Thursday 28 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Ward move breaks down, Forest option?

Ashley Ward's move to Barnsley has broken down over the striker's demands for a £750,000 payout on the remaining two years of his deal at Valley Parade. Nottingham Forest are rumoured to be interested a deal should Ward agree to move on a free transfer without requiring the buying club to compensate City for the payout.

BfB columnist Roland Harris is none too pleased with Ward's continued presence at VP saying that Ward stays until the price is right.

Molenaar back in action

Robert Molenaar returns to action tonight in the reserves game with Manchester United at Gigg Lane. City also field former Leeds midfielder Tony Lennon and Sheffield United winger David Colvin, both of whom have joined City on trial.

Jefferies back in football

Jim Jefferies has returned to football managment two months after his walking out of Bradford City. He has returned to Scotland to take over as Kilmarnock manager. It is worth reflecting on the fact that Jefferies would be viewed as achieving minor miricles should he guide the Rugby Park side to 3rd in the SPL, something he achived with Hearts, a task that would seem easiler than building a team to finsih in teh top six of the first division.

Wednesday 27 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Lindbaek in talks with City

Geoffrey Richmond and Nicky Law met with Norwegian Andre Schei Lindbaek to discuss a £200,000 move to City on Wednesday after the 24 year old striker watched City's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Lindbaek was keen to sign for City saying "I think English football suits me and I would love to have the opportunity of playing for Bradford". Nicky Law insisted that the Lindbaek deal did not depend on Ashley Ward leaving. "You can't have enough good players." said the City manager.

Jefferies wants Kilmarnock job

Jim Jefferies has public stated that he would like the vacant position at Kilmarnock. This would be the former City manager's first job since leaving Valley Parade on Christmas Eve, 2001. BfB asks Who would follow Jim Jefferies to Kilmarnock?

Tuesday 26 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Late Lawrence goal gives City's second win

Jamie Lawrence got a second goal in three days to give City a second win in a week 2-1 against Nottingham Forest at Valley Parade.

Ward out, Greenacre in?

Ashley Ward played against Nottingham Forest but is reported to be joining Barnsley on Wednesday. Chris Greenacre of Mansfield is reported to have said that he will be joining City in the summer.

Vanhala added to debut's list

Finlish legend Jari Vanhala has been added to the list of Bradford City debuts. Hint, look somewhere towards the bottom. (Thanks for Daniel Sweryt)

City eye good player

City are looking at Blackburn Rovers 23 year old winger Damien Johnson who is leaving Ewood Park at the end of the season. Johnson's agent confirmed City, Leicester, Preston and Burnley were all interested in the player. Unlike most Bosman players Johnson will cost money.

Monday 25 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Cadamarteri signs new deal

New City striker signs long term deal until 2006

City have acted quickly after the impressive debut of Danny Cadamarteri to sign the player up on a long term contract. Bradford born Cadamarteri has signed a deal until the summer of 2006. Geoffret Richmond underlined how the club acted quickly followin Cadamarteri's goal against Gillingham saying "I am delighted that we have been able to get Danny to agree to sign for us so soon. We did not want to run the risk of losing him in the summer. His arrival at the club has given everybody a lift and you could see on Saturday that he is a natural born finisher."

City can talk to Lindbaek

FK Molde's Snorre Strand has confirmed that City have asked permission to speak to trialist Andre Schei Lindbaek about a move to Valley Parade.

Law: Tiler would fit the bill

Nicky Law has confirmed that City are interested in Portsmouth centreback Carl Tiler.

Danny is the new Gareth

As Danny Cadamarteri fever sweeps Bradford consigning the name Gareth Gates to history BfB's list of great Bradford City debuts swells to some 12 members thanks to Adam Hepton and Richard Silverton.

Ward back to Barnsley- Replacement in by Saturday?

Ashley Ward will complete his rather pointless move to Barnsley on Tuesday after City chairman Geoffrey Richmond stated "In reality the deal been agreed since the middle of last week". Ward will not be missed by many at Valley Parade, he never won the fans over in the way that a Sean McCarthy, Lee Mills (to some extent) or Bobby Campbell did. Richmond added "It's also our hope to bring in an Ashley Ward replacement. There are one or two names that we are considering, possibly a foreign player."

None of which has upset BfB columnist Roland Harris any as he addresed The real cost of Ashley Ward.

Law praises Danny

Nicky Law has sung the praises of new boy Danny Cadamarteri saying "Danny has played at the highest level and I still think he can. You can see why we are very keen on doing something full time with him at the end of the season. When he gets himself right you are looking at a player who is probably in the £3m to £4m bracket so we've got ourselves an absolute bargain. With the pace he has got he needs to get behind defences more but we'll look to do that with him but I think we could have a real star on our hands."

One has to hope that all the praise showered on City's number 31 does not alert other clubs to the fact that the player comes out of contract at the end of April. Cadamarteri himself is cautious on talk of his long term future at Valley Parade. "I've got to see how things go with myself and with the club. I just want to play as many games as possible and get back to my best. I wasn't in the gaffer's plans at Everton... I needed first-team football and didn't want to be playing for the reserves and only getting a proper game here and there in the Premiership. I've had to drop down to the First Division but the standard's still very high and that's shown by some of the teams mounting a challenge to go up."

