Sunday 30 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

GR on answers back

Geoffrey Richmond appeared on Pulse Sport to answer questions from the fans. This is the potted version of what was said:

Ward played injured

Jim Jefferies has revealed that Ashley Ward, who scored the winner against Grimsby Town, was playing with a sore ankle. "If there had been another striker fit he would not have been playing" said Jefferies.

If the other striker in question, Andy Tod, is too injured to play in what is his 5th week of a loan move from Dunfirmline one has to wonder what is the point of keeping him on the payrole. We have seen enough of Tod to know if we want him or not, why not let him go back to Scotland to get fit on Dunfirmline's money and sign him when he is fit?

Brown eyed by Motherwell

Motherwell are reported to be set to offer City's number two and Jim Jefferies right hand man of the past decade or so the chance to become their new manager.

New column, new anger

BFB welcomes a new columnist to the ranks as David Wood gets hot under the collar at a pair of So called City fans.

It those pants again

How we all laughed when Grimsby emerged where a set of yellow shorts that made them look like a bunch of bananas that had gone bad, just as City had looked odd against Sheffield Wednesday when we were forced to change into strange yellow shorts to avoid a clash. You guessed it, same pants. Grimsby wore our third strip shorts, and very stupid they looked in them too.

Saturday 29 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Late winner saves Jefferies from a big black mark

A late headed winner from Ashley Ward saved Jim Jefferies from significant criticism after for the second time in a week he took the City midfield apart during the 3-2 win over Grimsby Town.

Flash signs and scores for Monkey Hangers

Gordon Watson has signed for Hartlepool until the end of the season and celebrated his contract witha goal in the 3-1 win over Carlisle Utd.

Dean's dream debut turns sour

Dean Richards was enjoying a dream debut for Spurs having scored and seeing his side 3-0 up over Manchester United. Those five second half goals for United sort of ruined it for him.

Friday 28 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Confusion over Carbone's Torino comments

Geoffrey Richmond and Jim Jefferies have denied that Benito Carbone, who seemed set for a return to Italy with Torino after confirming apparently that he would be interested in rejoining them, is on the brink of a move away from VP.

Carbone is reported as saying "I thank Torino coach Giancarlo Camolese for his attention, I hope to go back to Italy, it's my main desire. I am also available to take a pay cut if I can play for Torino again."

"I hope that this project becomes real as soon as possible. I should have only to discuss some details with Bradford, but I think that if Torino really want me, I could be immediately available." Carbone is reported to have said. However, Geoffrey Richmond poured scorn on the idea saying "I have to say that I'm deeply suspicious of these quotes because he has been a model pro since he has been at this club. Benito certainly hasn't made any suggestion whatsoever that he is either unhappy or wants to move. These rumours are persistent but we've received no contact directly or indirectly from any Italian or other club. He is in the second year of a four-year contract here and we fully expect Benito Carbone to honour that. He is not for sale."

However, if Carbone be set on leaving the club seem sure to put a record price on his head, Carbone is reported to have claimed a £2m signing on fee when he joined in 2000.

Should Carbone go to Torino it would be his third spell at the club when he started his career having left and 1988, rejoined in 1993 and left for Napoli in 1994. The funds from the sale of Carbone would be expected to be given to Jim Jefferies for team strengthening with the reported £30,000 to £40,000 a week that the Italian picked up being spread across a number of new signings.

McCall, Wetherall and Myers struggling

David Wetherall, Stuart McCall and Andy Myers are struggling to be fit for the game wih Grimsby. At this stage anyone with a City shirt and boots will be getting a game on Saturday.

Thursday 27 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

MaCall: City were "totally inept"

Stuart McCall has branded City's display against Stockport as " totally inept". "There are no excuses for any of us for performing as poorly as we did." Continued the City skipper, "Apart from 15 minutes prior to half time, in which we missed 2 guilt edged chances to go in at the break leading we were completely shocking all over the park."

"From everyone involved we apologise for our pathetic performance," McCall said, "it's at a time now when we need the support of the true fans and with the next 2 games being at home, 6 points are a must."

Beni struggling for Grimsby

Benito Carbone has joined the list of City player struggling to be fit for Saturday's game with Grimsby. Gary Locke and Andy Tod both told a supporters meeting that they had high hopes of being fit for the game.

Wednesday 26 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Italian jobs

Torino are claiming to have opened negotations with City over Benito Carbone, something Geoffrey Richmond has denied, and City are being linked with a move for Piacenza defender Alessandro Lucarelli.

Celtic looking at Beni?

