CFML pre-season news June 27th 2014 #BCAFC

UPDATE FIXTURES AND SCORES

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/

2014/15 League One Fixtures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10493289.Bradford_City_kick_off_at_Bristol_City/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city/fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/

Links
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BradfordCityCFML/
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/

======================

League Fixtures are out!
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11284242.Bradford_City_host_Coventry_in_tasty_season_opener/


The highlights In brief

June 27th
Billy Clarke signs 2 year deal

June 24th
Kyle Reid to join Preston

1st round Capital Cup - Morecambe away. Week commencing 11th August


June 20
MEREDITH SHUNS NEW CITY DEAL

June 19th
City sign defender Alan Sheehan from Notts County on a two-year contract.
BBC http://bbc.in/1pmVHfb

Meredith, who is currently back home in Australia, is out of contract and his offer of a new deal, on what were believed to be improved terms,

expired on June 16

===========================

Pre Season games and info

City to travel to Morecambe's Globe Arena for a pre-season friendly this August - MORECAMBE FRIENDLY ADDE... http://t.co/IWtaBzdKh3
Full steam ahead for Bantams' Morecambe double header
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11284173.Full_steam_ahead_for_Bantams__Morecambe_double_header/

City confirm plans for another pre-season trip to Ireland - CITY SET FOR IRELAND RETURN http://t.co/NvApbecZzB


June 5th
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/pre-season-friendlies-so-far-1611982.aspx

Bradford City's confirmed 2014/2015 pre-season friendlies


Opponents    Date    Venue    Kick Off/Result
Guiseley    12/07/14    Nethermoor    3:00pm
U.C.D             15/07/14    UCD Bowl    7.45pm
Shelbourne    19/07/14    Tolka Park    3.00pm
Blackburn Rovers26/07/14    BCFC         3:00pm
Morecambe    02/08/14    Globe Arena    2.00pm

Read more at http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/pre_season_fixtures/index.aspx#tet4ZGCQaSYqfzxg.99




===========================

Thanks for the memories @carlmacaoidh6 and all the best at @Only1Argyle ?#?HistoryMaker? -
http://t.co/4E8MuAbtwX

===========================

Home start pleases Bantams boss Phil Parkinson as he sets sights on increasing size of squad
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11287534.Home_start_pleases_Bantams_boss_Phil_Parkinson_as_he_sets_sights_on_increasing_s

ize_of_squad/

===========================

Old pals act for Bantams new-boy Alan Sheehan
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11290415.Old_pals_act_for_Bantams_new_boy_Alan_Sheehan/


City sign defender Alan Sheehan from Notts County on a two-year contract.

 Bradford City have signed experienced defender Alan Sheehan from Notts County on a two-year contract.

Sheehan, City manager Phil Parkinson's fourth signing of a busy summer, played 44 times for the Magpies last season and won their Player of the

Year award.

The 27-year-old, who can play in central defence as well as left-back, also scored seven goals.

Sheehan said: "The manager didn't need to sell the place to me, everyone knows what a big club Bradford is."

The Irishman began his career with Leicester City and transfers to Leeds United and then Swindon Town followed before he moved to Meadow Lane

in 2011.

He went on to become County captain and had been offered a new deal by the club, for whom he made 104 appearances in total.

===========================

Winger Kyel Reid will join Preston on a two-year deal when his contract at Bradford expires on 1 July.
BBC http://bbc.in/T5kHe3

 Preston North End have signed winger Kyel Reid on a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old will join the League One club on 1 July when his current deal at Bradford City expires.

Reid spent three seasons with the Bantams and helped them win promotion via the League Two play-offs in 2013.

The former West Ham youngster missed the second half of the 2013-14 campaign with a serious knee injury, but successfully completed a medical

to seal his move to Deepdale.

"He is on his rehabilitation still at the moment, but we did an extensive two-day medical and everything is fine," Preston manager Simon

Grayson told the club website.

"He is determined to come back fitter and sharper than he was this time last year, so we had no hesitation in doing the deal now and I am

delighted that we have done it."

Reid added: "I was just pleased that they had that interest, even though I'm not fully fit at the moment. I'm not 100% but I'm not far off."

===========================

Bates ends up at Hartlepool
http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/football/hartlepool-utd/hartlepool-utd-sign-former-middlesbrough-centre-half-matthew-bates-1-6691817

City fans can follow new boy Billy on twitter @billyclarke7! http://t.co/srxbGLiUMN

===========================

June 20
MEREDITH SHUNS NEW CITY DEAL

Sky Sports understands that James Meredith has turned down the offer of a
new contract at Sky Bet League 1 side Bradford City.

The 26-year-old defender has spent the last two seasons at Valley Parade and
has been a first-team regular throughout his stay.

He is, however, ready to take on a new challenge.

A number of clubs in the second and third tiers are believed to be closely
monitoring his situation.

They will now be ready to pounce, with Meredith set to drop into the free
agent pool.

He would likely jump at the chance to step up into the Championship were a
suitable offer to be tabled, with his career to date having been spent in
the lower reaches of the Football League and in the non-league ranks.

===========================

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11307090.Billy_Clarke_joins_Bradford_City_on_a_two_year_deal/


Billy Clarke joins Bradford City on a two-year deal

8:02pm Friday 27th June 2014

By Ross Heppenstall

BILLY Clarke has joined Bradford City on a two-year deal to become the club's fifth summer signing.

The 26-year-old striker penned the contract at City's Apperley Bridge training ground this afternoon.

He will officially join City on Tuesday (July 1) when his contract with previous club Crawley Town expires, joining fellow new recruits Matty

Dolan, Billy Knott, Gary Liddle and Alan Sheehan.

The Irishman is able to play in a number of attacking positions, including left wing, striker or in the 'number ten' role just behind the main forward.

Like fellow recent signing Alan Sheehan, Clarke is also comfortable taking free-kicks and penalties with his cultured left foot.

Clarke said: "I have to reiterate really what most new signings say when they arrive here.

"This is a massive club and the fan base here is very big.

"Those factors, coupled with the chats I had with the manager before I can here, made this the only place I wanted to come to and join.

"Everyone who plays at Bradford always mentions the size of the crowd and the size of the stadium.

"That sort of thing really does stick with opposition players when they come up to Bradford.

"When you look at the manager we have here and the quality of the players he has brought in already this summer, this place really did tick all the boxes for me.

"I like to be creative on the ball and make things happen for other players and myself.

"That is why I feel I will fit in with the way the manager is wanting to play his football next season.

"I'm exciting to start pre-season next week with the boys and get started. I'm delighted to sign here."

Clarke has previous experience of playing in League 1 with Crawley but he has also spent a fair chunk of his earlier career with Championship clubs Ipswich Town and Blackpool.

===========================

CFML pre-season news June 16th 2014 #BCAFC

UPDATE FIXTURES AND SCORES

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/

2014/15 League One Fixtures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10493289.Bradford_City_kick_off_at_Bristol_City/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city/fixtures

Links
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BradfordCityCFML/
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/

======================

The highlights In brief

June 16
Plymouth Argyle sign Carl McHugh

June 11
Niall heaton signs his first professional contract

June 9
Stephen Darby Just signed 3 year deal with Bantams and captain for coming season
Bradford City sign Notts County midfielder Gary Liddle on a one-year deal but Nathan Doyle is leaving the League One side

June 5
Bradford City's confirmed 2014/2015 pre-season friendlies

May 30
Bradford City sign midfielder Billy Knott on a free transfer from Premier League side Sunderland.

