Sunday 30 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

GR to reveal his plan

Geoffrey Richmond watchers are predicting that the former and soon to be current Bradford City chairman will start of his meeting with what will be a reasonably fractious audience at Valley Parade on Monday night with the sort of announcement that he favours to win over the masses. This time last summer Geoffrey Richmond stole the thunder of his critics by allowing Jim Jefferies to waste a further £2.5m of the club's money paying the likes of Eoin Jess and Andy Tod. One wonders how GR will start of tomorrow's meeting.

What has administration ever done for us?

BfB columnist Neal Ackroyd takes a look at the club's six weeks in administration and asks if the period has been a whole lot of suffering for no good.

Brazilliant!

Brazil won the World Cup with two goals from Ronaldo that would make a great story- four years ago and all- but frankly that was much less interesting than watching the faces of the German losers.

Saturday 29 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni not coming back

Regardless of recent events at Valley Parade Benito Carbone looks as if he will not be returning to Valley Parade. Italian sources claim Carbone is in talks with Como and Ascoli, both of whom will play in Serie A next season, about a move.

Friday 28 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Friday 28 June, 2002

Richmond back at Valley Parade

Deal done to take City out of administration

The club has confirmed that Geoffrey Richmond, Julian Rhodes and Professor David Rhodes have agreed fund continued administration for the club by paying a lump sum of £400,000 and to continue running the club when it comes out of administration or in common terms. Richmond is back in charge at Valley Parade.

As part of the deal done with the administrators the trio have agreed to honour all season tickets and to honour players contracts for those that want them honoured. A deal has been reached with the PFA that will allow the club to continue playing at First Division level.

Reactions to the return of Geoffrey Richmond
Back to work Monday?

City's sacked sixteen could be back at Valley Parade on schedule to begin preseason training with speculation building that the four-man consortium headed by Geoffrey Richmond has struck a deal with the PFA that will see them all reinstated contracts. David Wetherall commented "I understand we will all be reinstated and then it's up to the individual whether to negotiate a settlement. I'm trying to second guess but there may be cases where the new owners might try to settle contracts with certain players. It's a messy situation."

Some players, including player of the season Andy Myers, are threatening not to come back until their compensation claims are sorted out. BfB also has opinions on which players should come back because frankly many of the sixteen put us in these problems to start with.

Myers aches for Rotherham

Andy Myers has dropped his wage demands in his discussions with Rotherham in the hopes of joining the First Division club.

Etherington asks for a move

Matthew Etherington, who was a great success during his two and a half months on loan at City at the end of 2001, has asked his current club Spurs for a transfer after seeing a number of signings brought in over his head.

Cardiff talking to Whalley

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence is talking to Gareth Whalley about a move to Ninnian Park. Cardiff City are of course the perfect response to David O'Leary's "I have done a great job and should never have been sacked" claims.

Wolves not keen on Ward

Wolves have cooled suggestions that they are interested in Ashley Ward. "He is not very good" a Wolves spokesman should have said.

Thursday 27 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood & Roland Harris

Combe: Don't make me go back to the dark place

Alan Combe started training with Dundee United today, but his heart was at Valley Parade. Combe, who is expected to be the first signing Nicky Law makes when he is able to, said of his return to Dundee United "I've been dreading going back to training but I've no choice. I'll just get my head down and work while I wait for something to happen. My agent is in constant touch with me but he is fed up with saying the same things. He's heard from a couple of other First Division clubs but I still want to go to Bradford. The last thing I want is to stay at United."

Combe, who strikes one as a honest fella who does not hide behind the usual footballer cliches, said of his treatment at Tanadice "Going back to Bradford is what I've wanted all along and that's not changed. As long as there is a chance and the manager is still interested then I'm happy to keep waiting. I'm not going to play under Alex Smith, he's made that very clear. After the interest that Bradford have shown, he's budgeting on me not being here next season and that would suit me. I'm just hoping Bradford can get out of administration quickly and perhaps a deal can be done. Wolves is a very tough game to start with, but I'd love the chance to be playing for Bradford against them."

City's number one, Gary Walsh, was one of the 16 sacked but had never played under Law. Walsh's deputy Aidan Davison impresses no one leaving Combe the chance to become City's first choice if he signs.

Myers and Ward not coming back?

Rotherham are targeting Andy Myers and Wolves are looking at Ashley Ward as the transfer market hots up post-World Cup. Both are understood to be about to receive an offer to return to City but very few would be upset to see Ward turn that offer down. Myers, who is more popular amongst City fans, may be missed but it is felt by some that he had already lost his place in the team to Mark Bower.

The measure of a man

Word has it that David O'Leary's departure from Leeds was hastened by Peter Risdale's plans to sell Rio Ferdinand over his head. O'Leary found it unacceptable to have his players leave the club without his say so and said so as loudly and as often as possible. Fifteen miles away and Nicky Law is washing the kit because his staff have followed his players out of the door following the sackings of May 2002. Law probably feels like a mug and O'Leary probably feels justified in his actions in the name of "protecting the team for the fans" but of the two I know which one I would rather have at my club, and it is not the one that when the going gets though, he throws his toys out of the pram and goes home.

One wonders if City fans will rememeber what Law has gone through this summer as his "dream job" turned into a nightmare. The fact that the former Chesterfield boss is still at Valley Parade says much about him that cannot be said about O'Leary.

Wednesday 26 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Player deal struck

The administrators are believed to have brokered a deal with the Football League and the PFA that will allow City to continue in the First Division. The new owners are expected to be announced on Thursday or Friday when there will be an announcement that the players will be paid off a percentage of what is owed to them if they do not want to rejoin the club.

New BfB colmunist takes on the Bulls fans

New columnist Richard Micallef kicks of his career with BfB looking at teh Valley Parade situation in his article The Bulls vs City which contains the superb phrase "The Bulls have been at our house for 2 years now. I wouldn't go a mate's house, throw up on the carpet and urinate on the curtains. Yet it seems that's the attitude of the Bulls fans."

Law doing it all

Nicky Law looks in need of a pick up after comparing unfavourably City with his time at Chesterfield. Law said "It's probably getting worse now than it ever was at Chesterfield. Compared to that we haven't got anything. We had seven staff there while at the moment there are the three of us - me, Ian Banks and Steve Redmond (the City physio) who've got to do the lot. We've got no kit man, no fitness coach and no youth-team coach so that's three extra jobs for starters. And if we get an injury that will take Redders out of the equation so it's down to Ian and me. We're having to take the youth team for training while at the same time trying to arrange trialists and prepare for the First Division. We haven't got time to feel sorry for ourselves but I would be lying if I didn't say it was a very difficult situation."

Wetherall not Man City bound

David Wetherall will not be joining Manchester City with Blues boss Kevin Keegan claiming that he will not be making anymore signings this summer.

Jess lines up four

Eoin Jess is talking to Nottingham Forest, Dundee United, Walsall and Jim Jefferies' Kilmarnock about a move.