Celtic are reportred to have had a scout watching Benito Carbone in Tuesday nights Stockport farce. With Henrikk Larson going well for the hoops it is hard to see where Martin O'Niell would fit the player into his side.

While not wanting to sell the mercurial Italian BfB can see an upside should he go to Parkhead for a City record sum of over £2.5m. The squad badly needs strengthening at Valley Parade and the funds from Carbone, plus the release of his weekly wage to the players budget, would be useful. However, on the negative side, Jim Jefferies has never spent more than the £500,000 that Robert Molenaar cost on any player and has no experience with handling large sums in the transfer market.

Should Beni go BfB's wish list would include Jason McAtter of Blackburn for right back, Sean Gregan of Preston to partner David Wetherall and Lee Mills or Egil Ostendstad to lead the line.

Jefferies carries the can as City slump to home humiliation

Despite going into the game without Ashley Ward, Andy Tod and Robert Molenaar City still should have beaten Stockport, instead Jim Jefferies made errors that caused the game to finish 4-2 to the previously winless visitors.

Monday 24 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Junior Bantams beat the Black Cats

A very young City side beat Sunderland 1-0 in the North East with a goal from Danny Forrest 15 minutes from time. Jamie Lawrence, Aidan Davison and French midfielder Bruno da Rocha were the most senior players in Walter Kidd's side.

Possible City targets John Oster and Kevin Kyle played for the home side and readytogo.net confirms that City boss Jim Jefferies attended the game to cast an eye over both sides.

French trialist included in reserve squad

23-year old French midfielder Bruno da Rocha will play for City against Sunderland in the reserves game on Monday night as he searches for a new club following being released by Bordeaux in the summer.

da Rocha has been recommend to City and has impressed Jim Jefferies in training over the weekend. da Rocha played in the Champions League during his time at Bordeaux but was told that he no longer figured in the French sides plans.

Atherton eyes a way back

Forgotten man Peter Atherton says he would like to battle back to win a first team spot at City. With the inconstant form of Robert Molneaar and Andy Myers and the lack of cover for Gunnar Halle at right back it is easy to see Atherton getting a chance when he is fit after his injury lay off.

Sunday 23 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Flash opens tally

Former City favourite Gordon Watson opened his account on his return to football with Hartlepool in the 1-1 draw with Kidderminster.

Emanuel scan

Lewis Emanuel was discharged from hospital after a brain scan following a training ground incident.

Saturday 22 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richards join Spurs

Dean Richards, who to this day remains City record sale, has joined Spurs for £8.1m. Michael Wood asks Why has it taken so long for Dean Richards to reach the top?

Dark satanic Mills

Portsmouith have transfer listed nine players following the sale of Darren Moore, including £1.35m signing from City last season Lee Mills. Portsmouth, who have a squad of over 40 players, need to shed quickly and thus are open to "any reasonable offer". All this has excited Roland who says Bring Mills back.

Former Chalton keeper Andrew Patterson, who it is had Jim Jefferies has looked at during his time at Hearts, is also available.

Watson joins Hartlepool

Former City man and one of The 14 Gordon Watson has joined Hartlepool on a short term contract as he bids to restart his career at the age of 30. Watson has not played since leaving AFC Bournemouth two years ago.

Friday 21 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Tired City lose at Forest

Early chances come to nowt and Robert Molenaar is sent off as City lose 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Wednesday 19 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Emanuel stands by for debut

Lewis Emanuel could make his City debut against Nottingham Forest on Thursday as Wayne Jacobs recovers from a stomach bug that kept him out of training. Forest are hoping to return speedy England u21 right flank man David Prutton to the starting line up following injury and Jim Jefferies, mindful of the damage Glenn Little of Burnley did to the Bantams, may favour the inexperienced Emanuel to the less fit Jacobs.

Andy Tod, Ashley Ward and David Wetherall are all also carrying woes of various sorts with all thought capable of passing fitness tests before the game.

Tuesday 18 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Dunfermline open negotiations for Tod

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston has opened a bidding war for City's on loan striker Andy Tod after saying that the Scots club would like a "six figure" fee for the player. Tod was out of the Dunfermline team and is desperate to make a move away from the club and it is unlikely that City will furnish Yorkston's request with Jim Jefferies more than a little parsimonious.

Jefferies has in the past allowed targets such as Motherwell's Steve McMillian to pass him by showing his unwillingness to be held over a barrel and would be ready to let Tod return to the North should Ashley Ward come fit and Tod into the background and the Scots club not drop their price.

Calamatari talk

City are being linked with Everton reject Danny Calamatari who has been told to get out of Goodison Park following his conviction for punching his girlfriend. City are linked for the following reasons:

BfB verdict: City will not be interested.

