Saturday 29 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City give it away to Palace

Not defending set-plays, mistakes at the back and losing games we could have won. It was Crystal Palace beating City 2-1 at Valley Parade, but really it could have been any of about 15 from City's good season gone bad.

GR: Jim's a quitter

Geoffrey Richmond has spoken about Jim Jefferies appoitment at City saying that the manager's CV stood up to the closest scriteny and that City thought they had "Landed quiet a coup" when the former Hearts man took over at VP. "He had the support of the board and the fans who put him under little pressure considering the results. I thought he was made of sterner stuff than that but unfortunately that was obviously not the case. The one thing I didn't think was that Jim was a quitter. But that is what he has turned out to be." BfB could not agree more.

Idiot writes

Reports by awful reporter Jeremy Cross are linking Steve Coppell with the City job, however, with Cross's track record this is to be taken with a gritter truck full of salt.
See also: Who will be the next manager of Bradford City?

Orangeballs

The Valley Parade pitch passed inspection after overnight snow in Bradford and the game with Crystal Palace is set to go ahead.

Friday 28 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Etherington back early

Matthew Etherington has returned to Spurs two games early after City allowed him to leave to sign another keeper, Carl Muggleton. Etherington impressed during his time at Valley Parade and could have been a valued member of a promotion push, however with a new manager imminent and Lee Sharpe back to fitness for the left wing berth Etherington's usefulness has expired.

On the strength of his displays at Valley Parade it would seem that Matthew Etherington has a Premiership future. His close control is good, his football brain is there and his play is direct. Should Etherington improve on one area of his play, his crossing, he could get international recognition.

As back up to Lee Sharpe, and with Juanjo employed on the right wing replacing injured Gary Locke, youth player Andrew Lee may get a place on the bench under his regular coach, Steve Smith. Smith gave Des Hamilton his debut during his last spell as caretaker manager.

New keeper signed from Division Three

City have signed Cheltenham Town keeper Carl Muggleton on loan to ease the goalkeeper injury crisis after Gary Walsh suffered illness. Youth keeper Jon Worsnop has an injury, Aidan Davison is unfit and the old other keeper at the club is coach and Master's Team keeper Mark Prudhoe. Ironically 38 year old Carl Muggleton would have lined up against former City keeper Matt Clarke, who's notorious fall down the stairs left City with the last keeping crisis that saw Neville Southall's unwelcome return, but at the moment Clarke is injured.

Molenaar: Jim going is out fault

Robert Molenaar said that the players accepted the responsibility for Jim Jefferies leaving the club following the defensive errors that have dogged City this season.

Lennie bagged

Lennie Lawrence, the manager that Geoffrey Richmond said "Was a bad appointment", has been sacked from Grimsby Town following no wins in the last twenty games. Lennie Lawrence is not expected to be interviewed for the City job.

Makel gone

Lee Makel has joined Livingston to the end of his City contract. The typical single skill First Division player his presence in the City team was always a guestion over Jim Jefferies and one doubts he will be missed by anyone at Valley Parade.

Thursday 27 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim: 'Nuff said

Jim Jefferies decided against legal action following his resignation from City and pointedly concluded a tersely worded statement on the subject with the phrase: "I will be making no further statements on this or any matter concerning Bradford City Football Club."

JJ wished City all the best for the future, something reciprocated by BfB who looks forward to seeing what JJ and Billy Brown's next move in the game will be with one rumour linking the pair to a job working alongside Berti Voghts in the Scotland set up.

David Wood: Bradford Manager

BfB columnist David Wood applies for the job making it clear to Geoffrey Richmond "Why I should manage Bradford City Football Club".

Jacko takes the ball home

Peter Jackson is understood to have "cooled" on the idea on becoming City's next manager after his application was received with something other than cartwheels by the Bantamarati.

One wise man sees Makel north

Lee Makel is activating the "wise man" clause in his contract that allows him to leave should Jim Jefferies no longer be at City. Makel is set to sign for Livingston within the week. Makel has his best game in a City shirt in the 2-1 defeat by Sheffield United but has done little to suggest he is of the right quality to be anything other than a bog standard First Division player. With Gareth Whalley back within the month and both Lee Sharpe and Juanjo on the bench, Makel will not be missed.

Wednesday 26 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Mistakes mean City lose to Sheffield United

Two defensive errors cost City as the Bantams lose 2-1 at home to Sheffield United.

