Tuesday 30 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Combe deadlock

Nicky Law has admitted defeat in his attempt to seal a deal for Alan Combe before the City boss goes on a three week holiday. Law was disappointed at dealings with Dundee United saying "They are just being silly now, saying they want £150,000 to £200,000 for Alan. They might well fancy Eoin Jess, and there has been talk, but it's not as simple as that."

Combe's opposite number Alex Smith said of the deal "There have been no new developments but I'd be prepared to do a cash deal then look at the Jess situation on its own merits if that got things moving."

Prudhoe wanted by Palmer

Carlton Palmer is reported to want to take Mark Prudhoeto Stockport as goalkeeping coach .

Monday 29 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

McCall's final words for Bradford City

Stuart McCall has paid a final tribute to the Valley Parade supporters before leaving the club "The people of Bradford have always been superb to me and I'd like to thank everyone at the club and especially the wonderful fans... I've been a very lucky man."

Bower the one out of seven

Three months ago BfB's list of players leaving the club in the summer was headed by reserve defender Mark Bower who had failed to make an impression after idling in the second string and out on loan for the past three seasons. Now after the young defender was named runner up in BfB's Player of the season the player signed a new three year deal that sees him become the only one of the City seven who were out of contact at the end of the 2001-2002 season to stay with the club. Said Bower of this "I am delighted to have got it all sorted and out of the way before my holiday. I can now take a break and come back in July ready to do my bit in getting Bradford back into the Premiership. Being my hometown club, Bradford City is the only club I have ever wanted to sign and play for."

Nicky Law was pleased to get Bower's signature sealed before he leaves for a three week holiday saying "It's great news that Mark has signed. He is the kind of player who I know can do a job for us as his performances towards the end of the season proved. When I get back I hope to get a few more like him signed up and we can then get ready for the task in hand when they players report back for pre-season training in a couple of months time."

Law is also hopeful of completing a £150,000 to make Alan Combe's loan at City permanent before Wednesday. A Combe/Jess swap would seem to be off the cards making the deal much more simple.

Sunday 28 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The legend

Staurt McCall has left Bradford City

Stuart McCall played his final game for Bradford City against Rangers. Read about the game and reflections on the end of the Bantams career of Bradford City's favourite son.

McCall joins the Hall of Fame

City fans have spoken and Stuart McCall has been added as the final entry (for now) to the Boy From Brazil Bradford City Hall of Fame

Ford leaving Grimsby

Simon Ford has failed to agree a deal with Grimsby Town and will leave the Mariners to join, it would seem, either City or Wolves. A fee for 20 year old Ford would be set by a transfer tribunal owing to the player's age and his being at his first club however such a fee is thought not to be more than some £50,000 up front with payments to follow.

Rumours around the country are linking another Grimsby Town player Michael Boulding to Middlesbrough, West Ham, Leicester City and Sheffield United. Nicky Law had shown an interest in the 26 year old who has stated that he will leave the Mariners in the summer.

Life is Hull

City are in talks to play Hull in a preseason "friendly".

Friday 26 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

YTV "Sorry"

Yorkshire Television issue has issued an apology after footage of the Bradford Fire was used in a documentary on football hooliganism, made by Granada Television and that was shown on Channel 4 this week. The company issued the following statement "This was an unfortunate mistake. We have looked into the circumstances surrounding the release of this material, and as a consequence systems are now in place to prevent this from happening again. We deeply regret any distress this may have caused the friends and relatives of those involved in the Bradford Fire."

While the apology will be appreciated by City fans one does feel that YTV need to address their policy on the Fire footage. The attitude that has allowed this footage to twice be used in an inappropriate manner should not be allowed to continue at Yorkshire Television.

Bower rejigs the deal

Mark Bower and Bradford City will rework the contract that the club offered the player to allow the young defender to stay at City for the next three years "We are talking about it at the moment and should have something sorted very soon. There are just one or two things to arrange but I would be happy to sign. I could have been one of the thousand players looking for work in the summer. Even the First Division clubs are trimming down their squads so a lot of people are available on free transfers. There are going to be players struggling to get a new club. But hopefully I can sort out my future with Bradford."

Bower's attitude shows the beginnings of a change in the outlook of footballers who previously had been prepared to move to another club for a better deal. The attitude now seems to focus more on assuring stability with a club for future seasons.

£150,000 for Combe

Dundee United want £150,000 for Alan Combe and have warned City that if the Bantams do not want to pay for the player then they will offer him to another club. There has been talk about Eoin Jess going back to Scotland in exchange for Combe.

Beagrie: I did not want to leave

Peter Beagrie has revealed that he did not want to leave City saying "I thought I left Bradford too soon and so did a lot of the fans. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. You cannot look back. I took a role also in a coaching capacity at Scunthorpe - it was the right time to get on the coaching ladder, but had I been offered another contract by Bradford it would never have happened."

Beagrie, who returns to City colours for Stuart McCall's testimonial game with Rangers, also believes that the City skipper he returns to honour should have taken the job as manager of the Bantams "I think Stuart should have taken the Bradford job when he got the chance and I'll think he'll regret not taking it. "

Ask your Dad...

