connect at the far
post.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Compton again showed fine skill to outfox
the Argyle defence and whip in a dangerous cross which was headed clear.
Chances remained scarce thereafter until the stroke of half-time when the
vastly-experienced Darren Purse, an assured figure at the heart of the
Argyle defence, produced an outstanding clearance to deny City.
Compton clipped in a teasing cross from the right and Flynn arrived to stick
out a foot to divert the ball goalwards with Cole beaten, the ball seemingly
destined to cross the line until Purse acrobatically hacked it clear.
Purse, having picked up an earlier knock, was replaced at half-time by
Curtis Nelson and within three minutes of the restart Plymouth conjured
their first clear-cut chance.
Sutherland's deft lay-off sent Nick Chadwick free inside the 18-yard box and
his low, first-time shot was superbly parried by Jon McLaughlin.
In the 53rd minute, Sutherland was in the thick of it again when he beat
McLaughlin, who had raced off his line, to the ball before the danger was
cleared.
Shortly before the hour mark, Chadwick's left-footed strike from 20 yards
was deflected out for a corner, which Will Atkinson delivered from the left
flank.
The ball found its way to Walton at the far post, and he took a touch before
drilling a low right-foot shot which Sutherland diverted home from close
range.
In the 64th minute, Fagan found space inside the 18-yard box but his low
left-foot shot was repelled by Durrell Berry's fine block.
Hanson's header from Compton's cross was then saved by Cole but too often
passes were misplaced, undercooked or over-hit.
Nahki Wells replaced Fagan with 22 minutes remaining and with four minutes
remaining Hanson rifled home a low cross from Reid to level things up.
Hanson's shot flew into the top corner and Flynn should have made it 2-1
when he blazed over another fine cross from Reid.
Argyle were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Bhasera saw red and
City had another chance to win it when the ball fell to Ravenhill, who could
only drag a right-footed shot wide of the mark.
Stats: Bradford C - Plymouth
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 4 - 3
Shots off target: 5 - 3
Fouls: 6 - 8
Corners: 7 - 1
Ref: Brendan Malone (Wiltshire).
Red card: Plymouth - Bhasera (90+1 min).
Yellow card:
Bradford C: None.
Plymouth: Chadwick (23 min).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 11. Jack Compton, 14. Richard Ravenhill, 4. Michael
Flynn, 32. Kyel Reid, 9. James Hanson, 39. Craig Fagan (69).
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 16. Chris Mitchell, 21. Nahki Wells (69), 24. Liam
Moore, 8. Ritchie Jones.
PLYMOUTH: 23. Jake Cole, 2. Durrell Berry, 5. Darren Purse (46), 22. Maxime
Blanchard, 14. Onismor Bhasera, 21. Will Atkinson, 20. Conor Hourihane, 8.
Simon Walton, 31. Ashley Hemmings, 29. Nick Chadwick, 10. Craig Sutherland
(80).
SUBS: 1. Romain Larrieu (GK), 6. Curtis Nelson (46), 7. Luke Daley (80), 11.
Warren Feeney, 15. Luke Young.
--
Thanks,
Greg Shepherd
Office: 214 810 2232
myhousefreeandclear@gmail.com
Have you lost you home or business to foreclosure or a short sale? New program may allow you to claim cash back. No upfront fees. Realtor, LO, BK lawyer inquiries welcome.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
JPT(N): L0-2 (A) Oldham, Tuesday Dec 6, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM.
JPT(N):
Oldham A (0) 2 Adeyemi 61, Kuqi 80.
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 5,697
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2540577,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16076654.stm?
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Oldham – Bradford C
Possession: 59 – 41%
Shots on target: 9 – 6
Shots off target: 5 – 3
Fouls: 11 – 17
Corners: 5 – 4
Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne and Wear)
Yellow cards:
Oldham: N Clarke (39 min), Wesolowski (48), Lee (82).
Bradford C: Jones (37 min).
OLDHAM: 1. Alex Cisak, 19. Kieran Lee, 2. Jean Yves Mvoto, 6. Nathan Clarke,
3. Paul Black, 17. Josh Parker, 11. Tom Adeyemi, 4. James Wesolowski,
20. Luca Scapuzzi, 10. Robbie Simpson, 32. Shefki Kuqi.
SUBS: 13. Dean Bouzanis (GK), 7. Filipe Morais, 14. Matt Smith, 16. James
Tarkowski, 30. Andreas Mancini.
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 24. Liam Moore, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 16. Chris Mitchell, 8. Ritchie Jones, 18. Luke Dean
(65), 11. Jack Compton (66), 21. Nahki Wells (66), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 10. Ross Hannah (66), 32. Kyel Reid (66), 39.
Craig Fagan (65), 3. Luke O'Brien.
===========================
Tuesday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City's JPT journey ended in defeat and a missed penalty at Oldham tonight.
Goals from former Bantam Tom Adeyemi and Shefki Kuqi eased the League One
side through to the northern final, with sub Craig Fagan also fluffing a
spot-kick at the end.
City, backed by a huge 2,500 following, had a decent early chance with a
James Hanson header but Alex Cisak tipped it away.
The first half generally belonged to the home side who enjoyed plenty of the
ball without putting Jon McLaughlin's goal under serious threat.
Ritchie Jones was fortunate to stay on the field against his former club
after a wild challenge on Luca Scapuzzi, Oldham's best player on the left
wing.
But the Latics took the lead on the hour as Scapuzzi's pass set up Tom
Adeyemi to coolly score against the club where he spent last season on loan.
City threw on big guns Craig Fagan, Ross Hannah and Kyel Reid in a bid to
save the match. Hannah and Fagan both had a go but Shefki Kuqi made sure
with an unmarked header ten minutes from time.
Jean-Yves M'Voto handled in the box in the 90th minute but Fagan's penalty
was high and ugly.
