Wednesday 31 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Reserves beaten, Juanjo impresses
City Reserves were unlucky to lose 2-1 to Newcastle Reserves last night after taking a 73rd minute lead through Claus Jorgensen only to see former Hutch target Lomana Tresnor Lua Lua and Mags youngster Michael Chopra nab a goal each in the last ten. Juanjo played for City and impressed, Danny Forrest went off injured in the game.
Juanjo contract question
Confusion surrounds the length of contract Juanjo has signed for Bradford City. On his on pitch unavailing the club stated that the Spaniard was signing a two and a half year deal however news today has it that the deal will be for just one and a half.
He is from Barcelona
Juanjo has signed for Bradford City on a Bosman free transfer from Hearts turning down offers from Premiership Bolton and Keegan's Manchester City noting the presence of Jim Jefferies as the reason he put pen to paper. "Working with The Gaffer again was reason for signing" said Juanjo, the term "Gaffer" obviously being picked up in Scotland not Spain (Because in Spain they call managers "Meester" after the first English people who brought organisation to the game over there, ie Mister Robinson, Mister Robson. - pedant BFB)
Speaking after the 3-3 draw with Wimbledon the attacking midfielder said "It was a great comeback and I am really pleased for the team. I would have loved to have played in the game, especially in the last 15 minutes when Bradford were going forward. But maybe my chance will come against Crewe on Friday and then I will show the fans what I can do.".
Juanjo's assessment of his skills in interview ran "I'm tricky, I'm fast and sharp and it's good for (Jim Jefferies) to have a player like that.". On City the Spaniard laid out his plans "We've got the chance to go back up again to the Premier, and that's what we want to do. There were several other clubs interested in me, Crystal Palace, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester City and Bolton."
The former Barcelona player admitted that the situation with Jim Jefferies job had troubled him "It was a little bit worrying for me. I think it will work out between him and the Chairman, and he can get Bradford back into a good position."
Speaking on the differences between City and his first club, Barcelona Juanjo joked "No. They both begin with a B! I played there for 5 years and got my chance to play in the first team in one game against Deportivo La Coruna and in some friendlies. I then played in the young team (Barcelona B) in the equivalent of England's First Division."
Juanjo takes the number 15 shirt, previously worn by Dean Windass.
Tuesday 30 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City comeback for 3-3 draw with Wimbledon
Jim Jefferies breathed again as his City side came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Wimbledon at Valley Parade.
Juanjo to sign on Wednesday
Juan Jose Carricondo Perez, aka Juanjo, has agreed terms with City and will sign on Wednesday.
Etherington call up
Matthew Etherington has just been named in England's Under-20 squad to face Portugal in late November.
Monday 29 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Lewis called up for England
Lewis Emanuel has been called up for Martin Hunter's England U19 squad for the European U19 Championship games with Georgia and Hungary on Wednesday 7th November against at Bootham Crescent, York (Georgia) and Oakwell, Barnsley (Hungary) on Sunday 11th November.
«Mani»'s call up adds weight to the campaign to see him and other youngsters such as Danny Forrest, play more of a role in City's first team squad.
Nottingham Forest's goalscorer in their 1-0 win over City earlier this season Jermaine Jenas is included the the squad as is Crewe Alexandra's Dean Ashton, a target of Jim Jefferies at one point and of Arsene Wenger's later.
A month more Makel
Lee Makel has agreed a new one month deal with City.
Wetherall backs JJ
David Wetherall backed Jim Jefferies as City manager before the Watford turn around:
"We still support Jim, he's a good manager and a good man. Everybody's fully behind him and you can see that from the vast majority of matches. It's just that he needs a lucky break. The confidence is suffering and managers are judged on results. But look at the performances he has been getting out of us. Talk of pressure on him is daft."
"I don't think the manager has changed and we are still doing the same things on the training ground to get results. It's the nature of this league that when you get two games every week, it can be difficult to stop a bad run. But Jim has stayed bubbly and kept our spirits up at the training ground and in the dressing room."