If you are under 15 then the phrases "Mega on the left" or "The silky skills of Sinbad" probably mean nothing to you. However such phrases will reverberate around Valley Parade, perhaps for the final time, during Stuart McCall's testimonial. Younger City fans will not recall a number of the 1980s peers of McCall who are returning to City colours.

Mark Mega Ellis

Bradford born left winger of the early and mid 1980s. Could have gone further in the game had he not suffered a season long injury in 1987. Exciting style, liked to run a right backs, scored a beauty against Manchester City at Valley Parade in 1988.

Lee Sinbad Sinnott

Defender who enjoyed three spells at City. Famed for his ability to find the railway line behind Midland Road with a clearance from anywhere on the field. Played in the 1984 FA Cup final for Watford.

Greg Cyclops Abbott

Semi-violent midfielder who kicked lumps out of the second division in the mid to late 1980s.

Chris Withe

Defender. His brother played for Aston Villa and England.

Peter TB Jackson

Was captain of the 1985 team and a very fine player before second coming as Town player and manager soured the taste. Come to think of it he deserves credit for everything he did for City befor his move to Newcastle.

Dave Evans

Centreback in the nearly season of 1987. Had the worst put 'tache ever sported by a professional footballer.

Don Goodman

Striker in the teams of the past who just happened to be playing City's last league game at Walsall.

Karl Goddard

Superb left back who never recovered fully from an injury in 1987 that prevented him from going on to greater things. If you are 15ish, born in Bradford and not sure who your Dad is, it's Karl.

Thursday 25 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Monkey liars!

Cute monkey's aside the failing of ITV Digital is a shameful chapter in the history of an old broadcasting institution in Granada Television. The Manchester based organisation who backed the ITV Digital station along with Carlton Communications have limited their legal liability so as to not cover the debts of the failed channel. Morally though one would have to question the position of Granada and Carlton. The fabric of the English game, that is the depth of professional clubs, is in grave danger thanks to these two companies.

We face a summer of club's going to the wall. City will not be one of them but other in our division may well be. City's number two Iain Banks feels that football will benefit from the bubble of TV football bursting. The supporters of the clubs who do go out of business will disagree with Banks and probably have some very serious questions as to why Granada TV left their clubs high and dry.

Ally on Stuart

Former Rangers teammate Ally McCoist paid a laughing tribute to old mate Stuart McCall saying "Stuart is the only player I can remember who should have had studs on his backside. Players can hold proud records in the game such as trophies won, goals scored or even the number of clean sheets, but Stuart's record of the longest slide-tackle is one he should rightly be proud of."

Wednesday 24 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Disgraceful Channel Four documentary links Fire of 1985 to Hooliganism

BfB readers and our columnist Jonathan Jackson [Read column] have expressed concern about a documentary screened on Channel Four on Tuesday night entitled Football's Fight Club that wrongly and distressingly linked the fire at Valley Parade in 1985 to hooliganism.

Towards the end of the hour long documentary in the section devoted to the growing hooligan problems in the 1984-1985 season the programme addressed the issue of a 15 year old killed when Leeds United fans collapsed a wall whilst on a rampage in Birmingham. This occurred on the 11th of May, 1985, the day of the Fire at Valley Parade.

The programme-maker screened 15-20 seconds of footage from Valley Parade as the narrator stated [paraphrased] "The Bradford fire overshadowed events at Birmingham on the same day..."

In the opinion of myself and many others who were involved in the 1999 dealings with Fox TV over a similar situation it is wholly unnecessary to show clips of the fire at Valley Parade for entertainment. In the Fox case the programme-makers were driven by misinformation, in this case it would seem that the footage was used out of context and is liable to cause misconception in viewers that the event pictured, the Fire at Valley Parade, was directly connected with the subject matter, hooliganism in football.

Furthermore to use the clips of the Valley Parade fire out of context in this manner for visual effect is, in my opinion and the opinion of many others both connected to and at Bradford City, disrespectful to those who suffered in the event. The programme-makers have shown a lack of judgement and would be advised to apologise. The use of the clip is at best liable to cause unnecessary upset and at worst links hooliganism and the death of supporters at Valley Parade.

BfB readers may want to express their opinions to Channel Four using their web site email form although the broadcaster asks that viewers telephone 020 7306 8333 (Deaf viewers with Minicom: 020 7306 8691) or use letter to: Channel 4, Television, 124 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2TX.

Readers who want to contact the program makers Granada Television can do so at by calling 0161 832 7211, emailing the duty office or writing to Granada Television
Quay Street
Manchester
M60 9EA.

Readers who want to contact Yorkshire Television, who filmed the game on the 11th of May, 1985 and thus have a responsibility for the footage can do so by calling 0113 243 8283 or writing to Yorkshire Television
Television Centre
Leeds
LS3 1JS.

In the interests of clarity in this matter BfB feel that it would be appropriate for Channel Four to broadcast a clarification of the situation regarding the fire at Valley Parade and it's distance from the subject matter of Football's Fight Club.

BfB's Jonathan Jackson speaks for many City fans in his column Saturday 11th May 1985.