Brazil vs Germany

Brazil got past a tough Turkey side 1-0 to book a game with Germany in the World Cup Final. Brazil are not the side they once were but their fall from ability is nothing compared to the Germans who are atrocious. Expect a Brazil win.

Tuesday 25 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond and Rhodes back together?

Rumour has it that a team of Geoffrey Richmond, Professor David Rhodes, Julian Rhodes and Gordon Gibb will be announced as the new owners of Bradford City although, tellingly, there is some speculation that Geoffrey Richmond may not be Chairman of the newly formed company. It seems unlikley that the Richmond/Rhodes partnership, the breaking of which would seem to have been a cause of many problems at VP, would be reunited but stranger things have happened at Valley Parade.

Gunnar understatement

Gunnar Halle, who has returned to Norwegian football, spoke a deft understatement when talking about the end of his time at City. "I had three good years at Bradford but it was a bit of a disappointing way to go out. I got the sack like the rest of the players."

Germans wow the World

The world was wowed as a frankly awful German side got to the World Cup final after beating South Korea 1-0. England beat this German side 5-1 at the start of the season, we went out looking flogged to death at the end of it. If that does not suggest that we need to look at the number of games our players play then what does?

Monday 24 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Still waiting part 4,102

Bradford City fans are still waiting for the announcement from the administrators as to the future of the club. Along with anxious supporters Nicky Law is also keen to see the future of the club sorted out soon after he and Ian Banks took the juniors for the first day back from close season by virtue of the fact that there was no one else at the club who could have coached them.

Evans waiting for the call

Former Brentford skipper Paul Evans, who was released from the Bees when his contract expired on June the 6th, is reported to have made a verbal agreement to join Nicky Law at City as soon as the problems are sorted out.

There is also a story linking Dele Adebola to City, although being fair there is always a story linking Dele Adebola. Adebola was freed by Birmingham at the end of May.

Sunday 23 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City's new owner: Better the Devil you know?

As the battle for ownership of the new Bradford City nears conclusion, we are told to expect an announcement towards the start of the week coming, our columnist Jonathan Jackson asks the question Is it better the devil we know or better the devil we don't?

The effects of administration felt as City lose out on Breckin

Nicky Law is set to lose out on signing his Chesterfield skipper Ian Breckin with the central defender signing for Paul Jewell's Wigan for a "six figure sum". Breckin had made his ambitions to join the Bantams clear in March but the instability around the club following administration has clearly told the player that his future lay elsewhere.

Breckin's joining Wigan puts the onus on City's new owners to try secure David Wetherall's services for the club. It is thought that Nicky Law would have liked to partner Breckin and Mark Bower should he not be allowed to bring back any of the sixteen sacked players.

Law starts young player search

Nicky Law has hosted the first of three training games for young professionals interested in joining squadless Bradford City. Said Law "We had a game involving some younger players, and four or five of them impressed. It could be that we get them back and have another look at them during pre-season training."

World Cup winners and losers

As the squad hit home soil too soon Michael Wood looks at England's World Cup winners and losers.

Saturday 22 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond or Rhodes, but not both

The administrators are once again hoping to announce the new owners of Bradford City at the start of the week. Geoffrey Richmond and Gordon Gibb are in one corner, David and Julian Rhodes in the other and despite rumours that they would be a join bid, unlikely with the two factions not speaking for the previous seven months, it does seem to be a straight choice.

If it's Richmond...

Then questions will be asked and people will say that Geoffrey Richmond has pulled a fast one to tear up players contracts and walk away from debts. GR will find a lot of new enemies amongst the ranks of previous allies and will get a tough time from the PFA and the FL.

If it's Rhodes...

Then questions will also be asked of the "silent partner" in the boardroom. Did the Rhodes clan stand against Richmond over dividends? Hardly, they collected an equal share to the Richmonds. Where were the Rhodes clan when City were in financial trouble? Where were they in the summer of 2000 when Benito Carbone was signed? Did they rubber stamp GR's decisions or stand against him?

There is also a question mark over Rhodes' ability to back Nicky Law and some suggestion that Rhodes would be looking for the first chance to get rid of Law and replace him with a manager that they backed to the hilt with £4.5m some four years ago, Paul Jewell.

Moore wants Wetherall and Myers

Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore has contacted David Wetherall and Andy Myers about signing for the Millmoor club. Wetherall looks set to return to City under whatever regime takes over. Myers, who had lost his place in the team to Mark Bower despite being named player of the season, can go to Rotherham as far as I am concerned. He makes too many mistakes and is not commanding enough at the back.

Hiddink gives food for thought as Korea edge the great miracle

Gus Hiddink made his position clear when he was approached by the South Korean FA. If you want me to be your manager you have to shut down your league, for six months, and then I will give you a team to be proud of. Today his Korean Republic side dumped Spain out of the World Cup to get a place in the semi-finals against a pathetic Germany side. Korea and Hiddink are one easy step from the World Cup Final.

Contrast this to the home bound Sven who's word are echoed in our calls for more focus on the England side. Sven said he would like a reduced Premiership but admitted that this was "impossible". Not it would seem for Hiddink and Korea who are enjoying the rewards that we are still dreaming about.

Roland Harris looks at the national performance in his article England 2006: Back the bid.

Turkey face Brazil again

Turkey got to the semis of the World Cup after defeating a Senegal that lacked the passion of early rounds. Turkey made it possible for two European sides to meet in the final for the first time since 1982 however if BfB were a betting man then money would be on Brazil meeting South Korea.

Friday 21 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law leads fans in getting tired of waiting

Nicky Law has led the chorus of City fans begging for an end to the takeover saga so that the club can start life trying to stay in the League. The new buyer was expected today but it is rumoured that the administrator put back the announcement to allow the Rhodes clan to raise funds for an improved bid.

Halle sign for Lillestrom

Gunnar Halle has signed for Lillestrom.

Myers: I'm not coming back

Some people's player of the season Andy Myers has said that he is unlikely to return to preseason training with City for fear of getting injured while uninsured. He also stated that he thought City should be made to pay up the players contracts in full.

Cheating Germans through

Germany beat USA 1-0 thanks to a handball on the line that saved an equaliser.

England out after disappointing display

What is they to say? England took a lead but let it slip to a fine cutting attacking move and a dodgy free kick over the head of David Seaman. Ronaldinho was justly sent off for trying to snap Danny Mills in half but England lacked invention and the ability to hold the ball enough to poise Brazil any real problems and now go home.

The bookies still have Sven's men as favourites for Portugal 2004 but one might suggest that until the issues I addressed after the Sweden game are acted upon then we may well be feeling the same in two years time as we do now. Put simply we can not flog out players like carthorses for nine months and then expect thoroughbreds in the summer.