Wetherall's backing is significant, if only because he is the first of the squad who has not been signed to a contract by Jefferies to speak up for the manager. Stuart McCall, who signed a one year deal offered by JJ in the summer, joined Gary Locke in getting behin the boss earlier last week.
Sunday 28 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jefferies reprieve as City beat Watford 4-3
City recording a 4-3 win over Watford to keep Jim Jefferies in a job, but he makes it hard for himself.
Jim thought of quitting
Jim jefferes has revealled that he has thought about resigning from City, but believes that the players and fans are behind him.
"You always then think about what's best for the team and the club and I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about walking away. It will have to be somebody else who will make that decision - although maybe I'll get it right first before that happens. Given the response from the players and the supporters it makes you determined to be successful, so if there's one thing I don't want to do then it's be a quitter."
Watford kit man: An idiot
Watford brought a yellow and red striped shirt to play against City on Saturday. The ref, keen not to see both sides in the same colours, asked them to where there all black away kit but they had left it at home, bring the youth team's all red shirt which they wore, hence the numbers 1 to 11 starting the game. Watford are expected to be fined for the mistake.
Friday 26 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Juanjo worried over life without Jim
Conjector has it that Hearts' Juanjo is worried about signing for City while Jim Jefferies job is under threat and is seeking assurances from the club that the manager will stay in place for the foreseeable future.
The BBC in an oddly written article report that Juanjo has pulled out of talks with City over this issue. If that is the case and Jefferies is not able to bring in a player he has watched since his arrival at VP the a further question mark is put by the manager's name. Juanjo is in like to play his final game for Hearts this weekend against Aberdeen.
Makel back for more?
Lee Makel's two month contract with City expires this weekend and word has it that Jim Jefferies is set to offer the player a longer deal although why is anyone's guess. Makel has done nothing to impress BfB and frankly unless he is playing for juniors wages there is no reason not to let him go and allow Lewis Emanuel and Andy Myers cover the left side of midfield until Lee Sharpe is fit.
Jim: City fans deserve better
Jim Jefferis has paid tribute to City fans and underlined the restrictions he has been working under at the club.
"The supporters have been terrific since I've been here. They know we've lost a lot of players and had to work in the market of short-term deals, loans and free transfers. It's not ideal when you are trying to get success. But the fans understand that and know how difficult it is. They have stayed right behind us throughout and deserve to be watching a good side."
Jim on Juanjo
Jim Jefferies expressed his hopes to sign Hearts midfielder Juanjo on a free tarnsfer after the Spansih midfielder's contract expired.
"I know there are a couple of clubs in England and a couple in Scotland who are also interested in Juanjo. But I know he enjoyed working with me and hopefully that might help to persuade him to come here."
Oddly when BfB asked Hearts FC the exact date that Juanjo came out of contract at Tynecastle the club refused to answer saying "This is privileged information that we are not prepared to release". Should the player already be out of contract that any club signing him need only apply for a transfer of registration to play him meaning City could field him should he be signed by the weekend game cut off date, if his contract for Hearts streches into next week then the Scots would be able to ask for a transfer fee.
Thursday 25 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Juanjo frustration
Juanjo failed to arrive for talks with at Valley Parade and has rescheduled for Friday. This throws into doubt the Spaniard's chances of playing in the first of the two games in four days that could decide Jim Jefferies future as Bradford City manager.
Jefferies interested in Rousell?
Jim Jefferies is reported to have expressed an early interest in Wolves' tall Belgian striker Cedric Rousell. Rousell, who's appearances for the Black Country club are limited following a £1.3m move from Coventry may be made available by Dave Jones as he recoups funds following his summer spending.
Wetherall upset by Risdale
David Wetherall will write to Peter Risdale about the Leeds chairman's comments on signing over priced rent-a-thug Seth Johnson. Risdale clamed that Leeds had "Moved on from the Wetheralls and Molenaars of this world". Risdale's words will win him few friends. Wetherall is well respected at Elland Road, Valley Parade and by pros throughout the game. Risdale on the other hand is considered, in some corners at least, as an calculating opportunist.