===========================
Festive fun this Saturday
Posted on: Wed 07 Dec 2011
The Bantams' community partners - charity One in a Million - and the Friends of Bradford City supporters' group are staging a "Christmas Day in the Museum" this Saturday ahead of City's home match with Plymouth Argyle.
To get people in the festive spirit, Shipley Salvation Army Band will be providing seasonal background music for the event which will feature festive food, mince pies and mulled wine, plus the usual fayre.
The Bantamspast museum will also have copies of their new book "Valley Parade - 125 Years" on sale with author and museum curator Dave Pendleton on hand to sign copies.
Friends of Bradford City will also taking final orders prior to Christmas of their Claret & Amber Beer & Wine packages, as well as promoting their Junior Bantams Supporters Club. The Junior Bantams Club will be run in partnership with One in a Million and will be launched in the New Year.
Wayne Jacobs, co founder of One in a Million ans Bantams legend said: "Come on down and join us for some good festive, family fun and cheer the lads onto a good result."
The event will take place in the Bantams Business Centre above the Bradford City Club Shop from 1:00pm this Saturday (10 December 2011).
===========================
Tom Adeyemi helps shatter Bradford City's Wembley dream
8:00am Wednesday 7th December 2011
By Simon Parker
Oldham 2 Bradford City 0
If fans won matches, then City would be looking forward to Wembley Eve in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy now.
More than 2,500 had trekked across the Pennines to Boundary Park with the hope of seeing more cup magic.
Sadly, their fervour could not conjure up another upset win as Oldham – 34 places higher in the league ladder – finally put the lowly visitors in their place.
To add insult to injury, City's demise was started by Tom Adeyemi, who had spent last season learning his trade at Valley Parade.
Shefki Kuqi, the experienced Finn, then produced the finishing move with his 13th goal of the campaign before Craig Fagan fluffed a penalty at the end.
The watching Roberto Mancini, whose son Andreas was an unused Oldham substitute, did not witness a fourth higher-division scalp from the Bantams.
Fagan had come off the bench after Phil Parkinson made six changes from the weekend.
The absence of Michael Flynn and Ricky Ravenhill in the engine room hurt. Luke Dean got his full debut as expected to partner Ritchie Jones, who had been laid low with a sickness bug since Friday, but they did not have the same impact.
Former Latic Jones quickly found himself in the thick of it as his old club began strongly.
First he got a crucial touch to toe Josh Parker's cross away from Robbie Simpson in the City danger zone.
But then he slipped as Oldham attacked again, allowing Adeyemi to the byline. Fortunately, Kuqi fired his pass well over.
City, though, had the first decent chance, with James Hanson's header forcing a flying save from Alex Cisak.
Hanson then won the resulting corner but strike partner Nahki Wells steered it away from goal as he tried to flick on.
But Oldham continued to do most of the running. Jon McLaughlin punched clear an effort by Antiguan international Parker and left back Paul Black fired across goal from the edge of the box.
Then Adeyemi burst into the box and crashed into Liam Moore. As Oldham screamed for a penalty, Luca Scapuzzi wildly thrashed the rebound into the bulging away end.
Jones was a tad fortunate to only see yellow from referee Colin Webster after taking out the Italian winger by the touchline. On-loan Terrier Nathan Clarke soon followed him into the book for a foul on Wells.
Jones tested Webster's patience further with a check on Simpson. The midfielder was left in no doubt he was walking a tightrope.
Tempers were flaring but City remained under the cosh and McLaughlin was thankful Scapuzzi's close-range blast came straight at him.
Although they had not been seriously troubled in the first half, the visitors could not get on the ball and enjoy some possession.
City were defending well and Andrew Davies showed his experience soon after the restart to tidy up an Oldham counter after Dean's shot had been charged down at the other end.
But City's resistance was broken by a familiar face on the hour as Adeyemi weaved his way through two would-be tacklers before firing past former team-mate McLaughlin.
It was a fine finish but equal credit should go to on-loan Man City winger Scapuzzi for his pass across the box which picked him out.
Parkinson went into kitchen-sink mode by using all three subs and Ross Hannah announced his arrival with a good effort to test Cisak.
McLaughlin almost coughed up a second goal when he failed to hold Simpson's shot but atoned with a reaction block from Kuqi.
City needed inspiration from somewhere and Fagan drilled wide on the run. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed ten minutes from the end as Kuqi found plenty of room to ram home Simpson's free-kick.
Jean-Yves M'Voto handled Moore's cross in the box to offer a slim lifeline but Fagan smashed the penalty high over the bar and City's dream was over.
OLDHAM: Cisak 6, Lee 6, M'Voto 6, Clarke 6, Black 6, Adeyemi 7, Parker 7, Wesolowski 6, Scapuzzi 8, Simpson 7, Kuqi 7. Subs (not used): Morais, Bouzanis, Smith, Tarkowski, Mancini.
CITY: McLaughlin 6, Moore 6, Oliver 7, Davies 7, Seip 6, Mitchell 6, Jones 5, Dean 6 (Fagan 65min), Compton 6 (Reid 65min), Wells 5 (Hannah 65min), Hanson 5. Subs (not used): O'Brien, Duke.
ATTENDANCE: 5,697
===========================
New Valley Parade book available
Posted on: Wed 07 Dec 2011
A new book which celebrates the 125 year history of the Coral Windows Stadium is now on sale.
Entitled 'Paraders, the 125 year history of Valley Parade', it has been written by David Pendleton, the curator of Bradford City's bantamspast museum and author of the critically acclaimed book Glorious 1911.
Paraders tells the story of the Bantams' home from its inception as a rugby ground in 1886 right through to the present day. From the fire disaster of 1985 to the FA Cup winners of 1911; the brief Premier League sojourn to all too many years in the basement division of English football. The full sweep of the history and development of Valley Parade is captured. Scores of previously unpublished images enhance the painstakingly researched text. Even the most dedicated Bradford City supporter will learn something new from this comprehensive history.