===========================

Pre Season games and info

City to travel to Morecambe's Globe Arena for a pre-season friendly this August - MORECAMBE FRIENDLY ADDE... http://t.co/IWtaBzdKh3

City confirm plans for another pre-season trip to Ireland - CITY SET FOR IRELAND RETURN http://t.co/NvApbecZzB


June 5th
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/pre-season-friendlies-so-far-1611982.aspx

Bradford City's confirmed 2014/2015 pre-season friendlies


Opponents    Date    Venue    Kick Off/Result
Guiseley    12/07/14    Nethermoor    3:00pm
U.C.D             15/07/14    UCD Bowl    7.45pm
Shelbourne    19/07/14    Tolka Park    3.00pm
Blackburn Rovers26/07/14    BCFC         3:00pm
Morecambe    02/08/14    Globe Arena    2.00pm

Read more at http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/pre_season_fixtures/index.aspx#tet4ZGCQaSYqfzxg.99




===========================

The off-season work on City's pitch has begun - PITCH WORK TAKING PLACE
http://t.co/Ub1nskWAZK

@ProstateUK logo to feature on all @football_league player shirt numbers next season - The Footba...
http://t.co/bOsQ3XCKXk



===========================

Bradford City sign midfielder Billy Knott on a free transfer from Premier League side Sunderland.

http://bbc.in/1rpfFJm

CITY TIE UP BILLY KNOTT DEAL
By Ross Heppenstall (T&A)

City have made midfielder Billy Knott their second summer signing following
his release from Sunderland.

Described as a very positive and mobile central midfielder, the 21-year-old
played 41 games last season on loan for Wycombe and Port Vale.

Knott, who likes to shoot from distance, scored twice for Vale and won their
goal of the season award for a spectacular effort from outside the area
against Crawley.

Vale were keen to make the move permanent and offered the former England
youth international a deal but Knott is delighted to have joined the Bantams
following the permanent capture of Matty Dolan.

Knott said: "I'm glad to have this move completed quite early in the summer
and I can go away and prepare for pre-season properly now.

"I can't wait to get started and give it 100 per cent. That is the way I
like to train and I like to play, and I'll try to be no different here. This
is a big club and I am excited to get started."



===========================

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11252147.Bradford_City_hit_12_000_ticket_barrier_for_next_season/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11253599.Size_matters_in_Bradford_City_player_pursuit/


Size matters in Bradford City player pursuit

7:10am Wednesday 4th June 2014

By Simon Parker

David Baldwin insists the Valley Parade faithful have retained their pulling power as City topped 12,000 in advanced ticket sales for next

season.

Director of operations Baldwin believes the size and noise of the home crowds remain a magnet for attracting new recruits.

City have sold 12,039 season tickets and flexicards during the early-bird phase – which saw prices frozen from last term.

The Bantams boasted the third highest home support in League One in 2013/14 and Baldwin believes that consistency of backing is a key weapon

for Phil Parkinson's squad revamp.

City last week beat Port Vale for Billy Knott's signature and are thought to be pursuing former Notts County midfielder Gary Liddle.

Baldwin said: "There are three things that appeal to a player coming to the club now.

"They look at the stadium first and foremost because that is the platform where they can showcase their talents.

"They also get the information about the volume of noise and the number of fans that you can expect.

"A lot of players who we talk to me have been here before with an opposing team. So they will have seen for themselves the situation.

"It really just cements their desire to come when we can tell them we are still achieving those numbers.

"The third key area is the training ground facility. We were a bit embarrassed ten years ago but now we're proud of what is available through

our link with Woodhouse Grove.

"It's no surprise that in the run-up to the Capital One Cup final and the awful weather during that time, we were still able to train every day

on a brand spanking new synthetic pitch there. That comes from money that can be provided from other incomes because the playing budget is

covered by the season-ticket sales."

This will be the eighth successive campaign that City have stuck with the cut-price offer – and the current sales figure, made up of 9,464

season tickets and 2,575 flexi-cards, will encourage them to carry on.

It is less than this time last year – season tickets are about 500 down – but well within the club's estimate. Baldwin stressed once again that

the turnstile cash provides Parkinson's player budget.

He added: "It looks like a bit of a strapline to call the crowd the 12th man but it genuinely is. Ultimately it dictates the tone of the

season.

"All the general expenditure goes on the running of the football club. The corporate money, the commercial money, the Sky money all pay for the

operational costs like the ground maintenance, the rent, rates, travelling expenses and so on.

"The reality is that the money going through the turnstiles is near enough a direct reflection of the manager's player budget.

"Obviously we top it up a bit but that figure we raise from ticket sales is pretty much where we can set the budget."

Season-ticket prices have now gone up by £100 to £299 for adults. Flexi-cards are no longer available.


===========================

From the Official BCFC Website:

CITY AGREE NEW COMMENTARY DEAL WITH THE PULSE

The football club have reached an agreement with local radio station The
Pulse of West Yorkshire to extend their exclusive match commentary
partnership into the forthcoming 2014/2015 season.

The new deal means that The Pulse will continue to be the only radio station
to broadcast LIVE full match commentary from all of City's Sky Bet League 1,
Capital One Cup, Johnstone Paint Trophy and F.A Cup matches next season.

Matches will be available on 97.5 and 102.5FM. The Pulse will also continue
to provide commentary for the club's Bantams Player service. Bantams Player
can be accessed via your laptop or PC. Please click the link for more
information. http://www.player.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/home

As before, City's matches will be brought to supporters via the sports
section of The Pulse radio station - Pulse Sport.

Fronted by experienced sports broadcaster Tim Thornton and popular former
Bantams striker Ian Ormondroyd, Pulse Sport provided exclusive commentary to
City fans throughout last season as Phil Parkinson's men picked up a highly
commendable eleventh-placed finish in their first season back in League 1.

City's Director of Operations, David Baldwin, said: "We're delighted to be
working with The Pulse once again this season, and we believe this deal
represents the very best solution for our club."

Senior programme controller for The Pulse of West Yorkshire, Tony McKenzie,
added: "It's great to be associated with Bradford City FC for the 2014/15
season.

"Listeners to the station can expect our award winning sports team to once
again deliver unrivalled, exclusive in-depth commentary on all the games
next season,"

===========================

Bradford City sign Notts County midfielder Gary Liddle on a one-year deal but Nathan Doyle is leaving the League One side.
http://bbc.in/1uKLZod

 Bradford City have signed Notts County midfielder Gary Liddle on a one-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months.

Former Hartlepool man Liddle, 27, spent the last two seasons with the Magpies, making 78 league appearances.

Meanwhile, Nathan Doyle, 27, is leaving the Valley Parade side after two seasons with the club.

The midfielder helped the Bantams to the League Cup final and promotion from League Two in his first campaign.

===========================

City defender @niallheaton spoke to Bantams Player after signing his first professional contract -
https://t.co/k4c9SSvmDZ

===========================

BBC http://bbc.in/1n4DXR6


Plymouth Argyle have signed Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and former Bradford City centre-back Carl McHugh on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old's contract at Valley Parade was due to expire this summer.

He is the third new player to join Plymouth this summer following the signings of Lee Cox and Deane Smalley as manager John Sheridan continues

to build his squad for next season.

McHugh played 44 times for Bradford in two seasons after joining from Reading.

He was part of the Bradford side which played in the 2013 League Cup final and he scored four league goals for the Bantams.

===========================

CFML pre-season news May 2014 #BCAFC

Read this article online
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BradfordCityCFML/
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/


Player news
Bradford City defender Rory McArdle signs a new three-year contract with the League One side.
http://bbc.in/SaDJQt

League One side Bradford City sign Middlesbrough midfielder Matthew Dolan on a one-year deal.
http://bbc.in/RIqwhi


===========================

League One side Bradford City sign Middlesbrough midfielder Matthew Dolan on a one-year deal.
http://bbc.in/RIqwhi

BRADFORD CITY SIGN MATTHEW DOLAN FROM BORO
From the BBC

Bradford City have signed Middlesbrough midfielder Matthew Dolan on a
one-year deal.

The 21-year-old finished the season on loan at Valley Parade, playing 11
times for the League One side after a stint with League Two Hartlepool.

The Bantams have the option of an additional 12 months on the contract.

Dolan, who never made a competitive appearance for Boro, is Phil Parkinson's
first signing of the summer.

===========================

Prudent Bantams among minority in the black
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11220857.Prudent_Bantams_among_minority_in_the_black/

Gary Jones reflects on 'privilege' playing for Bradford City
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11212084.Jones_reflects_on____privilege____of_playing_for_Bradford_City/

That's My #BCAFC Shirt
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/friends-of-bradford-city-sponsor-a-shirt-1550122.aspx#WhFKTs7yVvQXux2O.99

===========================

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11231503.Bradford_City_confirm_Irish_tour/


Bradford City confirm Irish tour

5:00pm Thursday 22nd May 2014

By Simon Parker

City are heading for Ireland for the third pre-season in a row.