BfB backs David and, apologising for the spelling, thinks that Peter Risdale is a cint.
Where are you M'Saddek Senoussi?
M'Saddek Senoussi, the French right winger who Jim Jefferies ran the rule over in the pre season game with Huddersfield is understood to still be available for loan. It was reported that City had agreed terms with the player but that Jim Jefferies could not fund the deal. With Benito Carbone gone from the club for the moment JJ may have more leeway to bring in the player.
Sullivan looking for investments
Porn magnet and Birmingham City chairman David Sullivan is quitting St Andrews after receiving abuse from fans. Before buying the blues Sullivan expressed interest in the pre-Richmond City. With the Rhodes family suffering the drop in Filtronic shares Sullivan may be able find a way into City should he want, as he cliams to, to get back into football.
Wednesday 24 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jefferies spells it out
Jim Jefferies claims to know that his job is under pressure.
"I might only have one game left, maybe two, three, four or five, but that's the level of expectancy. I just hope people can be a wee bit understanding and let me try and get on with what we've got."
Jefferies talk of understanding refers to the financial constraints he is working under and not to the fact that at the start of City's slump the City boss was absent after the death of his father.
Players sounded out over Mills return?
Rumour has reached the BfB ears that Jim Jefferies has been sounding out members of the squad who worked with Lee Mills as to the attitude and abilities of the former City forward man. Portsmouth are prepared to let Mills go on loan and Jefferies can not afford to allow Andy Tod to miss chances at the rate he has at Millwall should Ashley Ward be out injured again.
Levein on Juanjo
Hearts boss Craig Levein has thrown light on the transfer status of City target Juanjo. "On his day he's a big loss to the side but on other days he isn't. He's the same as a lot of players. The club have been good for him and on his day he has been good for the club." Said the Hearts manager.
Levein continued "I spoke to Juanjo the other day and he told me he had two or three offers so it's down to him now.". Juanjo's offers are believed to be from City, Sheffield United and another unknown club.
Jim plans kidnapp
Jim Jefferies has spelled out his intentions over Matthew Etherington.
"We're grateful to Tottenham for letting him come here on loan and we'll try to keep him as long as we can."
Tuesday 23 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City outplay but lose to Millwall
Another game that City controlled, another game that City had chances in but another defeat 3-1 at Millwall.
Jim has two more games
Speculation is rife that Geoffrey Richmond has given Jim Jefferies games against Watford and Wimbledon at Valley Parade to turn City's season around or face the sack.
Ward out injured
Ashley Ward twisted his ankle on Tuesday morning in training giving a place in the 16 to birthday boy Danny Forrest, 17.
With City, so free scoring in early season, being without a goal in free play for four games Ward's place in the side was coming into questions.
Juanjo talks confirmed
Jim Jefferies confirmed that City are tring to bring Hearts' 24 year old former Barcelona winger Juanjo to Valley Parade. "It's far from a done deal but we are planning to have talks with him. There are a number of clubs trying to get his signature but I've worked with him at Hearts and hopefully can bring him in. He's an off the cuff player who's got a wee spark and can be terrific on the ball." said JJ who signed the player for Hearts.
Juanjo is out of contract at the end of the month and will wanted by clubs north and south of the border.
Juanjo on Jefferies and joining City
"He (Jim Jefferies) is always an option. I know him, he knows me, I like him and so on."
Richmond on Jefferies and pressure
Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "Now isn't the moment to panic and I do feel for Jim Jefferies. He has come into a situation where there have been more outgoings than incomings because of the over-spending in the Premier League, something he knew exactly about when he took the job a year ago. Nevertheless on Saturday at Birmingham there were five individuals playing who Jim has brought in. So his rebuilding of the side is under way. Jim has actually signed seven players at the club, six of whom are still here and five took part on Saturday. I do understand Jim's frustration and the frustration of the fans. Clearly the recent results are unacceptable, but for the moment my appeal to the supporters is to stand firm."
