Monday 30 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Shirt number mayhem: Nerds everyway confused

BfB admits to a certain Jon Tickle-ness when it comes to shirt numbers and so was sent into a big flap today as City revealed that Dean Windass would be given the number 10 shirt that had been Paul Evans with the former Brentford midfielder taking the 7 jersey he had at Griffin Park and that Jamie Lawrence has vacated at Valley Parade. Other changes include Danny Cadamarteri vacating the 8 shirt for the number 12, Simon Francis taking the Windass/Juanjo 15 and Danny Forrest going to the 21 shirt that has never really got dirty.

Ben Muirhead, who we thought would be 7 is to take Lewis Emanuel's 18 with Lewis going to Michael Standing's 16. Standing being catapulted up to 25 saying much about his chances in the first team next season.

For real number-nerds, or numerds if you will, might like ot note that David Wetherall, who joined the Bantams five years ago today, is one of only two players to have retained his squad number for the half decade City have had one. Wetherall's 5 and Wayne Jacobs' 22 are the only two constants in the City dressing room.

More tea please (Steve) Vickers

Steve Vickers, one time Middlesbrough and Birmingham defender, has been sighted at Valley Parade today by less than reliable sources. Thirty year old Vickers has been freed by Birmingham City. Also released and believed to be interesting City although not sighted at City are Blackburn's David Dunning and Charlton's Lee Snodin.

Bantams back, Bantams go

Ashley Ward, Mark Bower, Alan Combe and the rest of the first team squad who have been excused the early return come back to training with City today to be joined by new recruit Dean Windass. Meanwhile the contracts of those players leaving the club such as Claus Jorgensen and Gary Walsh expire today leaving them free to sign deals with other teams from midnight.

Sunday 29 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Atherton says the P word

Peter Atherton thinks that City can push for the Premiership this season. Many bookmakers have made City for bottom spot this term but the return to the fold of both Dean Windass and Atherton should see City's odds for relegation lengthen. Athers, on the other hand, is looking only upwards. The City midfielder said "Last season was very difficult because the financial side took over, but on occasions we did show what we could produce as a team, especially when we didn't have too many injuries. I think we can look positively to next season and improve on last time by climbing the table. Who knows, perhaps we can be pushing for a play-off spot."

Quite how the Bantams would fair in the Premiership, which one assumes would be the point of getting to the play-offs, is anyone's guess but Atherton feels that with lucky City can do something "We have got some good players here and if we can avoid the horrendous injuries this time then I am hopeful of a good season ahead."

Saturday 28 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Dean Windass returns to Bradford City

Premiership icon will wear claret and amber next season

Dean Windass has agreed a two year deal which sees him return to the club where he enjoyed his finest hour. Windass, 34, became iconic of the Bradford City side that surprised the footballing world on the final day of the 1999-2000 season by staying in the Premiership and it is in that spirit that City fans welcomed Windass back.

BfB columnist Roland Harris welcomes Windass back to Bradford saying "Dean Windass is back at Bradford City. He is making all the right noises about coming to the club to make some noise and get involved in something. I like that about Deano, to be honest, there is not a lot I don't like about Deano."

Windass himself was sure that his return would not be an easy ride "I'm not going back to Bradford for the comfort zone. If I'd wanted to do that, I could have gone somewhere else and earned a lot more money. I could have stayed at Sheffield United for that but this is not about money. All I want to do is play and I'm delighted that Nicky Law is going to give me that chance. I don't want to get in any bother but I love proving people wrong and I want to show Neil Warnock he made a mistake. I've had a lot of good vibes from Nicky about the club and he really sold it to me. Nicky has talked about getting the right mixture of experience and youth with the strength in depth you need. It's the same as what we had at Sheffield United last year. I want to come in and help the young kids through. You need experience down the spine of the team and we'll have that with the new goalkeeper, David Wetherall, Peter Atherton, myself and Ashley Ward if he stays."

Windass created himself a new creado with his final comment "I can identify with what Nicky Law wants to do. I want to come here and be the best player."

Another City hero, John Hendrie, backed the Windass return saying "I remember when I went to Barnsley from Middlesbrough at the age of 33. I had a fantastic two-and-a-half years there as we won promotion from the First Division and played in the Premiership. That was a great challenge for me and I'm sure Dean will treat returning to Bradford as the same. There is absolutely no way he is going there to wind down his career."

Expect Windass, who it would seem has rejected former City boss Paul Jewell's Wigan side to return to VP, to get the number 15 shirt which he wore during his first spell at Valley Parade and has recently been vacated by Juanjo.

Six Weeks, Five Hours and 12 Minutes

BfB columnist Jonathan Jackson looks forward Six Weeks, Five Hours and 12 Minutes to the start of the new football season encouraging Bantam fans to "Do yourselves a favour and put some dosh on us staying up."

Friend of Foe?

Marc-Vivien Foe died this week after playing an estimated one hundred high pressure games in under one hundred weeks. BfB editor Michael Wood asks has football has really been a Friend of Foe?

Friday 27 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jackson back

Peter Jackson has returned to Huddersfield Town and is expected to take Terry Yorath back as first team coach alongside him.

Ward move to Barnsley no go as Risdale gets rejected

The proposed idea that Ashley Ward would go to Barnsley to make up for the crimes of Peter Risdale has floundered owing the Barnsley's board rejecting Risdale's involvement. Risdale could do worse than wander over the Pennines to Oldham Athletic who need the money as badly as any club ever has.

Meanwhile one time City target Bruce Dyer has rejoined Watford on a Bosman free from Barnsley.