Jamie on his goal

Jamie Lawrence declared his chip at Gillingham as his best goal ever saying "That goal goes out to my close mate who I buried on Friday. I had to play- that's what he would have wanted. I'm just glad it worked out and I'm sure my mate would have been pleased with how it worked out."

Lindbaek on trial

City are giving a trial to Norweigan Andre Schei Lindbaek of FK Molde. Lindbaek scored 10 in 35 games last term for Molde and was spotted by City on the Scandinavian tournament in La Manga, Spain. Lindbaek has played Champions League football with Molde.

About Andre Schei Lindbaek

24 year old Norwegian striker from Molde, the club that City signed Ole Bjorn Sundgot from five years ago. Had a trial at Middlesbrough two months ago. His ambition is to play in Australia after two of his team mates at Molde told him "great things about the country." During his time at Boro Andre got along best with former City stopper Mark Schwartzer. "First I have to say Mark was a very nice person and one of those I spoke most to at Boro". For curious reasons Andre ended up going to Inter striker Christian Vieri's 26th birthday party. "Let's just say it was a great party!" says Lindbaek.

On his time at Boro and not being offered a deal Lindbaek said "Of course I was a bit disappointed. I was certainly not frightened by the standard at Boro and definitely believe I can compete at that level. My contract with Molde expires in December and I've told the club I won't be signing a new contract."

Sunday 24 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City thrash the Gills again

Goals from Ashley Ward, a peach from Jamie Lawrence and a deserved debut striker from Danny Cadamarteri saw City run out 4-0 winners over Gillingham at Priestfield.

Cadamarteri's first game was impressive and has ranked third in the all time list of Bradford City debuts.

Ward out, Windass in?

Ashley Ward is set for talks with Barnsley and will leave Valley Parade "One the deal is right for everyone". For City that would seem to mean once First Division safety in assured which could be, more or less, after wins at VP this week over Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday.

BfB feelings on Ward are well documented, one hopes that Nicky Law has someone in mind to do Ward's job at the going rate, as opposed to the outlandish rate that the former Blackburn man gets. It is hard to see Barnsley giving Ward £18k a week, but Ward should Ward get the £850,000 pay out in his contract for leaving City he would be able to take a drop in wages. Perhaps the best thing would be for Ward to take a pay cut to stay at City where he has more chance of a decent season next term (Oh come on- we are not brilliant, but we are better than Barnsley).

With this as a backdrop who should BfB see standing outside the Hilton Hotel in the middle of Bradford last night in his full Boro tracksuit but Dean Windass. No, we did not stop to offer him a lift, he looked kind of upset.

Halle: The rumours of my demise were an exaggeration

Gunnar Halle will begin full training with City on Monday two weeks after it was reported that the right back had played his final game for City after being injured until the end of his contract. Gunnar is expected to return to the first team in March.

Burt scored again

Chesterfield's Jamie Burt scored again, his sixth goal since City bid for him. One would suggest that if the Bantams are to try get the player it would be better to do it sooner rather than later.

Tiler/McCrackin rumour

Portsmouth's Carl Tiler is being linked with a move to City,a lthought at 31 he offers little that Robert Molenaar and David Wetherall will not make up for when fit. Ian Breckin is a more likely target for Nicky Law.

Rumours in Scotland are linking City with a move for Hamilton Academicals 19 year-old striker Phil McCrackin although this could be a hold over from the Jim Jefferies days when any decent player in Scotland was linked with a move to Valley Parade to spark phantom bidding ways.

Friday 22 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Cadamarteri: I never liked Town

Danny Cadamarteri began life as a Bradford City player with a clear statement: "It's a vicious rumour that is completely untrue. I have never supported Huddersfield.". It was a good start

Cadamarteri continued "The first game I ever went to watch was a Bradford City game. I can't remember how many years ago but my uncle took me - I didn't see much though because I was little and had tired legs. It will mean a hell of a lot to my family because they are all Bradford City fans. Having them round me again will be great although I'm sure I will get hounded for tickets! I grew up locally, knocking around these streets, and my mother lives in Cleckheaton. On a family note it's a big thing for me and from a career point of view it's important to be playing regularly again."

Coming clean City's new striker said "I'm actually a massive Arsenal fan, It was only because my dad was Gunners through and through but with the family connections including a few season-ticket holders, of course I've always watched out for Bradford."

Law on Danny Cadamarteri

Nicky Law promised Danny Cadamarteri a clean slate at Valley Parade before praising his new signing's talent. "Danny has had his problems but probably nowhere near as bad as others have of late. You wouldn't be getting a player of his quality on a free transfer otherwise but this is an opportunity for him to come here and resurrect his career. He was a lad who was going to be the next star. He is 22 and has a wealth of Premiership experience and has scored goals at that level. Normally you would be paying between £4m and £5m. He made a mistake in his life and is paying the penalty but this is a fresh start for him. He looks sharp and I've no worries about putting him in."

Gunnlaugsson bid withdrawn

City have withdrawn the interest in Arnar Gunnlaugsson in light of the signing of Danny Cadamarteri and, it is said, after hearing the Icelander's fiscal demands. While Gunnlaugsson is a fair player one has to feel that of the two Cadamarteri offers City vital pace and youth that have been missing from the squad over recent years. For all Gunnlaugsson abilities he is more of an Icelandic Robbie Blake than the option for City that Cadamarteri represents who is, as one wag put it, a Gareth Grant who is able to kick.

Gunnlaugsson is now set to join the Icelandic contigent at Second Division Stoke.