"I would be telling less than the truth if I wasn't to admit that I'm disappointed and worried at the recent apparent loss of form. This team have shown what they are capable of at the start of the season. And based on their performances over the final ten games of last season, Jim said that if he could keep the team together, which he has done, then he was confident we would be there or thereabouts. But one win is a move in the right direction. And with two home games to come after tonight, the picture could look very different ten days from now."
Etherington loan deal done
Matthew Etherington completed his loan deal, he has taken the number 25 shirt at City.
Monday 22 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City sign Etherington
City have signed Spurs left winger Matthew Etherington on a month loan. 20 year old Etherington signed for Spurs from Peterbrough after graduating Kit Carson's youth academy at the Third division club. Fast and naturally left footed Etherington has first team experience with Spurs after joining them at the start of 2000.
Etherington, who has represented England at u18 and u20 levels, will join the City squad in time for the Tuesday game with Millwall and his signing hints at Jim Jefferies desire to use a 442 formation.
City deny Blake exit
Geoffrey Richmond has denied that City have had a bid of £400,000 from Burnley for Robbie Blake and stated that the player is not for sale.
Carbone money not forthcoming
Word has it that Jim Jefferies will not have funds released to him from the loan of Benito Carbone until the Italian is sold in three months time, if he is. City expect to save £500,000 on Carbone's wages and should be due to claim a loan fee for the player in the same way the Bantams paid £500,000 for Bruno Rodriguez two years ago.
With this subject in mind Roland Harris asks Why the Hell did City stop signing good players?
Sunday 21 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
No idea too stupid
City thrashed 4-0 at Birmingham. How can his be turned around?
Jefferies faces D-day?
Rumours which had it that Jim jefferies had four games to turn City's season around, and that that final game of four was away at Millwall in the week, would seem to be flagging with the news that supposed replacement Gordon Strachan is set to become manager of Southampton.
Jim bemoans his loss
Jim Jefferies commented after the defeat at Birmingham that "Ever since taking over the job 12 months ago I have only lost players and there has been no opportunity to rebuild."
Eoin Jess, Gary Locke, Andy Tod, Lee Makel, Claus Jorgensen and Robert Molenaar represent Jefferies signings as City manager.
Blake and Mills move links
Robbie Blake is being linked with a move to Burnley. The clarets are reported to have offered £400,000 with City wanting £1m. The rpoert, in the people, seems wide of the mark sighting a desire by City to cut the wage bill as being the motivating factor.
Meanwhile Barnsley are rumoured to be taking former City man Lee Mills on loan with a view to a £250,000 move. BfB is very much of the opinion that City should get bring Mills back to Valley Parade.
Friday 19 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Forrest called up to full squad
17 year old youngster Danny Forrest has been included in the first team squad for the trip to Birmingham. Forrest caught the eye in reserve games against Sunderland and Manchester United.
Worsnop vs Yorke. Yorke wins
City's rookie keeper Jon Worsnop faced a Manchester United side that included Dwight Yorke and Phil Neville. United won 7-2 with Claus Jorgensen getting City's second after bright young thing Danny Forrest had scored.
Juanjo link strengthens
Speculation has it that Jim Jefferies will replace Benito Carbone with Hearts Spanish attacking midfielder Juanjo. Juanjo is out of contact within the next month and will not be offered a new deal after rejecting Hearts terms.
JJ not sure on Morris
Jim Jefferies watched Derby's Lee Morris in a reserve team game where the former Sheffield United striker scored a hat trick and set up two. Jim was not that impressed, "He is not a natural goalscrorer, things just went right for him" said the City boss, recalling Glenn Hoddle's comments on Michael Owen.
Jefferies has been offered Morris against the loan fee that City are asking from the Rams, thought to be around £500,000.
Thursday 18 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Derby agree loan deal for Carbone
Derby County have agreed terms for a three month loan deal with City to take Benito Carbone to Pride Park. Colin Todd confirmed the move had been agreed subject to Beni's negotations, and we all know that that point means that this is anything but finsihed, saying "Benito is the type of player we need at this football club because he is going to give us much needed momentum going forward."