Perhaps the most off putting thing about this return home to England is that while we are normally used to welcoming home defeated heroes who played at 100% but were just bested today we have players who - for whatever reason - played at 70% and could have gone further. Sven Goran Eriksson has changed the way we play from being a thunderous reliance on passion to get us through to a more calculated performance that requires the players to stay level headed and not rage after the game when behind. As a result England return looking like a team that could have gone further had they tried harder.

Thursday 20 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Still waiting...

Despite the Daily Mail revealing this morning that Geoffrey Richmond has found the backing to out bid David Rhodes for City Bantams fans still wait for the official word that the former chairman is the future chairman.

Richmond will no doubt take much criticism from his peers in the Football League when he returns as City chairman and their is some speculation that the announcement will me "burried" under the England/Brazil result on Friday. Richmond's partner in Bradford City take two is the owner of the Flamingoland Theme Park Gordon Gibb who was linked with a move to buy York City some time ago.

Como deny interest in Carbone

Como have denied that they are trying to sign Benito Carbone.

BfB puts things straight

BfB has been asked to remind readers who read the piece yesterday entitled "Who is smiling now as the Bulls go Bantamshaped" (Go on, its just only a couple of paragraphs down) that the views in the Telegraph & Argus were a Bulls fan view and not the view of the paper itself. BfB is happy to do so and happy to see the T&A printing forthright opinions of Bulls about City even if we do not agree with them.

Can you feel it?

England/Brazil is less then 24 hours away. One team will walk away from the stadium as favourites to win the greatest trophy in world sport, the other will just walk away. The knot in the stomach, the hairs on the neck. For City fans this is almost that Wolves feeling all over again. To paraphrase "Football eh? Bloody Hell!"

Wednesday 19 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Como?

Newly promoted Serie A side Como are interested in signing Benito Carbone. The Como chairman sees the £40,000 Italian as the perfect man to help his team compete with the big boys although one might suggest that Como would be better off going after South Korean Ahn Jung-hwa who seems to be able to destroy even the best Italian backline.

Did we do this?

They said that if Bradford City were allowed to sack players willy-nilly that every club would be doing it and sure enough Perugia axed Ahn Jung-hwa who's goal knocked Italy out of the World Cup. "I have no intention of paying a salary to someone who has ruined Italian soccer." said the Perugia owner who, one assumes, will not be signing diving cheat Francseco Totti or striker Christian Veari who's red card in the case of the former and general all round rubbishness did more than Ahn Jung-hwa to knock Italy out of the World Cup.

Who is smiling now as the Bulls go Bantamshaped

The day after the very real possibility of Bradford City being thrown out of the Football League emerged I was stunned to read in the Telegraph and Argus a reporter on the Bulls' victory the previous night that opened with the [para]phrase "I do not care if Valley Parade never sees Division One football again." Like many City fans, I was surprised at this lack of unity from the followers of our tenants at VP.

However with the Bulls determined not to be at VP next season chairman Chris Caisley today stated "I don't know where we are going to play next season" and now there is speculation that should the Bulls not be able to get a ground the lives up to Super League standards, they may be forced to play in a lower league next season if they get to play at all.

Bradford Met have told the The Bulls that the council has provided a 25,000 capacity stadium but that is not good enough for The Bulls who are saying "The council has let down the fans of this club."

While most City fans will wish The Bulls good luck I am forced to ask why as a Bradford City supporter I am forced to pay taxes for The Bulls to be provided with a 25,000 capacity stadium while my team struggles to fund its very existance without Bradford Council lifting a figure to help it.

Sixteen advised to turn up for work

The sixteen sacked players have been advised to turn up for pre-season training on the 1st of July. PFA deputy chief executive Brendon Batson said "What we are saying to those who haven't had alternative offers is to report back as normal. Hopefully these contracts will be resolved."

Batson continued "We know the administrators and have dealt with them in the past. That's why we were so surprised they should take such a drastic initial step but we need to know there will be a successful buyer for the club so they can move forward and then have a look at how we are going to deal with the contracts that are in place. Time is of the essence for all parties. The new season is approaching rapidly and this situation is no good to anyone."

David Wetherall, City's PFA rep, was looking forward to going back to VP saying "I think everybody just hopes that this sorry episode can be put to bed and that Bradford will survive on a financial footing. We don't know if any of us will be taken back on but that's what we are hoping. And I would hope and expect the vast majority of those players whose contracts have been terminated will be training on July 1. Although the club might want us all to stay right away until this is sorted, I expect to be training at Bradford City unless the phone rings in the mean time and something crops up."

The glory is South Korea

South Korea netted a golden goal a minute from time to knock Italy out of the World Cup after the European let a one goal lead slip. Ahn Jung-hwa, who plays for Italian side Perugia missed a fifth minute penalty for the hosts but scored the winner with a late header.

Japan out

Japan were unlucky to go out to a Turkey goal that sets up a Senegal/Turkey quarter final for the right to play England/Brazil in the semis.

Monday 17 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

New owner Tuesday or Wednesday

Bradford City's administrators have provisionally started booking Press Confrences for Tuesday or Wednesday to reveal who had agreed to buy the club. Geoffrey Richmond is the favourite to retake control of the Bantams although there is some suggestion that one of Dr Rhodes's sons has outbid the former chairman.

Notts County into administration, Watford to follow?

Notts County applied to the high court in Nottingham to go into administration as the rush of club's in danger that was predicted when Geoffrey Richmond called time on Bradford City Ltd 1983 started to come about. Watford, who sacked manager Luca Vialli last week to save money look set to join City and Notts County in court unless they con convince the playing staff to take wage cuts. Watford signed a collection of footballer's for hire, the chances of them agreeing to less money seem small.

The solution could be at hand though. It can not have escaped the notice of those who are entering final negotiations over City that the country is, at the moment, in the grip of football fever. The boom that bust City started in a semi-final against West Germany. Football owes much of it's position as the number one sport in this country to the 1966 victory coming at a time when television was finding a place in every home. In short, the longer England stay in the Far East the more that the League will get for it's TV rights and the fewer clubs will have to go into administration.

Brazil: The irresistible force in position

Brazil, the irresistible force in one of the greatest World Cup clashes in recent decades, prepared for the showdown with England on Friday with a tough 2-0 win over Belgium.

The South Americans struggled with the packed midfield and tight backline of the Europeans but as with all great sides, and this Brazil team will be that if they best England on Friday, they seemed to have a momentum that drove them through despite their performance. The irresistible force of quality inventive attacking play finally told when Rivaldo chested turned and fired home from the edge of the box. Ronaldo finished from a similar position but with less of a flourish with five minutes to go to send Belgium home.

Like the Irish the Belgians will feel badly done to after being the better side for long spells of this game but football at the sharp end, and it does not come any sharper than this, has a way of finding and rewarding quality over form.

And so to Friday. For Brazil they have a chance to prove that the struggles of qualification and the defeats to the likes of Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay were blips. By beating the conquerors of Argentina Brazil can claim back the crown of kings of South America. The pain of scrapping for qualification has been the fire in which this Brazil team has been forged.