Article continues
Advertisement
Paraders is much more than a history of a football ground. It touches on the social, industrial and demographic changes that have shaped the wider city of Bradford over the last 125 years. Priced at just £16 the book will appeal to even those who do not make the fortnightly pilgrimage to Valley Parade.
Paraders is on sale in the bantamspast museum on matchdays and at Waterstones in Bradford city centre. The author will be signing copies in the bantamspast museum prior to home matches during December. The official launch of the book will take place at Waterstones at 6.30pm on Thursday 8 December.
===========================
Oldham A (0) 2 Adeyemi 61, Kuqi 80.
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 5,697
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2540577,00.html?
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16076654.stm?
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Oldham – Bradford C
Possession: 59 – 41%
Shots on target: 9 – 6
Shots off target: 5 – 3
Fouls: 11 – 17
Corners: 5 – 4
Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne and Wear)
Yellow cards:
Oldham: N Clarke (39 min), Wesolowski (48), Lee (82).
Bradford C: Jones (37 min).
OLDHAM: 1. Alex Cisak, 19. Kieran Lee, 2. Jean Yves Mvoto, 6. Nathan Clarke,
3. Paul Black, 17. Josh Parker, 11. Tom Adeyemi, 4. James Wesolowski,
20. Luca Scapuzzi, 10. Robbie Simpson, 32. Shefki Kuqi.
SUBS: 13. Dean Bouzanis (GK), 7. Filipe Morais, 14. Matt Smith, 16. James
Tarkowski, 30. Andreas Mancini.
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 24. Liam Moore, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 16. Chris Mitchell, 8. Ritchie Jones, 18. Luke Dean
(65), 11. Jack Compton (66), 21. Nahki Wells (66), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 10. Ross Hannah (66), 32. Kyel Reid (66), 39.
Craig Fagan (65), 3. Luke O'Brien.
===========================
Tuesday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City's JPT journey ended in defeat and a missed penalty at Oldham tonight.
Goals from former Bantam Tom Adeyemi and Shefki Kuqi eased the League One
side through to the northern final, with sub Craig Fagan also fluffing a
spot-kick at the end.
City, backed by a huge 2,500 following, had a decent early chance with a
James Hanson header but Alex Cisak tipped it away.
The first half generally belonged to the home side who enjoyed plenty of the
ball without putting Jon McLaughlin's goal under serious threat.
Ritchie Jones was fortunate to stay on the field against his former club
after a wild challenge on Luca Scapuzzi, Oldham's best player on the left
wing.
But the Latics took the lead on the hour as Scapuzzi's pass set up Tom
Adeyemi to coolly score against the club where he spent last season on loan.
City threw on big guns Craig Fagan, Ross Hannah and Kyel Reid in a bid to
save the match. Hannah and Fagan both had a go but Shefki Kuqi made sure
with an unmarked header ten minutes from time.
Jean-Yves M'Voto handled in the box in the 90th minute but Fagan's penalty
was high and ugly.
===========================
Festive fun this Saturday
Posted on: Wed 07 Dec 2011
The Bantams' community partners - charity One in a Million - and the Friends of Bradford City supporters' group are staging a "Christmas Day in the Museum" this Saturday ahead of City's home match with Plymouth Argyle.
To get people in the festive spirit, Shipley Salvation Army Band will be providing seasonal background music for the event which will feature festive food, mince pies and mulled wine, plus the usual fayre.
The Bantamspast museum will also have copies of their new book "Valley Parade - 125 Years" on sale with author and museum curator Dave Pendleton on hand to sign copies.
Friends of Bradford City will also taking final orders prior to Christmas of their Claret & Amber Beer & Wine packages, as well as promoting their Junior Bantams Supporters Club. The Junior Bantams Club will be run in partnership with One in a Million and will be launched in the New Year.
Wayne Jacobs, co founder of One in a Million ans Bantams legend said: "Come on down and join us for some good festive, family fun and cheer the lads onto a good result."
The event will take place in the Bantams Business Centre above the Bradford City Club Shop from 1:00pm this Saturday (10 December 2011).
===========================
Tom Adeyemi helps shatter Bradford City's Wembley dream
8:00am Wednesday 7th December 2011
By Simon Parker
Oldham 2 Bradford City 0
If fans won matches, then City would be looking forward to Wembley Eve in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy now.
More than 2,500 had trekked across the Pennines to Boundary Park with the hope of seeing more cup magic.
Sadly, their fervour could not conjure up another upset win as Oldham – 34 places higher in the league ladder – finally put the lowly visitors in their place.
To add insult to injury, City's demise was started by Tom Adeyemi, who had spent last season learning his trade at Valley Parade.
Shefki Kuqi, the experienced Finn, then produced the finishing move with his 13th goal of the campaign before Craig Fagan fluffed a penalty at the end.
The watching Roberto Mancini, whose son Andreas was an unused Oldham substitute, did not witness a fourth higher-division scalp from the Bantams.
Fagan had come off the bench after Phil Parkinson made six changes from the weekend.
The absence of Michael Flynn and Ricky Ravenhill in the engine room hurt. Luke Dean got his full debut as expected to partner Ritchie Jones, who had been laid low with a sickness bug since Friday, but they did not have the same impact.
Former Latic Jones quickly found himself in the thick of it as his old club began strongly.
First he got a crucial touch to toe Josh Parker's cross away from Robbie Simpson in the City danger zone.
But then he slipped as Oldham attacked again, allowing Adeyemi to the byline. Fortunately, Kuqi fired his pass well over.
City, though, had the first decent chance, with James Hanson's header forcing a flying save from Alex Cisak.