Thursday 21 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Cadamarteri signs for City

Danny Cadamarteri hopes to make his debut for City on Saturday after joining the Bantams on a short term contract until the end of the season. "I'm hopeful I can make my debut at Gillingham on Saturday." said City's new striker.

Cleckheaton born Cadamarteri said of City "The changes at this club over the last few years have been frightening. It is going to be hard with such a small squad but the club have the potential to get back into the Premiership."

Cadamarteri is as yet unnumbered and should City follow recent practices and give him the lowest shirt number not assigned to a player this season he will wear 39. The smart money though is on him keeping his 21 shirt from Everton as vacated by Lee Makel. The number 8 jersey was vacated by Robbie Blake and could be reused but more likely is that Carl Muggleton's 28 may be used. 28 was Stan Collymore's number.

The Birmingham debate

City's MD Shaun Harvey has replied to Jonathan Jackson's comments could the Birmingham City game being called off the day after the Bradford Bulls had used Valley Parade saying "It was unfortunately down to the amount of rain that fell onto an already wet playing surface". Read more...

Forest date pencilled in for debuts

On the day that Cleckheaton born Danny Cadamarteri started training with the City squad with a view to signing for the Bantams Geoffrey Richmond has indicated that City intend to sign both either the Everton striker of Leicester City's Arnar Gunnlaugsson is is likely they the play would not be signed over the weekend hence would miss the game will Gillingham. City's next game, which one assumes would be a debut for whichever player is signed, would be at home to Nottingham Forest. City also face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in what is a key week for the club. Richmond said "Both players are negotiating with their respective clubs a termination of their contracts. Assuming those talks are successful, both players are then prepared and happy to sign with us until the end of the season with a view to it then becoming permanent."

It is believed that both the players would not be signed over the weekend hence would miss the game will Gillingham. City's next game, which one assumes would be a debut for whichever player is signed, would be at home to Nottingham Forest. City also face Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday in what is a key week for the club.

Ward exit talk confirmed

City have confirmed that there are ongoing discussions with Ashley Ward about arranging a move to Barnsley. "Ashley Ward is our second highest-paid player." said Geoffrey Richmond, "There have been discussions over the last four to six weeks but agreement at this stage has not been reached."

Ward, who is paid a shade under £1m a year, is thought to have a clause entitling him to a pay off of some £750,000 on leaving City, a figure that City would want to either have reduced or sell Ward for more than.

Credit to Ward that he continues to play as well as he has ever done for the Bantams however as details of his contract emerge one is left astounded that City agreed these terms for a 30 plus average player. When Ashley Ward joined City his best days were clearly behind him and while he had had some success, his ability to perform in a struggling Premiership team was uncertain. His signing lead to the sale of Lee Mills, who had a section of the City support opposed to him but was capable. It is estimated that Mills picked up around a third of what Ward was signed on. Ward cost City £1.5m, more than the shade over a million that Mills recouped when he signed for Portsmouth. Ward took around five months to score his first Premiership goal for City and while Lee Mills' striker rate could never be described as prolific, one could not say he would have performed any worse. An argument could be made about Bruno Rodriguez or Jorge Cadete, neither of whom enjoyed the time or faith that Ward has enjoyed at City, both of whom came to Valley Parade on less than £1m a year.

It seems that Ashley Ward's time at Valley Parade is a colossal waste of resources. Ward is a decent player but he was no better than Lee Mills and considerably more expensive. At the time City were reported to have been recommended Nathan Ellington or Bristol Rovers, Jason Roberts of West Brom (then Bristol Rovers), Bobby Zamora and Gary Hart of of Brighton and Neil Harris of Millwall all of whom would have worked out cheaper than Ward and might have been fancied to score ten in twenty in the First Division.

All this is not to say that Ashley Ward is a bad player or that his efforts at Valley Parade are unappreciated, but that he is costing the club more than he is worth and keeping him is simply bad business.

Law on signings and trouble

Nicky Law has spoken about his transfer plans on the verge of the double capture of Danny Cadamarteri and Arnar Gunlaugsson. "The chairman has told me that if over the next four games we don't pick up four points and the situation was getting serious then he would let me make three or four signings. That's good to know but I would rather wait until after the season when the money would go a lot further and there will be a lot more available."

Wednesday 20 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Gunnlaugsson wanted

Everton's Cadamarteri in back up should move for Icelander breakdown

City are looking to sign Leicester City's Icelander Arnar Gunnlaugsson on loan until the end of the season with a view to making the move permanent but have a back up plan of bringing Bradford born Danny Cadamarteri to the club on similar terms should Gunnlaugsson not sign. Speaking with an unusual openness in transfer dealings Richmond said "We are holding talks with his agent and hopefully something can be sorted out before the weekend, but he is having termination talks with Leicester. If this falls through we will look at signing Danny Cadamarteri on a similar basis. We have held preliminary talks with his agent as well,"

Nicky Law is known to be keen to inject pace into his forward line but has reservations over using Gareth Grant in that role. Both Gunnlaugsson and Cadamarteri are quick players and both would slot in alongside Ashley Ward in the City forward line.

With both players leaving their respective clubs in the Summer there is a chance that should one be signed now, the other could be chased after if Benito Carbone leaves for Boro.