Thursday 26 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Lewis news comes thick and fast

Two bits of news about City's wantaway left sider Lewis Emanuel. Firstly his agent Peter Jackson will be made manager of Huddersfield Town tomorrow and hopefully will then stop being his agent and secondly the youngster is being linked with a move at David O'Leary's Aston Villa.

Two want Tod

Shaun Harvey has confirmed that City have had interest in Andy Tod saying "I've spoken to Andy's agent and he will undertake his pre-season in Scotland. A couple of clubs are understood to be interested in him and Andy will be speaking to them with Bradford City's permission. We've made it clear that we would help support Andy in a move to Scotland as it would benefit both parties."

Windass to talk terms tomorrow

Dean Windass flew back from his holiday in Portugal and is understood to be ready to talk terms with City on Friday. If everything goes well City are hoping to have Windass signed up and ready to join training on Monday.

Roche joins Burnley

Lee Roche has signed for Burnley reportedly rejecting offers from Premiership clubs. City were interested but it is believed that Nicky Law dropped that interest when he signed Gareth Edds.

Dallas, Bradford

The South Stand has been responsored and renamed The TL Dallas Stand. Normally at BfB we do not care what the stands are called but with money tight at the club it's worth giving a nod to independent Insurance Brokers TL Dallas Group for backing the Bantams.

Wednesday 25 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Lincoln keeper rejects City move

Lincoln City keeper Alan Marriott has turned down a move to City because he does not want to be reserve to Alan Combe. Marriott has signed a new deal with Lincoln.

Darlington in the League Cup

City will play Darlington in the first round of the League Cup at Valley Parade on the 12th of August, 2003.

Atherton's return pleases returning Kearney

Peter Atherton putting pen to paper on a new two year deal has given Tom Kearney a boost. City's fit again midfielder said "It's great news for everyone at the club that Athers is staying. He is a great player and a good, seasoned pro who brings out the best in the people around him. He's a big help, especially for the young lads. Hopefully I'll be playing alongside him because you can learn so much."

Tuesday 24 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Atherton back, Ward to go?

Peter Atherton has "reached an agreement in principle" to come back to City on a two year deal after talking to his former club Wigan Athletic. Atherton, who was offered reduced terms by City at the end of last season, is expected to put pen to paper on his return from holiday at the end of this week. Atherton said of the deal "I am delighted that we have managed to come to an agreement, my contract was up at the end of last season and I never wanted to leave the club. The supporters have always been great there and now the problems of last summer are behind us we can look forward to the new season. It will be good to report back next Monday and see the lads and to meet up with all the new guys as well."

Nicky Law was pleased to hear that the midfielder would be returning to the fold saying "He's a key senior player in a young squad. We need experienced players like Peter."

Meanwhile Derby boss George Burley is reported to be keen on Ashley Ward. The Rams have enquired about Ward, an enquiry that will have been greeted why favour yelps from Valley Parade as the opportunity to off load the £18,000 a week "hit man" emerged. Ward, who will be given a free transfer by City, is also said to be interesting former club Barnsley and is expected to be replaced at City by a returning Dean Windass.

City linked with Heckingbottom

City are being linked with Norwich City defender Paul Heckingbottom. Heckingbottom featured 15 times for the Canaries last term. He started his career at Sunderland, left to skipper Darlington before joining Norwich.

City's Camara bid fails

28 year old Mo Camara has turned down Bradford City to join Burnley on a two year deal.

We like Lucas

BfB already likes Luke Cornwall. Young Lucas has made all the right noises that we like to hear from new players including these gems "A change in my life will benefit me. Hopefully I can have a good pre-season and see if I can get in the team. At Fulham there was a 40-man squad so it was really hard to get anywhere near. I've obviously got more of a chance with Bradford. It's a bit of change being a London lad but change is good sometimes. The club have got in a few new players so I won't be the only one - and I'm a genuinely nice guy so I'll fit in!" A London lad keen to fit in and a genuinely nice guy. Ladies and gentleman we have our new Jamie Lawrence.

McCall, Beagrie to sign new deals

Former Bantams Stuart McCall and Peter Beagrie are due to sign new deals with Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United respectively.

Monday 23 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

New boys start, Kearney back as pre-season kicks off for City

David Wetherall has told the City new boys to prove themselves as the captain welcomed his crew back for pre-season training "They've seen what the good life in football can be at Premiership clubs and now they have come to Bradford to show they can make it. It must have been difficult for the likes of Luke Cornwall at Fulham to see so many players in front of him. But he's got a good chance here to play regularly, as Ben Muirhead found last season. At 22 you should be hungry to play. Hopefully the arrival of players like that will really benefit the side."

Of all the City squad keen to impress there as few as eager to prove themselves more than Tom Kearney who started his first pre-season since the cruciate ligament injury that wrecked his blast off season in football last term. Of Kearney and the chance the new boys at Valley Parade have of impressing City's Shaun Harvey said "Nobody had heard of Simon Francis this time last year and look at the impact he had. And it was the same the year before with Tom Kearney who would have played a big part for us last season but for his injury."

Windass to put pen to paper

BfB understands that Dean Windass has agreed the deal to return to City and will put pen to paper next Monday morning a week after his new team mates as they return to training at Appley Bridge.

As an illustration of how much Bradford City has changed in the past few season of the Bantams squad he left three years ago Dean Windass is likely to have trained with only David Wetherall, Mark Bower, Wayne Jacobs, Ashley Ward and maybe Lewis Emanuel.