Collymore rejected

Stan Collymore's application to the manager of Bradford City will be reject Geoffrey Richmond has said. Richmond's failure to consider the former City striker borders on arrogance. If, as we are lead to believe, the likes of Peter Jackson are to be considered for the job, then we can hardly say that the quality of candidates is high. What harm would it have done to interview Stan Collymore as opposed to rejecting the application in the post?

Geoffrey Richmond has said that Collymore's application "Will certainly not treated as serious but neither will it be treated with contempt". By announcing on the radio that Collymore would not be gettingthe job I would suggest that conpenpt is exactly what we have shown the would be manager.

There was a time in 1987 when Bradford City had a clear choice between tow managers, the caretaker Terry Dolan and a young player not much older than Collymore is now and keen to start his management career. We picked Dolan, the other man was Martin O'Niell. One hopes we have not made a similar mistake.

GR on the wireless

Geoffrey Richmond went on Pulse Sport to take questions from fans. The basics of what was said are.

Tuesday 25 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Why Stan must be considered

It may be the Christmas air but Michael Wood believes that Stan Collymore must be considered for the City job. Collymore will make his formal application for the job within the week.

Makel to follow Jefferies?

Word has it that Lee Makel will beocme the first of Jim Jefferies players to leave the club with Livingston ready to offer the "good passer" a place. He will not be missed.

Merry Christmas from BfB

Have a Merry Christmas readers and if you are not that bothered by Christmas, have a Merry Couple-of-days-off-work.

Monday 24 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim Jefferies has resigned as Bradford City manager

Jim Jefferies has had his resignation as Bradford City manager accepted by Geoffrey Richmond bringing to an end an inauspicious 13 month stay at Valley Parade for the Scots manager who joined the then Premiership Bantams.

Pressure had been increasing on Jefferies after the teams excellent start to the season faded and promotion back to the top flight began to look impossible. Jeffries right hand man Billy Brown left the club on Saturday.

Bfb looks back at Jim Jefferies short stay at Valley Parade and forward to the future asking What City should do next

Stan Collymore applies, Evans as his #2

Stan Collymore will apply for the job a Bradford City manager according to his lawyer and as odd as it sounds the 30 year old who won the City crowd with his overhead kick against Leeds has a chance of getting the post.

Stan, who's chequered career has been detailed elsewhere, sights his inside knowledge of fans and players as a key factor in his application and has a secret running mate who he would bring in as coach, thought to be former Liverpool manager Roy Evans.

Publicity shy Evans recently resigned from Swindon and enjoyed a fair relationship with Collymore after he signed him for £8.5m for Liverpool some years ago. The couple's dynamic would be similar to the Peter Jackson/Terry Yorath pairing at Huddersfield in which the coach takes charge of day to day training of the players and the manager is more involved in more general aspects of the running of the team.

Collymore's lawyer Jonathan Crystal confirmed Stan's interest in the post saying "Stan has every confidence in his ability to do the job and he is speaking to a senior man in football to help him out, but his role model is Steve Coppell who became a manager at 30, the same age as Stan. It's a serious application, he played at Bradford and was very popular there, he is very experienced in football and knows what a manager needs to do to turn around a club like Bradford. He has got the ability and faith in his ability to perform as a manager as good as he did as a player."

"Stan enjoyed his time at Bradford and left on good terms. He feels he can buckle down and do the job, he believes he can deal with the sort of problems he had as a player, having been in the same position in the pas and is in a unique position to understand the problems players face. Bradford City will receive a formal application, setting out his and the senior football figure's views on joining the club and their plans for the future."

On the chance of Stan returning as a player Crystal commented "Stan's registration is held as Oviedo and if Bradford wanted him back as a player they'd have to negotiate with them."

See also: The short list

City fans speak out on Jefferies

Neal Ackroyd was at the ground eating a sandwhich as Jim Jefferies left the club and had plenty to chew over at Valley Parade.

James Ramsden takes a look at the City recuitment policy after Jim Jefferies goes with his tail between his kilt.

Bradford City Internet pioneer Neal Ackroyd has added his thoughts to the Jim Jefferies debate with the column Dark Christmas in Bantamland.

BfB columnist Jonathan Jackson assess the situation and asks the questions Jim Jefferies: Will He Fall or Is He Being Pushed?

