Thursday 29 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jim on P2

Long story cut short: Jim thinks that P2 is a natural evolution of football, that P3 will follow five to ten years later and that it would be better to go to Ibrox or Parkhead than it would to go to Portsmouth.

City fan OB speaks

Now wearing his hat of Bradford City fan rather than player Andy O'Brien has backed Jim Jefferies work at VP "(JJ) has done a great job, he's not had a lot of money to spend and he's brought in a couple of players that have done well for the club. We started very well and then slipped up a little bit, but until the West Brom result they were six games unbeaten. They just have to put a couple of results together and they will be up there at the end of the season."

Sing, sing sing sing

The Bradford City Annual Christmas Carol Service will be held at 7.30pm at Bradford Cathedral.

Things to know about Robbie Blake
Mills 1 Clarke 0

Lee Mills scored on his Coventry debut, putting the second in a 2-0 win over former City team mate Matt Clarke's Crystal Palace.

Wednesday 28 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Six become Fourteen

The six First division clubs looking to be a part of Premiership Two with Celtic, Rangers and the Premiership One have been joined by Crystal Palace, Burnley, Millwall, West Bromwich, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Watford and Barnsley in wanting to breakaway. Gillingham and Rotherham obviously not holding out much hope of staying up.

The Football League chairmen meet tomorrow. The FL's executive gained two new members in the summer, City's Geoffrey Richmond and Coventry's Bryan Richardson, both of who are said to be crucial in the talks over the new league. The words that the FL are look for are: "Good Grief".

Mills joins Cov

Lee Mills has joined Coventry on a one month loan. BfB thinks he should have been signed for City to lead the line in the absence of Ashley Ward.

Three months Makel

Lee Makel signed a three month contract to keep him with Bradford City. Not something most City fan's will be turning cartwheels over except Roland Harris who reflects on Makel Joining the Jim

Jim on Makel

Jim Jefferies has confirmed his is interested in offering Lee Makel a longer contract "Lee's attracted some interest (from other clubs) but he is a player I'd like to keep at least until the end of the season.". Makel recipricated the praise saying "I want to stay at Bradford. I'm used to the gaffer and Billy Brown's training methods and as I've said the players are a great bunch."

Tuesday 27 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Richmond on Premiership Two

While refusing to comment on the stories linking City with Bryan Richardson's Premiership Two, Geoffrey Richmond has said that he believes that a second tier on England's top division is inevitable. "It isn't a question of if Premier League Two will be formed, but when it will be formed. Whether it will be one year, five years or ten years, I don't know the answer to that, but from the day that Premier League One was formed in 1992 it was inevitable there would be a Premier League Two." It has always been an aim of Richmond's that when Premiership Two comes about, Bradford City will be a part of it.

Richmond confirmed his backing for the Football League saying "The English system of 92 clubs is unique in Europe and long may the 92-club system go on. I think it is good... Despite the prophets of doom and gloom when the Premier League was formed in 1992, the Football League has prospered to a degree that no one could foresee at that time."

Richmond sited the key reason for a Premiership Two as the fall in revenue between the top two divisions "The biggest financial gap in football is between the Premiership and Division One and we have spoken about our loss of income of between £15m and £20m per season that comes with relegation and that figure will be greater for relegated clubs this season because income in the Premier League is significantly higher than last season because of the increase in TV income. That is a major problem and there is a lot of thought given to it by many of the member clubs in the Premier League as to how they can have a softer landing in the event of relegation.". To scale down for Division One City sold or got rid of: Stan Collymore, Benito Carbone, Dan Petrescu (Although he was pretty awful and would have gone anyway), Dean Windass and Ian Nolan while the sales of Andy O'Brien and Matt Clarke helped the books balance.

"The biggest losses are in Division One." continued Richmond, "They are horrendous as clubs strive to get into the Premier League, but if a new league were formed one would have to ensure the well being of the remaining clubs in the Football League."

Monday 26 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

GR to speak on the Phoenix

Geoffrey Richmond is planning to make a statement on City's position re the breakaway Phoenix League before Thursday meeting of league chairmen that, it is said, will see the project launched.

Richmond is expected to speak up for the plan and confirm City's interest.

