Thursday, April 22, 2010
L2 v Barnet (h) W2-1 April 17th 2010
Matchday programme Notes
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2028218,00.html?
(see below for more on ground sharing)
Next match: (A) Chesterfield, Saturday April 24, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Football League Two - KO 15:00
Bradford 2 (0) - 1 (1) Barnet
Luke O'Brien 79
Flynn 90
Adomah 28
At Valley Parade on 17-04-2010
Bradford: McLaughlan, Rehman, Threlfall, Bateson, Williams, Bullock, Grant (Luke O'Brien, 75 ) , Bolder, James
O'Brien (Flynn, 59 ) , Evans, Osborne
Subs not used: Glennon,Clarke,Kendall,Horne,Dean,
Barnet: Cole, Breen, Lockwood, Devera, Gillet, Jarrett, Micah Hyde, Livermore, Upson ( Deverdics, 84 ) , Adomah (
O'Neill, 89 ) , Furlong
Subs not used: James, Hart, Carpenter, Kamdjo, Hughes,
Bookings: Livermore (Barnet)
Attendance: 11138
Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)
Stats
TEAM STATS
Bradford Barnet
10(4) Shots (on Goal) 13(9)
3 Fouls 9
4 Corner Kicks 3
0 Offsides 2
67% Time of Poss. 33%
0 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
7 Saves 5
===========================
City 2, Barnet 1
It was the moment that a young fan's dreams became reality.
Sitting directly behind the goal in the Kop, Luke O'Brien had often fantasised how it would feel to score for City
in that very net.
Eighteen months after first stepping on to his own field of dreams in first-team colours, he finally find out.
Gareth Evans fired in a cross from the right wing, defender Joe Devera was caught in two minds trying to deal with
it and O'Brien was on hand to smack it into the far corner of the net.
Forget the fact that he had been on the pitch for just four minutes and it was only his second touch. It was a goal
that he had been waiting a lifetime to score.
O'Brien said: "It was so special to see it go in. I've always wanted to score like that in front of the Kop. I used
to have a seat behind the goal where the 'T' is in 'City'.
"Now our fans are in the TL Dallas Stand, the lads in the changing room are always on about which end they prefer
to score at, but it was always the Kop for me.
"It's the biggest stand and the one where I grew up in, so it was great to score my first Valley Parade goal
there."
City completed the fairytale feel when Michael Flynn, freshly out of sickbay, slammed the winner deep into stoppage
time. There was more than a hint of offside about his twice-taken finish but nobody in home colours was listening
to Barnet's complaints.
Flynn screamed and punched the air as if he'd won the cup final. Barnet, still needing three points to guarantee
their own survival, had the haunted look of someone who'd been mugged of a winning lottery ticket.
For 75 per cent of the game, the third-bottom visitors had looked the better team. They certainly possessed the
best player in Albert Adomah, City's regular nemesis.
Nobody has suffered more at Adomah's hands in recent meetings than O'Brien, so perhaps the substitute's instant
impact was a clear sign that the fortunes had shifted.
Adomah had the first say with his third goal in four matches against the Bantams after 28 minutes of non-descript
action.
City were unchanged from the Morecambe win in terms of personnel but the jaded performance that began Saturday was
light years away from the chase-everything, harrying effort that had unsettled the Shrimps.
They could not get the ball for starters as Barnet knocked it around with a swagger that belied their wretched
recent form and the typically unpredictable playing surface.
James O'Brien had already hacked off the line before Barnet struck on a counter attack. Paul Furlong, who Taylor
first coached at Enfield 24 years ago, flicked on keeper Jake Cole's clearance and Adomah turned on the
after-burner to slip beyond Adam Bolder.
Adomah has had a hit-and-miss season as his mind wanders waiting for a summer move higher up the league ladder. But
there was no disputing the quality of his half-volley finish which flew past Jon McLaughlin.
Peter Taylor questioned his keeper's positioning but Barnet, well orchestrated by another sprightly veteran in
Micah Hyde, were well worth their lead. City's traditional bogey side were at it again.
Stuart McCall was watching knowingly from the main stand. Taylor's predecessor had been given a huge ovation before
the game when the team from 1985 were announced on the pitch ahead of their fund-raising dinner that evening.
With City struggling to get out of first gear, McCall's return looked like being the highlight of the game.
The current boss, meanwhile, was contemplating a familiar scenario. Good City had morphed into bad City yet again
for no apparent reason. Thankfully the shock of Barnet's goal kicked a few backsides.
"Before that we weren't playing any football whatsoever," admitted Taylor.
"Credit Barnet, because some of the football they played was difficult to cope with. But I thought we got slightly
better after they scored. It was a very poor goal to give away but after that we improved a little bit.
"The players show me at times that they are nervous and then they show me they can play some good football."
Gavin Grant had slipped back into his shell and failed to cash in on a clear sight of goal, firing straight at
Cole. Barnet argued that the striker was well offside; it was not the only time the protests fell on deaf ears.
But Robbie Threlfall raised the pulse with an explosive 30-yard first-timer which flew narrowly over and at least
indicated that the hosts were trying to do something about the deficit.
Leon Osborne was lively but needs that bit of composure in and around the box. Taylor suggested that the youngster
can expect lots of shooting practice on the training ground after spurning two big chances to equalise.
The first, just two minutes after the restart, was the worst miss. Evans found plenty of space to collect a long
pass from Steve Williams and set up Osborne for what appeared a simple finish but the striker screwed it wide.
Then the best move of the match, involving Grant and substitute Flynn, worked an opening for Osborne straight
through the middle but again he got his angles wrong as the ball brushed the post.
Taylor had switched to 4-4-2 with Flynn up front alongside Evans and City had a stronger look about them. Barnet,
for the first time, were getting pinned back.
Luke O'Brien was thrown into the fray with a quarter of an hour left and made his spectacular entry as the game
belatedly exploded into life.
O'Brien's cross was met by a looping header from Adam Bolder that bounced off the Barnet bar.
Within a minute, the visitors had broken devastatingly from a City corner and Albert Jarrett picked out Adomah.
O'Brien slipped in his pursuit, giving him room to fire off a curler bound for the top corner, but McLaughlin was
equal to it with a brilliant tip on to the woodwork.
Barnet were holding their heads in disbelief – and it got even worse for them three minutes into the added time.
O'Brien's cross was nodded out by Gary Breen as far as Osborne lurking by the D. He scuffed the ball back into the
danger zone where it landed at the feet of Flynn.
As Barnet froze for a flag that never came, his first shot was parried by Cole. But the rebound came straight back
and this time the Welshman made absolutely no mistake.
City had secured their first win over Barnet in six attempts since returning to the basement and in doing so they
got some payback for the late goals that the Bees always seem to come up with.
City had played much better in previous encounters with little to show for it. Penny for McCall's thoughts, anyone?
Attendance: 11,138
==================
For those who couldn't make it to the 84/85 reunion dinner last night (Saturday), the following players were in
attendance.
Chirs Withe, Stuart McCall, Peter Jackson, Dave Evans, Greg Abbott, John Hawley, Don Goodman, Mark Ellis, Martin
Singleton. Also in attendance was Ces Podd who sat next to Mark Lawn and the only current player at the dinner was
Zesh Rehman. City's current assistant manager Wayne Jacobs was there sitting in between McCall and Abbott.
Highlight of the evening for me was Grag Abbotts impromptu and heartfelt spech about attending the evening (he'd
driven down from Carlisle after their home game today) and what it meant to him to play with such a group of
players and how they all had to get on with the job of getting through the aftermath of the terrible tragedy at VP
on May 11th 1985.
Lowlight was Neil "Razor" Ruddock mocking Greg for his 'boring' speech during his part in the entertainment of the
evening. I know that it was said in jest and both Abbo and Ruddock seemed to have a jovial word afterwards, but it
was crass and insensitive and proved that Ruddock was only there to earn ' a wedge' and had no real idea about why
we were all there. It certainly not really there to see him for sure.
Another highlight was during the auctioning of John Hawley's shirt and shorts (auctioned by John himself) from the
84/85 season Chris Withe stood on the top table modelling them!
Followed by another lowlight with the disabled comedian saying "I hate effing auctions, especially ones done by
professional auctioneers". As you may know, John Hawley is an antiques dealers and auctioneer in East Yorkshire.
Once again, no need to go for a cheap laugh having totally forgotten or not fully understood what the evening was
all about.
Other than that, a good night was seemingly had by all.
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
===========================
CITY IN SHOCK GROUND-SHARE CALL
By Will Kilner (T&A)
Bradford City FC's co-chairman has today called for City and the Bradford
Bulls to ground-share at Valley Parade.
Mark Lawn says it would prevent Bradford Council "wasting" £15 million of
taxpayers' money on the Odsal Sports Village (OSV) project, which ran into
financial difficulties last month.
He said the "only sensible option" was for the Council to sell Odsal stadium
and re-invest money in Valley Parade for both clubs to play at the stadium.
He said it would need £6 million or £7 million to create a ground-share at
Valley Parade, with £5.5 million for buying back the stadium and the rest to
make the pitch suitable for rugby league.
The playing area would have to be increased by taking out seats and a more
resilient pitch created.
He said: "We are digging the pitch up to do some work this summer so, if the
Bulls are coming down here, we need to know as soon as possible. But no-one
has been in touch, so they're obviously not thinking about it as an option."
Last month, plans for the £75.5m Odsal scheme were hit by a funding crisis.
The Council, which has committed £15 million to the project, has now come up
with five scaled-down options.
Mr Lawn claimed the Council was effectively giving another £15 million to
the Bulls – a move he described as the "latest gesture" from a Council that
had never displayed similar interest in supporting Bradford City.
He said: "I'm a Bulls fan myself but I'm against the bias that has been
shown towards a minority sport. I know we are in the lower league, but we
get more people coming through our gates than they do and we bring more
people into the city centre every two weeks than any other business."
Bulls chairman Peter Hood said Mr Lawn was an astute businessman who was
passionate about Bradford City and had put his money where his mouth is.
"On this occasion, however, Mr Lawn has got his facts badly wrong," he said.
"First, no-one – least of all the Council – ever 'gave' the Bulls 'another
£15m' or indeed any millions for that matter.
"I suspect Mr Lawn is thinking about the £5 million or so we received from
the Council upon returning from Valley Parade to Odsal in 2002. On that
occasion we negotiated a deal which enabled the Council to buy themselves
out of their obligations under our previous lease that would have cost
ratepayers an estimated £20 million. In my judgement that was a very good
deal for the taxpayer."
In terms of the £15m from the Council, Mr Hood said: "It has been committed
as part of the funding for the OSV which is not all about Bradford Bulls as
Mr Lawn seems to think.
"On the contrary, it will deliver sport, recreation and leisure facilities
for all the people of the district by replacing an ageing Richard Dunn
centre with a state-of-the-art facility and pool, as well as providing
education for our young people via Bradford College."
He said the OSV would be owned and operated by a not-for-profit Trust
managed by the stakeholders, including in particular the Council.
"That's where the £15m will go, together with the Odsal stadium site – not
to Bradford Bulls.
"Mr Lawn is free to describe ours as a 'minority sport' if he wishes.
However, in terms of positive profile for the City of Bradford, being on Sky
as often as we are, and often also on terrestrial BBC, plus the numbers of
'away' supporters who travel here to watch their team go head-to-head with
the Bulls, plus the media coverage we get locally, regionally, nationally
and internationally – it is no contest."
Alan Carling, chairman of Bradford City Supporters' Trust, said: "It is a
significant development that Bradford City FC has now come out in favour of
ground-sharing with the Bulls at Valley Parade."
He said the Valley Parade solution was the best way forward.
Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's strategic director for culture, tourism
and sport, said: "The Council is not giving £15m to the Bulls. The Council
with its partners, is investing in a sports village for the whole community.
"The Council provides sponsorship and grants to Bradford City to develop
community programmes and is disappointed that this is not acknowledged by
Mark Lawn."