Monday 17 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

How the Hell did City not beat Sheffield Wednesday?

Benito Carbone tormented them, Gary Walsh was rarely troubled by them but the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday will remain one of the The mysteries of the unexplained.

McAtter link back

City are once again being listed as one of a few clubs chasing Blackburn's right back Jason McAtter. Southampton, Chartlon, Birmingham and Burnley are also linked.

New pants

City wore claret shorts after discovering the black home ones and the deep blue away ones both classed with Sheffield Wednesday's pants.

City trio in red card stuff

Former City man Steve Torpey had a goal bound shot for Scunthorpe stopped on the line by former City man Lee Todd of Rochdale, who was red carded. Former City man Peter Beagrie scored the resulting penalty.

Sunday 16 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Author, author

Jamie Lawrence is set to publish a book on his long and varied career. Lawrence, one time inmate at Her Majesty's pleasure and, perhaps worse, Doncaster Rovers player is reported to have been working on a book with a ghost writer.

Suggested titles for Jamie Lawrence's book
Beni on Tod(y)

Benito Carbone paid tribute to City's make shift striker Andy Tod

"We needed to score after the first goal (against Gillingham) and we did that through Tody. I'm very happy for him because he's a very good guy."

Saturday 15 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City outclass Gillingham 5-1

City outclassed Gillingham from start to finish to run home 5-1 winners with David Wetherall, Andy Tod, Eoin Jess, Robbie Blake and Benito Carbone on the scoresheet.

Watford away in League Cup

City have been drawn away at Watford in the third round of the league cup.

Moore finally joins West Brom

Portsmouth sold captain and former City start Darren Moore to West Brom for £750,000 after a protracted transfer deal. Good deal for Brom, expect Pompey to struggle from now on.

Thursday 13 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Carbone back, Whalley maybe, Ward hopefully, Myers out

Benito Carbone is expected to start Friday night's game with Gillingham after returning to full training this week. Ashley Ward is also hoping to be fit following an ankle injury, Ward's possible absence laughed off by Billy Brown who commented "But if (Ward is out) we've always got the predator playing there, goal-a-game Andy Tod."

Injury to Gareth Whalley could give a league debut to Lee Makel while the return of David Wetherall become required following injuries to Andy Myers and Mark Bower. Wetherall will partner Robert Molenaar.

Wednesday 12 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Blake will wait

Robbie Blake on his double and why he may have to wait for a first team start.

"I should have had a double hat-trick but it's just pleasing to be playing and getting two goals is a bonus. It's been a hard start for me because I missed the first four games. But hopefully this will kick-start my season and I'll go on to better things. We've got quality strikers and I could have no complaints about not being picked because the lads have done well. Beni will probably be back for Friday and I may have to settle for a place on the bench again but hopefully I've shown the manager that I'm good enough. There's nothing better than playing every game. You ask any player not in the team and they are kicking every ball because they want to be out there."

City beat Rotherham 4-0

City thump Rotherham 4-0 and Roland gets a chance to write a match report...

Wetherall on Emanuel "He's got everything"

David Wetherall paid tribute to rookie Bantam Lewis Emanuel:

"There's no reason why he can't have a good career because he's got everything. He could play at the highest level - he's just got to buckle down and work hard. He can play to a good standard if he really puts his mind to it and pushes himself."

Gillingham game still on

City's Friday night game with Gillingham is still on despite the midweek UEFA games being called off.

Tuesday 11 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City progress in League Cup

City beat Rotherham 4-0 at Millmoor to progress to the third round of the League Cup.

Monday 10 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni back in the squad

Benito Carbone has returned to the Bradford City squad following his hamstring injury. Carbone is not expected to start against Rotherham on Tuesday night. Ashley Ward is still missing.

Dickov loan link

Manchester City striker Paul Dickov is being linked with a loan move to Valley Parade by TeamTalk.

Dolan signs City trialist Evans

Former City boss Terry Dolan has signed former trialist Michael Evans on a short term contract. Evans appeared as substitute on Saturday.

Sunday 9 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Right back search moves on

Jim Jefferies search for a new right back is to be stepped up after a string of excellent performances by Gary Locke in the midfield convinced the boss that Locke's best role would be there and not at full back. Jefferies wants to bring in competition for Gunnar Halle and so far has looked at Aussie Marcus Stergiopoulos and Town's Thomas Heary.

Saturday 8 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City get draw at Sheff United

An Ashley Ward and Benito Carbone-less City side got a 2-2 away draw with Sheffield United after taking an early lead.