Makel's to get another month

Lee Makel looks set be offered another month's contract at City and will play against Liverpool reserves tonight with his second month long contract running out on Tuesday. Makel has done nothing to suggest that he would be more useful than Gareth Whalley or Lee Sharpe when they are fit, but has proved useful as cover. Makel would like to stay at VP, "I definitely want to stay and hopefully get something longer term."

Makel is included in the City side to face Liverpool reserves along with returnee Lee Sharpe. Gareth Grant will lead the City line, Finnish legend Jarri Litmanen will be at the front of the Reds attack...

Hull target question

BfB understands that not only are City tracking young Gary Bradshaw at Hull but are interested in 17 goal striker Gary Alexander. Alexander is valued at £1.5m by the Tigers, a figure City will not meet.

Sunday 25 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City looking at Hull's Bradshaw

Jim Jefferies has cast an eye over Hull City's 19 year old forward Gary Bradshaw. No bid is thought to be imminent for the player who spend two years at Newcastle United before joining the Tigers, although Jefferies plans to keep an eye on the player.

Saturday 24 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City lose unbeaten run at Albion

City lost the six game unbeaten run at West Brom going down 1-0 in an uneventful game that was overshadowed by the news that City could be one of a half dozen teams to join Premiership 2.

Richmond's plan coming to fruition?

Geoffrey Richmond has had a secret plan since he took over at Bradford City. Not getting the Bantams into the Premiership, but making sure that when the football league breaks, City are above the fold, not below. This weekend Geoffrey Richmond seems to have succeeded.

The Bantams have joined Manchester City, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City and Wolves in a proposed breakaway league with the twenty Premiership clubs and Scots giants Rangers and Celtic. In effect, Premiership One and Premiership Two.

If the plan, a plan that both Richmond and his Coventry opposite number Bryan Richardson are refusing to comment on, would be to create the new leagues at the start of next season although legal action would hold that up. The top twenty Premiership teams would form the top division with the three promoted clubs and the second league would be the three relegated clubs, the six breakaway clubs, the two Glasgow teams and a selection from the First Division and the Scots Premiership to make the number up to 18. Two would be promoted from that league and four relegated to the Premiership Two to end up with two divisions of 18.

Morrison/Premiership 2 rumour

Football was awash with rumours over Premiership Two with the most significant at City being the idea that the Rhodes family would sell it's half of the club to the Morrision family who, together with the Richmond family, would bankroll the club in Premiership Two allowing the Bantams to pick over the bones of the team not joining the new league.

BfB stresses that this was just a rumour and urges BfB readers not to storm Mayo Avenue should it not come to pass.

Friday 23 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Etherington staying 'til 2002

City have extended Matthew Etherington's loan deal until New Year's Day 2002 despite Spurs' request for a loan fee that angered Geoffrey Richmond.

Such deal pleases Etherington who comments "I am delighted that agreement has been reached. I have really enjoyed my time here and know I can and will do better over the next month."

Football in the land of song

BfB welcomes new Welsh based columnist James Ramsden who tells of his experience of football in the land of song and rugby.

Strike off

No players strike. City's game with Millwall should go off with only the usual problems that come with a visit from London's favourite sons.

Thursday 22 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City wanted Windass back on loan

Dean Windass has revealed that City tried to take him back to Valley Parade on a three month loan before signing Andy Tod to cover injured Ashley Ward. "Bradford tried taking me back when Ashley Ward got injured, and they wanted me on a three-month loan but I'm happy at Middlesbrough" said the former City favourite.

Etherington row

Geoffrey Richmond has revealed that City have agreed with Spurs number two Jon Gorman that the Bantams can keep Matthew Etherington for three months but that deal would have to be staggered a month at a time in case the London side needed the player to return. However, Spurs Director of Football David Pleat is reported to have threatened to change the deal. "Spurs are an honourable club" said Richmond, "I hope they continue to act as an honourable club,"

Jim will pass on Bennett

Jim Jefferies will not be trying to sign trialist Dan Bennett after seeing him play for the reserves against Blackburn. "He looked quite good on the video we saw. He has been at Swindon, but he had his release to play for us so we decided to give him a game in the reserves." said the City boss "He is a nice player, but he isn't the big dominant centre half we need."

Backing the players strike despite the PFA

As the prospt of a player's strike looms BfB nails it's colours to the mast say it backs the player's strike despite the PFA.