===========================
Trivia Corner
There are a few IFs here but...........
IF Taylor is manager of City next season he could be up against 4 of the teams that he has previously managed
IF Gillingham, Wycombe and Southend are relegated from League one plus Stevange who have just been promoted.
Mike Harrison
Editor - The City Gent
===========================
O'BRIEN: PLAYERS WAITING ON BOSS
Bradford City defender Luke O'Brien has revealed several players are waiting
for manager Peter Taylor to decide whether he will commit to the club.
Taylor, who agreed a short-term deal until the end of the season when he
replaced Stuart McCall in February, has yet to confirm he will be extending
his stay and the uncertainty is having a huge bearing on the playing staff.
O'Brien told the club's official website: "Nobody knows if the gaffer is
going to be here next season or not. That's up to him.
"But there are a lot of players out of contract, myself included, and
everything is still up in the air. We're all playing for our future.
"I want to stay, of course I do. This is my club. I've been here since I was
a little lad and I don't want to think about playing for someone else.
"But it all depends on who the manager is. A new one might come in and bring
in 15 to 20 different players."
===========================
Peter Taylor expects his Valley Parade future to be sorted by May 1.
Both Taylor and City want a decision to be made before the season is up.
And the Bantams boss, currently contracted until the end of next
month, sees no reason why a deal cannot be done in time for the final
home game against Northampton a week on Saturday.
Taylor, who has won six of his 15 games at the helm, does not want any
uncertainty lingering into the summer break.
If he gets the job full-time, he intends to maximise the off-season in
preparing for next term.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned, personally speaking I would
expect it to be done before our last home game.
"I can't give everything away but it can't be done now. There are
a few little things that need agreeing on.
"But I honestly don't see there being a problem and I'm really
hopeful it's all done and dusted by Northampton.
"I want to get it sorted because all of a sudden August will be here
again and you can't let this go on too far.
"I'm very pleased we've won six matches but there is still an
awful lot of planning needed to be done before pre-season.
"And for the club's benefit, the quicker it's done the better.
Even if I wasn't staying, it will give them time to get on with
things."
When Taylor was appointed in February, City made it clear that they
would remain open-minded over other options. A couple of potential
candidates have indicated their interest if the former Hull chief does
not stay on.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "We agree with Peter. We would like to
get it sorted as soon as possible and we're working towards that."
Meanwhile, Omar Daley is expected to return at Chesterfield. The
winger is back in training after recovering from a pulled hamstring.
Taylor said: "Omar trained with us on Friday and I was very tempted
to put him on the bench against Barnet. But if I had, I would have
been tempted to put him on and I couldn't take the risk.
"I didn't want to take any chances because I really want to finish
the season with nearly everybody fit for the last three matches.
"He trained Saturday as well with the staff and as long as he gets a
good week, I'm looking for him to be involved against Chesterfield.
"I'm still hopeful (James) Hanson might have a bit of a chance as
well."
===========================
BBC
Bradford City to train at Leeds University
Bradford City
Bradford City are set to move their training facilities for next season to the University of Leeds.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn told BBC Radio Leeds: "We've agreed the deal more or less, we just have to sign contracts.
"The place is top class, a very good facility and a lot better than what we've got and certainly up to Championship
standard."
"There's some very good facilities for us to use, Bulgaria trained there during Euro '96."
The move to Weetwood could attract some controversy as it sees the club moving out of Bradford, but Lawn feels they
had no other option.
"It would have been very nice if Bradford Council had done something, but if they don't offer anything then we have
to go where we can go," he added.
The transfer of training facilities is thought to have been recommended by current Bradford manager Peter Taylor,
who is still in negotiations with the club board over a deal for next season and beyond.
"We're moving on with it," Lawn said. "I think we've come to an agreement with Peter, there's only the odd bits and
pieces to sort out.
"I won't say what they are as they are personal to Peter, but it's certainly not the facilities or the budget we've
given him."
While the negotiations continue Lawn admits that he has been happy with how Taylor has turned City's season around.
"He came in and steadied the ship, got rid of some of the high wages very quickly which helped us, and then brought
some people in which obviously got us the points that made us safe," he said.
"I've got to be honest I was panicking a bit at one stage."
Lawn has warned that if not enough fans take advantage of their cut-price season ticket off then they will not be
able to do the same next season.
Fans have until 9 May to buy adult season tickets at £184, and Lawn is hoping there is enough interest in the deal
but admits tickets are not selling as fast as he would like.
"It's very, very slow," he said. I think some of them are looking to see what sort of manager we're going to get.
"We're about at present 3,000 short and we need to get those people down and more if we can."
"Even more if we can, the more we get, the more money we can give Peter Taylor."
"The one thing that [fellow joint-chairman] Julian Rhodes and myself do is not take anything out of this club, so
whatever we get in goes into the facilities and the players."
"We've had great backing from the fans, we can't turn around and thank them enough for what they've done," he
added.
"But there is a reality, if we don't get 10,000 at this sort of price then we wont be able to do it again, and next
year we'll have to take it back to normal prices.
"We've had the fan-base, and I know that over the last seven or eight years they've not had a lot to shout about.
But the one thing that they've had is value."
===========================
DELPH INJURY AFFECTS PAYOUT
Chairman Ken Bates insists the implications of Fabian Delph's injury on the
money owed to Leeds in transfer fees is "of secondary importance".
Delph progressed through the Thorp Arch academy into the first team as a
teenager at Leeds before being sold to Aston Villa last summer for a fee
that could rise up to a reported £8million in add-ons.
The 18-year-old has been ruled out for eight months after rupturing his
cruciate knee ligament in training and further money due to Leeds - and
Bradford, who Delph left aged 12 - based on his first-team appearances at
Villa has now been put on hold.
But Bates said: "Nobody wants to see a player seriously injured and we wish
him luck.
"We have received a proportion of the guaranteed element of the fee with the
rest being due in the future, an eighth goes to Bradford City, but that
really is of secondary importance.
"This is when you find your character and he will pick himself up and dust
himself down."
===========================
STARS LINE UP FOR BANTAMS FIRE VICTIMS
Former Bradford stars Dean Windass, Stuart McCall and Peter Beagrie will
take part in a memorial match for the Valley Parade fire victims.
The trio will form part of the 'Old Boys' side, who will take on The
Co-operative Challenge Trophy Cup Lancashire Winners, on Sunday, May 9 at
3pm in a match aiming to help raise £100,000 for the Bradford Plastic
Surgery and Burns Research Unit. Entry is free but donations are welcome and
can be made on the day.
In addition, the two supporters placing the highest bids could play
alongside some of their heroes. Any male over the age of 16 who has
experience playing football should email their name, age and contract
details to bid2play@thebantams.co.uk, with their offer in the subject line.
Peter Ryan, regional operations manager at The Co-operative Food said: "We
have two places up for grabs. The two highest bidders will get the chance to
play for up to 45 minutes with the old boys and live out their fantasies of
playing at Valley Parade.
"This really is what all Bradford City F.C fans dream of and we're making it
possible."
Meanwhile, the Bantams will move to a new training ground next season after
agreeing a five-year lease to rent the University of Leeds playing fields at
Weetwood.
===========================
Sunday, April 18, 2010
L2 v Morecombe (h) W2-0 April 13th 2010
Football League Two - KO 19:45
Bradford 2 (0) - 0 (0) Morecambe
Rehman 69
Bolder 90
At Valley Parade on 13-04-2010
Bradford: McLaughlan, Rehman, Threlfall, Bateson, Williams, Bullock, Grant, Bolder, James O'Brien (Dean, 76 ) , Evans, Osborne
Subs not used: Glennon,Luke O'Brien,Sharry,Kendall,Horne,Cutler,
Morecambe: Roche, Haining, Artell, Parrish, Wilson, Stanley, Drummond, Hackney ( Wainwright, 75 ) , Duffy, Jevons, Mullin
Subs not used: Moss, McLachlan, Panther, Scott Davies, Bentley, Hunter,
Bookings: James O'Brien (Bradford)
Attendance: 11027
Referee: C Sarginson ()
TEAM STATS
Bradford Morecambe
12(5) Shots (on Goal) 10(5)
11 Fouls 7
4 Corner Kicks 4
1 Offsides 6
50% Time of Poss. 50%
1 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
4 Saves 3
===========================
THREE YEAR SPONSOR DEAL WORTH £300,000 ANNOUNCED
Map Group UK has renewed its shirt sponsorship of English League Two soccer
team Bradford City for another three years.
The deal is likely to be worth around £100,000 a season. Communications
technology provider Map Group took the decision to extend its partnership
with the Bantams after the club's chairman, Mark Lawn, announced a new
scheme making 5,000 season-tickets available to fans at bargain prices.
Describing the offer as "quite unbelievable", Map Group operations director
Andrew Long said: "That really tipped the scales for us to commit to
extending our sponsorship deal. This will give the club stability. As a
supporter and coming from Bradford, it was only right we also showed
long-term commitment to the club and supporters."
Bradford director of operations David Baldwin added: "It's an improvement on
the current deal and a consistent figure for the next three years. It gives
us great budgeting planning. There are always concerns when success on the
pitch makes the commercial element of the business so much easier. But one
thing the fans and sponsors see is that things are going right off it."
===========================
Taylor's speedy youngsters give their all to snuff out Morecambe
7:30am Wednesday 14th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor saluted his "hungry" City players as they ended a seven-game hunt for a win by sinking play-off contenders Morecambe.
The youthful Bantams side, again missing all their key injuries, triumphed 2-0 last night at a chilly Valley Parade.
Delighted Taylor said: "I'm pleased for the players because of late we haven't had results and performances that have been good enough.
"But we kept grafting away and it was a young, athletic, hungry team that worked exceptionally hard on and off the ball.
"I think Morecambe are an excellent team. They are always going to test you and create chances, which they did, but the little bit of luck you need in the box fell to us.
"Whenever they were needed, somebody came up and did their job well. If I was a supporter, I'd have been pleased with that performance and we'd love to repeat it on Saturday."
Taylor covered the absence of a big centre forward by fielding a three-man frontline full of pace.
Leon Osborne got his first start of the season and Gavin Grant produced his liveliest display in a City shirt.
"It was a front three that can all sprint exceptionally well and run around for a long time," said the City boss.
"I was a bit happier with Gavin Grant because that's how I know he can play. Gareth Evans always does that and Leon Osborne has got a real future if he keeps working hard.
"Gavin didn't get a pre-season and things like that are going to affect you. But he opened his legs up a bit more and he's got good ability – that was how I remember him playing for Wycombe."
Adam Bolder notched the first goal of his loan club after Zesh Rehman had broken the deadlock. It was the perfect response from the skipper after the stick he got for an error in the last home game.
Taylor said: "Zesh is a good pro and a good lad. He had the disappointment of giving the goal away (against Macclesfield) but he's worked hard again."
Midfielder Steve O'Leary missed last night's game after spending a couple of days in hospital with a suspected blood infection.
===========================
City skipper Zesh immune to taunts after years of abuse
7:30am Friday 16th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Zesh Rehman has told the Valley Parade boo boys they are wasting their breath because he has put up with stick all his life.
City's skipper has been targeted by a small section of home fans and received heavy abuse after a mistake led to a goal in the recent defeat against Macclesfield.
Rehman rode the storm to bounce back with two solid defensive displays and even scored in Tuesday's first win in seven games.
He is confident of winning over his critics – but insists their taunts won't affect him.
Rehman said: "I've grown up with comments from the age of ten. I've been used to that negativity for my whole life.
"I've become thick-skinned to it. The game changes so quickly, you can't afford to be up, down, up, down or you'd be an emotional wreck.
"The fans have the right to voice their frustration. The only disappointing thing was some of the comments but that's football and you've got to be strong enough to deal with it. You've got to have that mental toughness if you want to be a footballer."
Rehman made a point of celebrating his goal against Morecambe with Peter Taylor. It was the defender's way of acknowledging the manager's faith in him following his Easter blunder.