However Sven Goran Eriksson's side were forged in the fires of Munich and trial by Greek defender. Both these sides are trying to emerge as the best in their regions. Both sides have on eye on the recently vacated seat at the top of the football table that used ot be marked France. Make no mistake, this is a game of the magnitude of England and Argentina meeting over a grudge in 1986 or Brazil and France's ground shaker in the same year for the title of the World's most skilful side. This game is kingmaker.

In the words of Ron Manager "Brazil isn't it? Small boys on the beach, golden shirts for goalposts..."

USA beat Mexico: Please no more "shocks"

The United States reached the last eight of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Mexico that is being added to the list of shocks in "The World Cup of surprises".

It is true that the Mexican's were shockingly poor in comparison to the form that saw them take seven points in the group stages but a glance at the CONCOCAF group stages shows the USA ahead of a Mexican side that while talented, has struggled to match the USA over the last two years.

The Mexican's will point to a lack of serious quality to match with in the qualifying to the World Cup, the Mexicans long to switch to the South American group stages, and perhaps one could see the validity of the point. When the Mexican's went a goal behind they seemed not have no idea how to react.

Nevertheless with the USA above Mexico in qualifying perhaps the only shocks from this result will be being felt away from the region. Like Senegal followers of World football could tell of the emergence and decline of various nations in the gaps between World Cup.

Sunday 16 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The comeback complete?

BfB has heard strong suggestion that Geoffrey Richmond has had a bid for Bradford City accepted and will become the "new" owner at the begining of the week when the administrators announce that a deal in principal has been struck.

Bulls Odsal plan: Another one bites the dust

BfB columnist Jonathan Jackson takes a look at the situation at Odsal after another Bulls plan bites the dust.

Sharpe to Sheff?

Lee Sharpe looks set to continue his play to play within an hours drive of the Townhouse in Leeds after confirming that he was talking with Sheffield Unitd over a move in the summer.

Irish lose on penalties

Spain made hard work of knocking the Irish out of the World Cup eventually winning a penalty shoot out after drawing 1-1. During the game Leeds' Ian Harte missed a vital spot kick, which was funny.

The Irish, who had Andy O'Brien in the squad but did not field him over the four games can take much credit out of the game and the World Cup in which they showed well and are rightly lauded for the team spirit they showed but consider Spain who tried playing out time and adopted a defensive posture by bringing off Raul and played the last thirty minutes with ten men something that puts the Irish swamping in extra time into some perspective.

Further to that the key man in this Spanish side, Mendieta, has spent the last nine months on the Lazio bench and is fresh. Spain face a possible route of Italy and Germany to the final, unchartered land for the underacheivers of European football, but should they negotiate that journey even the winners of England/Brazil would have answer the sternest test the competition has to offer.

Senegal take full advantage

Sweden will count themseleves very unlucky not to be on the path to a semi-final showdown with England/Brazil after hitting the post in extra time before Senegal, the surprise package of this World Cup for those who did not pay attention to the Africa Cup of Nations, scored a golden goal that won the game 2-1.

Saturday 15 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond vs Rhodes for control of City

Word has it that Geoffrey Richmond and the son of his former Bradford City boardroom counterpart Dr Julian Rhodes are the final two bidders left in the shake up to buy Bradford City. When City first reported cash problems BfB speculated that a boardroom split may have caused the club to call in extrenal help, the fact that the two big hitters in the City's shareholding stakes are coming at the club's with different bids would seem to confirm that.

City fans are split between those who would and those who would not like to see Geoffrey Richmond back at City however should the former chairman return to Valley Parade he would face a series of tough questions, not least of which would be from those in the Football League and beyond who believed that administartion was a ruse from Richmond to cancel City's big contracts and start again.

The administrator is expected to finalise the deal to sell City before the week is out. The solution to the problems City are facing in in sight.

England's immovable object moves into place

Two early goals by Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen followed by a richly deserved strike from Emile Heskey brushed aside a disappointedly nervous Danish side as Sven's men reached the last eight beating Denmark 3-0.

England now face the winners of the Brazil/Belgium game with many people predicting that the resulting clash between the 1966 winners and the 58/62/70/94 champions will decide who will be victorious in this competition. Such talk questions the validity of England's claims to rank this side next to the great teams of World football history. Read more...

Germany through to last eight

The Germans scored an 88th minute winner to take them past a spirited Paraguay. Germany are in the same side of the draw as Italy, Mexico and Spain and would seem to be unlikely to win given the lack of quality, however when a team is defending well, the Germans have been solid at the back, and scoring when needed, it would be foolish to dismiss their chances.

Friday 14 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Channel Four, Yorkshire TV: You are a disgrace

As a result of the careless handling of the footage of the Fire of 1985 by Yorkshire TV, who once promised never to allow the footage to be used out of context, the Japanese media are using that footage to illustrate "The problems of English Hooligans".

City fans beat Fox when they did this in "When Good Times Go Bad 3", we faught and lost to Channel Four in "Football Fight Club" early this year when the ITC ruled that Ch4 had done nothing wrong in linking the fire to hooliganism. We have little way of fighting this.

The sad truth is that because of the careless handling of this footage the death of 56 people at Valley Parade is now being shown as a footnote to hooliganism. I for one hope that those who are responsible for this, and I doubt that we will ever find out who took the footage out of the safe and put it into the public domain, can find forgiveness somewhere.

Law on the return of the sixteen

Nicky Law confirmed that City are looking at getting some of the 16 sacked players back at Valley Parade. The City manager said "I've spoken to nearly all of them, and whilst they're all disappointed, three or four have said they were looking forward to coming back. I got the feeling that if that was an option more than a few of them would like to come back and probably renegotiate." All of which begs the question why did City's administrators not ask the squad if they would be prepared to renegotiate contracts before announcing that they had been sacked?

Law getting anxious

Nicky Law has started to show signs of pressure as he faces up to the task of building a new team in two months. "We are creeping into the middle of June and the situation needs to be resolved soon. A week on Monday the kids are back in training and then the week after that, the first team are meant to be coming in. At the moment that means five players unless we are allowed to bring in others on trial." City's first game is at Chesterfield on July 23.

Jamie wanted by Palace

Crystal Palace and former City boss Paul Jewell's Wigan are reported to want to sign Jamie Lawrence.

Bulls eye Bantams nest

The Bradford Bulls attempts to build a new stadium at Odsal have failed. Expect them to step up bids to get the administrator to sell them Valley Parade.

Portugal join France and Argentina on the way home

Portugal have been knocked out of the World Cup after losing 1-0 to South Korea. The Portuguese, who could be a good team were it not for crippling indiscipline in the ranks, had two men sent off including former City man Sergio Pinto's brother Joao. The USA join The Korean Republic in the last sixteen despite losing 3-1 to Poland.

Japan and Belgium through

Two late goals gave Belgium enough of a lead to see off a late surge from Russia in a game that decided who would go through as runners up to Japan. The hosts enjoyed a deserved win against Tunisia and face a second round against Turkey and should they win that, a quarter final against Senegal or Sweden. England Japan semi final anyone?