Back to the Midland Road

The Midland Road stand is looking for a new sponsor after Chemical giant Ciba decided not to renew their deal after five years. The club is now looking for a new sponsor.

Banks hints at City's new signing policy

Speaking about the fall of ITV Digital and the effect it will have on football Iain Banks has hinted at the policies he and Nicky Law will be using in the transfer market. "It's a good thing because clubs will be on a more level playing field when dealing with players and their agents. If a player doesn't agree terms, there will be another one on the list who is just as good so you'll go for him instead."Such a situation is thought to be happening with City attempts to sign Mansfield Chris Greenacre. The player is keen to get all offers in before deciding on a club but the clubs involved, including City, are reluctant to commit to an offer when so many players are available and may represent similar ability at a better price.

Speaking more generally Banks showed the effects of experiences lower level clubs competing with larger peers. "Football is changing and it's taken the ITV Digital situation to do that. People have said for a long time that the bubble will burst. Second and Third Division teams won't be buying players now and even the First might not go out and spend. Obviously the revenue won't be coming in and that's a shame- but it's unevenly distributed anyway. Hopefully clubs won't go to the wall but a lot haven't looked after the money. They are just using this as an excuse."

Green Grant

Gareth Grant is being linked with a free transfer to Third Division champions Plymouth.

Tuesday 23 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Last day of school

City's playing squad met for the final time this season before the summer. Gareth Grant and Lee Sharpe said goodbyes to the squad. Stuart McCall and Gareth Whalley will both play in Sunday's game with Rangers so have another week at Valley Parade.

Law wants Haigh back

Nicky Law would like Nottingham Forest's Phil Haigh to join City's preseason training with a view to signing for the club. Haigh was joined by Forest teammate Gordon Love and Newport County's Nathan Davies in the reserves last night.

Monday 22 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Reserves finish on a low

City's reserves finished the season without a win in the last nine games follow a 3-0 home defeat to Leeds United. City's Robert Morgan, who has been given a professional contract by the club, was impressive for 89 minutes after a start which saw him pick up a ball in the box that he thought was a City free kick only for the ref to give an embarrassing penalty.

Haigh back for the reserves last game

Nottingham Forest's Phil Haigh is back in City's reserves for a second trial game as the Bantams second string end their season against Leeds at Odsal.

Kearney wanted it

Tom Kearney came clean about his free kick that Walsall defender Gus Uhlenbeek headed in for an own goal "I was looking to claim that but obviously it's the defender's goal. I guess I won't be getting it but the result was the main thing- it was nice to put a bit of a smile on the faces of our fans."

Sharpe looking to the US

Former City man Lee Sharpe is thinking over an offer to go play in the MSL in the USA.

Grimsby's Ford linked

City are in a posse of clubs trying to sign Grimsby's 20 year old centreback Simon Ford at the end of the season. Wolves, Newcastle, Cardiff and Derby are reported to be tracking the player. Grimsby's Michael Boulding, linked with City last week, is now being linked with Leicester City and Sheffield United.

Greenacre might stay a stag

Striker Chris Greenacre, who is rumoured to have already agreed in principal to join City, he declared he may stay at Mansfield after the club won promotion to Division Two. "It is not necessarily true I am leaving Mansfield." said Greenacre meaning nothing more than "It probably is true but I do not want to spoilt the party."

More end of season stuff

If you have already read the BfB end of season review then you will be interested in Adam Hepton's column End of an era, or start of a legacy? which has been added today. If not then a good place to start is The BfB Review and Awards.

Sunday 21 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The end

City and McCall sign off late at Walsall

A late own goal pushed City up to 15th in the division after a poor season that ended with a 2-2 draw at Walsall.

Moore to make it this time?

Darren Moore celebrated runners up spot in the first division for teh second time in his career after he led his boyhood side West Brom to the Premiership with a goal in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Baggies fans beware though, Moore never kicked a ball in anger again for City after promotion.

Friday 19 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

First game, last game

End of season moves could mean that many City players are making final appearances in claret and amber. This is defiantly the case for Stuart McCall. Ashley Ward, who does not play, might move on in the summer if the club can find a buyer. Eoin Jess is being linked with a swap deal with Dundee United for Alan Combe, meaning that one or the other will not play for the Bantams again. Andy Myers could make a move in the summer with the emergence of Mark Bower meaning that player of the season Myers is somewhat expendable. David Wetherall has shown well on his return and could move on in the summer. Juanjo and Gary Locke cold also move on should Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies want to take the back north.

In terms of players making a first appearance for City Andy Lee is included in the squad and could make his debut and Danny Forrest might be given a chance on the bench with Ward's injury.

Combe dreads Dundee United return

Alan Combe says that he doe snot want to go back to not playing regular football at Dundee United after his three months in the City first team that come to an end on Sunday. Combe hopes to stay with City next season, an indication that the feeling in Nicky Law's squad is positive.

Whalley fires parting shot

Gareth Whalley has made a couple of jibes at City on his exit from Valley Parade inferring that the club are getting rid of him and other players to save money "I wasn't looking to stay anyway because the club are set on getting rid of players on large contracts. They are looking to bring in younger players on less money."