All about Arnar

Left footed Icelandic striker Arnar Gunnlaugsson joined Leicester for £2m in 1999 after impressing for then First Division Bolton after joining the Trotters for £100,000 from IA Akranes. Before IA Akranes Gunnlaugsson has played for Dutch side Feyenoord, where he won a championship and Sochaux in France.

Gunnlaugsson never impressed at Filbert Street and has been looking for a move for over a year. Tricky on the ball in a Benito Carbone way but perhaps more direct than City's Italian. Gunnlaugsson was loaned out to Second Division Stoke City in March 2000 and to Sheffield United in January 2002.

Our Danny

Danny Cadamarteri was the hero of Goodison Park for his goal in October 1997 that sealed a 2-0 win over neighbours Liverpool before his off the field troubles that lead him to court saw him distracted on the field and Franny Jeffers take his place in the Everton first eleven. Very fast but lacking composure in front of goal Cadamarteri has been transfer listed following his court appearance in 2001. Qualifies to play internatiomnally for England, Italy, Nigeria, Jamaica and Ireland.

Cadamarteri was loaned out to Fulham in November 1999 where he scored once in five games.

Javary misses his chance as reserves are rained off

Jean Philippe Javary missed his chance to impress Nicky Law after the resevres game at Valley Parade with Liverpool was called off owing to heavy rain.

Scout to Spain to find Swedes

Chief Scout Steve Reynolds to Spain this week to watch the La Managa Cup which is a pre-season cup for teams from Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Nicky Law said of the trip "If we are lucky players can be found who I am sure will be able to do a job for us."

Tuesday 19 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Burnley off again

City's game away at Turf Moor Burnley has been rained off for a second time. The game, that was to be played on the 1st of January 2002 was scheduled for tonight but heavy rain in the area has seen the game but back once more.

City boss Nicky Law will be pleased with the delay. City are down to thin squad of 16 and Law will be hoping to bring in a defender and welcome back some injuries before the fixture is played.

Half a Season

With Nicky Law admitting that City will make no more signings before the end of the season and the club preparing for another year in division one (touch wood) Bfb columnist Jon Blakely questions whether the Bradford public are being short changed in his column Half a Season, Sir?

Combe hoping for move

Alan Combe is said to be keen on a move to Valley Parade and believes that he may be able to take the number one shirt from Gary Walsh should the City keeper be forced into retirement as has been rumoured. "If I do well, something might happen." said Combe.

Monday 18 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City lose pair for good?

Have Walsh and Halle played their final games for City?

Both Gary Walsh and Gunnar Halle have been ruled out until the end of the season at least, meaning that the pair my have played their final games for Bradford City. Gunnar Halle, City's right back signed from Leeds for £200,000 in the summer of 1999 is expected to return to Norway at the end of the season once his contract with City is up. The 38 year old has won over the City crowd following characterful displays in difficult circumstances. There were times in the Premiership when Paul Jewell opted to play without a right sided midfielder that Halle was attempting to hold off both star left wingers and over lapping full backs, a task he attempted manfully and succeeded at times.

Halle returns to Norway with the best wishes of the majority of Bantam fans who enjoyed his attacking play and appreciated the difficulties he found himself in. In the short term his place will be taken by Simon Grayson, longer term Nicky Law will use the vacant slot as a chance to bring more pace into the club. Expect the City boss to try to bring in a young right back in the close season. Manchester United's Lee Roche has been mentioned, but would only be available should the Old Trafford side free him. Huddersfield's Thomas Heary was once sought after and may be an option should Town not get promoted through the play offs.

Gary Walsh is contracted beyond the end of the season but rumour has it that the former Manchester United keeper will not be able to recover from the injury that has ruled him out since Boxing Day and that the £500,000 signing from Middlesbrough will be forced to retire. In the short term City will replace him with Alan Combe, longer term City may be looking at bringing in former trialist Henri Sillanpaa.

Peter Atherton, Robert Molenaar and David Wetherall are all also struggling to be fit enough to play a significant role in the side until the end of the season but are all expected to return before the final day with Walsall leaving City with Andy Myers, Andy Tod and Mark Bower to fill two centreback roles. Aidan Davison is out until the end of the season.

Blake on the bench

Robbie Blake is expected to start on the bench for Burnley against City at Turf Moor on Tuesday night.

Down time

We were down this morning, but we are up again now. Sorry if you could not access the site.

Sunday 17 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Javary returns to City

As promised following his goal for the Resevres last week against Leeds Jean Philippe Javary has returned to City to continue his trial period.

Saturday 16 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City lose at Wolves

City started three trips on the road with a loss at Wolves, although for 75 minutes things looked good for City

Friday 15 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

£1.5m Ward to go on a free?

Sources in Barnsley suggest that former Tyke and £1.5m City signing Ashley Ward is in talks with the Oakwell side about a return to South Yorkshire, and that City would be prepared to allow the player to leave on a free transfer.

Few City fans would be sad to see Ward leave but many would consider that his price, nothing, is too low for a player who clearly has some talent. Ward is reported to be paid £18,000 a week to lead the line at Valley Parade which makes him the club's highest earner after Benito Carbone and City clearly would like to get Ward off the wage bill, after all £18,000 a week could get two players who could lead a line in the first division.

There has been talk of a swap deal with Bruce Dyer for Ashley Ward. Dyer being a more natural leader of the line than Ward who's qualifications for that position would seem to be "Is tall", if a deal can be made it would seem best for everyone involved provided City can find another goalscorer for the remainder of this season.