Thursday 13 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City start at home to Wolves

The fixtures for 2002-2003 have come out with City in the First Division starting the season with a visit from Wolves and ending it with the visit of Portsmouth [full fixture list]. Other interesting games include the visit of Rotherham United on the 31st of August and the trip to Reading on the 29th of October. Both clubs have stated that they do not believe that City should be allowed in the First Division next season.

Of the start to the season with what will be a entirely new City side Nicky Law said "It's a massive test but there will be no pressure on us. After what's happened, nobody sees us as one of the big boys any more. Whatever team we have, we'll just go out there and try to prove people wrong. Teams don't come any bigger than Wolves but who'd have thought they would still be in our division. It will be interesting to see how Wolves respond to their huge disappointment of last year. Will they be up for it - or will they still be feeling sorry for themselves?"

Jess in Dundee United talks

Eoin Jess is in talks with Dundee United over a move back North although he has hinted that he may return to City saying "The Bradford thing might be sorted out."

Italy do as expected

Yesterday England were lambasted for only getting a draw, today Italy were predictably praised for "doing enough" to get through to the last sixteen as runners up to the impressive looking Mexicans of whom little is expected but much could be delivered.

Ecuador beat Croatia 1-0 in the other game in the group.

Brazil lining up Quarter Final showdown

Brazil strolled past a spirited Cost Rica side 5-2 and look good to make the date with England next Friday for a quarter final of two of the remaining World Cup favourites. The Japanese side of the draw was tougher than the Korean when France and Argentina were in the competition, now with those nations out Brazil would seem to have a path to the final blocked only by England.

Watch England on BBC and send ITV a message

England's World Cup games from now on will be broadcast by both ITV and BBC giving football fans the perfect chance to send stick two fingers up at ITV who's failure to make good the promises of ITV Digital has put many clubs in bad financial problems, especially Bradford City. Watch the Beeb. The BBC do better coverage anyway.

In some corners they say that Bradford City are as bad as ITV Digital. They would not pay for TV rights they bought, we would not pay players, but the key difference is that while Geoffrey Richmond and Dr Rhodes lost millions, Granada and Carlton could bail out ITV Digital, but would rather send half of the FL in administration.

Wednesday 12 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jess and Walsh Walsall bound

Eoin Jess and Gary Walsh are reported targets for Walsall. Walsh is being lined up as a potential replacement for the excellent James Walker.

City to sign 16 players. Guess which sixteen?

There is some speculation tonight that a deal may be in the offing between Bradford City and the sixteen sacked players that would see them return to the club when it is bought and "regular" free transfers be given to all but Claus Jorgensen, Danny Cadamarteri and a few others. At the moment such talk is but rumour.

Administrators: "There's no reason for despondency"

Administrators Kroll Buchler Phillips have narrowed down the list of buyers for City "We're in talks to reduce it down to two or three serious bidders and then we'll begin a series of negotiations to get the best offer together. At that point we'll meet the Football League and Professional Footballers' Association to find a solution that will be acceptable to all parties. There is light at the end of the tunnel. The administrators have always been confidant we will find a buyer and there's no reason for despondency."

Law looking at free transfers

Nicky Law illustrated how far City had fallen from two summers ago when we were signing players for £2.5m saying "The list of 'Bosmans' only came out on Monday and the three of us have had our heads down sifting through all the names. Obviously at the moment we can only go as far as making contact with serious targets. We can put the feelers out, but we can't offer anything financial until the new owner is sorted. I've been in this position at Chesterfield and people get a bit edgy, and rightly so. It's not easy, but you put in the work and hope the situation gets resolved quickly."

England do enough

The curse of English football, tabloid style reporting would tell you that the 0-0 draw with Nigeria that put England into the round of 16 was a near disgrace in which the lucky men from this island we're poor. The view from around the rest of the world is different with England being looked at as potential winners by the press in Denmark, whom England face on Saturday. "England have done enough to get to this game," one Danish report read "It would not be surprising if they did enough to get to the quarter finals with a performance against us similar to that against Argentina".

Speaking of Argentina, La Nacion led the cries as the favourites went out following a failure to beat Sweden. Much sour grapes from South America with La Nacion saying David Beckham was lost and England were happy to go through in spite of the mediocrity with which the last game was played.

The Spain! The Spain!

The Spanish, who are BfB tips of the final, got past South Africa eventually with a 3-2 win. Paraguay also reached the last 16 with a 3-1 win.

Tuesday 11 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

TBs get stuck in

Huddersfield Town chairman David Taylor wants City thrown out of th League for sacking the 16 players, something BfB says that we did not do, a campaign that Taylor seems to be leading according to Geoffrey Richmond "David Taylor, chairman of Huddersfield Town, was the most vociferous that Bradford City should be expelled." although Taylor stated that Richmond had taken his comments "out of context".

Taylor summed up his position thus "It is true to say that every chairman who was there at the meeting does not want to see any club expelled from the Football League but if Bradford City does not honour its obligations then it would have to be expelled. People are concerned that administration does not become an easy option for clubs. If it did, then there would be ten or 12 clubs in the first division that would go down that route." If Taylor thinks that administration is "easy" he should try it sometime. Football with five players ins by no one's definition "easy".

While making comments about City without knowing the extent of the financial situation Taylor said No Football League chairman can make any comment regarding Bradford City unless they know all the financial information" All of which adds up to yet another reason to loathe Huddersfield Town.

City welcome at Millwall

City are on a list of clubs who will not be banned from visiting Millwall's New Den next season. Just over a month ago being banned from Millwall seemed like a big deal. Now it does not seem so important. Frankly if they vote to keep us in the First Division we will do anything they want.

Carlisle into administration

Carlisle have joined City in administration. The third division strugglers are unsure if they will be able to last until May 2003 but like City they will be included in the fixture list when it is published on Thursday.

Holders out as Danes top the group, Senegal second

France and Uruguay, both previous winners of the World Cup, have been sent packing from Japan after the 1998 champions lost 2-0 to Denmark the 1930 & 1950 winners came back from three down against Senegal to draw but still followed France on the way out. Denmark topped the group and will play the runners up in the Sweden/England/Argentina group. Quite how Denmark are doing so well considering they are built around Everton's lardy Thomas Gravesen and field Jon Dahl Tomasson up front is anybody's guess.

Senegal while looking a fine team seem exceedingly beatable for whoever wins the Sweden/England/Argentina group with the Africa's defensive frailties there for all to see.

OB's Republic through with the Germans

Andy O'Brien's Republic of Ireland and, erm... Kraftwerk's Germany got through to the last sixteen after Eire rode over Saudi Arabia 3-0 and a 10 man Germany bested Africa's finest (10 man) Cameroon 2-0 in a game that saw over 16 bookings.