Whalley's point is true, City are getting rid of players on large contracts but with Lee Sharpe draining £10,000 from the club for doing next to nothing there will be a significant number of City fans who would suggest that too many players at City on large contracts did not show the hunger of that the type of player that Nicky Law is trying to bring in show, the example being Tom Kearney.

Few City fans or people at the club would argue with Whalley's second point "The training facilities at Crewe are a lot better than Bradford's. In fact Bradford's are virtually non-existent and as a professional it makes a big difference. Crewe are better prepared off the field." Gareth hopes to sign a deal with Crewe as they "better prepare" for life in the second division.

Thursday 18 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Hull and Scunthorpe do battle over McCall

Third Division promotion wanabee's Hull and Scunthorpe are set to do battle for the signature of Stuart McCall. Rich Hull have drive and ambition as well as a new boss Jan Molby and some decent players. Scunthorpe have Peter Beagrie and a name that sends email filters into frenzy.

Sheffield United, who were linked with Stuart, say they will not be making a bid for the City skipper.

Boulding/Beswetherick links

City are being linked with Grimsby Town's 27 Tennis Pro turned striker Michael Boulding who is stalling on a new contract with the Cleethorpes side. At the risk of being proved very wrong BfB would estimate that Boulding is not high on Nicky Law's hit list for strikers and that the City boss would rather sign Chris Greenarce or Jamie Burt.

Also curious is City's link with Plymouth out of contract left-back Jon Beswetherick. 24 year old Beswetherick has been quality in the Pilgrims promotion push but with both Wayne Jacobs and Lewis Emanuel at the club it is hard to see Law signing a left back. City have no right backs and one might suggest that Law's targets in his scouting missions, such as the one where he saw Beswetherick in Plymouth's side that beat Darlington, might be to look at players for that position.

Wednesday 17 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Carbone/Etherington swap on the cards?

Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle is the latest Premiership boss to express an interest in City's Italian Benito Carbone and one rumours has Matthew Etherington returning to Valley Parade in a swap deal for City's talented striker.

For some time it looked as if City would struggle to raise the £2m thought to be wanted for Carbone but with Sunderland and Middlesborough also in the running for the player the Bantams could recoup some of the £2m signing on fee that was given to Carbone on his arrival at VP two years ago.

Nicky Law is an admirer of Etherington despite not having been Bantam boss when the Spurs winger was at Valley Parade. However it is believed that the players recommended Etherington for his work ethic and skill on and off the field and that Law sees the player as offering width in his new young team.

The Blades want McCall

Sheffield United are reported to be leading the pack in the hunt for City's Stuart McCall with Neil Warnock offering a player/coach role. Warnock has seen his popularity at Bramell Lane decrease since his team's promotion push failed to materialise and he was accused of cheating by a number of manager's in the division and may be wary of signing a potential replacement in the dug out.

The Blades also have one of the players City tested out to replace the 38 year old skipper, Jean-Phillipe Javary.

Meanwhile Peter Beagrie, who is keen to see Stuart join him at Scunthorpe, predicts that if McCall drops a division or two he could go on for "another couple of years".

John Hendrie also paid tribute to his former team mate saying "Stuart McCall is that type of player who can go on yet and while he is still doing the job he shouldn't stop."

GR confirms City's want Combe

The summer's second worst kept transfer, that City would like to make a swap with Dundee United of Alan Combe for Eoin Jess, was all but confirmed yesterday. Geoffrey Richmond said "Alan Combe has done enough to earn himself a contract with us and negotiations have commenced with Dundee United."

Dundee United boss Alex Smith, who gave Jess his Aberdeen debut as a youngster, has confirmed he wants to bring the attacking midfielder in after trimming his squad down. "Eoin is one of several players that we are looking at right now. It may be that we can work something out with Bradford to bring him to Tannadice. Alan Combe is down there on loan right now, and that might help us put something together."

Tuesday 16 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Boro: Beni deal not done

Word out of the North East, has it that Middlesbrough and Benito Carbone have agreed a deal to take the Italian to the Riverside next season. Steve McLaren denied that he had started talks although confirmed that he would be talking to the Italian soon. Sunderland are rumoured to be interested in Beni and could spark a bidding war for the player which would be most welcome at Valley Parade.

Brodie to get a chance?

City have signed 18 year old Keith Brodie on a third year of his scholarship. He is at present the only proper right back at the club and may get a chance to make his debut in the final game of the season against Walsall as Nicky Law tries to buuld a younger squad. Phillip McGahey has been released.

City sign up four

Luke Richardson, Anthony Doherty, Sam Denton and Daniel Ellis have all joined City on 3-year scholarships. BfB hopes they are all as good as Pele.

Monday 15 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Players recognise Beagrie

Promotion star Peter Beagrie has been recognised by the PFA by his inclusion in the Third Division team of the season. West Brom's Darren Moore is also included in his division's side, Moore was the only player of the City promotion squad to get in the PFA team in 1999, while two players linked with City are included in their divisional sides. Paul Evans or Brentford and Mansfield's Chris Greenacre are in the second and third division sides respectively.