Taylor in charge at Cambridge

Former City striker John Taylor has been put in charge of Cambridge following the resignation of John Beck. Taylor was youth team manager.

Wednesday 21 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Reserves get second win, Walsh stakes a claim

City's second string recorded a second win of the season with a Gareth Whalley header enough to beat Blackburn 1-0 at Valley Parade. Gary Walsh made a number of excellent stops during the first half to keep City level before Whalley's head including a fine block from City target Egil Ostenstad from six yards in the second half.

trialist Daniel Bennett played the whole game at right side centreback putting in a decent display. Lee Sharpe also played the full game on his first start following injury.

The family feud: Between Bantams and Baggies

BfB columnist Jon Blakely looks forward to this week's game with West Brom recalling his family division between Bantams and Baggies.

Fix a turbine to Keir Hardy's grave and power the City

Geoffrey Richmond has vowed that City will honour every fixture this season despite the promised player's strike even if that would mean fielding an under-strength side of replacements, or to use the vernacular, scabs.

"I don't actually believe a strike will take place, but we accept that the PFA has declared strike action for December 1 for all matches in which a television camera will be present." said Richmond, back in his old outspoken ways, "There are certainly cameras present at all Bradford City games, not just for live games but for catching the highlights, and that's true of all 92 Football League clubs. If the strike does take place I can categorically say that if the players refuse to play in front of cameras we would still be prepared to put out a team who would. If that means putting out non-contract players or kids then we would do it, to fulfil the fixture. I think every other club would be in the same position."

The notion of playing "replacements" is not unknown. American sports having flirted with idea recently and having set up a replacement league in baseball while the players were at war in the 1940s.

Richmond does not believe that the strike will come about and believes that the players union needs an overhaul in it's funding.

Bennett, Sharpe play for reserves

trialist Daniel Bennett and comeback 'kid' Lee Sharpe play for the reserves against Blackburn Rovers tonight. Gareth Whalley continues his come back from injury and also plays.

Jim on showing faith in Blake

Jim Jefferies paid a rare tribute to Robbie Blake after his goal against Preston.

"Things didn't go for Robbie on Saturday but we showed a bit of faith in him. It would have been easier to start with Juanjo because the 20 minutes he was on in the Walsall game he scored a goal and played very well but we thought it might as a spur for Robbie and it certainly proved that with the goal. It was a terrific strike and he's made a habit of that lately."

Tuesday 20 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

One year up for Jim with 1-1 at Preston

The 1-1 draw at Preston streched City's undefeated run to five games, five games since it looked like Jim would not get to his first year birthday.

Etherington for ages?

It is said that Jim Jefferies would like ot sign Matthew Etherington on loan from Spurs until the end of the season. Etherington is keen to "Put himself in the shop window" to impress Glenn Hoddle and, perhaps, other watching Premiership managers and may see the chance to stay at City as a much better option than returning to the reserves to Hoddle's wingless wonders at White Hart Lane.

Jefferies celebrates first year at City

It is a year to the day since Jim Jefferies took over at Bradford City. In that time he was got rid of Stan Collymore, Dean Windass, Andy O'Brien, Benito Carbone, Dan Petrescu (Not all bad then) and Matt Clarke. He has relegated the club to division one from the Premiership where we are mid table and lost at home to Stockport County and brought us the 6-1 humiliation at Leeds. Nevertheless, he is still the best guy for the job so congratulations Jim, many happy returns.

Brown on a year at City

Billy Brown spoke about he and Jim Jefferies first year at Bradford City.

"We took over a very difficult situation here at Bradford and at the time it was probably impossible. It wasn't just with the results but the whole playing side of the club wasn't right. But we believe it's a lot better now and we're trying to build for the future."

Monday 19 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jorgensen back to Bournemouth?

Rumours has it that Claus Jorgensen is on is way back to AFC Bournemouth on loan. Because Jorgensen was signed on a Bosman transfer City can not recieve a fee for the player for a 12 month period from the date of signing. Any such fee would be payable to the club that City signed the player from, in this case Bournemouth who should City allow to take the Dane back, woul have to pay themselves a transfer fee.

Walker into the list

James Walker has been added to BfB's list of the best players City faced this season in Division One.

Carbone wants to stay at Derby

Benito Carbone has said that he would like to stay at Derby whenhis loan spell is up. He could do better.