Monday 10 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City's get "overwhelming" League backing but have enemies in high places

Geoffrey Richmond claimed that City enjoyed "Not unanimous support, but certainly overwhelming" from the rest of the Football League over the issue of expulsion while his opposite number at Reading, football move and shaker John Majeski, was moved to say that he would quit football should City be allowed to play in the First Division next season after sacking 19 players.

Richmond said after the two day Football League meeting "I am very pleased to say that there was overwhelming support from the division one clubs for the position that Bradford City finds itself in - not unanimous support, but certainly overwhelming."

The Reading chairman Majeski countered "There have been clubs who have gone into administration and come out stronger because of it, but to employ expensive players then go broke and reinvent yourself is not on, and is not conducting business according to the rules."

At risk of repeating ourselves at BfB we think this is another case of confusion over what is a business and what is a football club.

Has the administrator got a conflict of interest?

Paul Cook of City's bit of the From The Terrace web site has uncovered conflict of interest for City's administrators who are on the one hand sacking Bantam players and on the other acting as advisors to the Football League urging them to ditch the rule believes the league should look at the rule which forces clubs to pay off players' contracts before paying any other creditor.

Without any detailed knowledge of how administration works it does seem strange to me that w live in a World where Benito Carbone can claim his £40,000 a week before the 39 members of City's staff who's weekly wage combined would probably not add up to £40,000.

Portugal start to show

Portugal became the first of the "moribund mighty" to stir into second round progress after beating an awful Poland 4-0. Pauleta, who is keeping Ashley Ward on skates Nuno Gomes on the bench for the Portugese, scored three.

A man, a plan, a canal, erm... Belgium

Belgium never broke sweat against Tunisia after taking an early lead something the Europeans started to regret when the African's equalised with aBeckham-esque free kick. Nevertheless Belgium never seemed to hurried and drew the game 1-1 leaving them needing a win over Russia to go through.

Being Jeff Agoos

Poor old Jeff Agoos, the veteran of many qualifiers but no World Cups for the USA until now. Jeffy put through his own net in the glory game with Portugal last week. Today he allowed the win that would have secured Yank qualification to slip away by being out jumped and out muscled by a particularly short and weedy Korean. South Korea had trialed for a long period after a smart finish by a USA forward who said his name was Clint but the fact he had a mohawk and hailed from New York/New Jersey lead us to believe it was really Travis Bickle.

Sunday 09 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Limit of loans increased to bring feeder clubs to England

The Football League have increased the number of loans allowed to be fielded by a club. City had to release Matthew Etherington to field Carl Muggleton last season because the maximum number of loans was two, next season it will be five. Not only that but clubs will be allowed 12 loans in a season leading to the possibility of a more loan term loan system between Premierships and lower league outfits.

Such flexibility in the loan system shows once again the sympathies of the assembled clubs to the plight of the financially stricken lower leagues allowing a ready source of players from the fringes of Premiership clubs.

City confident of head count at the Football League

It is believed that the Football League chairmen who would decide on Bradford City being expelled from the league favour retaining the Bantams by an estimated 3:1 ratio.

City in talks over in house casino?

According to The Observer City are believed to be in talks with Stanley Leisure about setting up a Valley Parade casino.

Japan look ready

The Japanese have all but booked a place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win that leaves them needing only a point against Tunisia to get through. There is much talk about the merits of Japan and some suggestion that they are living on host nation status but too as a team playing tidy football and possessing no little pace- the most important commodity in modern football- I can see them posing problems for Brazil when the two inevitability meet. Brazil will beat them though.

85 minutes you will never see again

Turkey and Costa Rica made up for wasting 85 minutes of your lives with a lifeless affair that was livened up by an equaliser for the Central American followed by a slap fight between Turkey's Emre and the Costa Rican bench which was followed by five minutes of non-defending in which both teams could have won the game.

I think, Mexico!

Call me a man schooled on the football of 'ugo Sanchez and Manuel Nagrete but I think that the Mexicans could go a distance in this competition. The onus on attack suits the tournament in the early stages and was enough to get past Ecuador who had the fifth minute lead pegged back in the Mexican's second half comeback.

Saturday 08 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Two up from the Conference

The Football League's AGM agreed to a second promotion place from the Conference to Division Three, something that could come in useful in a couple of years time should our worst fears be realised.

Debt figure £10m higher than first thought?

A report in the Independent has said that City's debts may be £10m higher than the £13m first stated.

Brazil break China

Brazil beat China 4-0 to book a place in the last sixteen.

Italy lose to Croat comeback

Italy, dontcha just love that casual approach? Well the Italians seemed to get a little too casual while coasting out a 1-0 lead and let a frankly awful Croatia team equalize then take the 2-1 win.

South Africa win

South Africa win... Erm that's all I can remember through the England 1 Argentina 0 inspired hangover.

Friday 07 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City to pay the balance?

The light at the end of the tunnel has appeared for City in the dealings with the PFA and FL over the issue of the club's expulsion from the league over the sacking affair. The PFA have said that they consider the sacked players to be free agents and would be happy if should these players sign for new clubs, City pay the balance between their new contracts and their previous ones.

While the idea of City paying the Lion's share of Benito Carbone's £40,000 a week with the Italian turning out for someone else is not appealing this shows some movement from the PFA and adds a level of realism to the players demands.

Some have speculated that this could ultimately result in City making reduced payments to the players to free them from the obligations.

England 1 Argentina 0

England lay to rest the ghosts of 86/98

England put a foot in the final 16 with a hard fought 1-0 win over favourites Argentina, David Beckham making the vital contribution with a penalty a minute before half time after Michael Owen had been brought down. England enjoyed the best of the chances, Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes both flashing volleys in and Owen hitting the post and dragging another wide of the far post. Argentina enjoyed huge amounts of possession as England spent the last 15 minutes with 11 men behind the ball but the South American's could not break through.

Following the question marks over him after the Sweden game Sven Goran Erikkson must take much credit for the win. England's defending the 1-0 lead for the last fifteen minutes was inevitable after the missed chances of the start of the second half but Erikkson decision to stiffen up the midfield paid dividends. Sven must also take credit for turning another Englishman with potential into an effective international performer, namely Nicky Butt who was outstanding in the Steven Gerrard role of defensive midfielder with a creative touch.

A result against Nigeria will put England into the second round. We would then face one of France, Denmark, Urugray or Senegal with the Africans probably finishing at the top of that group and Denmark facing the England/Sweden/Argentina group winners (In my estimation).

The one great regret is that because of his drug convictions Diego Maradona was not able to enter Japan to see Argentina beaten by the team he cheated out of the World Cup 16 years ago. Diego Simeone, he who got David Beckham sent off four years ago was playing for the Argentine today. His face was a picture.

Spain perhaps

Although the general consensus has it that Spain will always beat themselves before they can beat the world the current Spanish side does look to be, if you pardon the pun, the real deal. A 3-1 win over Paraguay with goes from Real Madrid paid Morientes and Hierro put the Spanish into the last 16.