Lucas, Leopold and Gustaaf

The PFA are sweet people. Not only did they save our club 12 months ago but they also provide webmasters with great details of the transfer list that tells us that or new boy Luke Cornwall's first name is Lucas, that Gus Uhlenbeek's secret name was the rather impressive Gustaaf and that CM3 freescoring legend Leo Fortune-West is a Leopold.

Saturday 21 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Windass speaks on Warnock

As talks about a return to City progressed well Dean Windass has his say on his former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock saying "I couldn't trust him any more, it felt like I had been kicked in the teeth [Being left out of the squad for the play off final] and there was no way I was going back, even if the team had won the play-off final. I enjoyed my time at the club and respected the manager's decision but it doesn't mean I liked what happened. I just couldn't believe it. I was brought in on loan to get the team into that situation and I had played every game."

Windass is reported to have agreed to live within City's wage structure taking a cut of around £4,500 a week to return to the Bantams. Meanwhile Sheffield United are set to replace Windass with Derby's Lee Morris a player whom Jim Jefferies refused when offered as a part payment for the loan deal that took Benito Carbone to the Rams.

Sinnott to Farsley Celtic.

Lee Sinnott is the new manager of UniBond League Division One's Farsley Celtic. If the Farsley back four do not know how the clear the small stands around the team's ground now, they will do soon.

Friday 20 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Windass in talks about VP return

Bradford City have confirmed that they are in talks with Dean Windass about bringing the striker/midfielder back to Valley Parade. Those talks are said to centre around an extended role for Windass on the coaching side of the club as well as the question over which position the 34 year old would like to see out his footballing days in. Should the Bantams want Windass the midfielder then this move could indicate that Peter Atherton's open offer to return to the club could be closed but should the deal see Windass up front then the Bantams may be pre-empting Ashley Ward's rumoured return to Barnsley.

BfB editor Michael Wood invokes for you, dear reader, the glory of Lester Bangs in his article The time for Dean Windass is back.

Lewis saga takes a turn

Lewis Emmanuel's agent, who has been accused by Bradford City of being an destabilising influence on the young left sided player, is said to have been offered the job as manager of third division Huddersfield Town. Quiet how Jackson's boss, Hayden Evans, can allow this massive conflict of interest to have continued this long is anyone's guess however it does seem certain that Lewis will get new and hopefully better representation in the very near future.

Atherton going home?

Hot on the heels of the news of the proposed Dean Windass return to Valley Parade comes the rumour that the man who signed Windass for City, Paul Jewell, is in talks with Peter Atherton about taking the City man back to his former club Wigan Athletic.

Warnock to Coventry

Liverpool's Stephen Warnock is in talks with Coventry about a season long loan at Highfield Road. Warnock spent two months at Valley Parade on loan last season.

Thursday 19 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Norwich at home first day

Football's fixture computer has been kind to City once more with a home game against the division's most average side Norwich to kick off the season with. City then go to Cardiff the following Saturday and play host to Gillingham the next week.

Boxing day sees the Bantams return to a happy hunting ground The Stadium of Light, Sunderland while City finish the home fixtures against Stoke City on the first of May concluding the season at Millwall the following Sunday.

Cornwall signs

City have confirmed the siging of Luke Cornwall from Fulham on a one year contract.

Wednesday 18 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

City signing Cornwall

Nicky Law is said to have tied up a deal to bring Fulham striker Luke Cornwall to Valley Parade on a one year contract. Cornwall has been on loan at Grimsby Town and Lincoln City and played for the Cottagers in Division Two after graduating the youth scheme.

Danny back in training

Danny Forrest returned to training with the Bradford City scholars today with City man Ian Ormondroyd saying of the young striker "At the moment he's in the honeymoon period but he'll find as he gets a bit older that the fans will expect him to do better than the other players simply because he's local but it's all about attitude and I'm sure Danny will be able to handle it. He's a nice lad, quite unassuming and his feet are firmly on the ground. He works hard at his game and when he's on the pitch he runs his socks off. When you watch him play, he never gives up and will chase anything. I can only see him getting better."

Tuesday 17 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

They fought the Law but the Law won

City boss is cleared after FA probe

Nicky Law has been cleared by the FA after allegations of wrong doing concerning his links with agent Mark Curtis. In the official statement it is made clear "The Football Association found no evidence to substantiate the complaint made." which would seem to exonerate Law.

City's Shaun Harvey said "We would like to thank the FA for their prompt attention in dealing with this investigation. Everyone at the club has co-operated fully with the FA inquiry and we are delighted that Nicky Law has been cleared of the complaint made against him and is now able to commence pre-season training at the club with the suspicion against him removed."

It would be easy at this point to lambaste the likes of Craig Fishlock (reportedly the man who made teh allegations although BfB would like to add that that is a report and may not be the fact) and the FA for investigating this matter but we feel it is important that justice is not only done but is seen to be done in this matter. No man should ever be required to prove his innocence, the first tenant of British law is that a man is innocent unless proven guilty, but in this case Nicky Law has been found to be innocent and should emerge from this with a clean (perhaps even cleaner) reputation than before.

Law meets FA

Nicky Law has met with the FA as a part of the investigation into his dealings with agent Mark Curtis and the accusations of intimidation made by one of the club's junior players. An annoyed Law said "I've assisted the FA with their inquiries and hopefully this will all be sorted out in the very near future. We start back for pre-season training next week and it's not a great time. From my point of view as a manager, this is something I could do without, full stop," Law's defiance is very welcome and seems to add to the growing feeling that the allegations against Law may be malicious more than meaningful.