Roland Harris has slept on his comments on Jim Jefferies, and he still thinks he is right the morning after the night before.

Jeffeires: I did not resign

Jim Jefferies is considering legal action following clams that he never resigned from City. With both sides lawyers meeting before the resignation was announced and with Jefferies having tendered his resignation on Saturday file this under "legal dealings" and expect little to come of it.

Is he Gunnar be manager? Surely not him!

Gunnar Halle turned down offers of a job in Norway last week and has been added to the list of those who would be the next City boss. Another name to come into the hat is one Stanley Victory Collymore...

Club thanks JJ

Bradford City have thanks Jim Jefferies for his time at Valley Parade saying The Club wish to place on record their thanks to Jim Jefferies for despite some very disappointing results on the field, the Board felt that Jim Jefferies as Manager was moving in the right direction and were very pleased with the signings made during his time at Bradford City.

However the club pointed out the failings of Jefferies saying It has been a difficult twelve months with just 12 victories from 48 games played, relegation from the Premier League, a disappointing current position of 16th in Division 1, the recent public disagreement between Jim Jefferies and Stuart McCall, some very unpleasant letters to the Manager from supporters and finally the departure of Billy Brown. Jim Jefferies indicated that he was uncertain whether or not if he could carry on as Manager without the assistance of his long-standing assistant.

Jim quit on Saturday

Geoffrey Richmond has revealed that Jim Jefferies resigned from City on Saturday and that he stayed for the game with Coventry as a condition of his resignation being accepted. Quite why Jim Jefferies felt the need to lie in any number of interviews from then to the Monday when his leaving the club was confirmed is anyone guess.

Steve Smith in charge

Youth team manager Steve Smith, who took City Juniors to the Youth League Cup final last term, has been placed in temporary charge of the Bantams. Stuart McCall had been favourite to take the post on a short term basis but some insiders are speculating that the club were keen to make sure that the end of Jim Jefferies time at City was not seen as a player's coup.

Steve Smith takes the job as City caretaker manager for the second time having previous taken charge of the team for the games with Barnet at Cardiff at Valley Parade following the sacking of Frank Stapleton. Smith gave a full debut to Des Hamilton in the first of those two games and had been in charge of the City youth team that reached the FA Cup Cup semi final thanks to the skills of Hamilton and Graeme Tomlinson.

Who should be the new manager?

BfB would like to know who you think should be the new manager of Bradford City. Mail us with your idea for a new boss and why you think he should be the new Bantams manager.

What now for Juanjo?

Jim Jefferies resignation casts a doubt over the City future of his imports from Scotland. Jim signed Jaunjo, Gary Locke and Lee Makel from his former club Hearts and picked Eoin Jess and Andy Tod from Scots football.

In the bleak Robbie Winters?

One rumour coming out of Valley Parade has it that Jim Jefferies tendered his resignation after being denied the fund to make a Bosman bid for soon to be available Aberdeen striker Robbie Winters

Jefferies for Scotland manager?

Rumour in Scotland has started that Jim Jefferies will be offered the chance to manage Scotland after leaving Bradford City. A Gary Locke call up seems inevitable.

Beni to leave on a free?

Benito Carbone is reported to be available for transfer on a free from City, although any move may be delayed until a new manager has been appointed. Carbone is though tot favour a move to Italy above a return to the Premiership with Derby County.

Sunday 23 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Juanjo confirms Jefferies exit

Rumour after the Coventry game has it that Jim Jefferies signing form Hearts Juanjo confirmed to a group of City fans that the manager had resigned. Juanjo was visibly upset by this, according to BfB sources, and speculation post Jefferies on the future of all JJ's Hearts signings including the Spaniard signed last month, Gary Locke and Lee Makel is inevitable.

Jefferies to quit

Jim Jefferies is expected to confirm to Geoffrey Richmond that he would like to resign his position as Bradford City manager. Richmond is expected to accept.

BfB columnists react angrily to Jefferies antics. Michael Wood ask: Where does the hand become the wrist?. Roland Harris says Give the job to Stuart

George Graham rumour

City have been linked with a move for George Graham to replace Jim Jefferies as manager although Burnley's Stan Ternant is thought ot be the club's first choice. BfB has written up the third manager shortlist of the past 18 months.