"I was desperate to do well after the last home game and I wanted to thank the gaffer for showing belief in me to keep me in the team," he said.
"He left me on against Macclesfield when the easiest thing would have been to haul me off. I appreciated he showed that good experience of man-management to leave me on and let me play through it.
"I was really grateful for that and the next game couldn't come quick enough. I was so pleased to score and it was nice to be able to celebrate with the gaffer.
"Hopefully now I can stay in the middle of the back four and help us to a strong finish."
City have been hit hard by injuries and none of the walking wounded are expected to feature against Barnet at Valley Parade tomorrow.
But Rehman believes the selection problems have allowed some of the lesser lights to shine – and he has been hugely impressed with goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin's performances in the last two games.
The captain said: "Circumstances change in football and there's an opportunity now for young lads like Leon Osborne, Jonny Bateson, James O'Brien and especially Jon McLaughlin. Through all the injuries, the door is open for these younger lads.
"We're all team-mates and here for each other, as we have been all season. But when the chance comes, someone like Jon has grabbed it and staked a claim to get another contract.
"He's been brilliant in the last two games and I'm really pleased for him. Jon's a great pro who works hard every day.
"In all the time I've been here, I've never heard him complain. He comes in every morning bright and bubbly for training.
"It just takes one manager to have that bit of belief in you and the confidence to give you a go."
Rehman, who scored in the 2-2 draw at Underhill earlier in the season, hopes City can take the added belief from midweek into the penultimate home game.
He said: "There's no better feeling than winning. It's a bit too late now but we can go into the last four games with a confidence boost.
"Everyone's got something to play for and we want to finish on a high. It was a good win over Morecambe and we'll look to keep that going."
===========================
Kendall extends loan until end of season
2:14pm Friday 16th April 2010
Ciy's on-loan striker Ryan Kendall has extended his loan spell from Hull until the end of the season.
The youngster was due to finish his spell after tomorrow's game with Barnet but will now stay at Valley Parade until May 9.
Monday, April 12, 2010
L2 v Burton Albion (a) D1-1 April 10th 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Burton Albion (0) 1 Harrad 82
Bradford City (0) 1 Oliver 59
Att: 2,648
Stats: Burton - Bradford C
Possession: 46 - 54%
Shots on target: 13 - 5
Shots off target: 5 - 2
Fouls: 11 - 14
Corners: 11 - 3
Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Yellow cards:
Burton: McGrath (88 min.)
Bradford C: Threlfall (70 min).
Burton: 30. Artur Krysiak, 8. Andrew Corbett, 5. Tony James, 25. Tom Parkes,
2. Paul Boertien, 23. Cleveland Taylor, 16. Russell Penn, 6. John McGrath,
19. Jacques Maghoma, 9. Shaun Harrad, 18. Greg Pearson (64).
SUBS: 1. Kevin Poole (GK), 3. Aaron Webster, 4. Michael Simpson, 11. Keith
Gilroy, 17. Jimmy Phillips, 21. Romuald Boco, 26. Steven Kabba (64).
Bradford C: 13. Jon McLaughlin, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Lee Bullock, 33. Adam Bolder, 25.
Steve O'Leary (58), 31. Gavin Grant (77), 32. Luke Oliver, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 3. Luke O'Brien (77), 15. Ryan Kendall, 19. James O'Brien (58), 20.
Leon Osborne, 23. Luke Dean, 34. Phil Cutler, 40. Matthew Glennon (GK).
Next Matches:
(H) Morecambe, Tuesday April 13, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM
(H) Barnet, Saturday April 17, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8614473.stm
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
(full report below)
Jon McLaughlin saved a penalty but a late Burton equaliser denied City their
first win in six games.
Makeshift striker Luke Oliver netted for the second successive outing. But
the star for Peter Taylor's team was the understudy keeper.
McLaughlin was making only his second start of the season after being
brought in for Matt Glennon.
But he made his mark after 17 minutes, plunging to his right to beat away
Greg Pearson's 17th-minute spot-kick after Steve O'Leary's foul on Russell
Penn.
He also saved well from Shaun Harrad in a first half dominated by the home
team.
McLaughlin again came to City's rescue soon after the break, tipping over a
thundering drive from Penn.
City made the most of the keeper's heroics to grab the lead after 59
minutes.
Gavin Grant's shot deflected high into the air and Luke Oliver, playing as
centre forward, nodded the rebound over Artur Krysiak for his second goal in
successive games.
That lifted the Bantams and Gareth Evans, who had managed City's only shot
of note in the opening 45 minutes, saw a low drive turned behind by Krysiak.
Burton cranked up the pressure and McLaughlin denied Harrad again.
But the Brewers' hitman got his revenge with eight minutes left, notching
his 18th goal of the season from Paul Boertien's low cross.
It would have got worse for City but James O'Brien cleared off the line from
a Tony James header.
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
OLIVER RECALLED
Luke Oliver's goalscoring performance at Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon
will unfortunately be his last for the Bantams- for this season at least.
The giant defender, who actually featured in attack at the Pirelli Stadium,
has been recalled by his parent club Wycombe Wanderers following an injury
to defender Adam Hinselwood.
Hinselwood was withdrawn after only 18 minutes of the Chairboys vital
victory over Hartlepool United at Adams Park, a win that keeps their
survival hopes alive.
With Wycombe still holding a chance of staying in League 1, manager Gary
Waddock was quick to contact Peter Taylor on Saturday evening to inform the
Bantams boss of his decision to bring back Oliver.
Oliver had extended his loan period at the Coral Windows Stadium until the
end of the season back in early April, but the new deal did crucially
include a call back clause.
Now that Wycombe have activated the clause, Oliver will immediately leave
the Valley Parade for the Buckinghamshire club - but he may not have played
his last match for the football club.
Oliver's contract at Adams Park expires at the end of the season and with
Taylor openly admitting he is a fan of the giant defender, the 27 year old
still may still have a future in Yorkshire.
===========================
Bantams' inconsistency leads to more dropped points
7:00am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor admitted City's up and down performances are "crazy".
The Bantams boss accused his players of not turning up for the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burton.
They picked up after the break – and took the lead through Luke Oliver's second goal in successive games – but Taylor remains baffled by the inconsistency.
He had thrown down the gauntlet for the players to impress in the final six matches but, despite the excellent Jon McLaughlin saving a penalty early on, City took a long time to respond.
Taylor said: "I asked the players at half-time what should I say on Monday morning? They've now got five games left to show me something?
"Burton were very bright and deserved to be leading probably by a couple. We didn't play, didn't show for the ball and didn't try to play any football.
"I don't think it's nerves but players have got to be stronger than that.
"But then we score a goal that we didn't 100 per cent deserve and all of sudden it lifts us and we start playing a bit. It's a crazy situation.
"But that's sport, that's confidence. I'm sure it's the same as a golfer having a nightmare round, then something goes in and suddenly he hits some fantastic shots.
"It's very difficult to see how good somebody could be if they are playing without confidence. You see them in training and see what they are capable of doing but it's not the same.
"Like any manager, I want a group of players who are going to get on with it and put things right. We might be in this situation next season and they've got to be brave."
McLaughlin replaced Matt Glennon in City's goal and shone in his first outing since January.
Taylor was impressed with the understudy and is ready to give him a run in the side.
He said: "I thought Jon was excellent. His handling and the way he dealt with crosses was good as well as a tremendous penalty save."
Meanwhile, Michael Flynn has an outside chance of being fit for tomorrow's home clash with Morecambe.
===========================
Back-up keeper saves penalty as City weather Burton storm to bag point
6:40am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Burton 1, City 1
They say that good things come to those who wait. Jon McLaughlin's patience clearly paid off with a faultless display in his first outing for three months.
There's no more frustrating position in the squad than that of the back-up goalkeeper and the British Students stopper had not seen a hint of action since Matt Glennon's arrival in January.
But summoned from his regular spot on the bench, McLaughlin seized the opportunity at the Pirelli Stadium.
Throw in an early penalty save and it gave Peter Taylor plenty of food for thought in the chase for summer contracts.
Spot-kicks seem to follow McLaughlin around. Three times he faced shoot-outs in last year's Student Games in Serbia; the only blemish of his last appearance against Cheltenham was their penalty equaliser.
So it was no shock when he was once again summoned for a 12-yard duel after Russell Penn had accepted the invitation of Steve O'Leary's dangling leg.
McLaughlin guessed right to beat out Greg Pearson's effort – and then hoped it will have been a decent addition on his CV when Taylor draws up his retained list.
"It's always an opportunity to get the glory for a second or two," smiled the affable keeper. "You can't really lose with penalties because the striker is always the favourite.
"A lot of it is down to guess work and getting a feeling. There isn't too much information in this league – you don't get the Prozone stats.
"If you've not given it away, you can only be the hero. It's good to test yourself like that and I was delighted with the save."
The 22-year-old was no one-trick pony, lighting up an otherwise typically end-of-season encounter with two further saves from Shaun Harrad and another tip-over from a Penn thunderbolt.
Taylor was clearly impressed and has told McLaughlin there will be further opportunities.
The keeper said: "A run of games gives you the chance to build some form. Obviously Glenny (Matt Glennon) has been playing well and is also looking to earn a contract, so it's up to what the gaffer says. But if I get the chance, I'll try to take it with both hands.
"The main thing is to stay composed and play your normal game. There's that temptation to come for everything and look to make the super saves but the last thing you do as a goalkeeper is go chasing the game."
McLaughlin's team-mates had to do plenty of chasing in a first half dominated by the home side.
Still operating with his shadow squad, Taylor had sent out City in a 4-3-3 encouraging to pass the ball more away from the Valley Parade quagmire. For 45 minutes, they never did anything of the sort.
Luke Oliver was up front from the start but the lack of service left the big man totally isolated.
Burton looked to hit the right flank every time, where former Scunthorpe winger Cleveland Taylor gave Robbie Threlfall a torrid time. The only saving grace for City was that Taylor's crossing was more miss than hit.
Gavin Grant had begun on the left but offered little defensive help to his full back, so Taylor quickly transferred Gareth Evans to double up.
Evans delivered the only moment of concern for Burton keeper Artur Krysiak with a low drive from O'Leary's through ball. Otherwise it was one-way traffic, with only McLaughlin keeping the Brewers at bay.
At least City won a corner on the stroke of half-time – their first away from home since Hereford – but even that became a swift Burton break which saw home skipper John McGrath go close.
Taylor was not fooled by the interval stalemate. It had been a 0-0 thrashing! City had to buck their ideas up and fortunately they did, prompted by the presence of James O'Brien in midfield.
The young Irishman, like McLaughlin, has had to wait to catch the new manager's eye. And like McLaughlin, he did just that by injecting energy and enthusiasm into a previously-lethargic away performance.
Taylor said: "He's got a very decent right foot and is capable of scoring goals. I know he's a good player and hopefully we'll see a lot more of him."
O'Brien had barely touched the ball when City grabbed a surprise lead. Grant picked off a loose pass from Tony James and embarked on his one run of the afternoon. His shot was instantly deflected but the ball spiralled high into the warm air and plopped onto Oliver's head for a looping nod over Krysiak.
It was hardly a goal of beauty, nor one justified by the pattern of play, but the new-found confidence at last got City playing.
Evans twice went close to extending their lead, while McLaughlin continued to win his personal battle with Harrad at the other end.
City were eight minutes away from their first win for six games when the Burton striker finally got his own back.
Jon Bateson went missing after Steve Kabba won the ball in midfield and fed overlapping left back Paul Boertien. He had plenty of space for a low cross which Harrad bundled home for his 18th goal of his side's debut league season.
It was some justice for the hosts – and they nearly grabbed a win late on when a James header was blocked on the line by O'Brien protecting the far post.
Right place; right time. When Taylor issued his six-game ultimatum, two of the squad were clearly listening. Attendance: 2,648
===========================
Morecambe head for Valley Parade in top form
2:10pm Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Morecambe are dreaming of kicking off at their new home in League One.