Town to be thrown out of the FA Cup

Despite the fantastic 2-1 win over the mighty Gravesend this weekend Huddersfield could find their dream cup run come to an end after it emerged that Leon Knight, on loan from Chelsea, had not got proper permission to play in the weekend's tight cup tie.

Knight, not really a Town player, was the difference between the two clubs on the day. Gravesend may be given Town's place in the second round.

Sunday 18 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Morrisons, BCFC in talks?

Word has reached the BfB ear that local rich supermarket owner Ken Morrison and Bradford City have, it is said, been in talks over the last week. Although it is not know what level the talks are at our sources suggest that Mr Ken Morrison took personal involvement. The link up could be anything from City shops in Morrison stores to, in theory, the supermarket man backing or buying the club.

Ken Morrison declined overtures from City when the club were promoted to the Premiership three years ago.

Sharpe back for Reserves

Great white hope Lee Sharpe will play in the reserves against Blackburn on Wednesday and on the following Monday vs Liverpool as he looks to step up his return from injury.

Saturday 17 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City cruise past Walsall 2-0

Eoin Jess got his 11th of the season and Juanjo got his first for the club as City cruised past Walsall 2-0 at Valley Parade

Friday 16 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Etherington staying for another month

Matthew Etherington will stay with City for another month and has put off playing for England under 20 to stay with the Bantams. Jim Jefferies commented "I got the permission of Tottenham to do that and Matt is quite happy as long as it doesn't harm his chances for future squads. Matt's arrival here has coincided with us going four games undefeated and it's great news that we will have him for at least another month. He has upped the tempo on the left-hand side and gives us an outlet to get behind defences. "

Spurs however do not want to let Ethertington stay at Valley Parade on a full time basis. "Tottenham don't want to lose Matt Etherington and you can see why." said Jim Jefferies.

Thursday 15 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

How much? Andy Tod signs up but City cough up

City have agreed terms with Dunfermline for Andy Tod, but those terms could see the cash strapped Bantams paying £250,000 for the 30 year old.

The fee which could rise to £250,000 depending on appearances and City being promoted. Tod is a committed player for sure, but the fee seems excessive for a player who was not getting a game with the Pars until Jim Jefferies brought him south.

Word has it that the deal breaks down so City pay £100,000 upfront with £100,000 on appearances and a further £50,000 for promotion. Tod is expected to complete the deal by this weekend.

Wetherall wants to return for City

"The only City I'm getting fit for are Bradford City." said David Wetherall as he started the road to fitness, denying that as soon as he can play he will be away to Maine Road. "For three or four days I've been feeling really down, not about missing a move but being injured again. I'm totally and utterly sick of it."

Detailing his injury Wetherall said "There is nothing structurally wrong but the tests at Man City showed my lower stomach muscles are not strong enough. It became clear my groin was taking far more weight than it should and it was putting me under a greater risk of re-injury. I was playing all right and recently had eight games in 23 days, although I was stiff and a bit sore afterwards. But if it wasn't for the interest from another club, we wouldn't have found out the extent of this problem."

"I'm getting fit for Bradford not for anyone else. I never asked for a move." said Wetherall.

Wednesday 14 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jacko on his life sentence

New BfB columist Jonathan Jackson muses on his Bradford City life sentence.

Jefferies casts and eye over Ritchie

Jim Jefferies used the 4-0 defeat by Man City reserves to cast an eye over former Hearts charge Paul Ritchie with an eye on him as a potential loan signing or even exchange in a David Wetherall deal once the City man gets fit.

Jefferies will not be signing Finnish trialist Jussi Nuorela, "His performance wasn't really what we are looking for. We need someone to be more dominant in that position. We'll take a look at him in training but I think it's unlikely we'll pursue it and we'll have to keep looking elsewhere." said the City boss.

He will also not be signing Kevin James, former Hearts man who signed for Airdrie or Middlesbrough centre half Steve Vickers.

Tod deal near

City are near a deal to sign Andy Tod full time. The Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston said "We've given a wee bit and they've upped their offer and we are close to doing a deal. Nobody else has come in. A couple of clubs are being kept informed but there have been no other concrete offers."

Sharpe back but reserves get whooped

Lee Sharpe played the last thirty minutes of the reserves 4-0 loss against Manchester City. Finnish trialist Jussi Nuorela's display was described at "inauspicious" but forgiven owing to his newness. Gareth Grant is reported ot have missed many chances. Jon Worsnop was beaten three times by Man City's Leon Mike and once by Alioure Toure.