Javary to face the Reds

trialist Jean Philippe Javary will play against Liverpool reserves for City on Wednesday afternoon and word has it anything other than a stinker will see him offered a deal with City until the end of the season.

McCall eyes the end of the line

Stuart McCall spoke of the impending end of his career saying "I will be 38 in the summer and nothing would make me happier than to lose my place to a youth team player or someone who the gaffer wants to bring in to strengthen the squad. I would dearly love this club to challenge for a return to the Premiership and get a chance to celebrate like we did."

Thursday 14 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Walsh on the edge?

Word around Bradford has it that Gary Walsh is on the verge of retiring from the game following his breakdown from recovery. Walsh, who has been dogged by injury all though his career, has struggled to get back to fitness since December.

Meanwhile Henri Sillanpaa has returned to his club side leaving City in two minds as to whether to sign the player who despite playing friendlies against Leeds and Sunderland, was not tested in anger in his time at Valley Parade. City would like to see Sillanpaa play again but unless Nicky Law takes a trip to Finland to scout the player, that will not be possible and City will have to gamble on the ability he showed in training being transferable to a match day.

Back to the land of dreams

Two and a half years ago Bradford City went to Wolves on the edge of history. Now the team are a footnote in the story of the season. Michael Wood looks at City as they go back to the land of dreams.

Wednesday 13 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Grayson loaned in to replace Halle

Blackburn Rovers defender Simon Grayson has joined City for a month on loan to play in the place of Gunnar Halle. The 32 year old former Leicester man was signed by Bryan Kidd but fell from favour under Graeme Souness. He has had loan deals at Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County.

Banks wants a break

Ian Banks believes that football should take a break in the winter and extend into the summer. "The sooner summer football comes in the better," said Banks "The way things are at the minute is something of a joke. It's the same every January and February and the quicker they do something about a break at this time of year the better."

Javary: Will we ever see his like again

Bradford City legend Jean Philippe Javary has returned to Scotland for a trial with Rangers but has said that he will return to Bradford later in the week, assuming of cause that the Scottish runners up do not offer him a deal. Speaking about the reserve win against Leeds that saw Javary achieve hero status the Frenchman said "I enjoyed it very much, It is very nice to score at such a big ground, it wasn't a pretty goal but I am very happy. I am sorry for my foul, it was late, but I am upset that I got hurt, I think I will be fine though."

Javary was booked for a high challenge on Leeds' Jacob Burns, something we are assure that the French man does at least once a game. High challenges that is, not kick Jacob Burns up in the air.

Owls bid for Breckin

Sheffield Wednesday have had a bid for Ian Breckin rejected. The say that they will move on to other targets but then again so do we, and we have not.

Tuesday 12 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jean Philippe Javary: Hero of Bradford

French trialist Jean Philippe Javary scored the only goal that gave City's second string a 1-0 at Elland Road over Leeds United. The Leeds team, which included Michael Duberry, Jacob Burns, Stephen McPhail, Jason Wilcox and England International Alan Smith were humbled by the back up Bantams. Keeper Henri Salinpaa looks set to be offered a contract after his clean sheet, although he had little to do other than organise his back four, as task he performed well.

However Jean Philippe Javary takes the plaudits following in a Eoin Jess rebound from Leeds keeper Danny Milosevic. Javary is out of contract and looks set to be given an extended chance to impress.

Sillanpaa, Javary and Brodie hope to impress

Finnish trialist Henri Sillanpaa will earn himself a contract with Bradford City should he come through the reserves game against Leeds at Elland Road. Nicky Law said "We want to take another look at him. He is showing promise but we need to see it in a game and he didn't have a lot to do against Sunderland."

City will also field former Barcelona prospect Jean Philippe Javary. Javary came through the ranks at Montpellier before moving to Spanish football with Espanyol and big things were expected of the Frenchman but his career seems to have come off track with recent stints at Espanyol, Plymouth Argyle, Brentford and Raith Rovers. The 24 year old midfielder will hope to impress City enough to get a contract.

Javary's time at Brentford was marked by the player being cast as a "disruptive element" in the dressing room, although he was praised for his skill on the ball and his tackling, which gets wild at least once a game.

Keith Brodie will also look to impress Nicky Law. Brodie, the only teenager another strong side fielded by Mark Prudhoe, is City's only fit right back with the injury to Gunnar Halle and should the youngster perform well and the club be unable to bring in a loan signing, he may get a start on Saturday.

Etheringon gets winning u21 start

Matthew Etherington's debut at under 21 level for England resulted in a 1-0 win for David Platt's side against Slovenia. Etherington caught the eye coming on at half time and doing customary charges down the left wing at the hosts.

Monday 11 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City out £60,000, Richmond spitting feathers but still in the black

City will lose out on a payment of £60,000 from failing to stage the Birmingham game on Sunday in front of the ITV Digital cameras, and word has it that Geoffrey Richmond is less than happy about it.

The official line from the club is that the cancellation owing to a waterlogged pitch had nothing to do with the Bradford Bulls playing on the pitch on Saturday however BfB understands that the football club are less than happy with the way the ground share with the Bulls is going in general and that this incident has worsened the relationship between the two boardrooms. There are those in the Bulls boardroom who are cautious of Richmond because they believe he aims to take control of the Rugby club to create a Bradford Sports Club in the style of a Barcelona or Sporting Lisbon.