Meanwhile Mark Curtis has confessed to being baffled by the charges against Law saying "I'm more than at a loss. I've spoken to the FA who have confirmed there's no suggestion of wrong doing by myself. I have two players at Bradford City and one of those was told by Nicky Law he didn't think he needed an agent and suggested to him he shouldn't sign with us or indeed anyone. I hardly think that ranks as preferred status."

Risdale wants totem Ward

Word up at t' mill is that new Barnsley headman Peter Risdale will try take Ashley Ward back to Oakwell to show his good intentions to those Tykes angry at the £20 a day fish man's buying of the Oakwell club, Ward having something of a totemistic appeal to your average Barnsley fan.

Ashley Ward back at Oakwell? That really is living the dream.

Richmond speaks about City after meeting the press at Notts County

Geoffrey Richmond met the press as the new man at Notts County and issued a defiant statement to his detractors in West Yorkshire saying "I walked away from Bradford with my head held high and very proud of what I achieved."

Richmond recalled his start and end at Valley Parade saying "I remember when I took over in 1994 and what I left in 2002, it was a completely different club. My one regret is that having survived in the Premier League, things went wrong after that and mistakes were made. We over-spent in relation to the purchase of players at that time. But I still maintained that it was case of being damned if you do or damned if you don't. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I hadn't given everything I could to establish Bradford in the Premier League. There was an opportunity then but we bought badly." At BfB we have been accused of being Richmond apologists. We consider ourselves realists and recognise that Geoffrey Richmond or any other chairman deserves some recompense for work at Valley Parade however it is hard to see where the large outgoings for football consultancy to Richmond and the dividends paid to directors constitute giving everything to establish Bradford in the Premier League.

Richmond continued "Look at the stadium I left, the increase in support and remember those memories of days that supporters will take with them until their dying day."

Talking about his new role at Notts County Richmond said "The agenda at Notts County is very different to when I came to Bradford. The new owners aren't going to be throwing millions of pounds at getting the club into Division One and the Premiership. It's more about consolidation, being sensible and minimising expenditure while still going forward. But the stadium here is effectively a new one, the hospitality facilities are absolutely excellent and Notts County have an extremely loyal support base. There's no doubt that the potential could be here although you can say that about any football club."

Linked Lee released from Hartlepool

Hartlepool United defender Graeme Lee, who has been weakly linked to City in the past few months, has left The Victoria Ground in search of bigger and better.

Our friends at Legoland

City's game with Huddersfield Town will be hosted at The McAlpine Stadium on Tuesday 29 July, 2003 provided Town do not go to the wall after the CVA tomorrow. The game is part of The West Riding County Senior Cup.

Monday 16 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

More signings on the way

After the capture of Robert Wolleaston and Gareth Edds over the weekend Shaun Harvey has spoken about City's plans for further recruitment "There are a number of players who will be available who Nicky Law and Chris Dowhan have identified, We have inquiries ongoing with a variety of different players but there are a significant number who will not be available until after their contracts expire on July 1. We should have a pretty good indication by then of what personnel there will be for the manager to work with. He has looked at the balance of the side and where he thinks we need to bring people in and that is what we are trying to do."

Sunday 15 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Llewellyn to sign this week rumour says

Rumour has come to BfB that City have spent Sunday in talks with Chris Llewellyn and that the winger/forward will be a Bantams by the middle of the week should he pass a medical at the club. We stress the word rumour but see no reason why it should not be true.

Centenary teams announced

City have announced the three teams that will make up the Centenary tournament namely Aberdeen, Coleraine and Swansea City. Some are disappointed that the likes of Paris SG, Shalke 04 and Busan Icons will not be present but here at BfB we take the attitude that the event should be about City, not about watching bunch of Bruno Rodriguez do a pre-season warm up.

Some may disagree but for me the big draw of the Bradford City Centenary weekend should be Bradford City. Remembering Stuart McCall's testimonial one recalls how many Bradford City events in the past have been hijacked and one could have just seen the Sky TV's patronising report on the Citizens of Paris slumming it in "little old Bradford" that the idea of us, some Scots who are not bigots, the nicest of the three Welsh clubs and some (hopefully) good lads from Northern Ireland having a get together is quiet appealing.

Saturday 14 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Wolleaston signs as the team takes shape

Robert Wolleaston has agreed terms with City as Nicky Law's revamp of the Bantam's squad takes shape. Wolleaston, who can play up front or as an attacking midfielder, played twice for the reserves and impressed.

Gedman to return?

Had the sacked players not returned last year then Leeds Uni student Paul Gedman would have been a Bradford City player. As it was Gedman ended up at Welsh side Total Network Solutions, a name more stupid than their previous moniker Inter Cardiff, where he made 13 appearances and has apparently attracted he attention of Nicky Law once more.

Friday 13 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Edds signs for City

Bradford City have made Gareth Edds the second signing of the summer. Following Alan Combe's capture last week the Bantams have agreed terms with Aussie u23 right back Edds. Having just been released by Swindon Edds is the "player lower in the league who can play at a higher level" Nicky Law spoke about as one of the six he wanted. The four other captures Law would like are reported to be Chris Llewellyn, John Oster, Lee Roche and Robert Wolleaston.