Tuesday 13 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Atherton out again, Bower eyes a chance

Peter Atherton goes under the knife again on Wednesday for an exploratory knee operation that will keep him out for a month or more. With Atherton only having played 52 minute of football for City since February he will hardly be missed but BfB wishes him a speedy recovery.

Atherton joins David Wetherall, Ashley Ward, Jamie Lawrence and Lee Sharpe on City's long term injured list. His absence gives Mark Bower further chance to show that he may have a long term future at VP. Bower is rated by the staff at Valley Parade and his finally bulked up to the physic needed to play at centreback in league football. He is naturally left footed, something that is always an advantage, and could soon join Andy Myers and Robert Molenaar in the fight for the middle of the back four.

Monday 12 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Finn faces Manchester City

Finnish trialist Jussi Nuorela will face Manchester City in the reserves on Tuesday night with the hope of impressing Jim Jefferies into signing him. Saturday's hero Aidan Davison wioll not take his regular place in the resevres with young Jon Worsnop taking his place. Juanjo, goal hero Mark Bower and Danny Forrest are also expected to play.

Wetherall gone again

David Wetherall joined Ashley Ward in the sitting about doing nothing room at Valley Parade after he was told to rest his troublesome groin (Not in a Lee Duxbury way in an always injured way) until after Christmas.

Jim Jefferies, set to lose Wetherall twice last week only to have him returned on both occasions said "David's medical at Manchester City showed in a scan that he's a bit weak around the groin area where he had an operation in the summer. They have said they won't rule out signing him at a future date but David's been toiling with his groin. They feel he needs to be completely recovered before they can look at it again. We've got to make sure it's right and he will have a programme to get the groin built up properly. But it does mean he's going to miss a good six to eight weeks. It's disappointing for me because we've lost another central defender. Although I'm delighted he's still at Bradford, he's going to be out for a considerable period of time with his injury."

Ward has been told to rest until the middle of December.

Jefferies to watch Nasiopoulos in Greece

Jim Jefferies will watch George Nasiopoulos play for Iraklis before making a decision over signing him for Bradford City.

"I think George has done well ... He's shown enough to warrant me taking a closer look. You can never tell properly from watching a player train or seeing him in little practice matches and I want to see him in a proper game. If possible I will try to get over to Greece to see him play and also find out exactly what the state of play is with his club. I need to know the exact details before we make any move. I quite like what I've seen and the boy has got a great pedigree. He's played four times for Greece, the last one about a year ago, and he has played and scored in the Champions' League for Panathinaikos."

Jim on why it's best not to get promotion

Jim Jefferies has said that he can see an upside to City not going up this year.

"We're trying to bring in one or two and build a side that is younger and fresher with a few experienced boys as well. You have to look at the bigger picture and going straight back up would have its problems because you'd have to practically build a brand new squad. Obviously we want to go up, the Premier League is the place to play, but at the same time it's that bit more difficult because we are changing things round. That's a side you cannot ignore. And if you do miss out at least you will be better prepared just like Ipswich in the past."

Such talk contrasts greatly with Jim's line at the start of the season that if the squad could have been kept together then automatic promotion would not be out of the question. There is (reportedly) a school of thought in VP that Jim Jefferies is not the sharpest tool in the box but it would seem that JJ has managed to manoeuvre the club into giving him a budget of £7.5m to keep the big earners at the club only to let them go and allow him to build his own squad.

Aidan rubs it in

Aidan Davison could not resist a cheeky word about his performance to thwart Iwan Roberts in Saturday's game with Norwich.

"I know big Iwan, he's a smashing lad and always a handful. He's a really good finisher and on another day he'd have scored a hat-trick."

Sunday 11 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Everything's right in the world, tonight...

...when City win. From turnip to triumph in a week for Aidan Davision, a blistering strike for Robbie Blake and Mark Bower scores on his debut as City revive that 1999 feeling winning 4-1 away at Norwich.

Wetherall move falls through

David Wetherall's move to Manchester City has been called off after the player failed a medical at Maine Road. He is expected to return to the City side for next week's game with Walsall although the Mancs did hint that then may return with another bid at a later date.