Hanson then won the resulting corner but strike partner Nahki Wells steered it away from goal as he tried to flick on.
But Oldham continued to do most of the running. Jon McLaughlin punched clear an effort by Antiguan international Parker and left back Paul Black fired across goal from the edge of the box.
Then Adeyemi burst into the box and crashed into Liam Moore. As Oldham screamed for a penalty, Luca Scapuzzi wildly thrashed the rebound into the bulging away end.
Jones was a tad fortunate to only see yellow from referee Colin Webster after taking out the Italian winger by the touchline. On-loan Terrier Nathan Clarke soon followed him into the book for a foul on Wells.
Jones tested Webster's patience further with a check on Simpson. The midfielder was left in no doubt he was walking a tightrope.
Tempers were flaring but City remained under the cosh and McLaughlin was thankful Scapuzzi's close-range blast came straight at him.
Although they had not been seriously troubled in the first half, the visitors could not get on the ball and enjoy some possession.
City were defending well and Andrew Davies showed his experience soon after the restart to tidy up an Oldham counter after Dean's shot had been charged down at the other end.
But City's resistance was broken by a familiar face on the hour as Adeyemi weaved his way through two would-be tacklers before firing past former team-mate McLaughlin.
It was a fine finish but equal credit should go to on-loan Man City winger Scapuzzi for his pass across the box which picked him out.
Parkinson went into kitchen-sink mode by using all three subs and Ross Hannah announced his arrival with a good effort to test Cisak.
McLaughlin almost coughed up a second goal when he failed to hold Simpson's shot but atoned with a reaction block from Kuqi.
City needed inspiration from somewhere and Fagan drilled wide on the run. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed ten minutes from the end as Kuqi found plenty of room to ram home Simpson's free-kick.
Jean-Yves M'Voto handled Moore's cross in the box to offer a slim lifeline but Fagan smashed the penalty high over the bar and City's dream was over.
OLDHAM: Cisak 6, Lee 6, M'Voto 6, Clarke 6, Black 6, Adeyemi 7, Parker 7, Wesolowski 6, Scapuzzi 8, Simpson 7, Kuqi 7. Subs (not used): Morais, Bouzanis, Smith, Tarkowski, Mancini.
CITY: McLaughlin 6, Moore 6, Oliver 7, Davies 7, Seip 6, Mitchell 6, Jones 5, Dean 6 (Fagan 65min), Compton 6 (Reid 65min), Wells 5 (Hannah 65min), Hanson 5. Subs (not used): O'Brien, Duke.
ATTENDANCE: 5,697
===========================
New Valley Parade book available
Posted on: Wed 07 Dec 2011
A new book which celebrates the 125 year history of the Coral Windows Stadium is now on sale.
Entitled 'Paraders, the 125 year history of Valley Parade', it has been written by David Pendleton, the curator of Bradford City's bantamspast museum and author of the critically acclaimed book Glorious 1911.
Paraders tells the story of the Bantams' home from its inception as a rugby ground in 1886 right through to the present day. From the fire disaster of 1985 to the FA Cup winners of 1911; the brief Premier League sojourn to all too many years in the basement division of English football. The full sweep of the history and development of Valley Parade is captured. Scores of previously unpublished images enhance the painstakingly researched text. Even the most dedicated Bradford City supporter will learn something new from this comprehensive history.
Article continues
Advertisement
Paraders is much more than a history of a football ground. It touches on the social, industrial and demographic changes that have shaped the wider city of Bradford over the last 125 years. Priced at just £16 the book will appeal to even those who do not make the fortnightly pilgrimage to Valley Parade.
Paraders is on sale in the bantamspast museum on matchdays and at Waterstones in Bradford city centre. The author will be signing copies in the bantamspast museum prior to home matches during December. The official launch of the book will take place at Waterstones at 6.30pm on Thursday 8 December.
===========================
Monday, December 05, 2011
FAC2 W3-1 (h) Wimbledon AFC Sat Dec 3rd KO 3pm
FA Cup 2nd Round
Bradford C (2) 3 Hannah 9, Bush og 14, Fagan pen 70.
Wimbledon (0) 1 Midson 50.
Att: 3,432
Next matches:
JPT(N): (A) Oldham, Tuesday Dec 6, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM.
LG2: (H) Plymouth, Saturday Dec. 10, 2011, K.O. 3:00PM.
http://www.statto.com/football/odds/england/league-two/bradford-city-v-plymouth-argyle/stats
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Wimbledon
Possession: 44 - 56%
Shots on target: 9 - 5
Shots off target: 4 - 3
Fouls: 10 - 8
Corners: 6 - 7
Ref: Nigel Miller (Durham).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Flynn (87min), Revenhill (90+2)
Wimbledon: Mulley (33 min).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan (90), 4. Michael Flynn, 14. Richard
Ravenhill, 32. Kyel Reid (78), 10. Ross Hannah (60), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien, 11. Jack Compton (78), 18. Luke
Dean (90), 21. Nahki Wells (60), 24. Liam Moore, 35. Jamie Devitt.
WIMBLEDON: 1. Seb Brown, 7. Samuel Hatton (76), 5. Jamie Stuart, 6. Brett
Johnson, 13. Chris Bush, 26. James Mulley, 8. Ricky Wellard, 11. Luke Moore
(83), 12. Christian Jolley (67), 10. Jack Midson, 15. Sammy Moore.
SUBS: 20. Jack Turner (GK), 3. Gareth Gwillim, 4. Max Porter, 9. Charles
Ademeno (67), 14. Lee Minshull (76), 18. Brendan Kiernan (83), 23. Rashid
Yussuff.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City can dream of a lucrative FA Cup day-out after reaching the third round
for the first time since 2004.
The Bantams deserved their spot in tomorrow's draw with a convincing win
over AFC Wimbledon at Valley Parade.