Meanwhile Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws has suggested that he wants to take Stuart McCall to Scunny to link up with Peter Beagrie again although another report suggested that McCall and Beagrie could be reunited at the third division club, but without Laws and with the City skipper in the manager's chair.

Feed the goat?

Rumours are strengthening that Nicky Law is targeting Manchester City's Bermudan forward Shaun Goater to lead the line next season. Such a deal is thought to depend on Ashley Ward being moved on from City. While Maine Road fans would be sorry to see The Goat go most would acknowledge that he is a player of limited use in the Premiership and with Kevin Keegan reported to be lining up a bid for Andrew Cole the tall former Rotherham striker could be on his way.

Greenacre pens a deal?

Rumour has it that Chris Greenacre has put pen to paper on a deal to sign for Bradford City next season with City meeting the Mansfield man's £10,000 a week demands with a flexible contract that pays the Wakefield born striker a base wage and builds on that with win and goal bonuses. Word has it that this deal will go though on the 1sy of July, 2002 when Greenacre's contract expires.

Law confirms Combe plans

Nicky Law has confirmed that he will try sign Alan Combe during the summer after praising the keeper's work since his arrival at Valley Parade. "Alan's been brilliant since he's been here and he deserves his call-up for the full Scotland squad. He proved why again on Saturday and that's why we are attempting to secure him on a full-time basis."

Myers gets a load of awards

Andy Myers scooped a handful of awards at the Player of the Season dinner including Player's Player of the Year.

BfB will give out it's own Player of the Year things after the Walsall game next week.

Sunday 14 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

McCall goes as the romance fades

City lose 1-0 at West Brom at VP

City's legendary skipper Stuart McCall played his final league game at Valley Parade in a 1-0 defeat to promotion chasing West Borm.

BfB welcomes back an old friend, Reading (was Watford) Mick Cuthbertson who pays tribute to the City skipper with his column Where have all the heroes gone? and is proud to present Mark Douglas's tribute to the City skipper Life after Stuart part one: It'll never be the same again.

Law not arguing

Nicky Law made good his promise to to argue with the Ref after the last minute penalty against West Brom, he just thought that the Ref was a cheat but did not tell him "It was a harsh decision by the referee and we certainly feel hard done by. The referee was just waiting to do something but there is no point in getting upset over it."

Law looking at striking options for next season

Nicky Law is reputed to be looking at bringing in two strikers to complement Danny Cadamarteri and Ashley Ward in the summer. Law would like to see City with more options in the forward line and is thought to be keen on linking up two speedy forwards to work the channels as opposed to the Big Man/Little Man combination we have seen at City for the last few years. Chris Greenacre and Jamie Burt are obvious names to link with City but Law is also thought to be impressed by former Chesterfield charge Luke Beckett who has scored nine for Stockport in a poor season for the Edgley Park club.

Nothing to see at Walsall

With Walsall winning away at Sheffield United Colin Lee has suceeded in keeping the midlanders in the First Division rendering next weeks trip meaningless. Well it never stopped us going to Coventry and having a good time did it?

Friday 12 April, 2002

Combe called up and out of range?

Wannabee City manager and current Scotland boss Berti Voghts has joined Alan Combe's list of confirmed admirers calling the Dundee United keeper who has been excellent in his time at City into the Scotland squad for the friendly with Nigeria at the end of April.

Such international recognition will do nothing to help City get Combe at a reduced fee and may alert other clubs to his availability. However, should he perform as other Scots international keepers do, we may not want him.

Richmond on meeting McCall

In paying tribute to Stuart McCall Geoffrey Richmond has spoken of his first meeting with the man who would go on to lead the Bantams to the Premiership. (Stuart McCall is) the greatest ever Bradford City player with a huge heart. I first met him in about 1975. I employed his dad as a Sticker Salesman (he was an extremely good salesman) and I therefore had a special interest in following his career from the very beginning. He is a special person and it gave me the greatest possible pleasure in bringing him back to the Club in the summer of 1998. He was totally inspirational in our promotion season, and in our survival season. As Stuart is on the record as saying, "He came back because there was unfinished business to do."

Richmond continued He deserves his place in the history of Bradford City Football Club and will be spoken about forever in the future as "The wee man who inspired everybody who came into contact with him"

Richmond rings a dark bell

In the days when the national media goes into frenzy over the England captain's injury Geoffrey Richmond pointing out a much greater distress for our national game "There is no doubt at all that clubs will go out of business this summer if it becomes clear that the (ITV DIgital) money due to them in September is not forthcoming. I hope that sanity prevails and a major crisis is averted. I have to say that I saw this coming as early as December last year, but at that time there was nothing that could be done about it, other than to act very cautiously in the transfer market. It's too early for football to learn the lessons from this experience, but I am certain that all clubs will be more prudent in the future than we have been in the past."