An Etherington is not for life, just for Christmas

Jim Jefferies is to ask Glenn Hoddle to extend Matthew Etherington's loan for a further two months to allow the player to stay at City over the Christmas period. BFB readers wanting to simulate the conversation may check out the Ask Glenn section of this web site.

Saturday 10 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

City to hold firm on Tod bid

City's rejected bid of £100,000 for Andy Tod will not be raised to the £250,000 that Dunfirmline want but BfB understands that Jim Jefferies will up his offer to £150,000. The Pars chairman rejected City's bid saying "He still has another two games in the nine days left of his loan period, but if Bradford don't come up with something better, he will be back here". Jim Jefferies has shown a hard streak when dealing with transfers auctions. He refused to up hi bid for Motherwell's Steven McMillian last season eventually missing out on the payer who joined Wigan (And did nothing).

Two New and two old columists write...

BfB welcomes two new columnist Mike Thorne who admits that he would love to get back to the Premiership, but he does not want to and Jonathan Jackson who talks Windass, Wetherall and Dividends.

As the Premiership players leave Jon Blakey assesses the team that won us promotion with the current side in That was then, this is now.

Meanwhile our columnist David Wood asked for a pair of flying wingers and lo and behold we get them leading David to ask does Big Jim read BfB?

Wetherall to join Man City

David Wetherall will sign for Manchester City over the weekend for a fee of £1.25m, £250,000 less than City paid for the player two years ago. Read More

Nasiopoulous set for VP

Should David Wetherall's move to Manchester City go through Greek trialist Georgios Nasiopoulous will be offered a contract by Jim Jefferies on loan until the end of the season.

Friday 9 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Wetherall off to Man City. Ambition questioned

David Wetherall is likely to make a £1.25m move to Manchester City after meeting with Kevin Keegan to discuss terms over a move to Maine Road. Wetherall, favourite of the City fans and talented defender will be missed at Valley Parade and while his injury record might give a hint as to why the club would let the player go, his sale serioulsy questions the club's ambition.

Wetherall is one of the City squad that a Premiership squad could be made around. His exit would seem to suggest that any promotion attempts have been cancelled for the year in fovour of long term squad rebuilding and downsizing of the club.

Thursday 8 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Fun with a Fin

City are giving Finnish 27 year old international defender Jussi Nuorela of MyPa a trial. Nuorela has also played for FC Haka, FC Zwalle and Fortuna Dusseldorf Daniel Bennett has also arrived for his trial.

Ward avoids surgery

Ashley Ward will not need surgery on his ankle injury bt will need to rest for four weeks before he is fit. Jim Jefferies has hinted that Andy Tod will continue as deputy, something that could lead to the Dunfermline man signing a full time deal with City. Aberdeen have been rebuffed in an attempt to sign Tod, The Pars will not sell him to another Scots club.

Wetherall back

As David Wetherall reentered training with City Michael Wood asks What went on with Wethers (and what it means for us).

Wednesday 7 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Who is Kevin James?

Hearts released giant central defender Kevin James on a free transfer yesterday 10 months after Craig Lavine had told the £300,000 signing that he would never play for the club again.

Current City boss Jim Jefferies signed James for Falkirk and later paid £300,000 to take him to Hearts. James was transfer listed by Jefferies at one point, but won his way back into the first team before JJ resigned and joined City.

James, 26, stands a full six foot seven inches and is reported to be Britain's tallest player. With cash tight at City and James available on a free it seems far to good an opportunity for Jim Jefferies to not at least have a look at the player on trial. Expect a move soon.

Wetherall back after turning down Southampton

A terse statement that his club is "Moving onto other targets" from Rupert Lowe the Southampton chairman reveals that City's David Wetherall will not be leaving the club. It is reported that Wetherall turned down the Saints offer and has not rejoined full training with City.

There was much head scratching in BfB towers about the Wetherall "move", the result of which, a list of things that may or may not be true, are thus:

Why David Wetherall stayed at VP
Why City would sell David Wetherall
Walsh injured in motorway crash

Gary Walsh suffered minor injuries that may put him out of contention for (sitting on the bench during...) Saturday's game with Norwich after his car was hit on the motorway. "I am in discomfort with a pretty sore back and neck at the moment and will visit the chiropractor later to see the extent of the damage but as with back injuries, they only really show up after a few days." said Walsh. Walsh lost his place in the City side last Friday night.