The Shrimps leave Christie Park in the summer for the Globe Arena, a £12million state-of-the-art 6,000-seater stadium just across town.
And Sammy McIlroy's men could well be breaking new ground on the pitch as well, with the Lancashire club pushing to make a first appearance in the third tier.
Morecambe have sneaked into the play-offs almost unnoticed on the back of a well-timed charge.
Saturday's 2-0 win over Rotherham was their fourth in a row and fifth victory in six. Only unstoppable Notts County can boast better form.
Beating the Millers lifted Morecambe into seventh place and within a point of Aldershot in fourth, although they are still seven off Bournemouth in the final automatic promotion slot.
Confidence is soaring and McIlroy is happy to be regarded as the play-off dark horses as he brings his side to Valley Parade.
He said: "We have got five games to go and they are all very tough. We have to remain fully focused.
"Every game is like a cup final now but we have certainly given ourselves a chance.
"I am proud of the lads for all their efforts because we have just kept plugging away and gone on a run that has largely gone unnoticed."
Phil Jevons, on a season-long loan from Huddersfield, has spearheaded Morecambe's challenge. Another goal at the weekend was his 19th of the season.
Strike partner Paul Mullin is not far behind on 13, despite missing five weeks after Christmas with an ankle injury.
This time last year, Mullin failed to hit the target for City in a frustrating loan spell after Stuart McCall brought him in to replace Barry Conlon.
But Mullin returns to Valley Parade having netted in three of Morecambe's run of wins.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Burton Albion (0) 1 Harrad 82
Bradford City (0) 1 Oliver 59
Att: 2,648
Stats: Burton - Bradford C
Possession: 46 - 54%
Shots on target: 13 - 5
Shots off target: 5 - 2
Fouls: 11 - 14
Corners: 11 - 3
Ref: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Yellow cards:
Burton: McGrath (88 min.)
Bradford C: Threlfall (70 min).
Burton: 30. Artur Krysiak, 8. Andrew Corbett, 5. Tony James, 25. Tom Parkes,
2. Paul Boertien, 23. Cleveland Taylor, 16. Russell Penn, 6. John McGrath,
19. Jacques Maghoma, 9. Shaun Harrad, 18. Greg Pearson (64).
SUBS: 1. Kevin Poole (GK), 3. Aaron Webster, 4. Michael Simpson, 11. Keith
Gilroy, 17. Jimmy Phillips, 21. Romuald Boco, 26. Steven Kabba (64).
Bradford C: 13. Jon McLaughlin, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Lee Bullock, 33. Adam Bolder, 25.
Steve O'Leary (58), 31. Gavin Grant (77), 32. Luke Oliver, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 3. Luke O'Brien (77), 15. Ryan Kendall, 19. James O'Brien (58), 20.
Leon Osborne, 23. Luke Dean, 34. Phil Cutler, 40. Matthew Glennon (GK).
Next Matches:
(H) Morecambe, Tuesday April 13, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM
(H) Barnet, Saturday April 17, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
Video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8614473.stm
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
(full report below)
Jon McLaughlin saved a penalty but a late Burton equaliser denied City their
first win in six games.
Makeshift striker Luke Oliver netted for the second successive outing. But
the star for Peter Taylor's team was the understudy keeper.
McLaughlin was making only his second start of the season after being
brought in for Matt Glennon.
But he made his mark after 17 minutes, plunging to his right to beat away
Greg Pearson's 17th-minute spot-kick after Steve O'Leary's foul on Russell
Penn.
He also saved well from Shaun Harrad in a first half dominated by the home
team.
McLaughlin again came to City's rescue soon after the break, tipping over a
thundering drive from Penn.
City made the most of the keeper's heroics to grab the lead after 59
minutes.
Gavin Grant's shot deflected high into the air and Luke Oliver, playing as
centre forward, nodded the rebound over Artur Krysiak for his second goal in
successive games.
That lifted the Bantams and Gareth Evans, who had managed City's only shot
of note in the opening 45 minutes, saw a low drive turned behind by Krysiak.
Burton cranked up the pressure and McLaughlin denied Harrad again.
But the Brewers' hitman got his revenge with eight minutes left, notching
his 18th goal of the season from Paul Boertien's low cross.
It would have got worse for City but James O'Brien cleared off the line from
a Tony James header.
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
OLIVER RECALLED
Luke Oliver's goalscoring performance at Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon
will unfortunately be his last for the Bantams- for this season at least.
The giant defender, who actually featured in attack at the Pirelli Stadium,
has been recalled by his parent club Wycombe Wanderers following an injury
to defender Adam Hinselwood.
Hinselwood was withdrawn after only 18 minutes of the Chairboys vital
victory over Hartlepool United at Adams Park, a win that keeps their
survival hopes alive.
With Wycombe still holding a chance of staying in League 1, manager Gary
Waddock was quick to contact Peter Taylor on Saturday evening to inform the
Bantams boss of his decision to bring back Oliver.
Oliver had extended his loan period at the Coral Windows Stadium until the
end of the season back in early April, but the new deal did crucially
include a call back clause.
Now that Wycombe have activated the clause, Oliver will immediately leave
the Valley Parade for the Buckinghamshire club - but he may not have played
his last match for the football club.
Oliver's contract at Adams Park expires at the end of the season and with
Taylor openly admitting he is a fan of the giant defender, the 27 year old
still may still have a future in Yorkshire.
===========================
Bantams' inconsistency leads to more dropped points
7:00am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor admitted City's up and down performances are "crazy".
The Bantams boss accused his players of not turning up for the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Burton.
They picked up after the break – and took the lead through Luke Oliver's second goal in successive games – but Taylor remains baffled by the inconsistency.
He had thrown down the gauntlet for the players to impress in the final six matches but, despite the excellent Jon McLaughlin saving a penalty early on, City took a long time to respond.
Taylor said: "I asked the players at half-time what should I say on Monday morning? They've now got five games left to show me something?
"Burton were very bright and deserved to be leading probably by a couple. We didn't play, didn't show for the ball and didn't try to play any football.
"I don't think it's nerves but players have got to be stronger than that.
"But then we score a goal that we didn't 100 per cent deserve and all of sudden it lifts us and we start playing a bit. It's a crazy situation.
"But that's sport, that's confidence. I'm sure it's the same as a golfer having a nightmare round, then something goes in and suddenly he hits some fantastic shots.
"It's very difficult to see how good somebody could be if they are playing without confidence. You see them in training and see what they are capable of doing but it's not the same.
"Like any manager, I want a group of players who are going to get on with it and put things right. We might be in this situation next season and they've got to be brave."
McLaughlin replaced Matt Glennon in City's goal and shone in his first outing since January.
Taylor was impressed with the understudy and is ready to give him a run in the side.
He said: "I thought Jon was excellent. His handling and the way he dealt with crosses was good as well as a tremendous penalty save."
Meanwhile, Michael Flynn has an outside chance of being fit for tomorrow's home clash with Morecambe.
===========================
Back-up keeper saves penalty as City weather Burton storm to bag point
6:40am Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Burton 1, City 1
They say that good things come to those who wait. Jon McLaughlin's patience clearly paid off with a faultless display in his first outing for three months.
There's no more frustrating position in the squad than that of the back-up goalkeeper and the British Students stopper had not seen a hint of action since Matt Glennon's arrival in January.
But summoned from his regular spot on the bench, McLaughlin seized the opportunity at the Pirelli Stadium.
Throw in an early penalty save and it gave Peter Taylor plenty of food for thought in the chase for summer contracts.
Spot-kicks seem to follow McLaughlin around. Three times he faced shoot-outs in last year's Student Games in Serbia; the only blemish of his last appearance against Cheltenham was their penalty equaliser.
So it was no shock when he was once again summoned for a 12-yard duel after Russell Penn had accepted the invitation of Steve O'Leary's dangling leg.
McLaughlin guessed right to beat out Greg Pearson's effort – and then hoped it will have been a decent addition on his CV when Taylor draws up his retained list.
"It's always an opportunity to get the glory for a second or two," smiled the affable keeper. "You can't really lose with penalties because the striker is always the favourite.
"A lot of it is down to guess work and getting a feeling. There isn't too much information in this league – you don't get the Prozone stats.
"If you've not given it away, you can only be the hero. It's good to test yourself like that and I was delighted with the save."
The 22-year-old was no one-trick pony, lighting up an otherwise typically end-of-season encounter with two further saves from Shaun Harrad and another tip-over from a Penn thunderbolt.
Taylor was clearly impressed and has told McLaughlin there will be further opportunities.
The keeper said: "A run of games gives you the chance to build some form. Obviously Glenny (Matt Glennon) has been playing well and is also looking to earn a contract, so it's up to what the gaffer says. But if I get the chance, I'll try to take it with both hands.
"The main thing is to stay composed and play your normal game. There's that temptation to come for everything and look to make the super saves but the last thing you do as a goalkeeper is go chasing the game."
McLaughlin's team-mates had to do plenty of chasing in a first half dominated by the home side.
Still operating with his shadow squad, Taylor had sent out City in a 4-3-3 encouraging to pass the ball more away from the Valley Parade quagmire. For 45 minutes, they never did anything of the sort.
Luke Oliver was up front from the start but the lack of service left the big man totally isolated.
Burton looked to hit the right flank every time, where former Scunthorpe winger Cleveland Taylor gave Robbie Threlfall a torrid time. The only saving grace for City was that Taylor's crossing was more miss than hit.
Gavin Grant had begun on the left but offered little defensive help to his full back, so Taylor quickly transferred Gareth Evans to double up.
Evans delivered the only moment of concern for Burton keeper Artur Krysiak with a low drive from O'Leary's through ball. Otherwise it was one-way traffic, with only McLaughlin keeping the Brewers at bay.
At least City won a corner on the stroke of half-time – their first away from home since Hereford – but even that became a swift Burton break which saw home skipper John McGrath go close.
Taylor was not fooled by the interval stalemate. It had been a 0-0 thrashing! City had to buck their ideas up and fortunately they did, prompted by the presence of James O'Brien in midfield.
The young Irishman, like McLaughlin, has had to wait to catch the new manager's eye. And like McLaughlin, he did just that by injecting energy and enthusiasm into a previously-lethargic away performance.
Taylor said: "He's got a very decent right foot and is capable of scoring goals. I know he's a good player and hopefully we'll see a lot more of him."
O'Brien had barely touched the ball when City grabbed a surprise lead. Grant picked off a loose pass from Tony James and embarked on his one run of the afternoon. His shot was instantly deflected but the ball spiralled high into the warm air and plopped onto Oliver's head for a looping nod over Krysiak.
It was hardly a goal of beauty, nor one justified by the pattern of play, but the new-found confidence at last got City playing.
Evans twice went close to extending their lead, while McLaughlin continued to win his personal battle with Harrad at the other end.
City were eight minutes away from their first win for six games when the Burton striker finally got his own back.
Jon Bateson went missing after Steve Kabba won the ball in midfield and fed overlapping left back Paul Boertien. He had plenty of space for a low cross which Harrad bundled home for his 18th goal of his side's debut league season.
It was some justice for the hosts – and they nearly grabbed a win late on when a James header was blocked on the line by O'Brien protecting the far post.
Right place; right time. When Taylor issued his six-game ultimatum, two of the squad were clearly listening. Attendance: 2,648
===========================
Morecambe head for Valley Parade in top form
2:10pm Monday 12th April 2010
By Simon Parker
Morecambe are dreaming of kicking off at their new home in League One.
The Shrimps leave Christie Park in the summer for the Globe Arena, a £12million state-of-the-art 6,000-seater stadium just across town.
And Sammy McIlroy's men could well be breaking new ground on the pitch as well, with the Lancashire club pushing to make a first appearance in the third tier.
Morecambe have sneaked into the play-offs almost unnoticed on the back of a well-timed charge.
Saturday's 2-0 win over Rotherham was their fourth in a row and fifth victory in six. Only unstoppable Notts County can boast better form.