Richmond on season ticket sales

Geoffrey Richmond on season ticket sales "I was pleasantly surprised with the take-up of season tickets prior to the first deadline at the end of March. Over 5,500 have already renewed and I am now confident that we will at least equal the 8,800 season ticket holders that we have for the current season. I believe there is a chance that we could sell 10,000 by kick-off in August. I am therefore very grateful indeed that the fans have stayed with us despite the difficult period that the Club has gone through. It certainly gives great confidence to the Board as we plan the way ahead over the next few years."

Law fought the law but the law won

Nicky Law will not contend the FA misconduct charge he got for swearing at the Ref who sent him off at half time during last week's win at Wimbledon.

Stuart on leaving

As Stuart McCall prepared for his final league game at Valley Parade he cast an eye back on his career "I've been back here four years and really enjoyed it, even though this season has not worked out as well as we hoped but now the decision has been made and it's a chance for the club to look forward and put the youngsters in. For me, it's an opportunity to look elsewhere. I'm fortunate to have played professional football and I've enjoyed every minute of it. While I'm still loving it, I don't want to stop. The dressing room is the best part for me and while I still feel I can contribute, it's something I want to keep doing."

On the West Brom game Stuart said "I'd love to score. I will be cropping up in the opposing box more than I would normally do and I'll be taking all the free-kicks and penalties!"

Flagging

City have decided that Flags and banners will now be allowed in Valley Parade under various rules: Consideration, no hanging over exit signs or adverts and no dangerous flags. To be honest no one at BfB was aware of a flag ban.

Holidays end on July 1, 2002

City's players will be back to work on July 1, 2002 with the season starting on the 10th of August, 2002.

Sharpe and Whalley wanted

Lee Sharpe is being linked with a move to Blackpool and Gareth Whalley's agent has admitted to talking to Crewe, where he is on loan, and First Division play off hopefuls Norwich and Millwall.

Thursday 11 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Gudjonsson scores in Reserves defeat

Icelander Thordur Gudjonsson scored in his first game for City's second string as Mark Prudhoe's side went down 3-1 at Blackburn.

Teams and managers for McCall's Testimonial outlined

Paul Jewell will be back in charge of Bradford City as manager for Stuart McCall's testimonial game facing Walter Smith's Rangers side. Jewell will have a City squad that includes Peter Jackson, Dave Evans, Greg Abbott, Mark Ellis, Chris Withe, Don Goodman, Karl Goddard, John Hendrie, Mark Prudhoe, John Dreyer, Peter Beagrie, Lee Mills, Gareth Whalley, Jamie Lawrence, Wayne Jacobs, Dean Windass, Andrew O'Brien, Gordon Watson, Ashley Westwood, Stephen Wright, Darren Moore, Robbie Blake, Chris Waddle and for the final 45 minutes of the game, Stuart McCall.

McCall will be a member of the Rangers squad for the first half that also includes Andy Goram, Alan McLaren, Davie Robertson, John Brown, Gary Stevens, Dave McPherson, Richard Gough, Trevor Steven, Ian Durrant, Ian Ferguson, Charlie Miller, Brian Laudrup (In England, Chelsea will be jealous), Jorg Albertz, Mark Hateley, Ally McCoist, Jimmy Nichol, Dale Gordon, Mark Walters, Graham Roberts, Derek McInnes and Paul Gascoigne.

Combe on trial for Scotland

Alan Combe will play a trial game for Scotland against Dundee United later at the end of April. The 23 man squad has been selected by Scots boss Berti Vogts as potential caps.

Law swore

Nicky Law was banished from the bench during Saturday's 2-1 win over Wimbledon for swearing at referee Rob Stiles. While not wanting to suggest that foul and abusive language should be a part of the common parlance and understanding of the stress which football managers are under would suggest that they be given some leeway in the use of industrial language. It does strike one as rather pathetic that a referee cost a club it's most influential off field member during a game in such an ad hoc manner as which curse he has heard from the bench and which he has not.

Myers back in training

Andy Myers is back in training after missing seven games with a torn hamstring. He could make the bench for the game West Brom on Saturday.

GR up front about UpFront

GR has spoken of the criticism aimed at the finances of Upfront Superstore saying that the store is "holly owned by Bradford City AFC (1983) Ltd... Therefore it follows that all of its profits belong to the football club."

Richmond spoke optimistically about the stores "I am pleased to confirm that the Upfront stores are trading extremely profitably. They made a major contribution to the profits in the last financial year and will make a significant contribution in the current financial year."

Wednesday 10 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Stuart McCall will leave Bradford City

Captain freed at the end of the season

Bradford City skipper Stuart McCall will leave the club at the end of the season after being told that he will not be offered a new deal with the Bantams. McCall, 38 in June, has been club captain since his return from Glasgow Rangers in the summer of 1998 and was a pivotal figure in almost every event at the club in that period.

Stuart McCall's final league game for City will be at Walsall in two weeks time. His last league game at Valley Parade will be on Saturday against West Brow. He has a testimonial game against Rangers at the end of April.

Read more about Stuart McCall and the summer moves from Valley Parade in The Non Retained List or read tributes to City's skipper: Jonathan Jackson's Saturday 13th April 2002 and James Ramsden's We shall remember.

Promotion hero Whalley leaves

Gareth Whalley and Lee Sharpe have also been freed. Read more in The Not Retained List.