City roared out of the blocks with two goals in the first 15 minutes.
It was just the start that Phil Parkinson wanted as his unchanged side
carried on in the same confident manner they had displayed at Gillingham.
The first goal after nine minutes was made by Craig Fagan's cross from the
right. James Hanson cushioned a header into the six-yard box where Hannah
was waiting to poach his third City goal - and first at Valley Parade.
It got even better for City six minutes later as Ricky Ravenhill surged into
the penalty area. He poked an angled shot past keeper Seb Brown and defender
Chris Bush's attempt to clear off the line only succeeded in scoring in his
own net.
Wimbledon, who had come from behind to win the league meeting in September,
almost pulled one back midway through the half but an unmarked Luke Moore
fired wide from ten yards.
But City looked a real threat going forward and only an alert block from
Brown prevented Hannah heading his second after being set up by Kyel Reid.
City should have had a penalty straight after the re-start but Jamie
Stuart's wrestle on Hannah went unpunished by referee Nigel Miller.
And immediately Wimbledon pulled one back from their first shot on target,
Jack Midson converting Ricky Wellard's pass.
Hannah almost restored the two-goal cushion when he latched on to a long
clearance from Jon McLaughlin, getting clattered for his troubles by Brown.
Nahki Wells replaced him on the hour and was instrumental in City's third
goal 20 minutes from time. Wells was pulled back in the box by Stuart - this
time Miller pointed to the spot - and Fagan smashed the penalty into the
roof of the net.
McLaughlin produced a reaction block to deny Wellard but the home side had
regained control and comfortably saw their way through to a first win in
round two since 1995.
The only downer was a late yellow card for Michael Flynn which means a
one-game ban for the skipper. With Ricky Ravenhill cup-tied for the JPT,
City could be short in centre midfield at Oldham on Tuesday.
===========================
The lucrative 3rd round draw
City away at Watford
and a few other lesser ties
Man City v Man Utd
Arsenal v Leeds Utd
Everton v Tamworth
Ties to be played over 7th/8th January
===========================
FA PAYMENTS FOR WINNING FA CUP ROUNDS
According to the 2011-2012 FA Cup prize money schedule below, Bradford City
will have picked up £45,000, in addition to their share of gate money, etc.,
for reaching the 3rd Round.
The number is brackets shows the number of clubs that will receive payment
for each stage.
•Extra Preliminary Round winners - £750 (201)
•Preliminary Round winners - £1,500 (166)
•First Round Qualifying winners - £3,000 (116)
•Second Round Qualifying winners - £4,500 (80)
•Third Round Qualifying winners - £7,500 (40)
•Fourth Round Qualifying winners - £12,500 (32)
•First Round Proper winners - £18,000 (40)
•Second Round Proper winners - £27,000 (20)
•Third Round Proper winners - £67,500 (32)
•Fourth Round Proper winners - £90,000 (16)
•Fifth Round Proper winners - £180,000 (8)
•Sixth Round Proper winners - £360,000 (4)
•Semi Final winners - £900,000 (2)
•Semi Final runners-up £450,000 (2)
•Final winners - £1,800,000 (1)
•Final runners-up - £900,000 (1)
===========================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16012632
Ronnie Wallwork jailed for 15 months after he admitted three counts of receiving stolen goods earlier this year
A former Manchester United player who was found breaking up stolen car parts at a scrapyard in the city has been jailed for 15 months.
Ronnie Wallwork, 34, from Failsworth, Manchester, pleaded guilty to three counts of receiving stolen goods.
Police stumbled upon Wallwork while investigating unconnected armed robberies across Lancashire.
A judge at Preston Crown Court said he could not agree to the suspended prison term requested by Wallwork's defence.
Judge Simon Newell told the former England Under-20 international: "These were high-value items that were stolen.
"It seems to me they were taken in a professional and sophisticated way.
"It also seems clear to me that they were taken to go into the black market either to be sold on or broken down and sold on.
"You provided the facility for that to happen. There was an element of organisation and sophistication in what went on."
Full report
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16012632
===========================
Jubilant Ross Hannah scores first goal at Valley Parade to end Bantams' 16-year FA Cup jinx
7:50am Monday 5th December 2011
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 3 AFC Wimbledon 1
Ross Hannah has waited too long to let his shot at pro football slip through his fingers.
So you won't find a more positive person in the Valley Parade dressing room than the 25-year-old former landscape gardener.
And now the striker finally believes City can churn out the results to back up his optimism.
As far as Hannah is concerned, the season starts here.
Hannah notched his first home goal for the club to put them on the way to a first second-round FA Cup win since 1995.
His afternoon may have ended half an hour early with a painful bruised shin after being clattered by Wimbledon keeper Seb Brown but nothing could knock the smile off his face – or his belief that a corner is being turned.
Hannah said: "We've got a different mentality now. The penny is starting to drop that we need to pull ourselves out of where we are in the league.
"We've been good in the cups all along but the consistency is beginning to come.
"I've always felt it was only a matter of time. Our season's been stop-start up to now but hopefully this is the end of it.
"We're into the third round for the first time in a long time. Now to get into the area final of the JPT and pick up some league points against Plymouth and Southend.
"We had the same team who played at Gillingham and it showed that none of us want to lose the shirts. That's what it's all about.
"There's no chance of me giving mine up. They'll have to rip it off me!"
Hannah's attitude typified the feelgood spirit that swept away the demons of previous FA Cup disappointments.
This was a performance at odds with some of the anaemic efforts City have served up in the most famous of competitions down the years.
From the moment that Hannah pounced from close range, there was only going to be one winner.
Wimbledon's impressive vocal support in the Midland Road stand never translated into decent resistance on the pitch. The team with the legendary cup pedigree never turned up.