Mani blow

Lewis Emanuel has pulled out of the England u19 squad with a calf injury.

More on Nasiopoulos

City's Greek trialist Georgios Nasiopoulos will know by the end of the week wether the Bantams will be taking him on loan until the end of the season. Nasiopoulos plays for Iraklis.

Speaking on the player Jim Jefferies said "We're looking for a bit of pace and he comes with a bit of pedigree. We'll have a look at him and see how he does in a practice match among ourselves. But it will be the end of the week before we come to a decision."

The player's agent Nikos Lirakas said "We haven't tried any other clubs in England yet because we hope that Bradford will take George. I spoke with Jim and he was very keen to get George over here. We'll see if things work out in the next few days."

Giorgos Nasiopoulos fact file
Tod: "I love Bradford"

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston has said that despite trying to start a bidding war for Andy Tod, the player would prefer a move to Bradford. "I know from speaking to Andy and his agent that he loves it at Bradford and I'm not sure he would be happy to go to another club." said the Pars chairman. "Andy has been a good servant to Dunfermline and we want him to be happy. So if we can come to a deal with Bradford then we will do it." Yorkston concluded.

Windass move to Leicester?

Former City man Dean Windass is being linked with a £600,000 move to Leicester City.

Tuesday 06 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Reserves win, grown men weep

Bradford City's youthful reserve side won at Sheffield Wednesday with Claus Jorgensen scoring on 50 minutes following Juanjo's corner and Gareth Grant adding a second on 75 after City's Spaniard's well hit shot was parried by Chris Stringer. Walter Kidd's side dominated the game and now move off the bottom of the FA Premiership Reserve League North.

Great Gordon gets hat-trick

Former City man Gordon Watson scored a hat trick in Hartlepool's 4-0 win over Hull including a fine 25 yarder and a third that took a deflection off one of City's Wembley squad Nicky Mohan.

Wetherall opts to stay at City?

Davd Wetherall is rumoured to be set to end delaings with Southampton and remain at City following talks on the South Coast. It is said that Wetherall did not agree on the length of contract with the defender wanted four years and the club offering two.

Tod wanted

Andy Tod is being tracked by Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Watford, Crewe and Grimsby as well as City "We're waiting for his agent to try to arrange something this week so we can get it sorted. Andy has done very well for us and of course we want to keep him but we know there are other clubs interested." said Jim Jefferies

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston is sparking the bidding war for the 31 year old saying "I've spoken to the Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond and let him know there's a lot of interest in Andy.

The Pars are expecting a fee of around the £150,000 mark for the player and while City obviously need the height up front in the absence of Ashley Ward, that amount of funds in a cash strapped club might be better spent elsewhere. If David Wetherall is "too old" and to be flogged for being 30, it is hard to see how 31 year old Tod can be signed.

Greek striker on trial

25 year old Greek striker George Nasiopoulous joined City on trial with a view to a loan for the rest of the season.

Jim Jefferies said of the player "I was tipped off about him by someone who saw him playing in Greece. He is a forward with plenty of pace and the ability to get in behind players. We've got the height up front with Ashley Ward and Andy Tod but we haven't got that option to knock the ball over the top and chase. It all needs to be in to feet. We'll have a look at him for a few days and if we feel there is something there, we will hopefully sort out a loan."

However, with Ashley Ward out for the foreseeable future and Andy Tod wanted by other clubs City might be better served finding another player with height, not a man to work off him.

Atherton, Juanjo stake claims for Saturday at Wednesday

Fit again Peter Atherton and new recruit Juanjo will use the reserve game at Sheffield Wednesday tonight to stake claims for the starting line up against Norwich on Saturday. Juanjo is the third man of a perm two from three for the right wing/striker roles while Atherton, expensive defender who has seen his side losing a fistful of goals, will be expecting a chance. After all, if Gary Walsh can be dropped for the inferior Aidan Davison then Atherton is within his rights to expect that he will be given a similar chance.

Danny Forrest returns to fitness for the reserves who also include Lee Makel and Claus Jorgensen.

Monday 05 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Confusion on the state of Wetherall and Southampton

Confusion is about as it seems that David Wetherall's hope of a Premiership return with Southampton have been ended as he failed a medical on Friday after agreeing a £1.25m deal. Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said of the deal "I don't think he will be coming to us but we are still looking to strengthen."