Son of Gudjon in the reserves

City will field Icelandic international midfielder Thordur Gudjonsson, who has been on loan at Preston North End from Las Palmas of Spain this season, against Blackburn Rovers. City also include Gary Locke in the side as well as Robert Morgan and Andrew Lee, who were given new one year deals by the club today. Jon Worsnop, who will be freed by City at the end of the year, also plays.

Tuesday 09 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni chase brewing?

Rumour has it that Sunderland boss Peter Reid is interested in signing Benito Carbone from under the noses of North East rivals Middlesbrough and is prepared to offer City money for the player who was expected to join Boro on a free transfer. One rumour even goes as far as to suggest that Reid has offered £750,000 in a meeting with Geoffrey Richmond.

Law in trouble: official

Referee Rob Styles has confirmed that has reported Nicky Law to the Football Association following comments at half time during the 2-1 win over Wimbledon

Law on Kearney

Nicky Law has compared Tom Kearney to Stuart McCall saying "I think you can draw comparisons with Stuart. He gets all over the pitch, he's got a knack of being in the right place at the right time where the ball drops, he snaps into tackles and doesn't pull out of anything. He isn't unlike a young Stuart McCall."

Monday 08 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Defender links

City are being linked with two defenders. 30 year old Sean Dyche, Millwall's former team mate of Nicky Law at Chesterfield who scored at Valley Parade for the Lions who is out of contract in the summer and could be keen to renew acquaintances with his former centreback partner.

Scunthorpe's Andy Dawson has also been linked with the Bantams. Dawson, a left back who signed for Scunthorpe from Nottingham Forest for £50,000, is 22 years old can operate in midfield and is known for his talent with free kicks and hard work.

Joe Royle speaks sense

BfB's latest columnist Mark Douglas has singled out Joe Royle as a simgle voice of sanity in the noise coming out of Maine Road following promotion when the former Manchester City boss said "This has been a poor season in Division One".

Contracts in the summer

Contracts for City players will be given out in the summer. Mark Bower is hopeful of getting one, Stuart McCall stands a chance. Gunnar Halle has one if he wants it. Andrew Lee, Lee Sharpe, Gareth Whalley and Gareth Grant do not look like getting one.

Sunday 07 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law sent off at Wimbledon

Nicky Law was told by referee Rob Stiles that he would have to watch the send half of City's 2-1 win over Wimbledon from the stands after an incident at half time. Without being drawn on the event that lead to him being dismissed from the dugout Law fumed "One thing you can be sure of in football is that the standard of the officials every week will be bad. The rules seem to change from week to week and it is tough for the players to know just what is going on."

Chesterfield pair "Playing out the season"

A supposed insider on a Radio Phone in blasted Chesterfield pair Ian Breckin and Jamie Burt accusing them of "playing out the season until they join Nicky Law at Bradford" (paraphrased). Law has bid for the pair in the past and Breckin has confirmed that he is keen on the move. The irate caller suggested that the Chesterfield side played without passion since Law's departure and that the club had taken the "cheap option" of giving the physio the manager's job.

Saturday 06 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

We win, we stay up

City win 2-1 at Wimbledon to seal First Division football next year

Goals for Eoin Jess and Mark Bower secures First Division football for City with a 2-1 win at a tired looking Wimbledon

Walsh hopes for summer return

Despite the rumours that suggested that his career might be over owing to injury Gary Walsh has targeted the preseason tour of Scotland for his comeback.

Steve Gibson's chequebook

A Benito Carbone winner against Aston Villa, the side City signed the Italian from, sent Middlesbrough to 9th place and mathematically assured of Premiership safety next season. Carbone is hoping to sign for Middlesbrough full time at the end of the season, something his goal brings closer.

However Boro chairman Steve Gibson will have to open his chequebook to give City the balance of £500,000 owed on Dean Windass from his transfer last season.

Friday 05 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Stuart looking for another club if City do not offer

Stuart McCall plans to find another club after his deal runs out of City in June should the Bantams not offer the skipper a contract. Said McCall: "I don't feel at this stage I need to prove anything to anyone. I just go out to play because I still enjoy the game. I want to do my best for Bradford for the rest of the season and then see what's on offer. The gardening job in the post office window is still up for grabs and I've got my name down for that! I've not heard anything from Bradford and I think it's highly unlikely that I will. But I'll wait and see what options are available in the summer. I still enjoy going into training and while that continues I feel I've got a little bit to offer."

Speaking about the City seven who are out of contract Stuart said "Everybody here is either playing for a new deal, playing because they are going to get away at the end of the season or playing to be in the manager's plans for next year. We are professionals paid to play football but there are other reasons to do well above personal pride."

Law: Greenacre is a good player

Nicky Law has confirmed his interest in Chris Greenacre of Mansfield saying "You don't score 25, 20 and 20 goals three years on the trot if you aren't a good player. Greenacre will obviously be a very good Bosman transfer. His contract is up in the summer and us along with plenty of other clubs would be interested in a player of that calibre."