Beating the Millers lifted Morecambe into seventh place and within a point of Aldershot in fourth, although they are still seven off Bournemouth in the final automatic promotion slot.
Confidence is soaring and McIlroy is happy to be regarded as the play-off dark horses as he brings his side to Valley Parade.
He said: "We have got five games to go and they are all very tough. We have to remain fully focused.
"Every game is like a cup final now but we have certainly given ourselves a chance.
"I am proud of the lads for all their efforts because we have just kept plugging away and gone on a run that has largely gone unnoticed."
Phil Jevons, on a season-long loan from Huddersfield, has spearheaded Morecambe's challenge. Another goal at the weekend was his 19th of the season.
Strike partner Paul Mullin is not far behind on 13, despite missing five weeks after Christmas with an ankle injury.
This time last year, Mullin failed to hit the target for City in a frustrating loan spell after Stuart McCall brought him in to replace Barry Conlon.
But Mullin returns to Valley Parade having netted in three of Morecambe's run of wins.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
L2 v Macclesfield (h) L1-2 April 5th 2010
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (0) 1 Oliver 47
Macclesfield (1) 2 Sinclair 40, Wright 61
Att: 11,395
Stats: Bradford C - Macclesfield
Shots on target: 4 - 4
Shots off target: 5 - 4
Fouls: 8 - 10
Corners: 6 - 1
Ref: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Threlfall (88 min).
Macclesfield: None.
Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12. Steve Williams, 32.
Luke Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 25. Steve O'Leary, 33. Adam Bolder, 8.
Lee Bullock (71), 3. Luke O'Brien (46), 15. Ryan Kendall (46), 9. Gareth
Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 16. Jonathan Bateson (46), 19. James O'Brien,
20. Leon Osborne, 24. Louis Horne, 31. Gavin Grant (46), 35. Ryan Harrison
(71).
Macclesfield: 1. Jon Brain, 16. Shaun Brisley, 6. Paul Morgan, 5. Nathaniel
Brown, 4. Sean Hessey, 19. Matthew Lowe, 7. Lee Bell, 15. Paul Bolland (73),
24. Vinny Mukendi, 9. Emile Sinclair (86), 11. Ben Wright.
SUBS: 13. Jose Veiga (GK), 2. Izak Reid (73), 12. Kyle Wilson, 14. John
Rooney, 23. Mathew Tipton (86), 25. Michael Thomas, 28. Craig Lindfield.
Next matches:
(A) Burton, Saturday April 10, 2010. K.O 3:00PM.
(H) Morecambe, Tuesday April 13, 2010. K.O. 7:45PM.
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Peter Taylor suffered his first home defeat on a dismal afternoon.
Injury-hit City have now gone five games without a win after Macclesfield
clinched their first ever victory at Valley Parade.
Steve Williams almost headed City in front from a corner but Jonny Brain
saved well on the line.
Macclesfield grabbed the lead just before the break, one-time Bantams
trainee Emile Sinclair punishing a mistake from Zesh Rehman.
City levelled within two minutes of the re-start as on-loan Luke Oliver,
pushed up as a striker, drilled home his first goal for the club.
But the visitors restored their lead just after the hour through Ben Wright.
Teenage winger Ryan Harrison was thrown on for a late debut but City -
missing five injured players - were unable to find a way back.
===========================
EVANS: WE'RE PLAYING FOR THE MANAGER
Bradford City striker Gareth Evans has called on his team mates to do their
bit to reinforce Peter Taylor's position as club manager.
The club finished the Easter weekend pointless but Evans insists
improvements in their remaining six matches can secure the former Hull
manager's job at the helm.
Evans told the Telegraph & Argus: "We're playing for the manager. We're all
keen on him getting the job and obviously his future lies on the next six
games.
"We're hopeful he's going to stay and we're also playing for our own chances
of being here with him.
"Football is such a difficult game at the moment with so many players
unemployed, so everyone is playing for their future.
"We want to be in the manager's plans next season if Peter Taylor is going
to be our gaffer."
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
REHMAN TO SET UP ACADEMY
Posted on: Wed 07 Apr 2010
The Bantams club captain Zesh Rehman is hoping to help fellow British Asians
into football by launching his own foundation in May.
The 26-year-old defender has broken down several barriers during his career
so far, including becoming the first British Asian to play in the Premier
League in 2004 when he was at Fulham. He wants to use the academy to inspire
others to achieve similar.
Rehman is also the first player of Asian origin to captain the Bantams in
the football club's 107 year history.
"The foundation's aim will be to raise the aspirations of kids," Rehman told
BBC Asian Network.
"It will be to get them to do something positive using the power of
football."
The Bantams number 5 knows just how hard it is for players from minority
backgrounds to get recognised in the game.
But the Pakistan international says, even if those who join his foundation
do not become professional players, the aim is to help them get involved in
football in some way or another.
"Hopefully, they'll see that they can get involved with a football club or
in an activity that can encourage them to better themselves in whatever they
choose to do," he added. "They don't necessarily have to become footballers
as within football there are hundreds of jobs.
"They can become involved at groundsman level, as a kitman, in the finance
department or media department. There are lots of opportunities available
for them."
Rehman is an ambassador for anti-racism body Kick It Out and the Football
Foundation, while last month he proudly received the PFA's Player in the
Community Award for 2010.
"It's nice to get that bit of recognition," the Bantams skipper reflected.
"But, if I'd won it or not, I would have carried on working in the community
and closely with my club to try to engage kids at all levels."
Joint chairman Mark Lawn also believes it is important for young British
Asians to have more role models like Rehman but says even that is not a
guarantee to attract members of the defender's community into the game.
"I'm not going to lie to you. It's been very slow and we haven't had any
intake (of British Asian fans) at all," he explained.
"We got Zesh because of his football ability, not because of his community
standing.
"But Zesh is working well in the community and we'll always be encouraging
any community to come in, especially the Asian community because we're on
their doorstep."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
OLD MOBILES REQUIRED FOR BURNS UNIT
Posted on: Wed 07 Apr 2010
Bradford City and Telegraph & Argus Burns Unit appeal are on
the lookout for old phones.
Bantams supporters are being asked to hand in any old and unused mobile
phones for recycling at various points around Bradford.
Every single phone collected and recycled will help to generate vital funds
towards the Burns Unit appeal.
The collection is being organised by City supporter group Shelf Bantams in
association with Angel mobile phone company, who will help to recycle the
phones.
Supporters can hand in their unwanted mobile phones at the following
locations:
(Bradford City home matchdays)
At designated areas in the:
Betrescue Stand
Co-operative Main Stand
Carlsberg Stand
Banqueting reception (in Co-operative Main Stand)
(Non-matchdays)
Ticket Office and main reception at the Coral Windows Stadium
Shoulder of Mutton pub in Shelf
Revive Cafe in Shelf
Edward Fosters Plumbing Merchants
Angel mobile phone shop on Rooley Lane, Odsal, Bradford
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
L2 v Bournemouth (a) L0-1 April 3rd 2010
Coca-Cola League Two
Bournemouth (1) 1 Pitman 41
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 6,239
Stats: Bournemouth - Bradford C
Possession: 54 - 46%
Shots on target: 11 - 4
Shots off target: 11 - 2
Fouls: 6 - 13
Corners: 6 - 0
Ref: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).
Yellow cards:
Bournemouth: None.
Bradford C: Bullock (28 min), Grant (89).
Bournemouth: 1. Shwan Jalal, 23. Lee Bradbury, 16. Rhoys Wiggins, 3. Ryan
Garry, 4. Shaun Cooper (42), 14. Danny Hollands, 6. Marvin Bartley, 8. Anton
Robinson, 11. Liam Feeney, 9. Brett Pitman, 33. Steve Fletcher.
SUBS: 30. Dan Thomas (GK), 7. Sammy Igoe, 10. Alan Connell (42), 17. Josh
McQuoid, 22. Joe Partington, 28. Warren Cummings.
Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 5. Zesh Rehman, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 12.
Steve Williams, 32. Luke Oliver, 15. Ryan Kendall (58), 33. Adam Bolder, 8.
Lee Bullock, 3. Luke O'Brien (76), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson (52).
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 16. Jonathan Bateson (76), 19. James O'Brien,
20. Leon Osborne (58), 24. Louis Horne, 25. Steve O'Leary, 31. Gavin Grant
(52).
Next matches:
(H) Macclesfield, Monday April 5, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
(A) Burton, Saturday April 10, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Shot-shy City failed to dent Bournemouth's promotion push at soggy Dean
Court.
The Bantams hit the bar through Gareth Evans but created very little and did
not win a single corner.
Bournemouth created the first chance after an uneventful opening 20 minutes,
top scorer Brett Pitman curling over the bar.
Lee Bullock, just back from suspension, picked up his 11th booking for
bundling over Marvin Bartley but Pitman's ambitious 35-yard free-kick was
easily saved.
Both sides played some neat football in midfield, though opportunities at
both ends were at a premium. City, in particular, had offered no threat
since a couple of early Ryan Kendall efforts.
But the stalemate was broken four minutes before half-time with a slick move
from the home side.
Liam Feeney swept the ball in to targetman Steve Fletcher, who created space
for Pitman to coolly slot his 20th league goal of the season into the bottom
corner.
Bournemouth pressed for a second after the break and Peter Taylor took off
both strikers, James Hanson limping off after pulling his hamstring.
Evans moved to the middle of a front three, flanked by subs Gavin Grant and
Leon Osborne, and immediately smacked a shot against the bar.
Pitman missed a golden chance to double his tally but volleyed straight at
Matt Glennon, who palmed the ball away.
Centre half Luke Oliver was thrown forward to put some height into City's
attack. But he, too, got little joy from a back four well marshalled by
Bartley.
Feeney went close to adding to Bournemouth's tally late on. But they had
done enough to ease three points nearer to League One.
===========================
===========================
===========================
New Season Ticket prices
Today (Monday) we are launching the second phase of our annual season ticket
offer, which will see tickets purchased between today and Sunday 9^th
May available at the staggering price of £184 (£92 junior) or, to put it
in plainer terms £8 per match.This cannot be beaten I would suggest and
the ticket office will remain open on Sunday 9^th May when the Club is
hosting a Burns Unit Charity Match at the ground.
In our January offer, I guess that some of you suspected changes may
come in the management structure and started to back the Club by the
purchase of almost 7,000 tickets for next season, a staggering increase
of over 40% on the previous year. Thank you so much.
The Club now needs you to back us further and back us hard with the aim
to sell in excess of 12,000 season tickets for next season.
After 9^th May deadline has expired season ticket prices will rise to
£250 (£125 junior) which at just less than £11 per game still represents
excellent value. Other payment options will be published in full over
the next few days.
===========================
BOLDER STICKING AROUND
Simon Parker (T&A)
Midfielder Adam Bolder has followed Luke Oliver's lead and extended his stay
at City for the rest of the season.
Bolder has played six games since arriving from Millwall.
His one-month loan spell was due to run out after the Macclesfield match on
Monday.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
L2 v Dag & Red (h) D3-3 March 27th 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (1) 3 Hanson 2, 67, Kendall 82.
Dag & Red (0) 3 Nurse 69, Williams og 75, Oliver og 90+1.
Att: 11,064
Stats: Bradford C - Dag & Red
Possession: 39 - 61%
Shots on target: 7 - 4
Shots off target: 8 - 8
Fouls: 9 - 12
Corners: 8 - 7
Ref: Paul Tierney (Lancashire)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: O'Brien (74 min)
Dag & Red: Ogogo (88 min)
Bradford C: 40. Matthew Glennon, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12. Steve Williams, 32.
Luke Oliver, 28. Robbie Threlfall (90), 7. Omar Daley (60), 33. Adam Bolder,
4. Michael Flynn (67), 3. Luke O'Brien, 17. James Hanson, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 15. Ryan Kendall (60), 16. Jonathan Bateson,
19. James O'Brien (90), 20. Leon Osborne, 24. Louis Horne, 25. Steve O'Leary
(67).