The Bantams are finalising the details of two friendlies in Dublin. They are set to face UCD on Tuesday, July 15 (7.45pm kick-off) and Shelbourne on the following Saturday (3pm).

Director of operations David Baldwin said: "These games have been agreed in principle with the two clubs.

"There is a process you have to follow when you play international friendlies and we have to get written permission first from the FAI and the English FA."

City kick off their pre-season programme against Guiseley on Saturday, July 12 before flying out the next day.

===========================

CFML pre-season news May 15 2014 #BCAFC

Season wrap up

DARBY DOMINATES PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/darby-dominates-player-of-the-year-awards-1539746.aspx

A fantastic start, depressing middle and solid end was the story of the Bantams' season
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11195068.Bradford_City_review_of_the_season/

Interview with Player Of The Year 2014 - Stephen Darby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_7jRG1qPhw&feature=youtu.be

The Pulse Goal of The Season - Nominations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKXI7UTgzuQ

The Best of Gary Jones - Thanks for the memories!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxHgh3j1qAo

The best of Garry Thompson - Thanks for the memories!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGZliT6h7Eg&feature=youtu.be

===========================

Post Season

Stripes are back
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/new-home-kit-revealed-1539757.aspx


===========================

Bradford City fans have only thirty days to take advantage offer
http://t.co/LU2p0ijA1W

===========================

Player news

City release Thompson & Bates
(plus Swain. Youth-team skipper Jack Stockdill and fellow second-year trainees Jack Bentley and Nathan Curtis wil not be offered pro deals)
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/11198090.Bradford_City_release_Thompson_and_Bates/

City release captain Gary Jones after two years with the club
http://bbc.in/1qm7Rrc


Parkinson must play budget waiting game before offering new Bradford City deals
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11198115.Parkinson_must_play_budget_waiting_game_before_offering_new_Bradford_City_deals/


Rhodes goes on the attack for 2014-15 City season
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11207154.Rhodes_goes_on_the_attack_for_2014_15_Bradford_City_season/


City fans took classy skipper Gary Jones to their hearts
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11206410.Bradford_City_fans_took_classy_skipper_Jones_to_their_hearts/

===========================

ARSENAL FANS TO PAY RESPECTS TO 56 FIRE VICTIMS
From www.footballdirectnews.com

Arsenal fans are planning to pay their respects to the 56 Bradford City and
Lincoln fans that died in a fire 29 years ago with a minute's applause at
the FA Cup final.

Nordi of the Black Scarf Movement, a protest group led by Arsenal fans who
have long campaigned for better treatment of fans from the club's board,
informed [football] direct news of this mark of respect, which they are
hoping will also spread throughout Wembley Stadium to the Hull City fans,
Arsenal's opponents in this weekend's final.

There was recently a memorial attended by hundreds of fans to mark the 29th
anniversary of this disaster, which saw 56 fans die in a fire at the Valley
Parade Stadium in a match against Lincoln.

However, Nordi does not feel that the Premier League or the media have given
a great deal of coverage to this event, and supports the idea of a minute's
applause in the 56th minute of the game at Wembley.

"There is a growing feeling among older fans that the PL and media have not
paid respect to those who lost lives and were injured at the Bradford fire,"
Nordi explained.

"As a mark of respect the fans will stand and clap at 56 minutes to mark the
anniversary of the sad event.

"This is growing on the social media among AFC fans, and emails have been
sent to Hull fans and Bradford. This is not just the BSM but we do support
it and want to help the fans make it happen."

For more background information, membership details and merchandise, you can
visit the BSM's official website at www.blackscarfafc.co.uk. They are also
on Twitter @BlackScarfAFC.

===========================

L1 W2-1 (a) Tranmere Rovers Saturday May 3, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

===========================


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1kAx5fM

City prepared to drop Tranmere Rovers in it
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11187664.Bradford_City_prepared_to_drop_Tranmere_in_it/

Bradford City have confirmed that an applause on the 56th minute (for the fans who were lost in 1985) would be welcomed by

both sets of fans.
https://www.facebook.com/TranmereRoversSupporters

 


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11191002.FT__Tranmere_1_City_2/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368608&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27167768

Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb1KwvhROMo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owf8P-FzKwM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R77p_eHzIAg

Post Game Interview
http://t.co/825g32Iii2


Images from Saturday's final game of the league season at Tranmere Rovers by @GaryChadwick3
http://t.co/FQdLgQZQbp

===========================

Final whistle - match report

League One:
Tranmere R (1) 1 Pennington 7
Bradford C (0) 2 Stead 81, McLean 87
Att: 9,598

Report by Simon Parker (TA):

City finished with a flourish and relegated Tranmere with a come-from-behind
win at Prenton Park.

Goals in the last ten minutes from strikers Jon Stead and Aaron Mclean
clinched victory against a home side reduced to ten men before half-time.

City began with an early flurry - only to concede the softest of goals after
five minutes.

Jon McLaughlin tried to palm Matthew Pennington's looping effort over the
bar but only succeeded in batting it into the net.

Defensively, City looked shaky on several occasions and Jean-Louis Akpa
Akpro and Max Power both could have doubled the lead.

But tempers rose after Ryan Lowe seemed to stand on Rory McArdle and
Tranmere winger Junior Brown was shown a straight red for a lunge on Nathan
Doyle.

City had an hour to make the man advantage count as Tranmere hung on and
listened anxiously for scores elsewhere.

While fortunes fluctuated for Tranmere's nearest rivals Crewe and Notts
County, City struggled to turn possession into goals.

But the equaliser finally arrived nine minutes from time when James
Meredith's pass landed to Stead whose deflected shot beat keeper Jason
Mooney.

And with Tranmere deflated, it got even better for the visitors as Mclean
fired home from just inside the area.


===========================

When the dust settled - match report


Agony for Tranmere and ecstasy for Bantams as curtain comes down on the season

8:50am Monday 5th May 2014

By Simon Parker

Tranmere Rovers 1 Bradford City 2

The challenge was thrown down to the City dressing room in the wake of losing at Wolves.

Phil Parkinson's troops were on the slide at the time – a bleak mid-season slump that saw only one win in four long months.

With 18 games to go, the spectre of being dragged towards the wrong end of League One was growing.

But the team meeting that followed did not discuss that gloomy prospect. The goal was set to finish in the top half.

City were just under the bar at the time in 13th and it was another 17 days before that pivotal home win over Port Vale

released the pressure valve.

On Saturday, two goals in the final nine minutes secured the objective.

While the main focus naturally centred on Tranmere's relegation, the victorious visitors could head for the beach basking in

the glow of an 11th-place send off.

And pretty much everyone connected with the club would have taken that before a ball was kicked in their first year back in

the third tier.

Fourteenth looked on the cards for so long after Tranmere's ridiculously soft fifth-minute opener but those late strikes from

Jon Stead and Aaron Mclean – one deflected, the other rocket-fuelled – ensured a late jump of three positions. Mission

accomplished.

For Tranmere, the afternoon panned out as the nightmare scenario. They began the day in the fourth relegation slot and ended

the same – only this time the trapdoor had slammed shut.

Infuriatingly for the locals, there were passages of hope and periods that suggested they would clamber free at the last

moment.

Half the fun on these sort of occasions – as long as you're not the ones locked in the battle – is watching the mood swings

in the crowd.

The roars and groans go up as news filters through of goals from elsewhere. And there was plenty of that as every Tranmere

ear was trained on the goings-on involving Crewe and Notts County, the two sides they could overhaul.

In the days of the transistor, it was common for the "phantom" cheer to go up to acknowledge something that hadn't actually

happened.

We even had a few seconds like that when the home support jumped for joy at news of another goal at Crewe – only to learn

that it had been a second for their rivals. So instantly the tables turned with the 2,000-strong travelling City army

taunting their response.

Ultimately, this result meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. Crewe's win and a point for Notts County made any

Tranmere reward academic.