However BfB also knows that that when the Bulls were in negotiations with Richmond the City's chairman got a very good deal for the Bantams, much more than Bulls were hoping to pay, and even if the Rugby club had caused yesterday's postponement, the regular income stream from the Bulls makes up for the losses.

Caldwell back at Newcastle

Stephen Caldwell has returned to Newcastle, freed to allow Nicky Law to bring in a further two defenders on loan throwing the situation with City's temporary transfer into confusion.

City are only allowed two loans at a time. Alan Combe is on loan at City from Dundee United, but one must assume that with the goalkeeper coming from under the auspices of another FA, he does not count to the total.

Law is expected to sign a right back on three month loan to cover Gunnar Halle. Lee Roche of Manchester United juniors and Greg Shields of Charlton reserves are though to be the two names on the short list. Law is also expected to sign a centreback on three month loan, Caldwell would have only been able to join City for another month, with some speculation being that he will try take Ian Breckin on a loan with a view ro a move from his former club Chesterfield. Quite why Chesterfield would agree to this is anyone's guess, but the move would not be that dissimilar to the one that took Dean Richard's to Wolves from City on loan at the end of a season.

Sunday 10 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Rain

City's game with Birmingham City was called off after heavy rain in Bradford. The Valley Parade pitch, mashed up by the Bradford Cows losing to Leeds Horses (or whatever) at Rugby League on Saturday afternoon, was declared waterlogged a couple of hours before kick off.

BfB columnist Jonathan Jackson has no doubts as to what to do to stop this situation happening again saying Throw The Bulls Out Now

The game was likley to be Stephen Caldwell's final game of his loan spell from Newcastle although without an obvious replacement at City one wonders if the player will be will offered another month's extension.

Breckin and Burt report

Roland Harris spent his Saturday afternoon at Nicky Law's former club Chesterfield and returns saying I have seen Breckin and Burt play, we need them at VP

Good work agent Carbone

City's Benito Carbone and former City man Dean Windass combined for a last minute equaliser to rob the evil Leeds of a 2-1 at the Riverside for Middlesbrough in the Premiership on Saturday. The 2-2 leaves Boro in 15th position and City's investment of £500,000 in the Teesiders staying up safe.

Etherington get England u21

Former Bantam loanee Matthew Etherington has been reward for the form he showed while on loan at City and since he returned to Spurs with a call up to the England under 21 squad.

City's players are believed to have recommended that Nick Law keeps an eye on Etherington with a view to signing him back but with the winger's star rising, a return to VP look increasingly unlikely.

Friendly at Guiseley

Bradford City have set a date to play a friendly at Nethermoor on Thursday 21 February in a bid to help boost the UniBond League club's funds. City had to pull out of a pre-season friendly with Guiseley in August.

Friday 8 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jess to get forward role

Eoin Jess will be given the role of replacing Benito Carbone in the City forward line for Sunday's game with Birmingham City. Jess has played in the forward line in his career and was once dubbed "The new Kenny Dalglish" while in his first spell at Aberdeen. Jess was left out of the midfield in favour of Claus Jorgensen for last week's win over Grimsby with the Dane's defending, which is more than Jess does, contributing to the clean sheet in the eyes of Nicky Law.

The chequebook is closed

Geoffrey Richmond and Nicky Law have agreed that the £500,000 saved on Benito Carbone's loan and the £1m from the sale of Robbie Blake will be saved until the summer. Both manager and chairman believe that City will stay up but doubt that the current squad is capable of a play off push and so will coast the season out to 50 points. As a result funds will be kept until the summer as Nicky Law explained "I've had a chat with the chairman and I'm of the opinion that the money we save from this and from the Robbie Blake deal, I would rather hold on to until the summer. Unless it got to the stage where we were desperate to bring someone in now, then it makes more sense to hang on. Then the pickings are better, there's a lot less panic and you can do the deals with a clear head.".

The summer money is expected to be spent thus: (Not an exhaustive list)

Beni snubs Bolton to join Boro

Benito Carbone is reported to have turned down the chance to join Bolton - What is Italian for "Directions to Wembley Mr Alledyce?" - to join Middlesbrough, something of some relief to most of the BfB staff who dislike Bolton more than any club outside of Huddersfield/Leeds. However our columnist James Ramsden remembers Beni's new side as the team that broke a young man's heart and asks What is it about us and Boro?

Law Shields interest reported? Roche the real target?

Nicky Law is reported to be interested in signing Greg Shields of Charlton to cover for the injured Gunnar Halle and to scope the player out for a possible move in the summer. Shields was a reported target of Jim Jefferies which does make something of a lie of the idea that City have no scouting network of any kind, unless Jim left his papers in the manager's office for Nicky to find.

BfB's information, which is frequently different to other rumours but has been spot on in the past (We scooped everyone on Bruno Rodriguez), suggests that Nicky Law would prefer to bring Manchester United's 21 year old right back Lee Roche to Valley Parade on loan. Roche, who won young player of the season for his loan move to Wrexham a year ago, has yet to play a Premiership game for United but he has represented England u21s.

Lee loan

Youngster Andrew Lee has joined Emley on loan.

Thursday 7 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law lines up a move for Strupar?

Nicky Law is said to be set to offer Derby County's Branko Strupar a way back from his lengthy injury with a loan deal at City. Strupar was popular successful in his first seasons with the Rams but has suffered injuries in the past 12 months.