Friday 7 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim on Scotland

Jim Jefferies has been quick to dismiss speculation linking him to Craig Brown's Scotland job.

"It's something not worth considering. And even if it was, there will be a lot of big names there before me."

Jim on who Scotland should pick

Although not wanting to manage the Scots side Jim Jefferies did make a suggestion for Craig Brown (or whoever)

"I'm not going to say they should be picked, that's somebody else's decision, but they are certainly worth coming down to watch. Eoin [Jess] is coming into his peak and got his form back. He was a bit quieter last week but since he's come here, we think he's played very well. Gary Locke was well thought of in the under-21s with Craig Brown, and they were very disappointed when he got his injury problems."

Tod on Locke and Jess

Loanee Andy Tod backed Jefferies call for Jess and Locke to get a call.

"The way both of them are playing, it won't do their chances any harm. If the team are doing well, you get the publicity and that may encourage Craig Brown or whoever to come down."

Steve Bruce on Matt Clarke

"Matt is an excellent keeper who is confident in the air and able to dominant his penalty box."

Steve obviously never saw flappy Matt at Middlesbrough.

Thursday 6 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Reserves draw thanks to sharp Blake

Robbie Blake scored as City got a first point of the reserve league season in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough. trialist Marcus Stergiopoulos looked "reasonable" and David Wetherall came through the full 90 minutes on his return from injury. Andy Tod spent the game up front as training for covering Ashley Ward.

Oh that Marcus Stergiopoulos

Walter Kidd has revealed why the name of the new trialist Marcus Stergiopoulos may be familiar to some City fans, espically those who put the whole 1990 squad into a computer game from Rothman's Football Yearbook. "He was at Bradford before as a youngster." said Kidd.

JJ cool on Oster

Jim Jefferies had denied that he will spend the Matt Clarke cash on Sunderland's John Oster "He is an option but I'm not saying I'm going to make a move. I've never made any contact with Sunderland and I think the agent has jumped the gun."

Wednesday 5 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Clarke joins Palace

Matt Clarke completed his move to Crystal Palace today signing a deal that will keep him at Selhurst Park until 2005. The deal is worth £1 up front to City plus £350,000 based on appearances and £50,000 should Palace be promoted (So £1.35m then).

Clarke leaves with few tears but some regret that a promising career has faded away. Clarke is the fifth highest sale in the club's history.

Clarke maths

Number of clubs Matt Clarke though would want to sign him when he went on the transfer list 19 (Every other Premiership club). Number of firm offers for Matt Clarke: 1. Number of firm offers from Premiership clubs: 0.

Clarke cash saves squad

The cash from the sale of Matt Clarke will, in all likelihood, be added to the players wages budget for the year and not spent on squad strengthening although Jim Jefferies will have freedom to offer contracts to trialists Lee Makel and right back Marcus Stergiopoulos, potential loanee M'Saddek Senoussi and perhaps a former Hearts man...

Juanjo to be free soon

Hearts 25 year old Spanish attacking midfielder Juanjo is set to leave Tynecastle after rejecting the club's offer of a new deal. The Spaniard was less than impressed with the Hearts offer saying that they had not offered him a "serious contract" yet. Expect Jim Jefferies to monitor developments with one of his former charges who come available for a free transfer in October.

Tuesday 4 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City agree a fee for Clarke

City have agreed a fee of £1.35m for Matt Clarke with Steve Bruce's Crystal Palace. "The club will receive an initial £1 million with the fee rising to £1.35m depending on appearances." said Geoffrey Richmond, "The deal is of course subject to the player agreeing personal terms with Crystal Palace." Coventry City, also tracking Clarke, may be prompted to bid.

Clarke has not played since asking to leave after being dropped against Newcastle. It was Clarke's opinion then that he should be the automatic choice at a Premiership club. Now he seems set to move down the first division from the Bantams, something that BfB writer Michael Wood can not help but find disappointing as Matt Clarke fades away.

Carbone and Ward struggling for fitness

Ashley Ward and Benito Carbone are both suffered knocks in the defeat by Burnley at the weekend but are both hoping to be fit for Saturday's game with Sheffield United.

Ward twisted an ankle while Carbone strained a hamstring. The Italian's injury is the more serious of the two.

Sharpe out for two months

Lee Sharpe has been ruled out for two months following his injury against Macclesfield Town two weeks ago. Short term contactee Lee Makel will cover Sharpe's role covering the midfield.

Bantam Belles sacked

Word has it that City's off the field guru Barrie Pierpoint sacked the Bantam Belles/Up Front dancers before Sunday's game claiming that they had become "Old Hat". It should be noted that this is probably the first time anyone used the word "Old" to describe the worryingly youthful cheerleaders.