Thrashed at Coventry

A desperate City went down 4-0 at Coventry in what would seem to be Jim Jefferies final game of his 13 month stay at Valley Parade.

Jim: Business as usual

Jim Jefferies insisted that he would have his usual Monday morning meeting with Geoffrey Richmond, playing down talk of his resignation.

Saturday 22 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Brown quits, Jim to follow?

Billy Brown has left Valley Parade and rumour has it that City boss Jim Jefferies has also offered Geoffrey Richmond his resignation, a resignation Richmond has asked Jefferies to reconsider.

Thursday 20 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim wants an apology from McCall

Jim Jefferies has demanded an apology from Stuart McCall following the City captain's comments after being dropped. "I was really disgusted at Stuart's tantrum." said Jefferies, "He came running across the park to me and had words in front of the players. I'm not going to stand for that from him or anyone else, there can be no preferential treatment. I think Stuart should apologise and instead of behaving like he has, he should show more respect. All I did was make a change because he wasn't looking up to it. He had missed two days with flu, still looked really bad on the Wednesday and I told him to take Thursday off. He didn't and declared himself fit to prepare for the weekend but on the evidence of a little practice game he was clearly short."

Locke back for Coventry game

Gary Locke is set for a return to the City side to partner Lee Sharpe as the Stuart McCall-less midfield continues. Should sense be seen and McCall be restored Locke may play right back with Sharpe retaining his midfield position.

Wednesday 19 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City to quit the division?

Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley believes that the six Premiership Two clubs, including City, will resign from the First Division next week and establish a new league under the Premiership banner that will include Celtic and Rangers. Expect more developments on this lest City play a fourteen games season next term?

Stuart's Burnley link resurfaces

Stuart McCall is once again being linked with a move to Burnley following his fall out with Jim Jefferies. Burnley were interested in Stuart at the start of the season when the City skipper was out of contract. No move will be agreed before the 1st of January, 2002 when the clubs meet at Turf Moor.

Tuesday 18 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

O'Brien scores and stars to put Newcastle top

Favourite son Andrew O'Brien helped end Newcastle United's 30 game London jinx with an equalising goal and a quality display as the Mags won 3-1 and went top of the Premiership.

O'Brien faced up to Thierry Henry once more, a player he has a history of doing well against as far back as an England u21 game at Derby when OB, playing for Peter Taylor's England side, kept the World Cup winner in his pocket. He also helped City to a 2-1 win over the Gunners in 1999 when he man marked Henry, keeping the Frenchman down to one shot albeit a 45 yard screamer that arrowed in.

Stuart: I might not play for City again

Stuart McCall has revealed details of the bust up with Jim Jefferies that the City captain fears could mean the end of his Bantams career. "When you are told on the training pitch in front of other players that your legs have gone, you can no longer cover the ground on the park, and you have to accept your age of 37, then I would find it highly unlikely to be selected in the squad for this week's trip to Coventry or probably for any match in the coming future." said McCall.

Jefferies claimed he had no problems with McCall, the reverse would not seem to be true "What it boils down to regarding team selection is that there is only one man's opinion that counts, that obviously and quite rightly being the manager's." said McCall, "But the manager quoted after the Manchester City game, 'We didn't lose this game because of Stuart not playing, remember he was in the team when we got beaten at West Brom, Millwall and 4-0 at Birmingham' and I think that says it all."

Jefferies once again played down talk of a fall out "We'll have a look and see how he does in training this week, so we'll have to wait and see."

BfB sees Jefferies point. At 37 McCall does not get around the field like he he did and this does present problems for the Bantams. McCall is still worth his place in the Bantams starting eleven, Lee Makel should never be picked over him, but that place like any other player is not untouchable and McCall should be big enough to take critism from the manager. The bottom line at the moment is that Jim Jefferies is City boss and has decisions to make that will decide if he is, eventually, sacked or not. Stuart McCall has had the chance to become manager and will probably get offered that chance again one day. When he is he will rightfully expect to have the final say on team selection and positioning (JJ, it is said, wanted to play Stuart at full back).

Jim Jefferies arrived at Valley Parade with the call: I am not Geoffrey Richmond's "yes man". He is not Stuart McCall's "yes man" either. Jefferies picks the team, Stuart needs to be able to take this criticism and hopefully this issue can be put to bed and Stuart can get back to holding down his place in the team.