Edds, who like most of Law signings is praised elsewhere for his work rate, is City's second Australian following the retention of Paul Reid and is Nicky Law's fifteenth permanent signing as City boss the other being Alan Combe, Frazer McHugh, Ben Muirhead, Stefan Magnusson, Dave Beasent, Mark Danks, Paul Reid, Simon Francis, Paul Evans, Andy Gray, Gus Uhlenbeek, Tom Kearney, Michael Standing and Danny Cadamarteri.

Edds signing would seem to put a question mark over City's signing of Manchester United right back Lee Roche who is also said to be in talks with Burnley.

City to play Third division team in a friendly

Bradford City are having the good grace to play lowly Third Division rivals Halif... sorry, Huddersfield Town in a friendly (Our two small town neighbours are so easily mixed up these days). The game will be on 29 July, 2003 although the venue is to be decided. This game, which is in the West Riding Senior Cup, is dependent on Town passing the CVA they have in front of them next Wednesday and while here at BfB we dislike Town as much as the next Bantam, we do wish them all the best on that day.

New signings this morning

City are rumoured to be about to show the ink dry on contracts for a player or two today. The smart money is on Chris Llewellyn making an X at the bottom of a document today with Lee Roche and Robert Wolleaston also thought to be near to joining City.

Thursday 12 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

FA timescale for investigation

The FA have outlined a rough timescale for the investigation into Nicky Law. The City manager will be interviewed on his return from holiday in ten days time and the governing body believe that the issue can be resolved as soon as possible after that.

Kamara confirms Blades interest

Chris Kamara has been offered a role at Sheffield United next season, probably that of assistant manager at Bramall Lane although until the dealings with Leeds over Kevin Blackwell are sorted the phrase in use is "part time basis". Stuart McCall is also thought to be in the running for the job.

Bury, don't do it

Bury saying they will not be appointing Lee Sharpe player manager despite reports in the press that the were looking at the former City waster/genius.

Wednesday 11 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Kids to go back to defend the crown

Bradford City juniors have been invited to take part in the 27th International Youth Tournament in Hamm next year to defend the cup won on Monday. Jon Pollard has spoken with pride at the attitude of the young Bantams in Germany saying "The lads were a credit to Bradford City both on and off the field. Their professionalism was there for all to see and considering the fact that we had four fifteen year olds in our squad we must have put out on of the youngest sides in the Tournament. The Copenhagen keeper was a giant at six foot six!"

Tuesday 10 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

The oppressed masses speak up

Simon Francis, who is one of the small children that evil owner Nicky Law has working in his football factory, has just come back from a starring role for England u18 in Portugal promising that the experience has made him an even better player. Frannie said "It has been a dream come true, I got my first call-up for England the day I was on the bench for the first time for City at Brighton and I can't believe that things have happened like this for me since. I thought I would just be in the squad for this tournament, I never thought I was going to play two-and-a-half of the three games. Playing against players who have played first-team football for teams like Real Madrid has been a great experience, I have come back a much better player."

Certainly Francis does not seem to be echoing the ideas that the club is aggressive to young players saying "I would rather be playing first-team football in Division One than be left stuck in an under-17 side, even if it was for a club like Arsenal."

One has to wonder how long it will be until the Bantams get serious interest in the young defender. For sure he is behind the likes of Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson but his progression is much quicker. Should he have the kind of season he had this year next then not only will been a fine player for the Bantams but he will surely come to the attention of Premiership scouts. Gordon Gibb has already stated that owing to the club financial position every offer has to be considered the question this time next year could be "How many million do we want for Simon Francis?"

Francis to miss September?

Simon Francis is hoping to represent England u19 again in September, which will be in the middle of the season at Valley Parade, during the Tournament in Russia. BfB says let him go just for the novelty of having players away on international duty.

Monday 9 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood and Roland Harris

O'Malley saves give City the cup

They might be subject to the alleged brutality of Nicky Law but that has not stopped the City kids from lifting the 26th International Youth Tournament in Hamm in Germany with trialist keeper Aaron O'Malley the hero of the hour with three saves in seven in the final penalty shoot out against Frem Copenhagen providing relief for first team squad member Kevin Sanasy who missed a close ranger in the dying seconds of normal time.

City's kids finish the tournament unbeaten.

About Aaron O'Malley

18 year old O'Malley was released by Cheltenham at the end of last season and is hoping to get a deal at City having trained with City towards the end of last term. O'Malley sung the praises of the two keepers he hopes to replace saying "It was friendly there and I trained with two very experienced keepers, Gary Walsh and Aidan Davison. I learnt so much off them with my handling and all-round game. I've had to pull out of going up there three times due to travelling and family reasons but they have been very understanding about it. I know I've got the ability but I just need to keep focussed and work hard." Friendly and understanding? Interesting reading.

FA on Law investigation: No financial irregularities

The FA's Matthew Wagstaff has revealed the extent of the governing bodies investigation into Nicky Law saying "I can confirm that we are investigating the relationship between Nicky Law and a player's agent following a complaint by a player at the club but I must stress, following reports to the contrary in Bradford, that there is absolutely no investigation which concerns financial irregularities either concerning the club itself, or Nicky Law himself."

This news begins to firm up the nature of any potential charges that Law could face specifically calming fears that the Bantams could be involved in a Saltergate-gate Two in which the club could be punished and similarly it is a relief to discover that their is no suggestion that Law got payment from agent Mark Curtis for putting clients his way.

It would seem, at this point, that the FA are to look into how robust Law has been, and perhaps how robust he should be, when dealing with his players. Law may well find himself in the dock for "bullying" players to sign to a specific agent because Law simply prefers dealing with that agent, a charge few would call for his head over.