Stergiopoulos on trial

Australian Marcus Stergiopoulos will miss the England Albania game as he plays for City reserves on trial agianst Middlesbrough. Stergiopoulos was born in Melbourne and has been on trial with St. Johnstone.

27 year old Stergiopoulos, who had a spell with Lincoln City in 2000, can play left back or in midfield and had dealings with American side Colombus Crew. He started his career with Gippsland Falcons.

David Wetherall also misses the chance to watch the England game on telly as he plays in a an attempt to build up match fitness for the Sheffield United game on Saturday. Aidan Davison and Jon Worsnop are the two named keepers with Matt Clarke on the verge of a move.

Monday 3 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City want £2.5m from Coventry for Clarke

It is reported that Coventry City will be quoted a price of £2.5m when they make formal enquiries over signing City reserve keeper Matt Clarke. Clarke, out of the City side since his reaction to being dropped against Newcastle in a Premiership match, is keen on the move after the Sky Blues sold Chris Kirkland to Liverpool and are expected to left Magnus Hedman join Sporting Lisbon however Highfield Road is a far cry from the ambitions the player and agent had when he demanded a move confident he would be able to find a first team place in another Premiership team.

City will ask the Sky Blues for £2.5m but are keen to strike a deal to free up funds for Jim Jefferies's promotion campaign so are liable to be flexible. A money on promotion deal is not thought likely after the conflict of interest that effected the Dean Windass deal to Middlesbrough last term.

Should a deal be made expect Jefferies to look at bringing M'Saddek Senoussi in from France and Egil Ostenstad from Blackburn Rovers. A move for Jason McAtter, also of Blackburn Rovers, can not be ruled out as JJ looks for a new right back. Permanent deals for Andy Tod and Lee Makel are also possible. All these moves are subject to the financial pressures on the club which is currently £700,000 over the £7.5m wages budget.

Burnley game moan special

Justified moan number 1

Benito Carbone on being accused of trying to dive a penalty against Burnley:

"It was definitely a penalty because he kicked me. I would never go down like that, that is not how I play. If the referee didn't think it was a foul then he had to book me. But he didn't so I don't understand why nothing was given. It was very frustrating for us because we should have had a penalty and also had a goal ruled out which should have counted."

Justified moan number 2

Jim Jefferies on said penalty and Ashley Ward's 2nd disallowed goal:

"I just do not understand why the two decisions went against us. The penalty was a 'stone-waller', the defender wrapped his legs round Beni and whether he made a meal of it or not, it was still a foul. And I couldn't believe the goal was disallowed. It beats me how someone can play the ball across the face of the goal only for the linesman to say he passed it five yards forward. They make decisions and aren't answerable for them. But it's hard to take because that cost us the game."

Justified moan number 3

Eoin Jess applies logic to the disallowed goal situation

"Ashley was level with me when I passed it. There's no way it could have been five yards forward or the keeper would have picked it up on the line."

Sunday 2 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Head scratching at Burnley draw

City miss a chance to return top as Burnley win at VP

Much head scratching as Ashley Ward has two goals chalked off and Burnley win 3-2 at Valley Parade.

Stupid kid

Some idiot kid attacked the Burnley goalkeeper after the game. Although this should go down in the category marked "Something and Nowt" it is unacceptable and frankly we do not need his sort at VP.

Saturday 1 September 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Lennie's men top for the day

Former City boss Lennie Lawrence's Grimsby team sit proudly atop the First divison tonight after beating Barnsley 1-0 but any result in the City Burnley game on Sunday will see the Mariners drop places.

GR confirms Windass was offered to City

Geoffrey Richmond (Remember him? Strange who when things are bad GR gets a load of blame, as at the start of last year, but when they are going well he is not mentioned) has confirmed that City were offered the chance of taking Dean Windass back from Middlesbrough but that the Bantams have rejected the chance. Jim Jefferies and I felt the sale of Dean Windass was a good piece of business. We were given the chance to possibly bring him back but Jim decided against it." said GR.

Jim Jefferies added "He's a good player but I felt it wasn't the right thing to do at this time." BfB writer Michael Wood agrees that the time for Dean Windass has passed.

The think its McCall over...

Stuart McCall has indicated that this may not be his final season in professional football and has said that he would love to be a part of the Bantams squad for next season should it be in the Premiership.

"I will know when it is time to call it a day but I would love to bow out with Bradford in the Premiership." said the City legend, "I feel right now that I can still contribute to the team and one last crack at the Premiership would be a fairytale end for me."

The month by month news index.