Blake bid shows the need for P2

Burnley boss Stan Ternent has pulled out of a bid for Robbie Blake after failing to meet City's valuation of £1.3m for the player. "We are poles apart when it comes to valuation" said the former City assistant manager. Burnley, who top the First Division and have hopes of the Premiership, show the problem with this league. Burnley could be a Premiership club in six months time and £1.3m would be chicken feed, but if they are not they can not afford to have such an expensive player. The idea behind Premiership Two is to bridge the gap and prepare teams for the Premiership so teams like Burnley do not have to gamble long term finance on the next half a season of football.

All of which means Robbie Blake stays at City.

Sue Stan

Stan Collymore is being sued by Real Oviedo who claim that his 34 day walk out following his move to the Spanish side from City last year cost the club £7m that they could have got from selling the player to another Spanish side. The fact that they got Collymore for nothing and that in that month Collymore failed to impress for them would seem a pretty sold case for Stan's defence that he was not worth such a sum.

Ternant for VP rumour

One Rumour not oft repeated rumour in Bradford has it that Burnley boss Stan Ternant has agreed to take the City job when it is "made available". File under "Unlikely" although Ternant has figured in City's short lists for manager for the previous two appointments. However boy hood Claret Ternant is unlikely to give up his job at the Turf Moor league leaders for City who had strapped for cash and do not enjoy the fervent support of the club West of the Pennines..

Monday 17 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Storm in a teacup

Jim Jefferies has played down talk of a major fall out with club captain Stuart McCall. "Stuart missed two days with the bug that's been going round and I didn't think he was quite there. I felt he's been due a rest anyway and although he still tried to rally and come in, I wasn't going to take the risk and go to Man City with somebody I felt might struggle when he was not really 100 per cent." said the City boss. "Stuart would play with a broken leg - but you can't do that. He'll think he was fit to play but I have to make decisions."

Jefferies continued to explain where the tall of a fall out may have come from "There's been no bust-up as far as I'm concerned. Unless by a bust-up you mean raising your voice- then I've had a lot of them in my time because that's what managers are supposed to do at training and set the tone. But it was purely a footballing decision and if there's a problem it's certainly not mine.". Jefferies point is well made although when recovering from flu one might have expected McCall to have made the bench.

Jefferies, who believes the paper thin midfield played well (It did going forward) continued "We played some great stuff in the middle of the park yesterday, passed the ball well and had a bit of a buzz about us. As the game wore on I was intending to take Lee Sharpe off but he got stronger and stronger - and he could have scored. Remember Stuart has been in the team when we got beaten at West Brom and Millwall and 4-0 at Birmingham. We didn't lose this game because of Stuart not playing, we lost because we didn't defend well at set-plays. We contributed to our own downfall by not dealing with setpieces but I still felt it was one of our best away performances."

Carol service review

The Bradford City carol service went off well on Monday night. Main singers were Wayne Jacobs and Gareth Grant, looking sheepish: Andy Myers.

Sunday 16 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

3-1 defeat at Maine Road for City without McCall

City took a lead at Maine Road but with Stuart McCall dropped the paper thin midfield got swampt and Man City won 3-1.

More on McCall vs Jefferies

Word has it that Jim Jefferies and Stuart McCall have fallen out after the manager told the captain that he would not be an automatic choice for the centre of midfield and that he would be playing right back against Manchester City.

Jim Jefferies on the other hand has denied that the row kept McCall out of the side saying that the skipper had flu and that although there was a disagreement at training, it was nothing serious.

McCall/Jefferies bust up?

Rumour around Bradford has it that Stuart McCall and Jim Jefferies had a blazing row on the training ground on Friday and as a result McCall has been dropped from the City squad for the game at Maine Road.

Should there be truth in the rumours then this would present something of a decision point for club. On one side would be Jefferies, making some progress with the team but not having a side in the automatic promotion race means he has limited support around VP. Nevertheless Jefferies has put in place much of the staff on and off the field and as such is a key stone in the Bradford City set up.

The other side, Stuart McCall, is loved by the fans but is of a lesser importance. McCall is in the final months of what would seem to be the last contract he will be offered at City and although loved is not pivotal in the club's future.

Of the two sides McCall is easier to get rid of for the club, but a tougher loss for the fans. Perhaps the question facing those with the decision to make is: How much weight should a player, even the most loved in a club's history, carry against the manager?