City deserve credit for that for not allowing the visitors to settle and dictate play as they had done when the sides last met at Valley Parade in September.
Phil Parkinson enjoyed the luxury of naming an unchanged side. It was the first time he had done that since the week before the previous Wimbledon game at Crawley.
The starting line-up had earned another crack for their efforts against Gillingham. And, for once, City backed up one good display with another.
Same team, same performance.
The solidity that had been abundant in Kent was present again. You cannot underestimate the difference that the likes of Andrew Davies, Simon Ramsden and Ricky Ravenhill have made to toughen up the team.
The back four were rock solid while Ravenhill and Michael Flynn controlled the middle, allowing Craig Fagan and Kyel Reid to pose a duel threat on the flanks.
The combination of Fagan's guile and Reid's explosive pace kept Wimbledon's hands full for most of the afternoon.
And they ensured a good supply line for Hannah and James Hanson, who importantly reminded the home fans what an effective targetman he can be on his day.
It was Hanson's cushioned header from a Fagan cross that set up Hannah for the breakthrough after nine minutes. Hannah showed his fox-in-the-box qualities to snap up the chance from close range.
And City were two up before Wimbledon could clear their heads. They couldn't clear their lines either as Chris Bush helped the ball into his own net after Ravenhill had done all the work with a surging run.
It looked a case of how many the Bantams would rack up. Every attack threatened something.
Luke Moore fluffed a rare opening at the other end but City were enjoying a control of proceedings at odds with many of their Valley Parade struggles this season.
Hannah, in his own words, could have gone off with a hat-trick ball.
A glancing header was tipped away by Brown and he was clattered by the keeper after a great piece of control to bring down Jon McLaughlin's long clearance had put him clear.
Hannah managed to get off a shot before the collision came and was left in a heap as the ball trickled narrowly wide. He'll be back for more though at Oldham tomorrow night, you can bet on it.
He should have earned a penalty straight after the restart when Jamie Stuart wrestled him to the ground, John Cena style. But referee Nigel Miller, who Parkinson diplomatically thought had a "laid-back" game, saw nothing wrong.
That non-call looked significant when Wimbledon halved the deficit within three minutes. Marcel Seip, again playing at left back, was caught the wrong side of Jack Midson by Ricky Wellard's pass and the striker fired across McLaughlin.
For a couple of minutes, a sense of forboding seemed to descend. But it was gone just as quickly.
Luke Oliver made an important block in front of goal after McLaughlin's poor left-footed clearance but there was no serious danger of an equaliser.
And the game's one-sided pattern was restored 20 minutes from time when Nahki Wells, on for Hannah, was tugged down by Stuart after good work from Reid. This time the Wimbledon skipper was penalised and Fagan thrashed the spot-kick into the roof of the net.
McLaughlin saved well from Wellard but City were still pushing forward for more in the closing minutes. They were all out to make their point and Jack Compton – back in from the cold – sparkled with a late cameo which almost brought a fourth.
"Everyone can feel that things are starting to change," smiled Hannah afterwards. If Saturday was anything to go by, he may just be right.
===========================
Players won't need motivation, says Parkinson
Posted on: Tue 06 Dec 2011
With the Bantams only two rounds away from a trip to Wembley Stadium, City boss Phil Parkinson says his players won't need any motivation ahead of Tuesday's mouth-watering Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Semi-Final at Oldham Athletic.
Parkinson's men travel to the Boundary Park to take on the League 1 Latics with a place in the two-legged Northern Area Final up for grabs.
The Bantams boss is quick to acknowledge that Oldham are favourites going into the tie but he knows his side won't be keen to bow out now following their efforts to get to this close to Wembley.
Parkinson said: "We've worked hard to get to this stage and we now know that if we get over one more difficult hurdle then the Area Final is just around the corner.
"We know it is going to be tough - Oldham are a good side and Boundary Park is always a tough place to go - but we will go there as underdogs with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"I don't think we'll have to motivate the lads at all tomorrow night (Tuesday). We'll have to remind them of their responsibilities and roles, but they know as much as the supporters how much a trip to Wembley would mean.
"The supporters would love a trip to Wembley and as a player it is a dream come true to play at the home of English football. We know we are not far off getting there, but we also know we have a tough game ahead of us tomorrow."
All three of City's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victories this season have come via penalty shootouts. Unsurprisingly then given their previous success, Parkinson has revealed that City have planned for the possibility of penalties in the same manner as before.
"Some of the lads have practised towards the end of training, but being a bit superstitious, as we've done in previous rounds, we have let the lads do their own thing instead of having an organised practise session. It has worked for us so far," added Parkinson.
"We have said to the lads before the shootouts 'the rules are simple - don't be clever, don't try and be clever in your run up or try a clever chip, just pick your spot and stick to it and be positive.'"
===========================
Bradford C (2) 3 Hannah 9, Bush og 14, Fagan pen 70.
Wimbledon (0) 1 Midson 50.
Att: 3,432
Next matches:
JPT(N): (A) Oldham, Tuesday Dec 6, 2011. K.O. 7:45PM.
LG2: (H) Plymouth, Saturday Dec. 10, 2011, K.O. 3:00PM.
http://www.statto.com/football/odds/england/league-two/bradford-city-v-plymouth-argyle/stats
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
===========================
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
Pictures
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
===========================
Signings & Loans
===========================
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
Stats: Bradford C - Wimbledon
Possession: 44 - 56%
Shots on target: 9 - 5
Shots off target: 4 - 3
Fouls: 10 - 8
Corners: 6 - 7
Ref: Nigel Miller (Durham).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Flynn (87min), Revenhill (90+2)
Wimbledon: Mulley (33 min).
BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6. Luke Oliver, 38. Andrew
Davies, 36. Marcel Seip, 39. Craig Fagan (90), 4. Michael Flynn, 14. Richard
Ravenhill, 32. Kyel Reid (78), 10. Ross Hannah (60), 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 34. Matt Duke (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien, 11. Jack Compton (78), 18. Luke
Dean (90), 21. Nahki Wells (60), 24. Liam Moore, 35. Jamie Devitt.
WIMBLEDON: 1. Seb Brown, 7. Samuel Hatton (76), 5. Jamie Stuart, 6. Brett
Johnson, 13. Chris Bush, 26. James Mulley, 8. Ricky Wellard, 11. Luke Moore
(83), 12. Christian Jolley (67), 10. Jack Midson, 15. Sammy Moore.
SUBS: 20. Jack Turner (GK), 3. Gareth Gwillim, 4. Max Porter, 9. Charles
Ademeno (67), 14. Lee Minshull (76), 18. Brendan Kiernan (83), 23. Rashid
Yussuff.
===========================
Saturday evening match report
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City can dream of a lucrative FA Cup day-out after reaching the third round
for the first time since 2004.
The Bantams deserved their spot in tomorrow's draw with a convincing win
over AFC Wimbledon at Valley Parade.
City roared out of the blocks with two goals in the first 15 minutes.
It was just the start that Phil Parkinson wanted as his unchanged side
carried on in the same confident manner they had displayed at Gillingham.
The first goal after nine minutes was made by Craig Fagan's cross from the
right. James Hanson cushioned a header into the six-yard box where Hannah
was waiting to poach his third City goal - and first at Valley Parade.
It got even better for City six minutes later as Ricky Ravenhill surged into
the penalty area. He poked an angled shot past keeper Seb Brown and defender
Chris Bush's attempt to clear off the line only succeeded in scoring in his
own net.
Wimbledon, who had come from behind to win the league meeting in September,
almost pulled one back midway through the half but an unmarked Luke Moore
fired wide from ten yards.
But City looked a real threat going forward and only an alert block from
Brown prevented Hannah heading his second after being set up by Kyel Reid.
City should have had a penalty straight after the re-start but Jamie
Stuart's wrestle on Hannah went unpunished by referee Nigel Miller.
And immediately Wimbledon pulled one back from their first shot on target,
Jack Midson converting Ricky Wellard's pass.
Hannah almost restored the two-goal cushion when he latched on to a long
clearance from Jon McLaughlin, getting clattered for his troubles by Brown.
Nahki Wells replaced him on the hour and was instrumental in City's third
goal 20 minutes from time. Wells was pulled back in the box by Stuart - this
time Miller pointed to the spot - and Fagan smashed the penalty into the
roof of the net.
McLaughlin produced a reaction block to deny Wellard but the home side had
regained control and comfortably saw their way through to a first win in
round two since 1995.
The only downer was a late yellow card for Michael Flynn which means a
one-game ban for the skipper. With Ricky Ravenhill cup-tied for the JPT,
City could be short in centre midfield at Oldham on Tuesday.
===========================
The lucrative 3rd round draw
City away at Watford
and a few other lesser ties
Man City v Man Utd
Arsenal v Leeds Utd
Everton v Tamworth
Ties to be played over 7th/8th January
===========================
FA PAYMENTS FOR WINNING FA CUP ROUNDS
According to the 2011-2012 FA Cup prize money schedule below, Bradford City
will have picked up £45,000, in addition to their share of gate money, etc.,
for reaching the 3rd Round.
The number is brackets shows the number of clubs that will receive payment
for each stage.
•Extra Preliminary Round winners - £750 (201)
•Preliminary Round winners - £1,500 (166)
•First Round Qualifying winners - £3,000 (116)
•Second Round Qualifying winners - £4,500 (80)
•Third Round Qualifying winners - £7,500 (40)
•Fourth Round Qualifying winners - £12,500 (32)
•First Round Proper winners - £18,000 (40)
•Second Round Proper winners - £27,000 (20)
•Third Round Proper winners - £67,500 (32)
•Fourth Round Proper winners - £90,000 (16)
•Fifth Round Proper winners - £180,000 (8)
•Sixth Round Proper winners - £360,000 (4)
•Semi Final winners - £900,000 (2)
•Semi Final runners-up £450,000 (2)
•Final winners - £1,800,000 (1)
•Final runners-up - £900,000 (1)
===========================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16012632
Ronnie Wallwork jailed for 15 months after he admitted three counts of receiving stolen goods earlier this year
A former Manchester United player who was found breaking up stolen car parts at a scrapyard in the city has been jailed for 15 months.
Ronnie Wallwork, 34, from Failsworth, Manchester, pleaded guilty to three counts of receiving stolen goods.
Police stumbled upon Wallwork while investigating unconnected armed robberies across Lancashire.
A judge at Preston Crown Court said he could not agree to the suspended prison term requested by Wallwork's defence.
Judge Simon Newell told the former England Under-20 international: "These were high-value items that were stolen.
"It seems to me they were taken in a professional and sophisticated way.
"It also seems clear to me that they were taken to go into the black market either to be sold on or broken down and sold on.
"You provided the facility for that to happen. There was an element of organisation and sophistication in what went on."
Full report
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-16012632
===========================
Jubilant Ross Hannah scores first goal at Valley Parade to end Bantams' 16-year FA Cup jinx
7:50am Monday 5th December 2011
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 3 AFC Wimbledon 1
Ross Hannah has waited too long to let his shot at pro football slip through his fingers.
So you won't find a more positive person in the Valley Parade dressing room than the 25-year-old former landscape gardener.
And now the striker finally believes City can churn out the results to back up his optimism.
As far as Hannah is concerned, the season starts here.
Hannah notched his first home goal for the club to put them on the way to a first second-round FA Cup win since 1995.
His afternoon may have ended half an hour early with a painful bruised shin after being clattered by Wimbledon keeper Seb Brown but nothing could knock the smile off his face – or his belief that a corner is being turned.