But that only became apparent in the closing stages when City's domination of possession finally broke through the white wall

of resistance.

There had been no sense of hopelessness earlier as the teams emerged to banners proclaiming "One more battle", "Make it

count" and, simply, "Believe".

And after a frisky opening from the Bantams, that Birkenhead belief went into overdrive when they were gifted a fifth-minute

lead.

Handed is probably the more appropriate description after Jon McLaughlin's attempt to palm Matthew Pennington's loopy effort

over the bar went horribly wrong.

Parkinson labelled it an "absolute shocker" and it was hardly the greatest advert for the ever-present keeper when his

future, like so many others, comes under discussion in the next few days.

McLaughlin's confidence certainly took a hit and he looked wobbly for much of the first half. He at least regained some

composure as the game wore on, redeeming himself with one late tip-over from the same defender.

"We are staying up" boomed three sides of Prenton Park's biggest audience of the season by far and they had good reason to

think that Tranmere would do their side of the bargain.

Despite a wretched campaign, Rovers had the best record of any side in the division after scoring first. They had gone on to

win 11 and draw twice on the 13 previous occasions.

But the adrenaline bubbled over into aggression and Tranmere paid the price.

Ryan Lowe was fortunate to get away with treading on Rory McArdle right in front of the City dug-out, who sprung to their

feet to protest.

Goalkeeping coach Lee Butler squared up to Shaun Garnett from Tranmere's backroom staff and he was slightly fortunate that

referee Graham Scott only opted for a word with Parkinson to get his man to calm down.

But the official had no doubts about the punishment when Junior Brown recklessly slid into Nathan Doyle minutes later,

reaching straight for his red.

It was a brainless act from the winger given his team's position and yet some supporters still clapped him from the field.

Doyle, who had done nothing wrong, was then booed solidly.

The red card predictably changed the dynamic of the game. Tranmere retreated into two solid banks of four behind Lowe with a

"hold your ground" mentality.

It's a situation that City have encountered before – and struggled to open up, particularly without the pace of a Nahki Wells

or Kyel Reid to bust through a gap.

Carlisle away was a similar scenario as another side at the bottom threw everyone behind the ball to protect their precious

one-goal lead. Now Tranmere tried to do the same.

Parkinson preached patience to his players at the break. He was confident there would be plenty of the ball and urged them

not to force the issue.

The wingers were encouraged to stretch the play, the full backs told to push further forward and take advantage of playing

down a deceptively sharp slope.

Garry Thompson, probably appearing for the final time as a Bantam, made way for Kyel Bennett on the hour. Adam Drury, the

steady loan arrival who could well be in Parkinson's summer thoughts, was replaced by James Meredith.

Both substitutes had a part in the goals that subsequently turned this contest.

With scorelines going wrong for them everywhere else, Tranmere's own finally imploded in the 81st minute.

Meredith's low cross was blocked by Ash Taylor, diverting it into the path of Stead. His shot then struck the grounded centre

half and the deflection took it beyond keeper Jason Mooney.

A fortunate break for Stead, maybe, but the only City goal on his short stay from Huddersfield was the icing on the cake

after a week that also saw him become a dad to baby girl Sophia.

Tranmere were gone and City's jubilation was complete five minutes later with a rapier effort from Mclean.

Bennett fed him the ball on the edge of the box and the striker let it run across him before rifling an effort into the far

bottom corner. Mooney barely blinked as it flew past him.

A satisfying way for City to close the season; their goal had been achieved.


===========================

City goalkeeper put off by Zeppelin in tour match 100 years ago
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11189449.Bradford_City_goalkeeper_put_off_by_Zeppelin/

L1 W2-1 (h) Crawley Town Saturday April 26, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Andy Gray has now left the football club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent
(see below)

Injuries

===========================


Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27084359

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11174736.FT__City_2_Crawley_1/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368587&lang=EN
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27084359

Highlight/ Goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy4rQJqzJaw

"After the minutes silence this afternoon, a member of the Crawley team laid a wreath behind the goal at the Kop end. He was warmly applauded. A very nice gesture I thought and helps lay to rest the bad feeling from our last meeting in 2012."



===========================

Final whistle - match report

League One:
Bradford C (0) 2 McLean 49, Thompson 85
Crawley T (0) 1 Proctor 65
Att: 13,247

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

Garry Thompson's first goal for nearly eight months ensured City signed off
at Valley Parade with a win.

Thompson came off the bench to score a late header and make it back-to-back
home victories to finish off for Phil Parkinson's side.

Aaron Mclean had netted the first - with only his third goal for the club.

The first half was very low key after Matt Tubbs had scuffed wide an early
chance.

City's first efforts on note came from the two centre halves but Rory
McArdle's header and a blast from Andrew Davies were both straight at the
keeper.

Mark Yeates, making his first start since before Christmas, looked to get on
the ball in his role behind the front two. And he went close with a
free-kick that just flew past the top corner.

McLean broke the deadlock five minutes after the break, coolly firing home
from Nathan Doyle's ball over the top.

Crawley levelled midway through the half as Jamie Proctor seized on fellow
sub Carl McHugh's indecision to clip over a stranded Jon McLaughlin.

But City clinched the win four minutes from time when Thompson flicked home
a header from Gary Jones's corner.

It ensured that a day that had begun in sombre manner with the traditional
minute's silence for the fire victims ended in high spirits.



===========================

City youth team: player profiles
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11176509.Bradford_City_youth_team__player_profiles/

Youth cup final to draw bumper Valley Parade crowd
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11177062.Youth_cup_final_to_draw_bumper_Valley_Parade_crowd/

'Game too far' says Thornber
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11180802.___Game_too_far____says_Thornber_as_Bradford_City_lose_youth_cup_final/

City youth sunk by Sammie's triple whammy
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11180795.Bradford_City_youth_sunk_by_Sammie_s_triple_whammy/

FT: City Youth 2 Colchester Youth 4
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11180606.FT__City_Youth_2_Colchester_Youth_4/

===========================

Bradford City (Ladies) beat Cardiff City on penalties after 120 minutes
failed to produce a goal at Stratford Town FC.
Sunday 27th April
From: http://www.shekicks.net/news/view/9860?

FA Premier Reserves League Cup Final

Cardiff City Res 0-0 Bradford City Res (aet, Bradford won on penalties)

The Welsh side went into the game as champions of FA Midlands Reserve
League, being undefeated all season and were up against a strong Bradford
City side, but heroics by Cardiff on the day, resulted in the game ending
goalless only to be settled on penalties.

In front of a good partisan crowd, Cardiff had a scare when midfielder
Kierra Deeks took a nasty knock to the leg by bravely blocking a shot but as
was able to continue.

Cardiff's Laura O'Sullivan was called on to snuff out a dangerous through
ball and calmly pinched the ball off the end of Abigail Barker's boot.

Bradford had a glorious chance to take the lead from a free kick that
O'Sullivan did well to punch clear and from the rebound Caroline Cropp hit
the foot of the post.

O'Sullivan saved low from Cropp before acrobatically tipping over a fierce
strike from Melanie Garside -Wight just on the 90 minute mark

Coach Charlotte Preen entered the frey for Cardiff and instantly made her
mark with a lovely ball that opened up for Holly Provis but her shot went
wide.

Beth Price then made an outstanding tackle on Bradford's Rosie McDonnell who
was through on goal in the dying minutes, as the game went to the lottery of
penalties.

Annie Pritchard was the unfortunate one who failed to convert from the spot
with Bradford keeper Stephanie Jones making a diving save. With the Bantams
going on to score all of their penalties, the cup went north.

===========================

From the Official BCFC Website:

ANDY GRAY LEAVES CITY

Bradford City can confirm that Andy Gray has now left the football club
after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

Gray's contract at the Coral Windows Stadium was due to expire in the summer
but he will now leave with immediate effect.

Playing in his second spell with the club, Gray made 16 appearances for Phil
Parkinson's side after rejoining City back in January 2013.

The club would like to thank Andy for all of his efforts during his time at
Valley Parade.