Dag & Red: 1. Tony Roberts, 19. Abu Ogogo, 4. Scott Doe, 6. Mark Arber, 3.
Damien McCrory, 7. Danny Green (90), 28. Marlon Pack, 5. Yoann Folly (65),
33. Peter Gain, 14. Paul Benson, 10. Josh Scott (83).
SUBS: 30. Chris Lewington (GK), 9. Jon Nurse (65), 15. Anwar Uddin, 17.
Darren Currie (90), 22. Graeme Montgomery, 26. Tommy Tejan-Sie, 31. Phil
Walsh (83).
Next match: (A) Bournemouth, Saturday April 3, 2010. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Two own goals cost City victory in a remarkable afternoon at Valley Parade.
The Bantams should have claimed a third home win under Peter Taylor.
James Hanson scored twice before substitute Ryan Kendall looked to have
clinched it with a great finish eight minutes from time.
But Luke Oliver put through his own net - as fellow centre half Steve
Williams had already done - to earn Dagenham a point.
City roared out the blocks with their quickest goal at home this season.
The game was less than two minutes old as Robbie Threlfall's opening corner
was powered in by Hanson.
The confidence surged through the Bantams who carved out several good
chances with some crowd-pleasing football.
Daley was clearly enjoying himself, giving the Daggers defence the
run-around, and twice went close. Gareth Evans also had a couple of decent
efforts, though Daley was completely on his own and screaming for a pass
when he opted to shoot straight at keeper Tony Roberts.
Dagenham were pleased to go in only 1-0 down at half-time. Their best effort
was a glancing header from Josh Scott that landed the wrong side of the far
post.
Both sides could have scored within three minutes of the re-start.
Matt Glennon denied Mark Arber an equaliser with a block from point-blank
range. Within seconds, Hanson headed Daley's cross against the foot of the
post.
But Daley's day suddenly ended just before the hour when he pulled up during
a run along the touchline.
Hanson doubled City's advantage with another header from a Threlfall cross -
and another home win looked to be settled.
But Dagenham had other ideas.
Sub Jon Nurse quickly pulled one back then Scott burst clear of Steve
Williams but fired wide.
City's reprieve was short-lived as Williams deflected Arber's header into
his own net to equalise.
As the game continued to hot up, City dusted themselves off to notch a third
of their own.
Again it was started by Threlfall with a long free-kick upfield, again it
involved man of the match Hanson and Kendall superbly lifted his flick-on
over Roberts for a memorable first senior goal.
But City shot themselves in the foot with another own goal. Adam Bolder gave
the ball away and Nurse's cross was headed into the City net by the diving
Luke Oliver.
And Dagenham could have won it in stoppage time but Paul Benson headed over
from six yards.
===========================
Video and pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/MatchGallery/0,,10266~2008061,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8592019.stm
===========================
Taylor makes 'sensible' contract demands
Peter Taylor's future at City will hinge on getting "the right
tools" from the club.
Taylor is talking with the board over a new contract for next season
and both parties expect a decision within three weeks.
He insists his own wages will not be a stumbling block.
The key issues surround budgets for players, training and preparation
plans, such as overnight stops for away games.
Taylor said: "I don't think my personal situation will be a problem
at all. Of course I want to commit myself to Bradford and to getting
promotion.
"It's more what we can do on players, how we prepare and so on. I
want to be competitive.
"I would love to get Bradford up a division at least and for that we
need to have the right tools.
"We need a bit more on the fitness side and things like gymnasiums. I
don't mean going crazily into costs.
"I'm also realistic. I've managed in the Conference as well as
other levels and I'm not looking to put Bradford into the red
ridiculously because of over-spending.
"I feel with a sensible budget and sensible tools of the field, we
could have a really good time. I can see what could be done here."
Taylor's spirits are high going into tomorrow's home clash with
Dagenham.
He felt the performance against an in-form Notts County was the best
in his nine games so far.
He added: "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm hopeful with the
way we performed on Tuesday, the supporters are enjoying it because
they can see some real progress."
Meanwhile, City missed out on a deadline-day loan deal last night
after their striker target picked up an injury.
Taylor, who let Mark McCammon go back to Gillingham, will use the
remaining games for a good look at the forwards already on board.
He said: "If we had been going for promotion, I would have tried to
bring in another one, but we've got people I need to look at.
"Once Gavin Grant gets better he can play up there; Flynn can play
there; I need to look at Evans a bit more; we've got Ryan Kendall in
andJames Hanson, of course."
McCammon made four appearances for City but started only twice against
Darlington and Aldershot.
===========================
BANTAMS MAKE TAYLOR ASSURANCES
Bradford are poised to switch training grounds in a bid to secure manager
Peter Taylor on a longer-term contract at Valley Parade.
Taylor, 57, signed a short-term deal at Valley Parade in February until the
end of the season when installed as Stuart McCall's successor and the former
England caretaker-coach has sought a several assurances from the City board
before committing himself.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn, who refused to confirm the new training site's
location said: "We're hopeful of negotiating something. This place has got
four or five quality pitches that aren't being used during the daytime and
only get played on once or twice a week.
"Peter wants to go somewhere that the lads can turn up, get changed and
showered there. He's said the changing facilities are not good enough at
Rawdon Meadows and I think he's probably right."
Lawn added: "Hopefully we've sorted his wages and personal terms and we're
nearly there with the budget for players.
"But it's also down to the fans. We're launching season tickets next week
and if we can sell 5,000, I can give him the budget that he wants."
===========================
CAMBRIDGE EXTEND NEILSON LOAN
Blue Square Premier outfit Cambridge United have extended the loan of
Bradford City winger Scott Neilson until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old joined Martin Ling's side on a one-month loan deal in March
and has played a pivotal role in Cambridge's recent unbeaten run.
Ling told the club's official website: "We're delighted to have him for rest
of season, he's been a major factor in our turnaround of form.
"We need him to continue in the same vein and help us finish the season in
style.
"He'll go back to Bradford for the last two weeks of their season and we'll
assess the situation in the summer."
===========================
OLIVER EXTENDS LOAN
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Defender Luke Oliver is set to extend his City loan from Wycombe until the
end of the season.
The current one-month deal was due to expire on Saturday.
===========================
LAWN: TIME TO TURF OUT THE OLD PLAYING SURFACE
By Simon Parker (T&A)
City have called in the experts to rescue the Valley Parade pitch.
World-renowned Sports Turf Research Institute, from Bingley, will offer help
on a surface that has been slammed by players and managers.
City are ready to dig up the pitch – which has been battered by extreme
winter weather – and start again at the end of the season. None of the local
league cup finals will be played there.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "I don't think the team look forward to
playing on that pitch. I don't think anyone would.
"But we're bringing in the turfing specialists to give us a consultation and
get the right ideas and advice. There's no reason why we can't get it better
– when we were in League One we won best pitch in the division.
"There's no disguising the weather over the last few months has been a lot
worse in the north. Look at the pitches at Rotherham, Rochdale, Bury and
anyone that's around us and then compare that with Aldershot."
Drainage has traditionally been a problem but Lawn admitted it would be far
too expensive to replace the foundations under the pitch.
"It's always going to be an issue unless we dig the whole thing up. But
1920s concrete seems to last.
"It wouldn't be a very easy job to do anyway and you'd be looking at figures
anything from £250,000 to £500,000, which obviously we can't afford.
"But we're going to get help from experts and we know we are getting the
best with this company. I'm sure they will tell us exactly what to do.
"(Commercial director) Roger Owen has had some dealings with them through
Morrison's and landfill sites. He knows the expertise coming in.
"Last year we had a lot of games on it after the end of the season. There
are only going to be two now – a community one and another for the Burns
Unit.
"We're not doing all the league cup finals. We need to give that pitch a
good eight weeks' rest, whatever we do."
Dagenham boss John Still was the latest critic of Valley Parade at the
weekend and called the conditions "treacherous".
City goal-scorer Ryan Kendall admitted there is little home advantage.
"The gaffer wants a passing team and wants us to get the ball down and
play," said the loan striker.
"We've got good players here but the pitch doesn't help the boys. But
there's nothing we can do about it this late in the season."
The Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), based at the St Ives Estate, have
a reputation around the globe.
This summer, they will be working as consultants on pitch maintenance at the
World Cup in South Africa.
They relayed the Wembley surface last year and have also worked on
Wimbledon, Twickenham, Ascot and Ireland's Croke Park.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
L2 v Notts County (h) D0-0 March 23rd 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Football League Two - KO 19:45
Bradford 0 (0) - 0 (0) Notts Co
At Valley Parade on 23-03-2010
Bradford: Glennon, Oliver, Rehman (Bateson, 73 ) , Luke O'Brien, Threlfall, Williams, Flynn, Daley (Kendall, 74 ) ,
Bolder, Evans, Hanson
Subs not used: McCammon,Osborne,McLaughlan,Horne,O'Neill,
Notts Co: Schmeichel, Thompson, Hunt, Edwards, Lee, Ravenhill, Bishop, Davies, Westcarr, Hawley ( Facey, 59 ) ,
Rodgers ( Akinbiyi, 85 )
Subs not used: Clapham, Hoult, Canham, Fairclough, Hamshaw,
Bookings: Bolder , Daley , Oliver (Bradford)
Attendance: 11630
Referee: O Langford
Stats
TEAM STATS
Bradford Notts Coun
13(7) Shots (on Goal) 11(5)
9 Fouls 7
6 Corner Kicks 11
0 Offsides 5
50% Time of Poss. 50%
3 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
4 Saves 5
===========================
Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2003827,00.html?
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics/sport_bantams_pics_nottscountyhome/view/gallery_139967.City_v_Notts_County_16_1_10_/
Video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8586182.stm
===========================
T&A
Bantams battlers rain on County's promotion parade
7:50am Wednesday 24th March 2010
By Simon Parker
City 0 Notts County 0
Peter Taylor got the response he was after as City slugged it out with League Two's form team last night.
Taylor fumed at the inconsistency after Saturday's disappointment at Hereford.
He demanded better against much better opponents at Valley Parade – and his players showed their battling qualities
to earn a draw against a side who have been beating all before them.
The ground-staff were out in force before the game as the pitch took a bashing from the heavy rain.
The ball was running freely during the warm-ups but the water was laying in several patches.
Taylor made four changes from the weekend loss at Edgar Street. Zesh Rehman, one of those coming back in, also took
the captain's armband from the suspended Lee Bullock.
Rehman lined up at right back while Steve Williams returned to the middle of the back four. Matt Clarke was not in
the squad at all.
City were under no illusions about the task ahead. Notts came to Valley Parade with 16 points from a possible 18 in
the six games since Steve Cotterill took over – including five clean sheets.
The home side were nearly undone within two minutes as Steve Williams failed to deal with a route one clearance
from Graeme Lee. The former City skipper's pass bounced past him to Luke Rodgers but he managed to do enough to put
the striker off getting a clean shot at Matt Glennon.
A draw was not much use to either side so there was a positive feel to the early exchanges. Notts in particular had
a shoot-on-sight policy, with the yellow-booted Rodgers happy to chase everything as he made the most of his
reprieve from Saturday's red card.
Robbie Threlfall, who renewed his loan to the end of the season this week, was in the wars after 17 minutes. The
young full back slid painfully into an advertising hoarding and needed treatment.
While he was off, County went close, with Ben Davies teeing up Rodgers for a glancing header just wide.
Michael Flynn, back in midfield to cover Bullock's absence, was in the hub of things for City as they tried to keep
the ball on the floor despite the conditions.
But Omar Daley was finding it tough to get into the game on the right flank. When he got the ball, there were
usually two opponents facing him.
When the Jamaican did get some space to whip in a cross, it was well dealt with by the stretching Ricky Ravenhill
before Gareth Evans could react.
City were close to a breakthrough on the half hour. Luke Oliver nodded a free-kick into the mix, where Williams
helped it on to Evans but the striker's instinctive stab was shovelled past the post by Kasper Schmeichel.