Carbone's loan deal will expire in time for him to return to Italy, Torino most probably, during the winter transfer window. City have not agreed terms for a full time move with either Derby or the Turin club.
City have been offered Derby's former Sheffield United forward Lee Morris in exchange, a move the club are thinking over. Morris, 21, cost the Rams £3,000,000 in October 1999 and was Described as dubbed 'the fastest thing on two legs' by then manager Jim Smith.
Derby want Carbone
The Sun is reporting that Colin Todd will try make Benito Carbone his third signing of the week. Derby, flush with the £7m sale of thug Seth Johnson to Leeds United (Leeds buying a midfielder? Curious, it's as if one of the current midfield might be going away for a while or something...), are reported to be happy to match Beni's £40,000 including Premiership winning bonuses and will offer City £2m for the Italian.
With City in some need of the money for a possible sale and appreciative of freeing the Italian's wage, which represents 25% of the total £7.5m a year outlay on player remunerations a deal would give Jim Jefferies scope for changing the nature of his squad. With Carbone being dropped to the bench in favour of Robbie Blake for the game with Crystal Palace few City fans would blame the Italian for seeking a move from Valley Parade. Carbone promised loyalty to City and made good on that by coming back to play in Division One. Perhaps City have not matched his loyalty with a first team place.
Wednesday 17 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
BfB backs Jim
Here at BfB we nail our colours to the mast. We say that Jefferies is still the best man to manage Bradford City.
Roland Harris vs Ashley Ward
Roland Harris gets angry about Ashley.
Atherton back for Reserves
Peter Atherton returned for City reserves against Manchester United on Wednesday night following his preseason injury and loan spell at Birmingham City. Danny Forrest and Mark Bentham step up to the reserves to replace sacked Adam Hardy and Ben Jones
JJ on losing to Palace
Jim Jefferies puzzled over how City got nothing from the game with Crystal Palace:
"How we didn't get something from that, your guess is as good as mine. It was a travesty. We played them off the park, particularly in the second half, and Matt Clarke won them the game. Blakey was unfortunate to give away the ball for the first goal which was a deflection and the second one looked 15 yards offside, but that was all they had. Gary Walsh didn't have a save to make."
Tuesday 16 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jefferies under pressure
Pressure starts on Jim Jefferies as City go down 2-0 at Crystal Palace.
Carbone dropped
With Jim Jefferies switching to a 532 formation and Robbie Blake's request for a first team start being answered Benito Carbone started against Crystal Palace on the bench.
Lynch joins Forest
Former City trialist Damien Lynch has joined Nottingham Forest after spending six weeks at the City Ground to impress manager Paul Hart.
Monday 15 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Summerbell latest link
City are being linked with a loan move for Middlesbrough right back Mark Summerbell. Summerbell is currently on loan and impressing at Bristol City.
Jefferies bag rumour
It would be remiss of BfB not to mention the rumour doing the rounds that Geoffrey Richmond has given Jim Jefferies four games, including the 3-0 defeat to Wolves, to turn results around at the club or face the sack.
A show of hands around the "BfB office" (OK, in The Titus Salt) shows a majority doubt there is any credence in the rumour whatsoever and a smaller but not insignificant number this it would be football suicide to axe Jefferies taking into account the lack of credible candidates to replace him, the lack of funds for any new manager, the fact that Jefferies has had such a short time in the job and finally the fact that he is an excellent manager who is going through bad form with his side at the moment.
City face three away trips in ten days and should they emerge with zero points then Jefferies would face the ire of the crowd on the side's return to Valley Parade.
Wee Mon link
One "interesting" rumour extension to the Jim gets sacked story is that former Coventry boss and Leeds hero Gordon Strachan would take over at Valley Parade.
The Carbone debate
T&Amp;A writer Simon Parker thinks that City should sacrifice Beni, Michael Wood thinks that no more than ever the price is right for Carbone.
Winters, Juanjo to join City?