Belgian international Strupar cost the Rams £3m from Sporting Club Genk at the end of 1999 but has not played a full game since his two goals in a 2-1 over Spurs 13 months ago. Law is rumoured to be ready to offer a loan deal for Strupar until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer depended on success and City's fund raising efforts. The forward was signed by Jim Smith but may not fit into the plans of new manager John Gregory.

Law watched Derby reserves lose 3-1 to Charlton's second string on Tuesday night. Strupar played 45 minutes and was booked.

Carbone rejects rejecting Boro move

Benito Carbone has opted to join Middlesbrough on loan for the rest of the season some two hours after turning the Teesiders down when they failed to offer him a permanent move. Earlier in the day Carbone and Boro boss Steve McClaren had concluded talks with the Italian returning to Valley Parade to wait for a permanent deal however when it became clear that Boro would not offer one unless he impressed on loan, Carbone opted to go.

"A loan deal is all we can offer at this moment" said McLaren, "It's a case of putting our case to him and giving him an opportunity to play again in the Premier League." Carbone will be guaranteed of the backing of City fans in his debut for Boro which will be against Leeds on Saturday.

Sillanpaa to sign soon?

The departure of Benito Carbone will free up around £450,000 that would have been paid to the Italian in wages, money that is expected to start being spent with a deal for VPS goalkeeper Henri Sillanpaa.

The final word on Don

Jonathan Jackson has the final word on City legend Don Hutchins

Wednesday 6 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni to snub loan deal to Boro?

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has contacted City in an attempt to sign Benito Carbone on loan for the rest of the season. City are keen to allow Carbone to leave on a permanent basis and the Italian is reported to be "tired" of loan moves however the Bantams have agreed to the player leaving for the rest of this season. Geoffrey Richmond confirmed "The two clubs have agreed a loan deal for Benito Carbone with a view to a permanent transfer, (but) it is not a done deal as Beni has some deep reservations about another loan deal. The club has always maintained that in a perfect world Carbone would be playing in the Premiership and that is his ambition. I think Bradford City supporters would respect that desire."

Speculation around surrounds the deal with one report suggesting that Boro may offer City former favourite Dean Windass in exchange for Carbone should a permanent deal be in the offing or that ginger striker Andy Campbell may move to VP as Carbone goes the other way. Boro owe £500,000 on Windass should they stay in the Premiership in 2002. BfB columist Michael Wood casts an eye over the situation in Beni Carbone: Conspiracy or circus?

Halle out for six weeks

It has emerged that sometime during Saturday's win over Grimsby Gunnar Halle suffered a collapsed lung and bruised ribs and will be out for six weeks. Gary Locke will play right back leaving the Sharpe/McCall midfield untouched and allowing Gareth Whalley the chance to stake a claim for a place in the central midfield when he returns to fitness.

Reserves draw with high flying Sunderland

Mark Prudhoe's reserve side was unlucky to lose a one goal lead to a Sunderland side that had aspirations of taking over at the top of the FA Premier Reserve League North. Juanjo gave a City the lead after seven minutes at Valley Parade, Argentine teenager Nicolas Medina lobbed City's Finnish keeper Henri Sillanpaa in the closing minutes to equalise.

Henry Kanu's international clearance did not come through in time for him to play in the game but fellow trialist Henri Sillanpaa performed very well and is expected to be offered a deal by City before the week is out. Danny Forrest, playing in the place Kanu would have taken, also performed well in the difficult conditions. One might suggest that with Robbie Blake gone Forrest has as much of a claim to fill in for Benito Carbone as the ineffectual Gareth Grant or the unmotivated Juanjo.

Should City offer a contract to Henri Sillanpaa the rumours over Gary Walsh's future at City, namely that he is to retire owing to injurt at the end of the season, would gain a level of credence.

Players tell Law: Keep Etherington in mind

The City squad have asked Nicky Law to keep an eye on Matthew Etherington with a view to bring the popular winger back to Valley Parade. One problem: Etherington started his first game for new Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle, scoring one and setting one up in the 4-0 rout of Bolton.

Tuesday 5 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

City to sign Arsenal Star('s brother Henry) Kanu

City hopes to give a trial to Nigerian forward Nwoso "Henry" Kanu, brother of the Arsenal striker. Mark Prudhoe will start Kanu should the player get international clearance through before the game with Sunderland reserves at Valley Parade on Tuesday night. Prudhoe will start with Finnish goalkeeper Henri Sillanpaa, currently with FC VPS Vaasa, who has joined City for a trial and of the two looks more likely to be offered a deal, Sillanpaa having trained with City last week and watched the 1-0 win over Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Eoin Jess, Gary Locke, Andy Tod, Gareth Grant, Lewis Emanuel and Gareth Whalley will all start. Danny Forrest will step in for Kanu if he cannot play despite his weekend sending off for the juniors.

About Henri Sillanpaa

22 year old Sillanpaa was the hot property of North European football when he was Finland Under-21 goalkeeper and had a week on trial at Tottenham in January 2001. He received some positive feedback but did not sign for the North London club. Charlton Athletic, West Ham United and Southampton have all been interested in the interested in the VPS keeper.

About Nwoso "Henry" Kanu

Nwoso Kanu, who is now going by the name Henry, is a 21 year old striker who played for Nigeria in the Olympics in 2000. He has spent the majority of his career to date in German playinbg for Union Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt and Kaiserslautern amateurs. In addition to Arsenal's Nawankwo and Henry there is a third Kanu, Christopher, plays for Ajax.