Daley then gave away a cheap free-kick at the other end but Mike Edwards could not get any purchase on his header.
Threlfall, showing no effects of the earlier collision, chanced his arm from 30 yards but the ball sailed
harmlessly into the TL Dallas Stand.
Adam Bolder was pulled up by referee Oliver Langford for the softest of nudges on Davies – and then booked for
lashing the ball away in frustration.
Rodgers was playing on the last man all the time, looking to get behind the City defence from any pass over the
top.
Notts forced their first couple of corners as half-time approached. The home side saw off the threat but again
didn't deal with a long ball coming back in and Davies sent a curler wide.
Daley joined Bolder in the book for a foul on Davies and the crowd weren't happy with the number of decisions going
against City. An offside flag for Rodgers drew ironic applause.
Luke O'Brien then showed a clean pair of heels to former team-mate Lee wide on the left. He slid the ball back to
James Hanson inside the box but the big man was unable to get it out from under his feet and the danger passed.
City were certainly holding their own against the division's in-form team. Given the pitch and the weather – it was
still pouring – it was a decent, full-blooded contest.
Rodgers still posed the biggest threat and latched menacingly on to a misheader from Oliver on the halfway line.
Cutting inside, he worked the ball on to Ravenhill, who found Craig Westcarr in space to his left.
There was genuine danger as the winger reached the box but Flynn had seen it and positioned himself perfectly to
cut out his shot with a clearing header.
O'Brien whisked a low cross just beyond Hanson and then had a go from Threlfall's pass but it was on his weaker
right foot and flew off course.
City turned a Notts County corner into one of their own as Bolder sprayed a deep ball for Hanson to chase. The
striker nearly got his reward as Williams' header bounced into his path but he skied a drive from 12 yards out.
Home tails were up and Flynn charged forward before warming Schmeichel's hands with a trademark blast. Cotterill
can't have been happy and sent on Delroy Facey for the anonymous Karl Hawley to give Oliver some genuine
competition in the air.
County wasted a great chance on 65 minutes. Rodgers eluded Williams to cut the ball back from the byline,
Westcarr's dummy created space for Davies but the midfielder blazed over from eight yards.
City responded with a well-struck effort from Evans on the right flank which Schmeichel stretched to beat away.
But City's sloppiness threatened to undo the good work. Rehman needlessly conceded a corner with a miscontrol from
a long ball and then a poor touch from Evans set up Rodgers for a snap-shot.
Taylor reacted with a double switch as Jon Bateson and Ryan Kendall replaced Rehman and Daley. But the Notts County
pressure was building as City were pushed further back.
County's corners were clocking up and Hanson was playing a key role, getting a thumping defensive header on several
of them.
Hanson then went back to the day job to fire a low drive straight at Schmeichel.
Oliver received City's third yellow card for a late tangle with substitute Ade Akinbiyi before a good chance fell
to Hanson, who scooped over.
===========================
Nott bad! Taylor happy with a point
7:00am Wednesday 24th March 2010
By Simon Parker
Peter Taylor felt City passed their test against the side he is tipping as promotion favourites.
The Bantams battled their way to a goalless draw with second-placed Notts County at soggy Valley Parade last night.
City bounced back from Saturday's loss at lowly Hereford and Taylor said: "You always enjoy yourself when players
respond like that.
"We knew it was going to be a big test and I'm delighted with the outcome. It was a great clean sheet for us."
It was the first time that free-scoring County had fired a blank in the league since November.
Taylor added: "Notts County have got eight strikers who have scored at this level so they are very strong. They've
also got a goalkeeper that's different class.
"If they don't get injuries, Notts County will be very strong favourites for promotion. So to play as well as we
did against such a good team is really encouraging.
"We started a little bit nervously but once we started having two touches at the back instead of just heading it
away when we didn't have to, we began to have a few more chances.
"Over the 90 minutes I think their goalkeeper was a little bit busier than ours."
Taylor made four changes from the Edgar Street failure and left out Matt Clarke completely. Zesh Rehman played his
first game since Accring-ton and was also made skipper.
The City boss said: "I decided to rest Matt. I thought he looked tired on Saturday.
"We had a long journey back (from Hereford) and you then go and play on that pitch against the good strikers that
Notts County have. I thought it might have been a time to put fresh legs in. I put Steve Williams in there and,
like the rest of the back four, he started nervously but then got stronger.
"You don't get a minute's peace with Luke Rodgers. He's an absolute pest but a good player."
City will be hoping the pitch can recover in time for this weekend's home clash with Dagenham.
Tonight's reserve game against Scunthorpe has been called off as a precaution.
Taylor said: "We could really do with some dry weather."
===========================
===========================
Bradford eager to tie Taylor to longer contract
JULIAN RHODES is hoping to conclude a deal to keep Peter Taylor as
Bradford City manager beyond the end of the season within "two to three
weeks".
The Bantams turned to the 57-year-old midway through last month on an
interim basis following Stuart McCall's decision to quit.
City have since won four and drawn one of nine games under Taylor and
the Valley Parade board are keen to tie down the former Hull City
manager on a longer contract.
Initial talks between Taylor and the club took place last week with
further discussions being held yesterday.
Joint chairman Rhodes said: "We have had a chat about next year and,
hopefully, we can get things resolved within the next two to three weeks.
"We have chatted about the budgets for next season and I feel the
preliminary talks went well. Peter certainly seems to be enjoying the
job while we have also been happy with the progress being made.
"It would be great to move it on and get things sorted out. What we
would really like to see is what Peter could do next season with a squad
he has assembled himself."
Taylor may have only been in charge of City for five weeks but his
influence has been keenly felt at Valley Parade with six new loan
signings having arrived and another possibly joining before today's 5pm
deadline.
Veteran trio Chris Brandon, Peter Thorne and Michael Boulding have also
had their contracts paid up as part of the club's re-building plans
ahead of next season.
Rhodes added: "We have been impressed with the job Peter has done, even
in this short space of time.
"The organisation of the team has been impressive and it is clear he
knows what is required to get the best out of a squad at this level,
which is of course what we all want at Bradford City."
Taylor arrived at Bradford with an impressive CV boasting two previous
promotion successes from the basement division with Hull City in 2004
and Wycombe Wanderers last term.
He also led Gillingham out of the third tier in 2000 via the play-offs,
Brighton as champions two years later and Hull in 2005.
Taylor, who has been assisted at Valley Parade by Junior Lewis and Wayne
Jacobs, beat off stiff competition from Peter Jackson, Russell Slade,
Martin Allen, Jim Magilton and Steve Cotterill to land the City job.
His quartet of victories as Bantams manager include a 3-1 triumph at
runaway leaders Rochdale and a 2-1 success against promotion-chasing
Rotherham United at the Don Valley Stadium.
===========================
Brandon: My pride has been dented
7:40am Thursday 25th March 2010
Exclusive By Simon Parker
Chris Brandon today admitted he felt "cheated" by his time at Valley Parade.
Brandon, who cut his ties with City last week, made just 31 appearances in two seasons at his hometown club.
The 33-year-old was bitterly disappointed that it didn't work out.
He said: "There's a lot of things I would like to say but I've got to be professional about myself and my conduct and move on. I don't want to upset anybody.
"I've just got to put a line under everything."
Brandon, who joined City in May 2008, missed a huge chunk of last season with ankle injuries. But after surviving a summer cull of the bigger earners, he failed to get a regular slot this term.
His longest run in the side was four successive starts in January, although he was subbed in three of them.
"I feel cheated because it's my home club. My pride has been dented.
"You need to be playing games wherever you go. You need that run to find your feet.
"I never got that chance to prove my worth for a number of reasons.
"I'm a Bradford fan and I wanted to do well so badly. But it was just one problem after another.
"There were a lot of things I didn't agree with but as a professional you've got to go along with those decisions and respect them whether you like it or not.
"You can't keep every footballer happy. You have ups and downs in the game and unfortunately my down was Bradford.
"I don't think the club knew where my best position was and didn't know my best attributes.
"I was on the left, on the right, in a three or playing off the front man. I can play all those positions and was happy to do so but it's not easy when you're being switched around all the time."
Brandon has had a few offers from clubs and is heading for Scotland to train with Dundee United with a view to signing in the summer.
He insists there is still plenty in the tank.
"I've got to resurrect my career. I still feel I've got a lot of football left in me. I'm a naturally fit lad but people start looking at your age.
"After the two years I've had, I feel like I'm starting again – I've got to prove that I'm not washed up.
"I look at people like Peter Thorne and that gives me a lot of inspiration. He came here after a bad time at Norwich and did a fantastic job.
"You don't become a bad player overnight but you go through a lot of emotions when things don't work out.
"I genuinely wish Bradford all the best but it's time for me to move on now.
"I've got to be strong-minded and keep believing in myself."
===========================
Leave City, score goals
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2004810,00.html?
===========================
(from BCFC site)
McCammon returns to Gillingham
On loan transfer deadline day, the Bantams have decided not to extend
Mark McCammon's loan deal with the football club.
The giant striker will therefore return to his parent club Gillingham
this week, unless the League 1 side can secure a loan deal for him
with another club before the window slams shut.
McCammon joined the Bantams on 26 February 2010 before making his
debut against Darlington at the Coral Windows Stadium the following
day alongside James Hanson.
The 31 year old went onto make three further appearances for Bradford
with his only other start for City coming at Aldershot Town's EBB
Stadium.
The football club would like to thank Mark for his efforts during his
short spell with the Bantams and wish him all the best for the future.
---
(from T&A)
Mark McCammon has returned to Gillingham after his month's loan at City.
And the big striker, who started only twice, could be on his way straight back out - if he can find another club before today's 5pm transfer deadline.
Peter Taylor said: "I wouldn't think we are an easy team to play for at the minute so it was probably a little more difficult for a striker.
"Mark didn't join us 100 per cent match fit and I think that affected his touch and timing.
"He helped James Hanson, no doubt about that, and gave him a few ideas.
"I said I would always keep an eye on his situation but he knows he's got to get fit. You've got to be fit in any sport."
===========================
EASTER FOOTBAL COURSES
By Bill Marshall (T&A)
Bradford City Football Club's Community Foundation are running two-day and
four-day Easter courses.
The four-day courses are from Tuesday, April 6 to Friday, April 9 at
Thornton Grammar School, Sandy Sports Centre (Skipton) and GOALS Soccer
Centre at Hanson.
Tong School and Marley Activities and Coaching Centre (Keighley) stage
two-day courses on Monday, April 12 to Tuesday, April 13.
And Ben Rhydding Sports Club (Ilkley) and Buttershaw Business and Enterprise
College host two-day courses on Thursday, April 15 to Friday, April 16.
The camps are for boys and girls of all ability levels aged from five to 13
and last from 10am-3pm.
For further information, ring 01274-706850 or e-mail City at
bradfordcityfitc@aol.com. Alternatively look at their website at
www.bradfordcityfitc.org.uk.
===========================
T&A website news
Our coverage of City on the T&A website is now better than ever. We have added a new section on League Two, with statistics, player profiles, an updated league table and all this season's fixtures & results: telegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/
Monday, March 22, 2010
L2 v Hereford (a) L0-2 March 20th 2010
Bradford City facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/thebantams?ref=ts
===========================
Stadium: Edgar Street, England
Attendance: 1,926
Match Time: 11:00 ET
Official(s):
D McDermidd (Referee)
Hereford: Bartlett ,Green ,Ryan Valentine ,Darren Jones ,Rose ,Lunt ,Pugh ,McCallum (Jervis ,70 ) ,McQuilkin
,Manset (Leon Constantine ,71 ) ,Young
Subs not used: Adamson,Done,Gwynne,Sonko,Preston,
Bradford: Glennon ,Oliver ,Clarke ,Threlfall ,Bateson ,Flynn ,Bullock (McCammon ,59 ) ,Grant (Daley ,51 ) ,Bolder
,Evans (Kendall ,77 ) ,Hanson
Subs not used Rehman,Luke O'Brien,McLaughlan,O'Neill,
Bookings: Bullock ,Oliver (Bradford)
Goals
Manset 33
Jervis 81
MATCH STATS
Hereford Bradford City
Shots (on Goal) 13(7) 15(6)
Fouls 5 16
Corner Kicks 7 6
Offsides 5 1
Time of Possession 50% 50%
Yellow Cards 0 2
Red Cards 0 0
Saves 7 4
===========================
From ESPN
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=269645&cc=5901
Hereford ended a run of four consecutive home defeats with a 2-0 victory over Bradford in an entertaining contest
at Edgar Street.