===========================

L1 L0-1 (a) Swindon Monday April 21, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

===========================


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1lqtwfQ

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11161520.Live_blog__Swindon_1_City_0/
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27016574


Highlight/ Goal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Pqn8dvOXc


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqvFa46J614&list=TL4LMVd7WPXtnb5lCjotpstoZHWdCTwAc0


===========================

Final whistle - match report

League One
Swindon T (0) 1 Cox 64
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 8,377

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

City lost away for the first time in four games with a disappointing defeat
at Swindon.

The seventh-placed Robins kept their outside play-off hopes going thanks to
a fine second-half strike from Lee Cox - who was about to be substituted
when he scored.

City had started the game fairly well but were pushed back as the first half
went on. And the second was dominated by the home side.

Jon McLaughlin made a couple of crucial saves including a superb point-blank
block from Michael Smith's header.

Gary Jones had City's only real threat at goal with an early free-kick but
there was no comeback once they had conceded their first away goal since
March 22.

===========================

When the dust settled - match report


A pointless trip for Bantams on this occasion

8:00am Tuesday 22nd April 2014

By Simon Parker

Swindon Town 1 Bradford City 0

It was only just over three weeks ago that City were looking down the barrel.

A run of tough away games were on the cards and the trapdoor was still very much open.

The fact that yesterday's defeat had no real impact on their position in League One shows how much hard work has been done in that time.

But that won't have done much for the 299 hardy souls who made the four-hour hike to watch them in the West Country.

For the princely sum of £28 admission, not to mention a tenner for the official car park, the away fans saw some very low-key entertainment.

After three successive clean sheets on the road, City conceded their first away goal since Shrewsbury on March 22. And there was little suggestion of an equaliser as the game drifted to its conclusion.

The loss of Nathan Doyle through injury at half-time was a real blow for the game-plan. But Phil Parkinson would have expected more of a reaction once his side fell behind.

City's Good Friday victory over Peterborough had thrown Swindon a play-off lifeline. After five wins from their previous six games, the Robins had moved within four points of catching Posh in sixth.

So at least there was something tangible riding on the outcome yesterday. City's role, if nothing else, was of the spoiling variety – something they had proved to be good at of late.

Having shut out three of the four play-off teams in recent outings, the backline was not surprisingly unchanged. But there was a welcome sight on the bench where James Meredith made his first appearance in the squad since New Year's Day.

The only change saw James Hanson spared duty, allowing the big striker to rest his back after playing the full comeback game three days earlier.

Kyle Bennett came back in as Parkinson resorted to the 4-3-3 set-up that had served City so well at the New York Stadium. Raffaele De Vita tucked in to the middle three at the club where he enjoyed two very successful seasons.

Stephen Darby was another Swindon old boy remembered affectionately – he scored the decisive penalty in a play-off shoot-out against Parkinson's Charlton!

Swindon's obsession with keep ball meant City needed to concentrate as the home side tried to pass, pass and pass some more.

But considering what was at stake for the home side, there was a flat feel to the opening stages. The early action seemed to be taking place at walking pace – not that the visitors minded.

Gary Jones tried to up the tempo with a free-kick to the side of the Swindon box. Shaping to cross, the skipper instead drilled it towards the near post, where keeper Wes Foderingham smuggled the ball behind.

Swindon were finally stirred from their slumbers midway through the half – but it was of City's own making.

Rory McArdle's poor touch from Darby's pass was picked off by Alex Pritchard inside the box. But the on-loan Spurs midfielder, scorer of a stunner at Valley Parade in December, dragged his shot into the side-netting.

Swindon still enjoyed the bulk of the possession but their failure to open up the Bantams was frustrating the locals and there were audible groans after a couple of mid-pitch one-twos went nowhere.

Andrew Davies, who saw red on City's last visit in 2011, was shown a yellow for sliding in the back of Pritchard as Swindon started to liven things up.

Darby headed away a dangerous cross from Miles Storey and Jones made an important block by the penalty spot from Michael Smith.

The Swindon striker, who bagged their winner in stoppage time on Good Friday, got a good connection on a half-volley from the edge of the box but Jon McLaughlin had everything behind it.

Doyle nicked the ball off Massimo Luongo bursting into the box, Nathan Thompson blazed over and Smith squeezed a weak shot straight at the City keeper.

Swindon seemed to have remembered why they were here and were pushing the Bantams back as the game reached half-time.

City had started on the front foot but the home side took over as the half progressed and were asking a few questions.

Doyle had been doing an important job in that screening role in front of the back four but he did not reappear after the break – which meant a return to arms for Meredith.

Adam Drury stayed at left back with the Aussie directly replacing Doyle in the midfield holding role.

Swindon tried to turn the screw again as Pritchard skied a 20-yarder and Darby was first to a dangerous pass into the box from Luongo with Smith hovering.

The defensive resolve that had thwarted some big-name scalps of late was being called upon once more.

That was certainly the case in the 56th minute when Storey's cross was met with a decisive downward header by Smith. It looked a goal all the way but McLaughlin saved superbly and then Davies crucially won the scrum for Jay McEveley's follow-up ball in the six-yard box.

A goal was coming – and it arrived ten minutes later. Pritchard's drive was charged down but the ball rebounded into the path of Lee Cox, who wriggled into space and found the bottom corner with a precise curler.

Having got one, Swindon were hungry for another and McLaughlin produced a good save at the near post from Storey.

Parkinson responded by bringing on Aaron Mclean as an extra striker, De Vita leaving the field to a standing ovation from the home fans.

But City had done nothing going forward since the opening quarter of the game and Swindon continued to carry all the threat.

Luongo was again the provider for Pritchard to slide another shot the wrong side of the post with McLaughlin at full stretch.

Pritchard set his sights when McArdle gave away a foul 25 yards out. His low free-kick was whipped in with plenty of venom but the keeper was down in time to push it on to the post and away.

City showed a flicker of late resistance when Davies nodded down a long free-kick but Mclean ran the loose ball into the keeper.

Optimistic penalty appeals for a foul on Jon Stead were ignored as Swindon comfortably closed out for the three points they needed.


=----

Bradford City boss reflects on lacklustre defeat to Swindon
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11161971.Bradford_City_boss_reflects_on_lacklustre_defeat_to_Swindon/

Bradford City sees fewer injuries after buying new aerator says head groundsman
http://www.hortweek.com/news/1291073/

Phil Parkinson ready to talk contracts
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11163713.Bradford_City_boss_Parkinson_ready_to_talk_contracts/?ref=eb


===========================

From the Official BCFC Website:

TRANMERE AWAY ALL TICKET

The football club can confirm that City's final match of their 2013/2014 Sky
Bet League 1 campaign at Tranmere Rovers will now be ALL TICKET for Bradford
supporters.

Phil Parkinson's men are due at Prenton Park on Saturday 3 May 2014 for
their forty-sixth and final fixture of the league season.

City have been given an initial allocation of 1,500 match tickets for the
Prenton Park fixture, leading up to 2,000 tickets if and when needed.

Given the level of interest expected from City supporters for this fixture,
Tranmere have decided to make the match ALL TICKET for travelling Bradford
fans.

Having previously put Tranmere match tickets on sale exclusively to Priority
Travel Members and then Season Tickets holders, tickets are now on sale at
the Bantams Ticket Office to all City members.

Supporters will be registered as a member if they currently own a Priority
Travel membership, Season Ticket or FlexiCard, or if have travelled to a
match this season using one of the club's official supporters' coaches.

Supporters are also classed as ticket members if they have previously
registered their details with the ticket office or online. Fans can ring the
club's ticket office on 0871 978 8000 if they are unsure, however.

TICKETS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THREE PER MEMBER.

===========================

From the Official BCFC website:

MINUTE'S SILENCE THIS SATURDAY

The football club would like to confirm to supporters that there will be a
minute's silence held ahead of Saturday's (26 April 2014) final Sky Bet
League 1 home match of the season with Crawley Town.

In keeping with tradition, the minute's silence will allow those within the
Coral Windows Stadium to pay their respects to the 56 people who sadly lost
their lives in the 1985 Valley Parade fire disaster.