Aberdeen striker Robbie Winters is set to decide on a contract offer from the Pitodrie club with Scots papers reporting that Jim Jefferies is ready to offer the 27 year old a Bosman deal when his terms expire in June 2002 or even snatch the player on cheap terms before he can negotiate with other clubs in January.
Meanwhile Hearts have confirmed that they have made a final offer to Jefferies Spanish playmaker Juanjo who's contract expires in November leaving the midfielder open to discussions with other clubs about his future. Jefferies and City are, of course, linked.
Shields link played down
Jim Jefferies is reported to have played down the link between City and Charlton's Greg Shields although BfB understands that the City boss is keen on the player should he be able to get a deal done.
Sunday 14 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jim signing new full back
Jim Jefferies hopes to plug some of City's defensive problems by signing Charlton right back Greg Shields on loan. Shield who (You guessed it) used to play in Scotland for Rangers and Dunfermline, cost Charlton £280,000 two years ago and has made 25 starts for the London side.
Shields suffered a knee injury in January 2000 and has struggled to get back into the Addicks first team, Alan Curbishley having signed Tottenham's young Luke Young to fill his position. He is 25.
JJ's former employers Hearts tried to sign Shields in the Summer of 2001 and were quoted a fee of £500,000 which manager Craig Lavine considered too high. Such a sharing of targets suggest that City may have solved the problem with scouting at the club, i.e. that there is none, by having the manager call on his old contacts.
Grant on his way to Darlington soon
Gareth Grant has agreed a loan deal with Darlington but will wait until a "slight knee injury" has cleared up before making the move which the Feethams based side hope to turn permanent should the City youngster impress.
Call for more width
BfB columnist David Wood says that all he wants for Christmas Mr Richmond is a flying winger
Saturday 13 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City slump to 3-0 defeat at VP
Wolves ran out 3-0 winners at Valley Parade leaving Jim Jefferies saying should have had more, not that many people agreeing with him and a choir of moans about the man in the middle.
Friday 12 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Blake feels left out
Robbie Blake has said that he feels left out of the set up at Valley Parade and hinted that he may need to move to get first team football. "I feel like I'm just getting picked when other players are injured." said Blake. He is right in that at least, although the merits of picking Eoin Jess over Blake are open for debate. Should Blake play as BfB called for this week then he would be worth place in the first eleven. He did against Grimsby in the first half, but stopped in the second.
Welcome Wolves
Welcome to Valley Parade the supporters of Wolves. BAckslapping and happy on the day we went up BfB says "Hi" to old friends. Roland Harris though insists that on the day City have to make sre that they get a win in a big Wolves weekend.
Thursday 11 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Grant set for Darlington loan move
City are set to accept a Darlington offer to take Gareth Grant on loan move to Feethams. Grant is in the final year of his contract at city and, unless his form changes very suddenly, he will not be offered a new one. Should City go up then he will be looked at as too light for the Premiership, if not then he will be part of a team of failure and primed for replacement.
Bennett on trial
The revolving door of trialists at Valley Parade took in another entrant with defensive midfielder Daniel Bennett joining City are a week to show what he can do.
23 year old Bennett, who plays for Singapore side Tanjong Pagar United, was born in England but moved to Singapore aged three. He is tracked by five clubs, City being the second highest placed with Southampton above. Bennett said of the chance to join City "I am delighted that they have expressed an interest in me. I love it here, but it is tough to get even a call from clubs in England, so I owe it to myself to give it my best shot. It's been my childhood dream to play professionally in England and I'll sign for any club. It's important to get your foot in the door first, and then show what you can do."
Usless fact that could not be shoehorned in elsewhere: Former England captain Terry Butcher was born in Singapore.
Lucky woman
Singer Siobhan Phillips will perform before the weekend game with Wolves. She sang before the wins over Grimsby and Gillingham so she has a 100% record to protect.
Wednesday 10 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Myers sorry
Andy Myers had this to say on the 4-1 defeat at Watford.
"The lads would just like to apologise for our performance. It was a major disappointment and we are much better than that."