Frenchman Mathieu Manset headed home their first in the 33rd minute, with teenage striker Jake Jervis snapping up
the second in the 81st minute.
Eighteen-year-old Jervis, who has joined Hereford on a month's loan from Birmingham, lobbed the ball over the top
of the Bradford goalkeeper on his debut.
Play switched from end to end in the first half, with both goalkeepers Adam Bartlett and Matt Glennon making good
saves.
Hereford keeper Bartlett palmed away a shot from Gavin Grant and then made a flying save to stop a header from
Gareth Evans.
Bradford stopper Glennon also saved a close-range effort from Darren Jones on the goal-line before Hereford took
the lead.
Full-back Ryan Valentine headed a corner from Marc Pugh back across the Bradford goalmouth for Manset to head home
from two yards.
After the break both sides missed early chances, with Pugh rifling wide of the near post while down at the other
end Bradford's midfielder Evans drilled over from eight yards with only Bartlett to beat.
Hereford survived a let-off when Bradford substitute Mark McCammon headed a corner from Robbie Threlfall onto the
foot of the post.
Jervis then clinched the victory when he lobbed the ball over the top of Glennon from 10 yards.
---
T&A
Lacklustre City stumbled to defeat in the wind and rain at Hereford this afternoon.
The Bulls had lost their previous four home games - but they deserved to put that wretched run to bed in an
entertaining contest.
City had made a decent start with two good chances in the first six minutes.
James Hanson put a free header wide from the game's opening corner and Gavin Grant was thwarted by the slightest of
touches from home keeper Adam Bartlett.
But City failed to push on for a while as Hereford grabbed control. Peter Taylor's frustration on the touchline
resulted in a warning from referee Danny McDermid.
It was a very open encounter with headers at both ends well saved to deny Gareth Evans and Darren Jones.
But Hereford went in front after 33 minutes as Mathieu Manset bundled home from a yard after City failed to deal
with Marc Pugh's corner.
Pugh nearly made it 2-0 straight after the break before City - playing into the driving rain - should have levelled
from close range. Luke Oliver's shot was blocked but Evans showed no composure as he lashed the rebound over the
bar.
Hereford old boy Robbie Threlfall denied Manset a second, getting his head in the way of a goal-bound effort from
the Frenchman.
Evans volleyed over from sub Mark McCammon's flick-on. Then McCammon's header from a corner bounced against the
post as City chased an equaliser.
But despite enjoying more possession after the break, City did not trouble Bartlett enough.
And on-loan Birmingham teenager Jake Jervis killed them off nine minutes from time, bagging a debut goal with a
clever finish after Bartlett's wind-assisted free-kick had deceived the City defence.
To add to Peter Taylor's miserable day, Lee Bullock received his tenth booking - and will miss the next two games.
===========================
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7069717.ece
TWO FOOTBALL League clubs have been fined for failing to abide by the FA's doping control regulations, but that is
just the tip of the iceberg, with dozens of players missing out-of-competition tests in England.
QPR and Bradford City have been fined £6,000 and £1,000 respectively for repeated failure to provide accurate
information to sampling officers trying to locate players they want to test.
It is prohibited for a player to miss three tests in an 18-month period — anybody who does so faces a lengthy ban.
The failure of a club to give the FA accurate information concerning the whereabouts of players is also prohibited.
Click the link above for full story
===========================
From thursday
Chris Brandon has also had his contract terminated today.
===========================
Lawn: Taylor contract talks will take time
City are ready to step up contract talks with Peter Taylor.
The manager's short-term deal runs until the end of May and fans have
been calling for the club to pin him down for next season.
A contract is more than just what wages we are going to pay Peter
Taylor admitted he has "got the bug" at Valley Parade and has been
busy rebuilding the squad with six new signings.
But joint-chairman Mark Lawn stressed that plenty will have to be
agreed to secure the boss for the long-term.
He said: "I think we will be talking to Peter very soon and seeing
what he wants.
"But I need to make it clear that a contract is more than just what
wages we are going to pay Peter.
"He's going to want a budget and to make sure we can fulfil his
requirements. We've got to wait to sit down and talk to him about
that and see where we go from there.
"Talks have started about player budgets, not about his wages.
"He's coming back to us with what he thinks would be a realistic
figure to help us get promotion.
"Peter's got it in his own mind who he'd like to keep and who he
would let go."
Lawn has been impressed with City's progress since the former England
under-21 coach took the helm. They have won four of the last six games.
"There is a definite improvement in the team in general both on an
off the pitch, which is quite impressive. He's doing a very good job.
"Peter has got us well organised and defending well. That always
gives you a chance.
"Once you stop the goals going in, it gives you something to build on.
"He's got immense contacts within the game. People know Peter and
are willing to help him.
"I don't think we can knock any of the players he's brought in.
They certainly seem to have improved the side wherever they've
slotted into.
"All parties need to be happy with what's happening. From our point
of view we're very happy with what Peter is doing."
===========================
TOP TEN HIT THORNE WITH NO REGRETS
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Dean Windass, in his modest manner, claimed City's No 10 shirt was a big one
to fill.
Well, for two seasons at least, it fitted Peter Thorne a treat.
He may have scored less than half the 87 goals that put his predecessor
third on the all-time club list.
But the 32 that Thorne rattled in after joining from Norwich City in July
2007 were bagged at a prolific rate of one every other game.
He rattled them in bursts despite the constant curse of injuries.
Remember, it took him three months of the 2007/08 campaign to finally break
his duck against Chester in the FA Cup.
But then the goals started flooding.
He netted seven in a seven-game blast early in the new year, including a
hat-trick against Notts County - opponents he always relished playing.
And Thorne made a flying start to last season with eight goals from the
opening seven matches as City powered to the top of the League Two table.
Sadly neither could maintain that momentum.
His double in the final, meaningless home game against Rotherham last April
turned out to be his swansong on the City scoresheet. In hindsight, maybe
Thorne should have called that it rather than being persuaded back for one
last unsuccessful hurrah by former manager Stuart McCall.
But in the week that the 36-year-old waved goodbye and hung up his playing
boots, he refused to see it that way.
"I've no regrets about trying to carry on," he said.
"If I had packed up last year it would have been niggling away in the back
of mind that I should have played on one more.
"But that's it now. I've got to listen to my body and it's saying I've had
enough.
"I've been out that long with my hamstring and I've got a problem with my
knee now that might need an operation. You can't keep fighting it.
"When you aren't 100 per-cent fit you don't do yourself justice.
"You've got to think about quality of life."
Through all the setbacks - and there were many - Thorne was always a chirpy
figure; as popular with the Valley Parade staff as his team-mates.
He enjoyed practicing his Portuguese with the chef as much as passing on
playing tips to the club's young trainees.
It's no surprise that Peter Taylor has offered him the chance to help with a
bit of training.
And even if he does not take that up, expect Thorne to be regularly knocking
round the place.
"I've loved it at Bradford and the way I've been treated.
"I've just got great memories about the place; about the fans and the people
who work there.
"The most disappointing thing is that we didn't go up. I wish that could
have happened last season, not just for me but all the lads, the supporters
and for Stuart.
"Bradford made me enjoy my football again and I'll always be grateful for
that.
"If I was leaving a club who were struggling it would be harder. But I
genuinely believe Peter Taylor will do a great job.
"I think they've got a big chance of going up next season. It's just a shame
I couldn't be with them."
City will not feel the same without a Thorne in the side.
===========================
Misfiring players vulnerable to axe
More grim days like Hereford will leave City's players vulnerable to
the chop this summer, Peter Taylor warned today.
The Bantams boss voiced his frustration after watching them sunk by a
side battling to beat the drop.
And he left the squad in no doubt that they are playing for their
Valley Parade futures over the final ten games.
Taylor has shown he is ready to make big decisions after four players
left the club last week.
He said: "As I said the first day I met everyone, it's they
who've got to perform. They are vulnerable at the end of the season
because there are so many players about.
"Sometimes they surprise me but I think I near on know the majority
of their strengths and weaknesses.
"There were too many players who didn't perform as they should do
and that's maybe why we are 16th in the table."
Hereford had lost four in a row at home but City paid the price for
squandering chances and Taylor admitted their inconsistency comes with
the territory.
He said: "I would be totally amazed if anyone watching football at
our level sees consistent performances for 40 games a year. Even in
the Premier League, they would be struggling to do it for their 38.
"At our level, the boys are unfortunately more inconsistent than the
top ones, so there's always going to be times when this happens.
"We did create some chances, which was the only encouragement, but we
tried to smash the net out of sight – we didn't have good quality
in our finishing."
Midfielder Adam Bolder admitted: "One week we turn it on, next we
won't. I didn't think we were great anywhere but that's the
inconsistency."
Meanwhile, Chris Brandon – one of those already gone from City – is
set to train with Dundee United with a view to joining the Scottish
club in the summer.
===========================
Threlfall stays on
The Bantams have today managed to secure the services of Liverpool
left back Robbie Threlfall until the end of the season.
The 21 year old has put pen to paper on an extension to his current
loan deal, which was due to expire today, to keep him at the Coral
Windows Stadium until May.
Threlfall will now be available for selection for Bradford's Coca-Cola
League 2 home fixture with Notts County this Tuesday.
The born and bred Liverpudlian originally moved to Valley Parade from
Anfield on a month long deal back in February.
He instantly went about making a good impression with the Bantams
faithful by scoring a superb free kick on his debut to help City
secure a shock win at runaway League 2 leaders Rochdale.
Since his stunning debut, Threlfall has been ever present in the
Bantams back four and has made the left back slot his own.
The former F.A Youth Cup winner has also managed to double his
personal goal tally with Bradford when he produced another well taken
free kick against Port Vale in early March.
---
Robbie Threlfall insists loan players are fully up for the cause.
Threlfall is one of five that Peter Taylor has borrowed from other
clubs since he took the City helm.
The Liverpool left back's stay has been extended beyond its one-month
deadline so he will remain part of the plans for the last ten games.
As he prepared for tomorrow's clash with second-placed Notts County,
Threlfall stressed that the temporary arrivals show just the same
level of commitment as the full-time players in the squad.
He said: "It's not a problem. Once you've been here a couple of
days, it feels like your club straight away.
"It only takes a game to settle in and the other lads make you feel
at home.
"When I was at Hereford, we had eight loan players at one stage but
that gave everyone real competition for places.
"It just spurred on the whole squad to do well and keep their place
in the team."
City's hectic schedule under Taylor means that Threlfall, the first
of his captures, has already played seven games – with a couple of
stunning free-kicks thrown in for good measure.
The goals brought a quick reaction from his team-mates in the Anfield
reserves.
He said: "There was a bit of banter flying and I got a few texts.
People had seen them on the telly and couldn't believe it.
"But as long as I can get the ball over the wall, I'm always
confident it will go in. Hopefully I'll get another chance to score
from the next free-kick."
The 21-year-old loanee has no complaints about the heavy workload.
He said: "The games are coming thick and fast and I'm loving it.
You can't beat playing Saturday and Tuesday and I'm enjoying being
involved.
"The aim for the rest of the season is to get some pride back and
start moving up the table. We've been stuck in 16th but maybe with a
bit of momentum we can get into the top half."
Taylor added: "When we made the deal with Liverpool we always said
we'd look for a month and go from there. They were very happy we
could take it through to the end of the season.
"I'm pleased that Robbie is enjoying it here and wants to stay
longer."
===========================
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