Should that be the extent of the action against Law then one might ask where similar investigations against Sir Alex Ferguson who famously kicked a boot into David Beckham's face, raiding Lee Sharpe's house and made sure England captain Ryan Wilson became Welsh bit part player Ryan Giggs. If Law is to be called in for bullying young players then should the FA not be making a call on David Moyes who seems ready to keep Everton's Wayne Rooney locked in his basement so powerful an influence over the young striker's career he would like to have?

Llewellyn leaves Norwich

Chris Llewellyn has confirmed his departure from Norwich City in search of a starting shirt that could be claret and amber. Said Llewellyn "I have enjoyed my time at Norwich but I want to play first team football, although it was a hard decision to make I hope it will work out for the best for me."

Roche for City after turning down Tangerines?

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon has confirmed that he has had talks with Lee Roche but that the Manchester United player had turned them down. McMahon said "We have spoken to Lee, but it's no go." This would seem to leave the way clear for Roche to move to Valley Parade.

Who is Mark Curtis?

Nicky Law is alleged to be trying to force City's young players to sign up to a specific agent, indeed one unsubstantiated rumour has it that Danny Forrest's turn around from reserves also ran to England u19 striker came about when he moved to Curtis. So who is Mark Curtis and what has he got to do with Nicky Law?

Mark Curtis is notorious for negotiating the move of Luke Beckett from Chester to Chesterfield that became central to the charges against Nicky Law's Spireites following a joint Football League and FA investigation. Beckett has given two contracts by Chesterfield, one at £500-a-week with a £21,000 signing-on fee and the other £1,000-a-week with a £53,000 signing-on. I have no idea why this is a good or bad thing but it has to be said that legally and tax wise it was never questioned.

Chesterfield were docked nine points but still managed to get promotion nder Law, something that the City managers reputation depended on when Geoffrey Richmond picked him out for Valley Parade, but Curtis was never questioned by said inquiry. That was not his first run in with the authorities. He was fined £7,500 and made to pay £10,000 costs after an FA hearing concerning Jermaine Pennant's move from Notts County to Arsenal. Curtis was also investigated over moves for Michael Appleton and Ty Gooden.

So what are we to make of this? Jermaine Pennant, Luke Beckett, Michael Appleton and Ty Gooden, all players that City fans are likely to have heard of. Pennant is doing good things at Arsenal after sitting in the reserves for years, Beckett scores well in a struggling Stockport side not making any noises about wanting to play for a bigger club. Appleton and Gooden are players of note at the levels they play at, neither as controversial as the agent that represents them but none of these players mentioned have blasted their club's with transfer requests in the way that Lewis Emanuel and Peter Jackson have. Without judging Curtis' methods he seems to do a good job.

The Nicky Law story will run and run. It could be that the injured party, allegedly Craig Fishlock, is bitter about being axed by City and is putting the boot in or it could be that Law does tell players that they should be with a Curtis and not with any other agent, taking into account the long running Lewis Emanuel saga it is not difficult to see why a manager would want a player at a friendly agent.

One thing is for sure though. This issue is casting a cloud over the youth policy that Law and Gordon Gibb are trying to build at City.

Gibb on player talks

Gordon Gibb, speaking for on holiday Nicky Law, has confirmed that the Bantams are in advanced talks with more players saying "There are a couple [of signings] that are very close but if you try to rush things through and talk too positively, it can put the agreement in jeopardy. With Alan Combe wanting to come here, it made the negotiation relatively simple. Others are more complex because the players don't know as much about this club and so it can take time. We've got to be patient in the 11th hour with those type of talks."

Michael Branch, Lee Roche and Robert Wolleaston are thought to be close to joining City.

Kids keep on winning

Kevin Sanasy and Gareth Mitchell scored as City beat MSV Duisburg in the semi-finals of the 26th International Youth Tournament in Hamm giving the junior Bantams a final against Frem Copenhagen on Monday night.

Gibb: We are not after Walton

According to the Telegraph and Argos those Internet rumour mongers have been saying that City will be signing Dave Walton from Crewe, something Gordon Gibb has denied saying "While I couldn't categorically say that nobody has inquired about him, he is not someone we are seriously discussing. There are any number of players that Nicky Law may have looked at or had watched and maybe someone has spoken to his agent. But we're not talking about him being an imminent signing." BfB reported on the 31st of May that 30 year old Walton would probably be out of the age bracket Nicky Law is trying to work within.

Sunday 8 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Kamara and McCall battle for Blades job

Kevin Blackwell has left his post as number two at Sheffield United to go to Leeds with former City men Chris Kamara and Stuart McCall both wanting the seat next to Neil Warnock in the dug out. Kamara is reported to be keen to get back into club management although how much Warnock would want the ambitious Kamara as a number two is questionable remembering that City's Wembley manager only got the job at Valley Parade after a coup de tat involving Lennie Lawrence.

McCall, who has been offered an extended playing deal by United, was thought to have been offered the task of managing City's youth team before the notion of playing on another season came up. McCall is a coach at the Blades but is understood to have lessened his off the field roles to extend his career on the pitch. In addition there has been suggestion that should Nicky Law's investigation throw up things not palatable for the City board McCall would top the list of replacements.

Kids make it three out of three

Daniel Ellis gave City's kids a perfect record in the first round of the Hamm Tournament beating hosts SC Preuben Munster 1-0.