Things are going pear shaped
With the aid of illustrations Michael Wood explains why things are going pear shaped for City and how to get things back on track.
Southampton interest in Wetherall rebuffed
Southampton have expressed an interest in City's David Wetherall but have had that interest rebuffed.
Stuart Gray [Southampton Boss] Can we have David Wetherall? We recently sold our best player to fund the move to an atmosphere-less concrete bowl.
GR [of City] Erm... No Mr. Hutchings, you can not.
Stuart Gray My name is not Hutchings.
GR I know.
Grant great, honest
Gareth Grant impressed Darlington in his trial game last night. Darlo man Mick Tait said "He showed quite a few good touches, and showed some pace. He's a little bit short of match practice, because he hasn't played a lot lately.". Darlington will be asked for around £150,000 for Grant and will have to agree to a sell on clause in his contract should they want to sign City's lightweight forward.
Tuesday 09 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City out of the League Cup
City went down 4-1 at Watford to exit the League Cup.
Jefferies back in Scotland after death in his family
Jim Jefferies has returned to Scotland missing the League Cup tie with Watford following the sudden death of his father. BfB passes sympathies to the City boss and his family.
JJ "flattered but not interested" in Scotland job
Jim Jefferies has admitted to being flattered at being put on shortlists with Sir Fergs for the vacant post of Scotland manager but commented "As far as I'm concerned it's just paper talk and they will throw in every name under the sun to create a story. It's nice to be mentioned with a top job like that but I haven't given it a second thought. I'll just concentrate on working away at doing my best for Bradford."
JJ continued "It's a terrific job for the right person. Craig said it was a privilege for him and I'm sure that would be the case for anybody who had the chance to work with the national side. Not too many would turn it down. It's flattering to see your name thrown in as someone obviously thinks you've done a good job at the other clubs you've been as well as here. But it's down to the powers that be to decide and I've not even considered it."
JJ to rotate more
Jim Jefferies will rotate the squad more in October blaming a failure to do so as a factor in City's poor November.
"We had a heavy programme of five games in a fortnight and one or two maybe suffered from it. We've not got a big squad and we need to utilise it a bit better." said the City boss. Quite who JJ plans to rotate in is unclear.
read more...
Grant off to Darlington
Gareth Grant has joined Darlington on trial with a view to a permanent move.
Monday 08 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jamie breaks arm, but not hearts
Jamie Lawrence scored a 14th minute goal for Jamaica that threatened the USA's hopes of qualification for the World Cup however two American goals and a collision with his own goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence that broke the City midfielder's arm left Jamie needing surgery to pin the break.
Lawrences injury presents few problems for the Bantams. Gary Locke is commanding the right hand midfield role and in all season Lawrence has fallen short of the level required for a team chasing promotion. Perhaps it is the case that Jamie Lawrence is good enough for Jamaica but not good enough for Bradford City.
Hardy starts live post-City
Adam Hardy started his football career post Bradford City following his sacking last week playing for local side Eccleshill United in their 1-1 draw with Armthorpe Welfare. "He enjoyed being back on the pitch and putting the troubled past week behind him," said Eccleshill boss Andy Shanks.
McAtter set for Sunderland
City's hopeful interest in Blackburn's Jason McAtter looks set to end with the player hoping to sign for Sunderland soon.
Sunday 07 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City will not pay for Cadamarteri
Bradford City are expected to tell Everton that they are unwilling to pay anything more than a nominal fee for shunned striker Danny Cadamarteri. The Toffeemen are reported to want £500,000 for the player that they have publicly stated that they want to leave Goodison Park at the earliest opportunity.
Jones, Hardy sacked by the club
Impressive young pair Ben Jones and Adam Hardy have been sacked by Bradford City for "A series of incidents at the training ground" that have amounted to gross misconduct. It is said although not confirmed that the pair were warned about bullying younger members of the youth set up but failed to heed those warnings.
Of the two Jones was the more promising but his place in the pecking order at VP will be gratefully filled by the increasingly high profile Kevin Sansey and Danny Forrest.