Swedes make it hard for Sven

Sweden came back from a goal down to get a 2-1 win over Nigeria that has put the African's out of the World Cup and means that England need a result over Argentina later today to stand a decent chance of progressing.

Thursday 06 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Controvercial Mumtaz bid for City

Dr Gul-nawaz Akbar, the owner of Mumtaz Restaurants, appeared on BBC's Look North to make a public bid to buy Bradford City. Around Bradford the Mumtaz family have been dogged by rumour and innuendo for sometime however such gossip would be overlooked in many eyes if the Restaurant owners could save Bradford City. We await further developments.

Dr Akbar said of his bid which he hopes to make by drawing other businesses from the community together "Bradford definitely needs the club. We've had our share of bad luck over the years and this is the time we need to get together to make it work. Obviously it will take some talks around the table to decide the sensible way forward. Obviously no businessman would want to get involved in a business which is carrying a lot of debts. It is pleasing to hear that people are, like us, very concerned about the current crisis and the people we have spoken with so far have shown quite a keen interest. What I have said to people is that if we are going to do something together we should do it sooner or later."

Speaking of the club's debts Dr Akbar confirmed the he had spoken to the club's administrators "We had a brief chat with them and that is why we are now doing further work at our end to get things rolling and take them forward."

All of which talk has prompted BfB's Roland Harris to address the Mumtaz bid by telling us What Uncle Ronnie would say about Mr Mumtaz's bid to buy the Bantams

City: Unlikely to be expelled

The football league have said that it believes it is unlikely that Bradford City would be thrown out of the League and that is believes that an acceptable deal can be struck that will allow City to pay its creditors and remain within League rules.

The FL also hinted that while it would not allow City to be a single exemption from it's rules on club's in administration it could consider changing the rules to deal with the anticipated run of club's into financial problems.

Motherwell sack players

Motherwell have sacked nine players to cut costs and have been subject to similar calls for them to be expelled from the SPL as City have heard. Motherwell are known to City fans for sharing a Subutteo reference number, Ref: 23. The players of KV Mechelen should be worried.

England, oh England. Who cares?

England need a decent result against Argentina on Friday or they face an early exit from the World Cup. England, oh England. Who cares? ask Michael Wood

French going out

The French scrapped a 0-0 draw with Uruguay that leaves them on the edge of becoming the first holders to go out of the World Cup in the group staged since Brazil in 1966.

In the future pages and pages will be written on why the French, who will not get a result against Denmark, went out but all this will boil down to a simple point. The better half of the French team play like a group who have been told by one in five of their countrymen that they do not want them representing their country. Read this and more in BfB's forthcoming book: "NF Race: An anagram of France".

Saudi Arabia go out

Saudi Arabia got back pride lost by the 8-0 thumping off the worst German team ever to enter a World Cup with a spirited performances against Cameroon. The Africans won 1-0 leaving Eire needing only a 2-0 win over the Saudis to go through. Tragically the Irish got optimistic about this, disregarding the fact that on this afternoon's showing the Asian side look like a side who will get back some pride before they return home. Scotland in France 1998 springs to mind.

Denmark hold out to Senegal

In retrospect it was silly being surprised by Senegal. They were the best team in the Africa Nations Cup and look set to build on that with progression into the second round of the World Cup. They should have beaten Denmark in this 1-1 draw but will fancy getting something from the final game with Uruguay to seal a deserved place in the last 16.

Wednesday 05 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

How deep is the debt?

There is speculation that City's debts of £13m maybe an understatement of the true depth of City's financial problems and that of the 25 interested parties only two or three would have the funds to buy the club and deliver it from debt.

Fry: City still signing

Peterborough boss Barry Fry has indicated that City are still trying to sign players despite the club being in administration. Speaking about former Leeds winger Andy Gray Fry said "Andy still seems to prefer Bradford to us, but if things get much worse there, I think we're in with a good chance of getting him."

Meanwhile Nicky Law has stated that he does have a list of players he will sign and said that when he brings players in, something he cannot do until the club gets new owners, those players will have to knit together to form a team quickly to play at a high level. Law is not thought to be talking about the Unibond First Division.

Oh to be Irish

Ireland snatched a 1-1 draw with a last minute goal for Robbie Keane against a woeful German side. On the balance of play and perhaps on the ability of those on the field one would be forced to say that the Irish are a much better side than this current German crop and that a draw is something of a disappointment.

This sort of coverage is normally given to England not the Irish. One wonders what sort of reception a last minute equaliser would be give should England get one against Argentina- "Out of jail" or "Lucky"- and what the mood would be if we were going into the last game with only two points.

Nevertheless good on Ireland and Andy O'Brien who has yet to get on the field.

USA out scorerize Portugal

Popular conception has it that the American's ignore losers and love winners. Expect the likes of Brian McBride, scorer of the decisive diving header that beat Portugal 3-2, to become small level heroes when they return to the USA.

Do the Russian love their football too?

Russia beat Tunisia 2-0 in one of those "Why am I not in bed?" games. However the Russians did field the last of the City summer 2002 would be signings. Vlad "The Mad" Bestnaskski (sp.) had fallen out with his coach at Racing Santander in the summer of Benito Carbone and the Daily Mirror decided that if City would take a troublesome Italian, they would take a troublesome Russian. Chris Hutchings was not especially interested. Thinking back City were linked with the Russian, Ronaldo, Wanchope and Recoba in that summer and ended up with Ashley Ward. That says much about what went wrong at Valley Parade.

Tuesday 04 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood & Roland Harris

Jorgi finds a new club

Northampton Town are reported to be interested in signing Claus Jorgensen. In my estimation, Jorgi is a fine player and could do a job at first division club in the way we had hoped he would do at City.

Of all the players released by City Jorgi will be one I miss most. Not as developed a player as other who left Jorgensen did seem to have more potential than anyone City have had in recent years.

Ken "Not interested in football"

Slow news day aside: Popular belief has it that Ken Morrison will not get involved in buying Bradford City because he has "No interest in football".

Contrast this with his stores at Mayo Avenue and Girllington in Bradford that, to the surprise of any customer who knew of Mr Morrison's ambivalence to the beautiful game, seem to be packed with World Cup promotional offers, features and general Japan-&-Korea-ness. Perhaps it would be better to say that Mr Morrison has no interest in football unless it benefits him and in saying that perhaps if Geoffrey Richmond had been interested in getting the supermarket man involved in the Bantams he might have thought of a better approach than "Give us some money you will never see back because we want some and your from 'round here."

Korea give Poland and unwelcome return

The Korean Republic got a first World Cup win at the fifth attempt with a 2-0 win in front of a home crowd in Busan. The Koreans, who would not be able to boast to their North Korean neighbours a result to match the 1-0 win over Italy that those in the North of the divided country are planning to crow about as soon as they are legally allowed to talk to foreigners, looked a decent side and personally I would not bet against them topping a group that includes Portugal.