Although the actual anniversary of the fire disaster isn't for another two
weeks or so, the club have traditionally used the final home fixture of the
season as an opportunity to honour the lives of the fifty-four Bradford City
supporters and two Lincoln City supporters who tragically passed away on
Saturday 11 May 1985.

The minute of silence will also give fans the chance to remember those who
we have lost over the last twelve months.

Turnstiles around the ground will close for the minute's silence, so fans
are requested to please arrive as early as possible on Saturday so they can
be part of the respectful marking of the disaster that took place 29 years
ago.

The turnstiles will re-open after the minute's silence has ended.

The club would like to politely remind fans to please turn off their mobile
phones during the minute's silence this Saturday.

===========================

L1 W1-0 (h) Peterborough United Friday April 18, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

===========================


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1j6rGJO

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11159679.FT__City_1_Peterborough_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=387664&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26983212

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2YyKeD6uzM


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1tTqaf33uM



===========================

Final whistle - match report

League One
Bradford City (1) 1 Reach 26
Peterborough (0) 0
Att: 13,820

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

Forget the maths, City are safe!

Adam Reach's stunning free-kick clinched their first home win in five
attempts in his final appearance at Valley Parade.

The win over sixth-placed Posh, who played the second half with ten men
after Shaun Brisley's red card, puts the Bantams nine points clear of the
bottom four.

And with the massive advantage in goal difference, they can relax over a job
done.

It was nervier than it should have been but City were far more positive than
the last two home games against Walsall and Oldham.

Sub Kyle Bennett had a point-blank header saved and James Hanson, back from
injury, saw a late effort scrambled off the line.


===========================

When the dust settled - match report


Reach gives Bantams fans the perfect farewell present

8:00am Saturday 19th April 2014

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Peterborough 0

That's some way to say goodbye! Adam Reach signed off at Valley Parade last night with a finish of the highest quality to make sure City will definitely be in League One next season.

Reach, whose loan is up after Monday's trip to Swindon, smacked home a stunning free-kick to clinch a first home win in five attempts.

With Sir Alex Ferguson in the crowd, it was a Beckham-esque touch.

More importantly, it lifted the Bantams nine points clear of the bottom four – and with the huge advantage in goal difference terms, that means safety.

Posh, on the other hand, are still sweating on the final play-off spot. And now hoping City will do them a favour at the County Ground...

Peterborough's season has seen more peaks and troughs than City. Six wins in a row early on boosted hopes of an immediate return to the Championship; then five defeats on the bounce had some calling for the head of boss Darren Ferguson.

They arrived at Valley Parade on the back of successive home wins – but had lost four of the last five games on the road.

City's form guide was the opposite, with three clean sheets on the trot away just as results on home soil had inexplicably gone into a tail-spin.

History at least appeared to be on their side – City were thought to be unbeaten at Valley Parade in Good Friday fixtures. More significantly, they had James Hanson back in the ranks for his first start since Shrewsbury.

The other change saw Raffaele De Vita making his first start since November 9 as he tries to finish an injury-ravaged campaign with a bit of momentum.

Peterborough's plans were disrupted when keeper Bobby Olejnik cried off ill. It meant a recall for Joe Day, whose last appearance saw them ship five at Oldham.

The afternoon results had been relatively kind, with City's advantage on the bottom four only shaved by a point to six.

City matched up Peterborough's diamond midfield with Reach playing behind the front two and Nathan Doyle keeping the minder role he played at Rotherham in front of the defence.

Doyle forced Day into an early save but the first genuine threat came from Posh. Nicky Ajose's clever flick round the corner created space for skipper Tommy Rowe, whose 25-yard drive just wide had Jon McLaughlin scrambling across his goal.

There was some promising build-up play at times from the home side but things tended to break down around the penalty area. Reach made a couple of decent darts forward without delivering an end product.

De Vita produced the cross of the match midway through the half, bending a wicked ball beyond Day to the far post. Hanson stooped in but just failed to make contact.

But the game burst into life after 27 minutes with a spectacular strike from Reach. The winger was flattened by a Peterborough sandwich of Rowe and Jack Payne 25 yards from goal – and exacted lethal revenge.

He drilled the free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net with Day beaten all ends up.

His stunning goal injected a swagger into City's play and Adam Drury rumbled forward to have a go with a fizzing effort that Day turned away.

Then Reach found room to have another pop but there was no repeat this time as he fired into the Bradford End.

With Peterborough's full backs looking to bomb on at the drop of a hat, there was plenty of room for the Bantams to try to exploit.

Shaun Brisley was one of the centre halves exposed by his gallivanting team-mates and he picked up the first yellow card of the night for clattering Jon Stead after being left short-staffed at the back.

And within two minutes, yellow had become red for a challenge on Reach. Brisley did not appear to deliberately stick a leg out but with the winger travelling at speed, the contact was enough to have referee Andy Haines reaching for his top pocket.

De Vita seemed to relish his role on the right of the City diamond and was inches away from a second goal with a rasping volley just over. The Italian, who admitted the last four months had been the worst period of his life, was certainly keen to make up for lost time.

City's momentum was building as the half wore on and the ten-man visitors were relieved to hear the whistle for the break – even if it meant a likely meeting with the Fergie junior hair dryer in the dressing room.

He made two changes for the second half but City began in the same vein, with Reach eager to have another attempt at goal.

The numerical disadvantage had not changed Peterborough's attacking mindset and they switched to 3-4-2. They had not given this one up.

City could not afford to relax with the lead only 1-0 – that was illustrated when Britt Assombalonga, who had hardly been involved, suddenly fired a shot off Andrew Davies which wrong-footed Jon McLaughlin but deflected over the bar.

There was even more danger when Assombalonga latched on to a pass from sub Craig Alcock and cut past Drury into the box.

McLaughlin came out to narrow the angle and the 30-goal striker squared across the six-yard box. Fortunately for City, Stephen Darby was in the perfect spot to intercept and allow the keeper to recover.

Davies needed treatment after Assombalonga looked to have trodden on him and the centre half wagged a finger in his direction as he went off briefly for running repairs.

Assombalonga's influence was growing and he worried City once more with a curling shot that beat the far post.

Phil Parkinson made a double switch midway through the half. Aaron Mclean came on to face the club where he made his name, replacing Stead, and Kyle Bennett took over from De Vita.

Bennett was straight into it with a cross carrying just too much on it for Hanson to direct into the far corner. Then Reach had a shot beaten away by Day at the near post.

City thought they had wrapped it up 13 minutes from time when Bennett raced in to meet Reach's cross – only for his header to strike the surprised keeper. A yard either side and it would have been game over.

That meant an occasionally nervy finale for the Bantams, even if the visitors took until stoppage time to muster a couple of shots on target despite their spirited response since the break.

City still had one last chance to double their advantage but Hanson was denied a comeback goal by Kgosi Ntlhe on the line.

===========================

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11159806.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_can_sleep_easy_after_win/
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson can sleep easy after victory over Peterborough



===========================

If you haven't seen it, there is an interesting piece on last week's Late Kick Off Yorkshire about the RIASA (?) scheme which produced Nahki Wells. Guest appearances from Lee Duxbury, Mega Ellis & Dave Baldwin and Valley Parade!  It should be available till Monday on IBBC IPlayer

===========================

We got 21 pts from the first 10 games (6 wins, 3 draws,1 defeat)
In the last 33 games, we have got only 32 points (6 wins, 14 draws,13 defeats).


===========================

L1 D0-0 (a) Rotherham United Friday April 11, 2014. K.O. 7:52PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Leeds United have extended a loan agreement with Bradford City for defender
Adam Drury until the end of the season. Since joining the Whites, Drury has only made 13 league appearances for the
club and is out of contract at the end of this season.


Injuries

===========================


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1n8DeAd

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11144769.FT__Rotherham_0_City_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=390638&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26879878


Photos
Rotherham United match pictures by @tmgphotography - Rotherham images by Thomas Gadd
http://t.co/XsJi0ZEP16



Post Game Interview
http://t.co/ZqlnrQVpjs
http://t.co/fUOxyV9blH

===========================

Final whistle - match report

League One
Rotherham (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 9,228 (Televised)

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

City finally ended a run of six straight defeats at the hands of Rotherham
with a gritty point at the New York Stadium.