Beni boos Torino Talk
Benito Carbone has denied that he wants a move to Torino saying "I want to say to the fans not to worry about these stories. I have never said I want to leave Bradford and that has not changed."
"I haven't spoken to an Italian journalist and nobody has said anything to me about Torino. I played a long time there and because they are in trouble and the Torino fans love me maybe my name got into the papers - but nobody told me"
Summerbee, Isailovic and Deloumeaux all rejected
City's three trialists in the game against Huddersfield have all been released by the club after failing to impress Jim Jefferies sufficiently.
Wednesday 03 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City want to bring Cadamarteri back to Bradford
City have enquired but made no firm offer for Everton's "disgraced" striker Danny Cadamarteri. The player's agent said "There is an interest from Bradford, but nothing concrete. "I would like to think something might develop, but we can't say for sure."
City beat Town
Bradford City beat Huddersfield Town 2-1 in a closed doors friendly.
Summerbee plays for City
Former Sunderland and Bolton winger Nick Summerbee played for City in a trial game against Huddersfield Town. Summerbee is not popular with Bantams fans following a game with Sunderland in City's first year in the Premiership in which the then Rokerite was seen to dive a number of times. However in that game Summerbee's skills, he set up Kevin Phillips twice, was there for all to see.
Summerbee is 30 and has been out of contract since leaving Bolton Wanderers in the summer. Chris Hutchings once bid £1.5m for the player but pulled out of the deal when he dithered over the move.
Two European trialists
Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper Bojan Isailovic and Le Havre's defender Eric Deloumeaux played for the Bantams against Huddersfield on Wednesday afternoon. Deloumeaux is 28 and has played for Dijon and Guengnon.
Southampton confirm they want Wetherall to replace Richards
Southampton want David Wetherall to replace Dean Richards at St Mary's with manager Stuart "Chris Hutchings" Gray confirming the interest. "We have had him watched but he is just one of many we have checked upon. There is certainly nothing doing at the moment."
Wetherall, who has never ventured out of Yorkshire in his career, turned down a move to the South Coast to join City two and a half years ago. It is likely that unless Southampton significantly improved the £10,000 a week that he is reported to be on Wetherall would reject overtures, however, the interest in Premiership class Wetherall may tip off other Premiership parties who could offer the player a more attractive prospect that a relegation fight 500 miles away from his home. Middlesborough and Everton have been linked in the past.
Back on Sunday
BfB will not update until Sunday. we have a wedding to go to in Norwich and our lap top is broken. Laters.
Tuesday 02 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
City face Town in training game
Bradford City will play Huddersfield Town behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon in a training match for Jim Jefferies to judge the fitness of Ashley Ward, Andy Tod, Benito Carbone et al.
Brown cools Motherwell claims
Billy Brown had poured cold water on claims that he will be joining Motherwell as manager.
Monday 01 October, 2001
Today's News by Michael Wood
Arise Sir Bobby
What would the current City side give for a 143 goal striker who was strong as they come and had a shot like a canon? BfB readers have spoken and Bobby Campbell is added to the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.
JJ "protecting Stuart"
Jim Jefferies has claimed that by taking Stuart McCall off against Grimsby he was protecting the Scot from burn out. With no game for a week and two days this seems curious, perhaps it would be more truthful to say that McCalland Gareth Whalley were in a midfield that had allowed Grimsby to take control of the game and JJ needed a change. Perhaps he did not get the right one, but one could see his motivations in the switches.
JJ on Mani
Jim Jefferies has paid tribute to debut boy Lewis Emanuel (aka Mani) "He's only a baby but he's coming on and after doing well at Rotherham in the Worthington Cup, we didn't have any worries about him. He didn't let us down. Lewis is a strong lad, neat and tidy and a good tackler."
Brown link "speculation"
City have dismissed the link between Jim Jefferie's number two Billy Brown and managerless Motherwell as "simply speculation".
BfB in September
BfB's review of September 2001.
The month by month news index.