The South Korean's made their first appearance at the World Cup in 1986, which coincidentally was the Poles last. Poland's last footballing memory of World Cup's was of a Gary Lineker hat trick sixteen years ago in Mexico. After this display they might want to think about going back into hiding for the next decade and a half.

Japan nearly there

Japan nabbed a draw against Belgium, who seem ready to become the Scotland of mainland Europe, and perhaps should have had more. A disallowed goal five minutes from time suggests they had the win them, an inability to defend says they will get no further than the second round.

China nowhere near

The maths of China, 1.6 billion people, not being able to find enough decent footballers to beat Costa Rica, population, erm, less than China is incredible. Also incredible is the frequency of players that City nearly signed turning up in the World Cup. Chris Hutchings had agreed terms with Paulo Wanchope before the leggy Costa Rican joined Man City. Even now the Central American's refusal to join City does look like £3.75m saved.

Monday 03 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Administrators don't do weekends

When Geoffrey Richmond arrived at City he suggested that the reasons the Bantams did not get much coverage in the national press might be more to do with the fact that the club never told anyone when it did anything rather than the fact that press were wilfully ignoring events at Valley Parade. The administrators it would seem are firmly in the "Don't speak" model of pre-Richmond and further to that while they are working on selling the club that work does not stretch to telling us about it, hence the lack of news coming out of Valley Parade at present.

Seven of nine

Word has it that the Royal Bank of Scotland will be withdrawing overdraft facilities to the nine football league clubs that are currently making use of them. For all but two of these club this will put them in the same situation as City were in when Benito Carbone returned to the club and administration is expected to follow not long after.

Italy win, Taylor amazed

ITV are plumbing the depths with it's World Cup coverage. Italy swept aside Ecuador in front of an amazed Graham Taylor who heard that the stadium held it's pitch on a "bed of air!", Taylor leaving the phrase hanging as if he was captained with the word "Wow". Taylor also told us that if we were the head of a football association and we were thinking of assassinating our manager then we really shouldn't although he did confess that he should have been shot during his time in charge of England.

Brazil win the best game so far

Turkey provided stiff opposition that a Brazillian team with something to prove rose to in fine style. Brazil finally got the win with a dodgy penalty by Rivaldo, Aston Villa's Alpay puling down the Brazillian striker outside the box. Rivaldo then went of to cover himself in infamy by getting another Turk send of for some shameless "It hit my face" antics after the ball was booted at his legs.

Brazil's first goal was scored by Ronaldo who, like Uruguay's Recoba, was once offered to City. Paul Cook of the City section of fromtheterrace.co.uk commented how wonderful it would have been to have Recoba in a City shirt, one can only imagine what Ronaldo would have been like. The story, as crazy as it sounds and related to someone close to BfB in a drunken haze goes thus: Benito Carbone and Ronaldo share an agent, Brancetti I believe his name is, and after during dealings Carbone the agent asked City if they fancied taking the buck-toothed one on loan for a season.

At the time Ronaldo was still 18 month off full fitness but the idea was that because Inter Milan could not afford to let a player build up to match fitness levels and because the Italians have no reserve team football, that Ronaldo would be loaned out to another top flight league to a "lower" club and there he would play a season to get back to 100%. The idea was never really a goer for City but the offer was there. In retrospect a 5% fit Ronaldo would have done a better job than 100% of Ashley Ward but hindsight is always 20:20.

Nevertheless Brazil impressed in what has been the best game so far and could do better than squeaking in third and losing six qualifying games suggests they will.

Mexicans could do better

Mexico's single penalty win was slight return for a pounding of Croatia. The Mexicans could go far in this competition, quarter finals at least, but to do so they will have to convert chances into gaols better. One might suggest that starting Luis Hernandez with Blanco might be the way to go. As for Coratia, I've said it before and I'll say it again, £63,000 a week for Alen Boskic!

Sunday 02 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood & Roland Harris

Moore: Kick the Bantams out

Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore believes that City should be thrown out of the league for sacking sixteen players. One would remind Moore that while discussions continue between club and players then City technically have done nothing wrong. Morally one may also suggest that City have not done anything out of line and are punished enough by having a squad of five players. Nevertheless Moore sounded the call "That would give the right message to other clubs, otherwise everyone will be making players redundant." because lets face it, the one thing all football clubs are itching to do is get rid of the entire team.

Those "in the game" seem to genuinely believe that City will benefit from the cull of players and are seeking an unfair advantage by axing the squad. Quite how is anybody's guess.

England are Spain

England got a disappointing draw with Sweden in the first game but looked like they could have done better had they taken their chances... just like Spain normally do!

Spain are England

Spain got a decent first game but looked vulnerable... just like England normally do!

Bend it like Arces

Paraguay drew 2-2 South Soth Africa with Fernando Arces scoring a superb curled free kick for Paraguay. This game got the short straw of David Pleat commentary, the former Spurs man trying desperately to pronounce Arces as Ahar-Che and not arses.

Argentina beat Crewe

Argentina looked impressive in the 1-0 win over Nigeria, who played a Crewe player as an indication of their level in the World of Football, but you can not help but feel that if the South Americans really were all that they would have converted more than one of the dozen or so clear chances into goals. They seem to lack a cutting edge from the creative players. If Batistuta is not scoring, then who is?

Saturday 01 June, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood & Roland Harris

Five more interested

25 parties have registered an interest in buying Bradford City according to the administrators. All 25 will be spoekn to before a deal is struck but the administrators hope to have a buyer in principal within three weeks.

Molenaar wants to get back to the Premiership

Robert Molenaar has said that he would like a move to the Premiership after leaving City. His rather average displays for the Bantams in the 18 months he was with the club would suggest that he is unlikely to have impressed any watching top flight managers.

New BfB

BfB has had an overhaul. If you have any problems hold down [shift] and Refresh the page, keeping shift held down for ages. to load a fresh version of the page and scripts. If that does not work clear your cache using Tools | Internet Options | Delete Files... and then if it still does not work. Moan to error@boyfrombrazil.co.uk

Germans: Can't write them off etc...

A rather poor German side thumped a Saudi Arabia side 8-0. Imagine what England (5 Germany 1) would do to the Saudis.

Geordie Legend

Just how did Jon Dahl Tomasson go from idiot of Tyneside to getting the two that beat (as David Pleat calls the) OurHugRay? Denmark look ok but they are packed with players from the Evertons and Sunderlands of the world. Uruguay's Recoba would have signed for City in the summer of 2000 has Geoffrey Richmond gone from £40,000 for Carbone to £110,000 that Recoba's agent wanted when he offered City the player.

The Irish unlucky

Ireland got a second half goal to cancel out an early Cameroon strike to draw 1-1. Former City man (for two months) Steve Staunton captained the Irish and played alongside Gary Breen at the back. Cameroon's Samuel E'too looked dangerous and you can't help but think that had Andy O'Brien been on then he would have had the Africa front man in his pocket. Matt Holland, one time Paul Jewell target, scored for the Irish.

The month by month news index.