Etherington thanks City

Tottenham winger Matthew Etherington has gone on record to thanks City for the laon spell that he feels has given him a fresh chance to break into the first team at Spurs. "I've improved no end since I went to Bradford and I think I'm more than ready to play in the first team now and push on. It's just a case of waiting for the chance of getting two or three games under my belt over a sustained period." said Etherington. Etherington returned to Spurs following the depature of Jim Jefferies after winning many friends at Valley Parade with his Peter Beagrie-esque wing play.

Monday 04 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni joins the play off push

After his free kick to beat Grimsby Benito Carbone called for City to mount a play off push. "We've won a very important game and now we must try to keep winning because we want to get right up the table. I think we have a chance to come back again and make it to the play-offs. Obviously it will be hard but I trust this team to get on a run. I believe that we have the quality to be up there."

On his free kick the Italian put a diplomatic line, "I always do the free-kicks in that position and I was due to score one. I think it was a great goal but it was more important that the team got three points."

Blake 0 Moore 2

Robbie Blake's Burnley debut well flat when Darren Moore's West Brom beat the Claret's 2-0 at Turf Moor.

Pollard back

City's club Secretary Jon Pollard has been exonerated of the allegations again him and returns to work at Valley Parade following his suspension during investigations. BfB is very pleased and wishes all the best for Jon and his family.

More on Don

City fans have added their voices to the Don Hutchins entry to the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.

Sunday 03 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The Train now arriving...

Don Hutchins joins the BfB Bradford City Hall of Fame.

Next year's City

Roland Harris looks forward to Bradford City 2002-2003.

That was the month that was

BfB rounds up January 2002 the months that Nicky Law started, Robbie Blake finished and Benito Carbone came back and then left again.

Saturday 2 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Football Idol

World champion Rugby League team? Pop Idol Gareth Gates? Forget it. Benito Carbone steals the headlines with a free kick on his return from loan and sulk in the 1-0 win at Grimsby.

Law cool on Dyer link

Nicky Law was cool on the idea of swapping Barnsley's Bruce Dyer for Ashley Ward. Ward was named in the side to play Grimsby Town.

Friday 1 February, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni chimes sorry, but hits a bum note

Benito Carbone has apologised for his walk out of Valley Parade saying the he was frustrated at not being able to help the fans he loves while on the bench. Said Carbone "I went crazy because I wanted to do something for the team and I didn't feel I could do that as substitute. Now I just want to say that I'm sorry to everybody. What I did was wrong but it was only one mistake and I have learned from it. Of course it is wrong for a player not to sit on the bench. I'm paying for that because the club have fined me and I accept that. I'm not a villain. I love this club, the fans and the players and they love me. We are a big family unit."

Carbone's words, while welcome, will be viewed with distrust by City fans. If Carbone had wanted to help City playing the second 45 minutes of a game that was very winnable would have be a very good place to start. Preston were poor in that 1-0 win and had City had a single Carbone spark the game and points could have been won. City are too good to go down, but throwing points away is a very good way to change that situation. If on the final table City are points off safety, points and safety that Carbone could have won on Tuesday, then his apology will ring hollow.

Similarly his apology came with conditions. "Andy Tod is a fantastic person and we can go anywhere together but for me he's still a defender and when I saw the manager leave out one striker, Juanjo, and put another two as subs while playing Tody, a centre-half, up front - that is what frustrated me." The Bradford City job has been advertised twice during Benito Carbone's stay at Valley Parade, neither time has he applied. Had he got the job then he would be able to decide who plays where, he did not and so it is not his place to dictate where Nicky Law plays Andy Tod, a fact that Carbone acknowledges in his apology.

Carbone finished by stating his wish to take over as City captain one day. "I would love to be captain of this club. I like the responsibility of such a big job and think it would make me stronger. Stuart McCall is a big player and a big captain and I don't want to take it from his hands. But if the chance came I would love it." Carbone has tainted his time at City. He is still a great player to have and a good chap, but now he will never again viewed as the perfect professional who had found the right club as secretly we all hoped he would be.

Ward back to Barnsley

Rumour in South Yorkshire has it that Barnsley want Ashley Ward back and are prepared to offer Bruce Dyer in return. The Tykes sold Ward to Blackburn three years ago for £4.5m but the tanned hitman was not a success at Ewood Park and was signed by Chris Hutchings for £1.5m in August 2000.

Arguably the make weight Dyer is as good a player than Ward. Defiantly he is younger which will appeal to Nicky Law and we is more suited to the target man role that Ward has filled at Valley Parade. City would like to rid themselves of Ward's £18,000 a week wage (reportedly) and be able to pay Dyer less. Should Barnsley make an acceptable offer, say £500,000 plus Dyer, it would seem right for City to let the striker that BfB columnist Roland Harris called "an Elephant" join the club where he established his name.

City sign Combe on loan

City have signed Dundee United goalkeeper Alan Combe on loan for the rest of the season. Combe, who has been out of the United team since an incident with a linesman was him suspended in 2000, hopes to impress enough to get a transfer away from Tannadice. Gary Walsh is expected to be fit with ten days but understudy Aidan Davison may be out until the end of the season.

City let Muggy go

Carl Muggleton has returned to Cheltenham. Alan Combe was available until the end of the season, longer than Muggleton, and so the Scot was preferred.

The month by month news index.