It was a drab game for the live TV cameras but the travelling fans were
delighted to see their team share the spoils after so much disappointment
against their South Yorkshire rivals.

The draw lifts the Bantams up to 50 points - surely enough to avoid any late
panic in the dogfight at the bottom of the table.

Adam Reach had City's best chance with a close-range effort blocked by
keeper Adam Collin.

Rotherham hit the post through Michael O'Connor and missed good chances from
Haris Vuckic and Kari Arnason.



===========================

From the Official BCFC Website:

CITY GET THEIR HANDS ON YOUTH TROPHY

City's youth set-up finally got their hands on the Youth Alliance (North
East) Division winners' trophy this Friday (11 April 2014) morning after
being crowned as champions of their league this season.

The Bantams' Head of Youth and Academy Manager Peter Horne received the
trophy at the Coral Windows Stadium from former Bantams defender David
Wetherall - now Head of Youth Development at the Football League - and the
League's Youth Development Business Manager Jim Briden.

Now in the club's possession, the trophy will be officially presented to
City's triumphant youth team by Wetherall and Bantams boss Phil Parkinson on
the pitch at Valley Parade before the club's final Sky Bet League 1 home
fixture of the season against Crawley Town (on Saturday 26 April 2014).

This club's title success this campaign is a fitting reward for City's
apprentices, who led the way at the top of league since the very start of
the season.

They actually won the title with three games of their league season to go
just over two weeks ago having won fifteen and lost only two of their
nineteen matches up to that point.

Even more impressively, the Bantams actually went through until 11 March
unbeaten in the league. Their tremendous unbeaten run through to March
incredibly saw City only two points throughout that period.

Unsurprisingly given their dominance this season, City have conceded the
fewest goals in their league so far and scored the most. Their final game of
the league season is against Burton Albion this Saturday.

Not happy with their title success alone though, City's apprentices will go
for a league and cup double later this month when they take on Colchester
United in the Youth Alliance Cup Final.

The cup final will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium on Tuesday 29
April 2014.


===========================

Book review: Roy McFarland has used his new autobiography to reveal that leaving City was his "biggest mistake in football".
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11137782.Book_review__Bradford_City_exit_does_not_fill_McFarland_with_pride/

Book review: If City are after inspiration for Friday's trip to Rotherham, they could do worse than looking up 'Robbie's rocket' on Youtube.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11137767.Book_review__Bradford_City_fans_should_look_up_Robbie___s_rocket/

Easter opening times
http://t.co/gj4Rnz2ojR


===========================

FALKIRK FINALLY RECEIVE MARK STEWART PAYMENT
by Chris McCall (sport@falkirkherald.co.uk)

Falkirk are £155,000 better off today after Bradford City paid compensation owed to the Bairns regarding the transfer of Mark Stewart.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of the Westfield club last month following a long-running dispute with the Bantams.

FIFA originally backed Falkirk's claim in January 2013 that they were due compensation for Stewart following his move to the Yorkshire club in July 2011 under freedom of contract.

But Bradford contested this ruling and appealed to the Swiss-based court. With no other legal avenue open to them, the club has now paid the agreed amount to the Bairns, as well their legal costs.

Falkirk general manager David White said: "It's been a long, hard road to reach this point. But even after three years, we feel that it has been worth it."

Heraldsport understands that the cash has not been earmarked for any specific spending plan, but that it could allow the club to post a small profit in the financial year.

The Bairns had originally claimed more than £215,000 from Bradford for the striker. They were due the training compensation as the club offered Stewart, who was then under-23, a contract within an allotted time-frame set-out by FIFA - but Stewart's June birthday complicated matters.

Since leaving Bradford, Stewart has played for Hamilton, Dundee and Kilmarnock and is currently turning out for Derry City.

===========================

L1 L2-3 (h) Oldham Athletic Saturday April 5, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

James Meredith
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11131480.Eager_Meredith_reined_back_by_Bradford_City/

===========================


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1q5Gxdr

City head back to Valley Parade on Saturday with Phil Parkinson telling home fans: We owe you.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11121934.Parkinson_wants_to_put_smile_on_Bantams_fans____faces/?ref=eb


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11129416.FT__City_2_Oldham_3/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368539&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=


Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqBWEyK79rI&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae_pwHiWzPo&list=TLXaFRYJXpEuXKIPQyvGzoSzzOMr5Ab2tD
Goal Cam  - unfortunately due to technical issues we missed Adam Reach's goal earlier in the game.

Post Game Interview
http://t.co/GJ8Kw5oJim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVnzl1F6x4&feature=youtu.be


===========================

Final whistle - match report

City suffered another home horror as Oldham boosted their chances of beating the drop with a win this afternoon.
After winning four points from two away games, Phil Parkinson wanted to see that form repeated at Valley Parade.
Instead, the Bantams imploded defensively to slip to their third defeat in four home games.
Oldham struck the opener midway through the first half. Jonson Clarke-Harris headed down at the far post and nobody reacted to James Wesolowski as he charged in to ram home from ten yards.
City switched formations to match up with the Latics, Kyle Bennett playing a more central role behind Jon Stead.
And they were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes before the break. Matty Dolan played a glorious angled pass into the box where Adam Reach controlled well and then steered a shot past Paul Rachubka.
But City had not learned their earlier lesson and were punished again for more dozy defending right on half-time. Gary Harkins poked a pass behind the back four, everyone froze and Clarke-Harris was on his own to score easily.
It got worse for the home side after 58 minutes when Oldham went further in front, Clarke-Harris finishing off again from a long ball by Jonathan Grounds.
Gary Jones scored with the last kick of the game after sub Mark Yeates had hit the post but it was scant consolation.
Once again, it had been desperately poor fare for the Valley Parade faithful.


===========================

When the dust settled - match report


Mystic Parkinson proved right to stay cautious over Bradford City's future

6:10am Monday 7th April 2014

By Simon Parker

City 2, Oldham 3

Phil Parkinson had warned us all before the game. Rewind to Thursday’s press conference where he insisted that his forward planning was looking no further than the weekend.

Eight points above the dreaded drop, and seemingly home and hosed at that stage, but the Bantams boss refused to talk about next season. He wouldn’t even reveal any plans for next week.

It sounded an unnecessarily cautious approach from a team boosted by four points and back-to-back clean sheets on the road.

Surely it was the moment to put this current campaign to bed and start analysing how to right the wrongs over the coming months.

But no, Parkinson was adamant that this season was still very much alive. The job, in his words, was far from done.

And like his Oldham oppo Lee Johnson, who had told Jonson Clarke-Harris in the warm-up that he would end a four-month goal drought by scoring two, Parkinson’s clairvoyant skills proved spot on.

Unfortunately 2013-14 has not been consigned to history at Valley Parade; far from it.

It would still take a collapse on a monumental scale for City to plunge into the bottom four by tea-time on Saturday, May 3.

With six points and eight teams between them and the final relegation spot, not to mention a plus goal difference, they hold a strong enough hand for the desperate game of ‘stick or twist’ in the closing weeks.

But City’s future remains a gamble for at least another week or so – and who would they least like to play after the latest home no-show? Ah yes, it’s Rotherham again on Friday.

A visit to the ultimate bogey side and bogeyman with the Sky TV cameras to capture the night in all its glory ... no end-of-season niceties on the agenda there.

The masochists might suggest that at least it keeps the final month interesting. But this is not the same kind of interest generated by the same stage a year ago when City were going full throttle towards the play-offs.

How they could do with a few games of nothingness to let things wind down – and allow Parkinson to start putting a few future thoughts in place.

Some budget discussions have already taken place with the board but the details have to remain sketchy for now. Nobody can afford to make any big decisions when City’s destiny for next August is still not guaranteed.

It should have been. Saturday should have seen them break the 50-point barrier – that almost mystical mark that means safety and survival for those who pass through.

After all, it’s four years since Gillingham were the last side to reach their half-century at this level and still be relegated.

But City are still tantalisingly short by a point – and they can have no complaints about that after another sorry showing on their own patch.