Friday 14 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

The Marleys were dead to begin with...

BfB columnist James Ramsden gets all Charles Dickens as he tells The Bradford City Christmas Carol.

Some back for Man City game

Ashley Ward has confirmed that he will be available for the game with his former club Manchester City after making it through 90 minutes in last week's 3-1 win over Rotherham. Gunnar Halle and Robert Molenaar return from suspension. Lee Sharpe played in the reserves as he builds up fitness and Gary Walsh has a chance of making the bench following a whiplash injury in a car crash.

JJ on promotion

Jim Jefferies believes City can still mount a promotion push ahead of the game with Manchester City this weekend.

"Although we are 12th, we are only five points off a play-off place with half a season to go. Hopefully we can do a bit better in the second half of the season. I am sure we will. We have played Millwall twice and we have played everyone else once expect Manchester City who we play on Sunday. So, we know what to expect."

"If this is justice...

...then I am a banana." Ian Hislop, 1991.

Thursday 13 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond will continue P2 campaign

Geoffrey Richmond hopes to continue the plans for a Premiership Two despite the Premiership's snub of the idea. "This is great for Premiership clubs, but no help for Division 1 clubs." said Richmond, "It is because of this financial nightmare facing clubs who are relegated from the top flight that the cushion of a Premier League 2 is needed to provide a softer landing in the event of relegation."

McCulloch interest rumoured

One rumour has it that City have watched former Motherwell striker Lee McCulloch who is in Chris Hutching Wigan Reserves side having failed to secure a first team place following two changes of manager at the JB stadium.

BfB friend footie51.co.uk praised

Footie51.co.uk has had articles by both Michael Wood and Roland Harris and has been called by football magazine When Saturday Comes "Arguably the best general site of all for its range and level of journalism. Interesting features (on the history of the football song or football on film for example), well-informed commentaries, regular fanzine and book reviews, and lower-name interviews should all combine to place Footie51 at the top of any bookmark folder headed "Football Culture". Strength in breadth". Worth a visit me thinks.

Wednesday 12 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim to Hibs, obviously

Jim Jefferies is being linked with the vacant job as manager of Hearts City rivals Hibs. At this point such a move is pure speculation but the rumour does show that despite his lack of success with City at the moment, the Bantams boss is still held in high reguard North of the border.

Walsh, Jacobs and Atherton getting back

Gary Walsh, Wayne Jacobs and Peter Atherton are all hoping to return to training following various injuries but are not expected to make the first team for Sunday's trip to Manchester City.

Blunt Caldwell on being at Bradford

A candid Stephen Caldwell claimed the he believed he should be in the first team at Newcastle, but hinted that if Bobby Robson does not agree, he will move club.

"I was keen to come to a big club like Bradford. I hope to play a few games and see how it goes. I'm not saying I want to leave Newcastle, but I want to play first team football. I am good enough to play for Newcastle and hope to prove that while I am here, but, if not, I hope it opens a door for me somewhere else. I think I should be in the first team at Newcastle. I think I am better than the players that are there, but I have got to prove that."

"Bradford's a big club and can certainly go back into the Premiership. A club of this size should be in the Premiership or challenging and I think they will be. I have been very impressed with what I have seen. I have been made very welcome and was pleased to be on the winning side against Rotherham. We have superb ability and proved that against Rotherham. Now I am looking forward to some big games over the next few weeks."

Reserves go to town

City Reserves beat their Aston Villa counterparts 4-1 at Valley Parade despite going down to a goal within a minute after Mark Bower sliced into his own net. Robert Molenaar, Gareth Grant, Andy Lee and Claus Jorgensen. Villa's team was more or less unknowns except for speedy striker Darius Vassell and big money Bosko Balaban. City included Villa fan Lee Sharpe who staked a calm for a place in the team for Sunday with a lively game and left winger Andrew Lee who impressed on the flank.

Carbone money continued...

In response to a mail from a reader BfB expands the reason that he thinks City can get Etherington and Caldwell on the cheap.

Turkeys/Christmas will not go

The 20 Premiership chairmen met today and decided not to reduce the size of it's membership as spoken of in the Premiership Two debate. "No reason to change a winning formula" said Chief exec Richard Scudamore. "To make it better" BfB may suggest.

We love City, but he really loves City

City fan Daniel Sweryt writes ode to the Bantams. See Football 365 for more details. Despite the fact he is bang off about Wayne Jacobs not being able to read the game (It's what he does) it is quite funny.

