The Adam Hepton Column

Monday 22 April, 2002

End of an era, or start of a legacy?

While it seems a slight understatement to say that 15th in the Nationwide League Division One was not exactly what we had in mind when we returned from whence we came, it also in some kind of perverse logic seems to have been beneficial for us to have experienced such a torrid campaign.

The modern golden age that the Bantam has rejoiced in has come to a stuttering, stark end. The irony cannot be lost on the fact that for all the promise shown in our tenure in the promotion and subsequent seasons, the final goal accredited to Bradford City Football Club this season was not even scored by one of our own players, against the giants of the football world that are Walsall FC. No discredit to the Saddlers, but a point at the Bescot is hardly on a par with a comprehensive and deserved victory over a Champions League-seeking Liverpool.

So, fellow wide-eyed and expectant Bantam, what do we have to look forward to? After all, we?ve just given our best, most dedicated senior player a free transfer. If we can?t be bothered to look after our own, what chance do we have against the other hungry dogs of English football?

I am probably alone when I say that I am optimistic for the future of BCFC. I was alone when I never expected City to gain promotion or even play particularly well. We traditionally win the first few games and take top position in the league: Barnsley was not a prophecy of things to come, rather a ritual set in the lore of Bradford City. We had a squad brimming full of attributes, but most of these attributes were arrogance, laziness and a belief that promotion was won on the fact we happened to be there last season. For McCall?s sake, even the deity himself decided he was too good to be dropped. Although a certain Scottish manager who was out of his depth here might have had a great deal to do with that one.

We have in Nicky Law a manager who is saying and seemingly doing all the right things. He is making harsh decisions in order to create what he thinks is the best squad for Bradford City?s future and I for one am behind him, despite some initial resistance. The squad he has now seems revitalised and ready to do the job. We just went five games unbeaten away from home for the first time in ten seasons. And with some fine-tuning, this could be just the start.

Youth team products are once again reminiscent of days gone by; Mark Bower especially seems a very able centre-back in the manner that Messrs. Richards and O?Brien before him have been. Squad members that were previously discarded by Jeffries have found a new lease of life under the Law regime ? step forward Claus Jorgensen. Players like Tom Kearney and Danny Cadamarteri are being given the chances they were never given by their Premiership mentors, and the potential signings of the impressive Alan Combe and the dependable Chris Greenacre can only be viewed as good business. We may even get something out of Beni yet.

The way that prudent financing has taken priority has meant that our young, bright team may capitalise out of the others? over-exuberance in the transfer market in the wake of the ITV Digital fiasco. We may not get promoted this season or even next, but one thing?s for sure : the club?s in good hands and the direction we?re heading in is not the same as it was before : a water sprinkler which raises a stream of cool success, before falling and sitting dormant again, waiting for the button to be pressed on another ultimately futile mission upwards. Law and Richmond are setting up for a tidal wave of constant success, and I for one want to be part of it.

So, young Bantam, do not be downhearted. The future?s bright. The future?s claret and amber. Well, maybe.

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