England No 6. Simon Francis

Freakish Wayne Rooney has spoilt things for the likes of Simon Francis. Wayne is curving shots at Turkish keepers and making all other young players, like the England u18 in the Lisbon tournament, look a bit left behind. Nevertheless the collection of the nations finest non-voters have won in Portugal and City's Simon Francis has great reviews for setting up the winner with a head down to Millwall's Cherno Samba in England's 2-1 over Sweden.

Saturday 7 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law faces malpractice probe

Nicky Law is to be investigated by the FA over allegations by "an unnamed City player", who is it is said is Craig Fishlock, that he has been putting pressure on youngsters to sign up to licensed agent Mark Curtis. South Yorkshire CID's Graham Bean will lead the investigation and is due to interview Law, Gordon Gibb and others during the summer. It is believed the allegations against Law are similar to those against John Gregory that saw the lollypop sucking former Villa boss sacked from his job at Derby County.

While Gregory was suspended from Pride Park Gordon Gibb is standing squarely behind Nicky Law saying "We will co-operate fully with any investigation the FA wishes to carry out. We will stand by Nicky Law during that process and would hope that the investigation can be concluded in a timely fashion."

Without wanting to prejudge any investigation, this would not be the first time disgruntled young players have accused someone at the club falsely, it does seem that although the FA may take a dim view on this practise the majority of fans would shrug at the allegations and certainly not see them as any reason for the club to dispense with the manager. As we have seen with the Lewis Emanuel situation dealings with football and agents are not often in the club's best interest. The sheen was taken off promotion when the agents of Darren Moore, Wayne Jacobs and Robbie Blake made demands from the Bantams, one could hardly blame any club manager for attempting to steer players away from the Peter Jacksons and Mel Steins of this world.

Naturally the scope of the allegations is not sure, should there be an issue with Mark Curtis providing compensation for players signed up then Law would be in a whole pile of different trouble but as it stands even if Law was found guilty one doubts that many at Valley Parade would want his head.

Kids doing well

Bradford City's youth team won their first two games in the German Tournament with a single Daniel Ekoku goal beating Frem Copenhagen 1-0 and Hammer SpVg 03/04 being bested 2-1 with goals from Danny Ellis and Gareth Mitchell. These results put City through to the final stages.

New rules could cut City's loan options

Those big wigs at the Premiership have had a brew-ha-ha and decided that clubs should be able to borrow up to four players off each other during a season. City, who loaned the likes of Michael Proctor and Matthew Etherington from Premiership club's looking to give youngster experience may find it harder to get such players as options open further up the ladder.

Other news from the self styled best league in the World is that Everton's idea to allow clubs to pay for players over the length of their contracts and not 50% up front and 50% in a year means that there is an increased likelihood of players from the Nationwide moving up. Considering that almost every club that exits the Premiership end up in administration one can only wait for the joy of a Bolton sliding out of the top division then CVAing out of paying for someone they nicked the season before.

Friday 6 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond to come back with Notts County

Geoffrey Richmond is set for a football comeback as chief executive of Notts County a year after the man who's greatest triumphs at City included a 2-0 win over the Magpies at Wembley in 1996.

Recently Richmond has faced a huge tax bill and been forced to sell his Yorkshire home and his GR1 number plate so it would seem that cash is too tight in Geoffrey's house to buy the World's oldest league club and there is a possibility that Richmond is taking on the role as no more than a salaried employee.

Our own Roland Harris is pleased to see the old chairman back saying Richmond back in football with my best wishes while our editor Michael Wood has moonlighted to give his reaction to NottsCounty-Mad.co.uk

Thursday 5 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law going to get done in?

Not long ago City's reserves were put to the sword by a Blackburn Rovers side which included the impressive midfielder Darren Dunning and led to a BfB debate on the quality of the film Donnie Darko.

Perhaps Rovers boss Graeme Souness shares Chico Hepton's dislike of Richard Kelly's Lynchalike movie as he clears Ewood Park of all it's alliterated players with who with David Dunn, Damian Duff and the aforementioned Dunning all off this summer. Dunn is going to Everton, Duff to Anfield or Old Trafford and should the whisper that BfB has heard be true, Dunning to Valley Parade.

Either that or Law is keen on Rovers winger Jimmy Corbett who is also out of contract but makes a much less interesting story.

Jorgi interested in Norwich move

Claus Jorgensen is on holiday at the moment and will sort out a new club when he gets back. Said Jorgi "I haven't had any talks with Norwich, I haven't had any talks with anyone. I'm quite happy to wait a little a longer. I'll just enjoy the rest of my holiday and then sit down with my agent and discuss where we go from here. Obviously I want to get myself sorted out before the start of the season - but there's no need to rush anything and I certainly don't expect to be signing a contract anywhere in the next few weeks. If Norwich got in touch I would certainly be interested to hear what they had to say."

Wednesday 4 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

As in hair Combe

Alan Combe (pron. Komb) is keen to get his English career going after signing for City saying "There's no doubt I'm going up a level. I remember when I was here before and some of the massive clubs we were up against. Now you've only got to look at the teams that have just been relegated from the Premiership like Sunderland and West Ham. It is a quality league and I just hope I can perform well. I'm only 29, which is nothing for a goalkeeper. I've still got a long time left in me and I can play until I'm a geriatric. But I can't wait for that first game."

Whichever Bantams put pen to paper while Combe was North of the Border deserve thanks as the keeper explains "I can only go on what I hear but the fans are still mentioning my name after all this time and that's great. I've had quite a few letters from Bradford fans when I was at Dundee United and words can't describe how much it feels to know people are talking about you like that. Hopefully I can go out and perform for them as well as myself and do well for Bradford."