Monday 10 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Emanuel to take the left back slot

Jim Jefferies has given a clear indication that Lewis Emanuel is set to move before Wayne Jacobs in the pecking order for the left back slot at City. "You saw a lot of inexperience in some of the things he did, but the only way he'll learn is by being in there, and I think he's about ready." said the City boss.

Etherington on his chances of staying at City

Matthew Etherington has been talking about the chances of him staying at City full time following his display in the 3-1 win over Rotherham

"I've spoken to Glenn on numerous occasions and he's against letting me go permanently. That's his prerogative but I'm more than happy playing for Bradford City which I'm really enjoying. Jon Gorman, Glenn and Chris Hughton all ring me fairly often and apparently they have people at every game to see how I'm doing. The manager says if I keep doing well I might go back there in the first team but I don't know whether it will happen or not because of the formation they play. They use the wing-back system and I don't think Glenn sees me playing that role."

"My game has benefited from coming here and playing week in, week out against fairly good sides and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I intend to make the most of the rest of the games and leave it to everyone else to sort something out."

Derby to miss out on Beni

BfB understands that Benito Carbone will pass up the chance to stay with Derby County in favour of a return to Italy with Torino when the Italian transfer window opens once his laon deal with the Rams is up. We look at what City should do with the Carbone cash.

Sunday 9 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Walsall away in the third round

City have been drawn at the Bescot Stadium to play Walsall in the third round of the FA Cup. City beat Walsall 2-0 two weeks ago although the score was kept down by the abilities of Walsall keeper James Walker.

JJ on Lewis

Jim Jefferies paid tribute to young full back Lewis Emanuel saying "He still has a lot to learn, but in the long-term he is going to be a very good player.". BfB noted that Mani seems to have learnt well from Wayne Jacobs and has the senior man's dedication to position and ability to help but not eclipse the winger.

Saturday 08 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Patched up City beat Rotherham 3-1 at Valley Parade

Fine displays all around for those City players coming in to patch up the depleted Bantams and the 3-1 win was well deserved.

Friday 07 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

A, if not the, Boy From Brazil

City juniors hope to field 17 year old Brazilian midfielder Mario Ruger against Doncaster Rovers this weekend. The player is half Italian, thus requires no work permit, and has been training with City following Jim Jefferies having the player recommended to him by former Newcastle mitten wearer Mirandinha.

Connected only by the idea of former strikers becoming agents, City's one time great white hope Lee Power has become an agent to Southampton's recent capture form Blackpool Brett Ormerod.

Burnley confirm Blake interest

Stan Ternant has confirmed that Burnley are interested in signing City's Robbie Blake. Burnley bid less than City's asking price for the player back in August and were rejected. Blake has been a regular in the City side since Benito Carbone left for Derby.

"It's (Blake interest) been ongoing for a while, but it's dead now because he is too much money for me" said Ternant who continued, claiming not to have leaked the move to the press "Someone has let the cat out of the bag and I can assure you it certainly wasn't me." Said the former City number two. Erm... BfB did not realise it was a secret when we reported on it months ago.

Thursday 6, December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond puts it straight

Geoffrey Richmond has succinctly summed up Bradford City's season to date. "Fifteenth position is significantly below where we hoped we would be." said the chairman.

Jakes will miss old club

Wayne Jacobs will miss the weekend game with his former club Rotherham United with a thigh strain. Promising Lewis Emanuel is set to fill in.

Jamie getting back

Jamie Lawrence has returned to training with City following his broken arm. When Lawrence was ruled out following the injury he received playing international football City were playing a 433 that left little room for the winger, the 442 that Jim Jefferies now prefers will fit Lawrence much better.

Locke, Whalley injury blows

Both Gary Locke and Gareth Whalley are reported to have been advised to rest their injuries for the Christmas period. Jamie Lawrence hopes to join Ashley Ward and Lee Sharpe in contention for places in the side. David Wetherall and Peter Atherton remain long term casualties. Eoin Jess is ill with flu but should make the weekend game.

Caldwell joins on loan

Newcastle's 21 year old centreback Stephen Caldwell has joined City on a months loan to cover the injury hit squad. Caldwell is expected to feature in Saturday's game with Rotherham.