On the problems with meeting Greenacre's wage demands Law said "There could be 800 to 1,000 free transfers in the summer and those players have to do well now to either gain another contract or get somewhere near the top of the wanted list. It's going to be very difficult for players this year because money is short and those earning decent wages are going to get a fraction of that."

City not after Avenue man

Nicky Law has denied that City will try to sign former Bradford Park Avenue defender Martin Pemberton from Mansfield.

Thursday 04 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

GR: We may lose out on Greenacre

Geoffrey Richmond has confirmed that City are interested in signing Mansfield's Chris Greenacre but has expressed a fear that the Bantams will not be able to afford the players wages. "It will be a competitive chase for his services but the chances are we will lose out because we will no longer be paying the wages going forward that we have been paying in the past. We are aware of the best players who are available on Bosmans this summer and Chris Greenacre would certainly come into the category as very attractive."

All of which has prompted Michael Wood to consider the problems of signing players in the post-ITV digital age in his column I think we can get Greenacre but I would be prepared to let him go.

Wednesday 03 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Have City signed Greenacre?

Luton manager Joe Kinnear has stated that his attempts to take Mansfield's high scoring striker Chris Greenacre have been thwarted because the players has already agreed a deal with City. Kinnear, who's Luton team have been promoted to the second division said "His agents tell me that he is joining Bradford so he is out of the equation."

While his impressive goal tally suggests great things from Greenacre one would worry that Nicky Law seems to have decided to sign a second dominative striker to partner Danny Cadamarteri instead of signing a target man. Greenacre is physically powerful but (reportedly, few have seen the man in the flesh) lacks the height to trouble First Division defences. However should Kinnear be correct on this matter it would further empathises Nicky Law's commitment to signing quality young players with points to prove for his speedier, hungrier Bantams.

Luton, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham were reported to be the clubs in the race for Chris Greenacre's signature.

Should City have signed Greenacre then City fans would be interested to read his interview with BBC Nottingham in which he admits to having been a Leeds United season ticket holder. Oh dear.

Young Reserves draw 3-3

City's young reserve side drew 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday with goals from Juanjo, Liam Penford, and Kevin Sanasy. So bad was the injury crisis at Valley Parade that City included three 15 year olds in the squad.

Lewis back in England u19 picture

Lewis Emanuel has been put on standby for Martin Hunter's England under 19 squad. Emanuel was forced to pull out of a game three months ago with injury. SHould any of the squad suffer injury or illness.

Emanuel will be playing in the European U19 Championship Play-Off matches against Lithuania in Kaunas on Wednesday 17 April and at the City Ground, Nottingham on Sunday 21 April.

New columnist

BfB is proud to welcome it's latest columnist Mark Douglas to the fold as he assess the ghosts of City past and future.

Lawrence out

City's thin squad got thinner today as Jamie Lawrence broke his broken thumb ruling him out for the weekend game with Wimbledon and the West Brom game at VP. With young gun Michael Standing also injured City are left reshuffling. Eoin Jess could play there were he not needed for the centreforward position. Juanjo may be called on to make a rare start for City.

Tuesday 02 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Locke back in the reserves

Gary Locke will return to the reserves this week after injury. Locke and Juanjo are the only two senior players in the squad to play Sheffield Wednesday, however, word has it that Nicky Law will be watching Keith Brodie and Danny Forrest with a view to including them in the squad for Saturday's trip to Wimbledon should they perform well. Brodie is a right back, Forrest a centre forward.

Law on why Grant started not Sharpe

Nicky Law spelt out why he preferred Gareth Grant to Lee Sharpe in the loss to Norwich. Lee hadn't done much training in the last couple of weeks.

Bower wants to stay at VP

Mark Bower says he is desperate to stay at Valley Parade. I'm desperate to stay here - I want to be playing pre-season for Bradford. This is my fourth year as a pro now. The first season Bradford were going for promotion so they weren't going to introduce the young players, then we had two years in the Premier League so it was the same sort of thing. This season I was looking to get a few games together but it's been a while coming which is frustrating. People have got injured in my position and others have come in on loan so you tend to think maybe it's time for me to go somewhere else but I've had the chance with Andy Myers being out and I'm quite pleased with how it's gone. Hopefully I will stay in the rest of the season and do as well and then take it into next year."

Monday 01 April, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Poor City lose to poor Norwich at the end of a poor season in a poor league

A late goal gave Norwich a 1-0 win at Valley Parade leaving the impression that this is a division low on quality that is failing in it's aims.

The Boy from Brazil joins the Hall Of Fame

You have voted Edinho, the original Boy from Brazil, into the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame closes for the Summer. April is the final month of voting for the potiential members.

Beni wants four year deal

Benito Carbone has told Boro that he would like a four year deal at the Riverside but has hinted that he has a chance of returning to Italy to play his football. Carbone commented "I want a four year deal here to play Premiership football for the rest of my career or I will go home to a club in Italy"

Since Carbone arrived Boro have moved from 15th to 10th in the Premiership and there has been suggestion that Carbone's performances have sparked enough interest to allow City to ask a fee for the player.

March on, march off

BfB's report on March 2002.

The month by month news index.