A feature of Parkinson’s legacy in the Bantams hot-seat has been the way his team have performed at Valley Parade.

Acutely aware of the stage fright suffered by many of his predecessors, one of his priority tasks on taking the job was to rebuild that home ‘fortress’.

It played a large part in keeping them in the Football League in his first season; its significance was even bigger in getting City promoted in the second.

But now the gremlins are back – and like a band of squatters intent on trashing the place, they seem in no hurry to move along.

Three defeats in four home games, one point out of 12 – those are stats from the bad old days.

Stevenage was sloppy, Gillingham unlucky, Walsall awful. Sadly Oldham, certainly in the flattest of second halves, felt like Walsall part two.

Once again, there was no hint of a fightback when the going got tough. Too many simply disappeared; content to be second best against opponents who appeared to want it more.

Parkinson blamed himself for the tired legs after sticking with the bulk of the team that had looked so strong on the road. There was definitely a jaded air to the home performance.

But any slowness in thought and deed should not excuse some of the basic errors when City simply switched off.

All three Oldham goals looked poor defensively – and this from a team that had not conceded a goal in the previous three hours of away action.

But back at base camp, they were too often at sixes and sevens. Rory McArdle and Andrew Davies, the heartbeat of that back-four invincibility, played like they had never seen each other.

Oldham, backed by the largest away following since Rotherham brought 2,500 on Boxing Day, sensed blood; in particular, the whippet-like teenager Clarke-Harris – no wonder his manager had been so confident of ending a scoring drought dating back to December 29.

He was the provider for the first goal, outjumping McArdle for Connor Brown’s deep cross. Adam Drury was caught on his heels by James Wesolowski and the Australian converted from close range.

City responded within 13 minutes. Matty Dolan lifted the crowd with a sliding tackle to win back possession on halfway and then delivered the best home pass of the day to find Adam Reach.

The winger took it well in his stride, negotiated the challenge of one-time Leeds keeper Paul Rachubka and finished with aplomb. So far, so good.

But the decisive moment arrived right on the break. Gary Harkins poked a pass into the goalmouth, nobody in a claret and amber jersey twitched a muscle and Clarke-Harris was all alone to lash in Oldham’s second.

Cue plenty of tea-potting and finger-pointing among the home players and a stunned silence in the stands – at least in three of them.

That deflated feeling lingered into the second half, both on and off the pitch. There was no conviction about City’s play and the subdued support reflected that.

Instead, Jonathan Grounds swept a long, low pass forward and Clarke-Harris outpaced McArdle and outmuscled Davies to steer in a killer third goal.

Gary Jones pegged one back in the final minute of stoppages after Mark Yeates had rattled a post but its only significance was to keep City in positive goal difference.

Boos once again accompanied the final whistle. It is suddenly becoming a Valley Parade habit.

Attendance: 14,920

===========================

Survival still in our own hands, Phil Parkinson tells his below-par Bradford City players
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11129782.Survival_still_in_our_own_hands__Parkinson_tells_his_below_par_Bradford_City_players/

Consistency key for Bradford City run-in
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11133517.Consistency_key_for_Bradford_City_run_in/

===========================

Fans urged to help complete Bradford City kit collection
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11131207.Fans_urged_to_help_complete_Bradford_City_kit_collection/

Ever wondered what City’s 1996 Wembley hero Mark Stallard might look like dressed as a granny in a World Cup song video?
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11127743.Former_Bantams_player_Stallard_a_smash_hit_in_England_World_Cup_song/?ref=eb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7J-ZQ9WLJk#t=185

City’s newest shirt sponsor wants to see his company’s name sharing the pitch in a West Yorkshire derby with Leeds.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11128498.Bradford_City_backed_to_book_Leeds_United_derby_date/?ref=eb


===========================

L1 D0-0 (a) Coventry Tuesday April 1, 2014. K.O. 1:45PM. #bcafc

rescheduled from Saturday February 15, 2014

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


===========================

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

===========================


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1hsfAOj

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11118664.FT__Coventry_0_City_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=388813&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtmWHarf4q8



===========================

Final whistle - match report

Bradford drew 0-0 with Coventry in a turgid affair at Sixfields.

Aaron Mclean, Jon Stead and Adam Reach all missed good chances for the Bantams who had the better of the opportunities across the 90 minutes.

The first real chance of the game fell to Mclean, who found himself unmarked at the back post and his header forced Sky Blues keeper Joe Murphy into a superb save.

Stead had a great chance shortly after against his old club, but his powerful drive inside the area forced Murphy into action once more with the keeper getting a strong hand to the striker's low drive.

After the break, Phil Parkinson's men had another glaring opportunity when Kyle Bennett's cross from the right was met by the unmarked Adam Reach but he headed against the bar.


===========================

When the dust settled - match report

Bantams get the silent treatment in goalless draw
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11118997.Bantams_get_the_silent_treatment_in_goalless_draw/?ref=eb


Murphy's law as Bantams foiled by inspired Coventry keeper

7:40am Wednesday 2nd April 2014

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson was left cursing a brilliant display from Coventry keeper Joe Murphy after City missed the chance of back-to-back away wins.

The Bantams moved another point nearer to League One safety after last night’s goalless draw at Sixfields.

They dominated the Sky Blues but Murphy produced two stunning saves to deny strikers Aaron Mclean and Jon Stead. Adam Reach also hit the bar with a header.

Parkinson said: “Their keeper has pulled off two of the best saves I’ve seen. The one from Mclean’s header was incredible. But he’s a top goalkeeper and Championship standard.

“I think Aaron did everything right. We jumped up and were celebrating on the bench.

“But he just clawed it out – it was a fantastic save. Then he pulled off another great one from Jon Stead.

“In those instances, they both did everything right in terms of technique. But sometimes you’ve just got to applaud the goalkeeper.”

City followed up Saturday’s win at Leyton Orient with another clean sheet. Despite his frustration at the outcome, Parkinson was delighted by a second strong display on the road.

“After the Walsall game, Bradford City was a low place to be at,” he added. “To then go on our travels and regroup as well as we’ve done, four points is a good return.

“We’re really pleased. We can bemoan our luck and the lads will be disappointed not to get the win but it was important we got the point.

“We should have come away 2-0 or 3-0 winners. But in games like that when you have dominated, you’ve also got to be careful you don’t switch off and end up losing.

“I was pleased that as well as we played going forward, we also concentrated at the back. We had so much play in their half and Jon (McLaughlin) was rarely threatened.

“It summed up the performance when they had a shot in the last 30 seconds of the first half and the whole crowd cheered sarcastically.”

City are now up to 49 points – the average mark for survival over the past decade. But Parkinson has no intention of letting anyone ease up.

“Who knows what the cut-off point will be? But we’re nine points ahead of the bottom four.

“I just want to keep going until we are mathematically safe and I told the lads before the game that the team who switched off and thought they’d cracked it would lose.

“To be fair to Coventry, they were focused as well even though they weren’t great. But both teams want to keep going.”

City were worried whether Stead would be up to playing again so soon after his debut at the weekend. But Parkinson felt the new loan striker stepped up a gear.

He said: “Jon’s calves tightened up with cramp on Saturday and we were concerned about him.

“We thought it might be a big ask because he’s not played that much first-team football this season. But he looked stronger.

“He played well on Saturday and even better last night.”

===========================

Phil Parkinson’s plans for next season remain on hold until City have rubberstamped their League One status.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11124891.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_planning_for_next_game__not_next_season/


City head back to Valley Parade on Saturday with Phil Parkinson telling home fans: We owe you.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11121934.Parkinson_wants_to_put_smile_on_Bantams_fans____faces/?ref=eb



===========================

From the Official BCFC Website:

CITY AT HOME IN YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP FINAL

After beating Hull City in the northern section final last weekend, the
Bantams' youth team will play at home to Colchester United in the Youth
Alliance Cup national final later this month.

City won a coin toss this Wednesday to ensure they will host this year's
final at the Coral Windows Stadium.

The grand final will take place on Tuesday 29 April - kick off 7:00pm.

Prices and further admission information will be confirmed in due course.

===========================