Tuesday 4 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Reserves run continues with 2-2 draw at Everton

Walter Kidd's reserve side continued it's decent form, Liverpool trashing excepted, with a 2-2 draw at Everton.

Ashley Ward took just two minutes to mark his comeback with a goal, an equaliser following the Blues first minute opener. Robbie Blake gave City the lead before half time, coming off at half time in an indication that he may have convinced Jim Jefferies that he is worth retaining his place for the game with Rotherham on Saturday. Everton's young striker Nick Chadwick levelled things up for the Goodison Park side.

Ward back

Ashley Ward returns to City colours for the reserves away at Everton on Tuesday night. City field a team that includes Lee Sharpe, Juanjo, Lewis Emanuel and who are all thought to be playing for places in the side on Saturday after Jim Jefferies blast of the squad. Robbie Blake is also included despite a decent display against Millwall. Claus Jorgensen plays right back in preparation of replacing suspended Gunnar Halle although Gary Locke could fill that role with Juanjo coming into the midfield wide right and Eoin Jess reverting to a central position.

Davison in trouble

Aidan Davison may be in FA trouble after complaining to pants ref Alan Butler that he was mugged by Millwall players before the corner that lead to the 94th minute equaliser. "Sometimes you just have to say something. But the referee wouldn't listen and said he was going to put me on report.". Butler gets little time at City after giving a curious penalty in the 90th minute for Norwich in a 2-2 draw with City some years ago when he mistook skinny white guy Andy O'Brien for behomothic black dude Darren Moore.

City to fan: Harrang SKY TV

Never needing an excuse to cause trouble for the evil SKY TV empire BCFC have appealed to fans to demand that the TV cousin of The Sun start carrying the Nationwide league. This strikes BfB as a good idea, if only to stop the tiredness of Tuesday morning after staying up late for Nationwide League Extra.

BCFC on how to get your City on SKY

Since the launch of the ITV Sport Channel three months ago, almost a quarter of a million fans have signed up to the service. However satellite subscribers still cannot watch Nationwide Football League football because of SKY's refusal to show the channel.

There is something very simple you can do about this, tell SKY you want it!

If SKY does not carry the ITV Sport Channel this could have a damaging effect on the Nationwide Football League and our own clubs.

If you are a SKY Digital subscriber and care about Bradford City Football Club demand that they listen to you and add the Nationwide Football League to their line-up by calling 08705 800 874.

Monday 3 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Ipswich's Naylor looked at

JJ is believed to be interested in Ipswich target man Richard Naylor who has struggled to win a place in the team following injury. Naylor, 24, was born in Leeds.

City punished for Millwall defeat

Jim Jefferies has cancelled all days off for the Bradford City squad this week following the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Millwall. "The players let me down." said Jim before venting "I'd rather throw in kids and get a bit of effort and commitment which the supporters at least deserve. You've got to have people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and put it in. I don't want anyone thinking `I'm a good player and I don't fancy it this half or this week.' There are some who are not doing what they are paid well enough to do. Maybe a few boys have had a bit of praise over the last few weeks and suddenly think they have arrived and don't have to work."

City keen on Caldwell?

Teamtalk are reporting that City are keen to sign Newcastle's young defender Steven Caldwell on a month's loan.

Sunday 2 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Poor City lose 2-1 to Millwall

A poor looking City side lost 2-1 at home to Millwall at Valley Parade.

Saturday 1 December, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City Gent 100

On Saturday the 100th issue of the Bradford City fanzine The City Gent will hit the Valley Parade terraces.

Now the oldest fanzine in Europe, The City Gent was founded in October 1984. From its inception it has had a non-profit making policy, all proceeds are poured back into the football club and causes related to it. A staggering £13,000 has been raised from sales of the 100 issues.

A 100 party is being held in Bantams Bar, under the Kop, Valley Parade from 1.30 till 6pm on Sunday December 2nd. Exhibitions, sales, readings and players past and present will be present.

Read BfB's personal tribute to The City Gent

John Hendrie joins BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame

"If he had one great thing about his play it was that everything he did with the ball was about causing damage to the opposition." John Hendrie joins the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame

Premiership Two: Because the dream should never die

One week since the story broke and two days after GR put his weight behind it, BfB backs Premiership Two because it will keep the dream of football like for the lower leagues.

Get your November news here

BfB's round of of November 2001

The month by month news index.