Hannah said: "We've got a different mentality now. The penny is starting to drop that we need to pull ourselves out of where we are in the league.
"We've been good in the cups all along but the consistency is beginning to come.
"I've always felt it was only a matter of time. Our season's been stop-start up to now but hopefully this is the end of it.
"We're into the third round for the first time in a long time. Now to get into the area final of the JPT and pick up some league points against Plymouth and Southend.
"We had the same team who played at Gillingham and it showed that none of us want to lose the shirts. That's what it's all about.
"There's no chance of me giving mine up. They'll have to rip it off me!"
Hannah's attitude typified the feelgood spirit that swept away the demons of previous FA Cup disappointments.
This was a performance at odds with some of the anaemic efforts City have served up in the most famous of competitions down the years.
From the moment that Hannah pounced from close range, there was only going to be one winner.
Wimbledon's impressive vocal support in the Midland Road stand never translated into decent resistance on the pitch. The team with the legendary cup pedigree never turned up.
City deserve credit for that for not allowing the visitors to settle and dictate play as they had done when the sides last met at Valley Parade in September.
Phil Parkinson enjoyed the luxury of naming an unchanged side. It was the first time he had done that since the week before the previous Wimbledon game at Crawley.
The starting line-up had earned another crack for their efforts against Gillingham. And, for once, City backed up one good display with another.
Same team, same performance.
The solidity that had been abundant in Kent was present again. You cannot underestimate the difference that the likes of Andrew Davies, Simon Ramsden and Ricky Ravenhill have made to toughen up the team.
The back four were rock solid while Ravenhill and Michael Flynn controlled the middle, allowing Craig Fagan and Kyel Reid to pose a duel threat on the flanks.
The combination of Fagan's guile and Reid's explosive pace kept Wimbledon's hands full for most of the afternoon.
And they ensured a good supply line for Hannah and James Hanson, who importantly reminded the home fans what an effective targetman he can be on his day.
It was Hanson's cushioned header from a Fagan cross that set up Hannah for the breakthrough after nine minutes. Hannah showed his fox-in-the-box qualities to snap up the chance from close range.
And City were two up before Wimbledon could clear their heads. They couldn't clear their lines either as Chris Bush helped the ball into his own net after Ravenhill had done all the work with a surging run.
It looked a case of how many the Bantams would rack up. Every attack threatened something.
Luke Moore fluffed a rare opening at the other end but City were enjoying a control of proceedings at odds with many of their Valley Parade struggles this season.
Hannah, in his own words, could have gone off with a hat-trick ball.
A glancing header was tipped away by Brown and he was clattered by the keeper after a great piece of control to bring down Jon McLaughlin's long clearance had put him clear.
Hannah managed to get off a shot before the collision came and was left in a heap as the ball trickled narrowly wide. He'll be back for more though at Oldham tomorrow night, you can bet on it.
He should have earned a penalty straight after the restart when Jamie Stuart wrestled him to the ground, John Cena style. But referee Nigel Miller, who Parkinson diplomatically thought had a "laid-back" game, saw nothing wrong.
That non-call looked significant when Wimbledon halved the deficit within three minutes. Marcel Seip, again playing at left back, was caught the wrong side of Jack Midson by Ricky Wellard's pass and the striker fired across McLaughlin.
For a couple of minutes, a sense of forboding seemed to descend. But it was gone just as quickly.
Luke Oliver made an important block in front of goal after McLaughlin's poor left-footed clearance but there was no serious danger of an equaliser.
And the game's one-sided pattern was restored 20 minutes from time when Nahki Wells, on for Hannah, was tugged down by Stuart after good work from Reid. This time the Wimbledon skipper was penalised and Fagan thrashed the spot-kick into the roof of the net.
McLaughlin saved well from Wellard but City were still pushing forward for more in the closing minutes. They were all out to make their point and Jack Compton – back in from the cold – sparkled with a late cameo which almost brought a fourth.
"Everyone can feel that things are starting to change," smiled Hannah afterwards. If Saturday was anything to go by, he may just be right.
===========================
Players won't need motivation, says Parkinson
Posted on: Tue 06 Dec 2011
With the Bantams only two rounds away from a trip to Wembley Stadium, City boss Phil Parkinson says his players won't need any motivation ahead of Tuesday's mouth-watering Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Semi-Final at Oldham Athletic.
Parkinson's men travel to the Boundary Park to take on the League 1 Latics with a place in the two-legged Northern Area Final up for grabs.
The Bantams boss is quick to acknowledge that Oldham are favourites going into the tie but he knows his side won't be keen to bow out now following their efforts to get to this close to Wembley.
Parkinson said: "We've worked hard to get to this stage and we now know that if we get over one more difficult hurdle then the Area Final is just around the corner.
"We know it is going to be tough - Oldham are a good side and Boundary Park is always a tough place to go - but we will go there as underdogs with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"I don't think we'll have to motivate the lads at all tomorrow night (Tuesday). We'll have to remind them of their responsibilities and roles, but they know as much as the supporters how much a trip to Wembley would mean.
"The supporters would love a trip to Wembley and as a player it is a dream come true to play at the home of English football. We know we are not far off getting there, but we also know we have a tough game ahead of us tomorrow."
All three of City's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victories this season have come via penalty shootouts. Unsurprisingly then given their previous success, Parkinson has revealed that City have planned for the possibility of penalties in the same manner as before.
"Some of the lads have practised towards the end of training, but being a bit superstitious, as we've done in previous rounds, we have let the lads do their own thing instead of having an organised practise session. It has worked for us so far," added Parkinson.
"We have said to the lads before the shootouts 'the rules are simple - don't be clever, don't try and be clever in your run up or try a clever chip, just pick your spot and stick to it and be positive.'"
===========================
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