The fee of £1.25m is less than City paid for the influential Wetherall who would be sorely missed by City fans while the prospect of a Molenaar/Myers defensive partnership does not fill one with joy.

However Wetherall claims not to have had a medical at the South Coast club but described the idea of the move as "Interesting" and confirmed that talks have taken place. Southampton club secretary Brian Truscott confirmed that talks had taken place. "I understand that David came down here - but nothing whatsoever has been agreed,"

BfB believes the following:

  1. City have no business selling David Wetherall. If we are to get a team of younger players we need senior pros like Wethers for them to use as examples.
  2. At 30 David Wetherall could have a good four years as a centreback at least in him. Why sell him when he has a good future and why sell him for less than we paid for him.
  3. City fans would be up in arms over a Wetherall sale and the shock waves could turn a loyal crowd against a club. Fans will bare anything except a lack of ambition. YEs we understand Carbone going for wage reasons, but £10,000 a week is fair pay for one of the better players in Division One.
  4. David Wetherall does not need another fight against relegation and should stay at City.

Saturday 03 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Davison throws it away

Gary Walsh droppe for the hapless Aidan Davison who allows Crewe to equalise in the dying minutes as City draw 2-2

JJ on dropping Walsh

Jim Jefferies has infuriated Bantam fans by dropping Gary Walsh. The case for the defence is:

It's not Gary's fault by any means that we've been letting in so many goals, but I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago, and thought his confidence was affected a bit. Aidan made some good saves, but he played a part in gifting them their second goal, although to be fair there was a mistake first from Gunnar Halle. He's a good goalkeeper and a good professional and there was no problem. He's like anyone else and will be disappointed, but has to knuckle down and fight for his place. It happens to players, but I felt it was right to make a change."

Wetheall Southampton link strengthens

The link between City defender David Wetherall and Southampton is reported to have strengthened although JJ dies that he was left out of the side for the game with Crewe to hold talks with the South Coast club. Southampton have changed managers since the first interest in Wetherall emerged and have also signed Coventry's Paul Williams to play in the centre of defence questioning the validity of the Wetherall reports.

VP to host England u21 game

Valley Parade will play host to David Platt's England u21 vs Italy u21 on Tuesday 26 March 2002 when England will take on Italy.

"This is a tremendous honour for the club to have two quality teams playing here at Bradford City." said Geoffrey Richmond "We were very disappointed when the U21 against Albania was moved to Middlesbrough in September as the visiting side wanted to be near their senior team who were playing at Newcastle United. Now we have this game, we can look forward to seeing David Platt's talented side in action in what is a truly mouth-watering fixture."

OF the City squad Matthew Etherington, who will most likely be back at Spurs in March, is closest to the England scene. Lewis Emmanuel's call up to the u18s gives him a chance should he progress well in the next five months, Danny Forrest will play if he really is the new Michael Owen.

Thursday 01 November, 2001

Today's News by Michael Wood

Cobblers want Jorgensen

Northampton Town want to take City's midfield misfit Claus Jorgensen on a months loan after City invited enquiries for the player who only signed in the Summer. "We would have liked to bring Claus in. He is very experienced at this level and can play wide left or wide right." said teh Cobblers manager.

Cec Podd into the BfB Hall of Fame

The right back who played over 500 games for the Bantams is voted into the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.

Benito Carbone has been added to the list of players nominated to join the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.

Jefferies and Aberdeen rumours continues

Rumours continue that Jim Jefferies is wanted by Aberdeen as manager with a new line suggesting that Jefferies has been told the job is his if he wants it and now waiting for the Bantams to sack him. However, if that was the case and know how JJ tracked Juanjo from the second he arrived at VP one would think that he would have tried to get the player at Pittodire if he was considering that job, not allow him to join City.

The bottom line seems to be that Aberdeen are offering Jim Jefferies an easy way out by Jefferies believes that he needs the challange of proving himself in England over the knowledge that he could guide a club to third in the SPL.

Juanjo on his bottom

Juanjo will start the Friday night game with Crewe on the bench. He played on the right flank for the reserves before moving up front ot cover Danny Forrest signalling Jefferies move to a 442 (hopefully) with Juanjo and Matthew Etherington on the wings, Sharpe replacing Etherington in time.

The month by month news index.