Davison fishing

Aidan Davison is being looked at by Grimsby Town as they Mariners prepare for life in the Second Division once more. Davison was the keeper in Cleethorpes when they last escaped that league.

Laughing keeper leaves

Alex Kolinko, the keeper who laughed at City's goal at the start of the season, has been freed by Crystal Palace.

Tuesday 3 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Combe signs

City have confirmed the signing of Alan Combe on a two year deal free transfer from Dundee United. Combe, who impressed during his previous stay at Valley Parade, is the club's first capture of the close season and after late bids by current boss at United Ian McCall to keep him and former Bantam boss Jim Jeffieres at Kilmarnock to take him, Combe opted for the challange of the English First Divison.

What do we make of Alan Combe?

Combe is a very good shot stopper and after a year of Aidan Davison and Boaz Myhill that will go down well. He is a stay at home keeper, not coming off his line for crossed often, something which Nicky Law prefers in a goalkeeper. He is popular with City followers after his previous loan spell and with so many changes in the side for next season the 29 year old represents a familiar face. Combe is one of only eight of the current first team squad who was in that position at Walsall in the final game of the season before last.

Exciting signings 102

Bradford City have announced that the club will "make a major signing on Tuesday afternoon" settings tongues wagging and minds racing back to a sunny day in August 2000 when City recruited Benito Carbone, "The most exciting signing in the club's history." Michael Wood remembers that day and contrasts it to today in his column Exciting Signings 102

As to the identity of the mystery man. The smart money is on Alan Combe. Some say it is Danny Forrest putting pen to paper on a new deal and others that it will be Chelsea's Robert Wolleaston. Teddy Sheringham has been mentioned by the giddy people.

Monday 2 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood

Bob back in Holland

Robert Molenaar has signed for Dutch first division side RBC Roosendaal. Molenaar is reported to have had some offers from English clubs but decided to go home foillowing his release from City.

City still waiting on Forrest contract

Danny Forrest has yet to get back to City on the new deal the club have offered him but Gordon Gibb is not concerned saying "The offer was made to Danny at the same time as the one with Simon Francis but I've had no feedback from him or his agent but fans should be comfortable in the knowledge that even if he doesn't sign, Danny will be here for the next three years. The minimum we can expect are his contractual limitations which is the next three seasons."

Sunday 1 June, 2003

Today's News by Michael Wood and Roland Harris

New shirts come in, is it time for City to copy Gillingham and to get a new strip?

As City launch the one season shirt, the club's fifth consecutive striped design, fellow First Division side Gillingham have decided to get rid of their traditional blue home strip and change to white. Gills chairman Paul Scally revealed "Andy Hessenthaler [player manager and best mate of Mark Viduka] liked last year's white away kit for a number of reasons, one of which was the high visibility it gives players in dark, winter conditions. I know some of them are against a break in what they see as tradition, but this is not the first time the club has made changes."

Although very few could accuse City's claret and amber of lacking visibility, indeed on a bright day the amber burns inot your eyes like staring at a floodlight during a night game, some might suggest that when in twelve months time a new kit is launched City's new persona off the field should be represented on it in the form of a new look.

Suggestions to move away from claret and amber stripes have been shouted down in the past but as fans it's always worth looking at what is tradition and what is just stuff we do because we have always done it.

Michael Wood for the Claret and Amber stripes

Forget the tradition, because sometimes some things are only done out of reliance on the past, and lets talk about now branding. Claret and amber is Bradford City's brand identity, it is what distinguishes us from our rivals. Regardless of your attitude towards our colours, and some suggest that they do not go with anything, they are colours that are coded in the mind of football fans and people of Bradford to connote Bradford City.

They do not go with anything. You cannot wear a Bradford City shirt to blend in to the background and when you walk down a beech everyone who knows English football knows are a Bantam. See a blue and white shirt from far away and you are none the wiser as to who is coming trending down the sand towards you. Why would we want a shirt that goes with anything? A football shirt, our colours, are a bold statement and that's how we want it.

Stripes are our design, they provide the contrast between the colours we need. They do not look like the shirts walking down catwalks in Milan but since when have the general public of Bradford seem interested in the catwalks of Milan? Our shirt is not Milan, it's Bradford and after two years in the Premiership, it's probably the most recognisable sign of Bradford there is.

Why give up a brand that strong?

Roland Harris agin the Claret and Amber stripes

The fact is that when you walk down the street in a Bradford City shirt people do not see you and think "Proud Bantam", they think "ugly shirt". It's not the colours, although most of the time what could be a bold red and a matching off yellow come out as mucky mud and garish glowing, it's what we do with them.

How many striped shirts do you have for work? Why don't you? Because they look awful that's why. They hurt they eye and as part of the new Bradford City, forged by Gordon Gibb away from the ear of Geoffrey Richmond which was in many ways the last hurrah of old school football chairmen, we need a new, strong, confident look.

Think an all deep claret shirt, solid colours, with amber and black detail to set it off. It would still be distinctive Bradford City because no one else wears the same but it would have a touch of style about it. Perhaps move away from the claret to a more pleasing colour. A cherry red, still deep, might be good. Teams in red don't seem to do that badly.

It's not that I have anything against the current strip, I just wish that when I got it I could wear it for more than just being a football fan. I wish I could ware it round the City Centre and not stand out like a beacon and when I was on holiday I wish that the locals did not need to wear sun glasses to see me. We need to make a strip that looks worth £40 to buy it and in our 101st year, after a year of rebirth, is now not a great chance to get one?

The month by month news index.