Friday 31 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Four become twenty: Interest in the Bantams grows

The administrators have received twenty offers for Bradford City, not the four as predicted by BfB yesterday, and are now confident of getting a sale of the club and of the club retaining First Division status. The administrators hope ot have the deal done by the middle of July. The administrators seem to have worked out that a key part of the sale of the club is the First Division aspect of Bradford City and so are looking for talks with the FL about a deal so that the Bantams "Can meet its obligations" and keep the position in the league pyramid it currently occupies.

The full statement from Mike Moore of the administrators read "As of 10am this morning, 20 parties have expressed an interest in purchasing Bradford City Football Club. Whilst there is a short time before the deadline ends, we are not anticipating any additional interested parties to come forward at this late stage. This level of interest confirms our early optimism that Bradford City is a good club and would attract considerable interest and we continue to be confident that a buyer will be found who will secure the future of Bradford City. We will now focus on opening discussions with a view to securing an offer for the club. Once we have accepted an offer we will then meet the Football League and the PFA to outline how Bradford City can meet its obligations in order that it remains a Nationwide First Division club. We hope that this will all be achieved by early July, so as to provide the new owners, alongside the manager, sufficient time to sign players for the next season."

Senegal feeling all Wetherall

It warmed the hearts to see Senegal give France a shock with the 1-0 win in the opening game of the World Cup and had some at BfB remembering the single David Wetherall goal that kept City in the Premiership when everyone said that, like Senegal, we had no chance.

With the backdrop of Administration, the PFA, threats of being thrown out of the league and on and on it is worth remembering that football is a surprising game. It is not predetermined by money and effort does get rewards.

Thursday 30 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Four buyers left after sackings

The administrators are believed to have four buyers lined up for City after the mass sackings last week scared five of the potential chairmen away.

At this point BfB is prepared to guess the four are the following:

  1. Bill Fotherby
    Ex-Leeds chairman Fotherby is the front runner at the moment. The current chairman of Harrogate Town Fotherby is backed by "Wealthy friends".
  2. Peter Wilkinson, Chris Acres and Jeremy Fenn
    The money behind Hull City. Wilkinson gave the world Planetfootball.com.
  3. Geoffrey Richmond
    To head up a slimmed down board drawing from the personal fortune of some £9m+ that he never let City touch before. One thing we know about GR is that he is not one to quit at anything.
  4. Sharif Tariq
    Owner of Cannon Mills and other things. Reported to be backed by "Wealthy Middle East businessmen"
Lawrence and Walsh

Jamie Lawrence and Gary Walsh, both excellent professionals who have been sacked by City, are wanted by Walsall the club that suggested that City should be thrown out of the league for not honour contract including those of Walsh and Lawrence.

March for the Bantams

Bradford councillor Tony Niland wants to see a march of City fans through the streets of Bradford in support of the club and to raise awareness of it's plight. With the council offering City a fraction of the support that they offer the Bulls BfB thinks that it might be a good idea if the Bantams in Bradford demanded equality in this way.

Bulls eye VP

The Bradford Bulls are reported to be keen on buying Valley Parade from the administrators. Simply, this must not happen.

Wednesday 29 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Scotland tour cancelled

The Administrator has cancelled City's pre-season tour of Scotland sighting the fact "Friendlies would incur costs which the Administrators cannot undertake whilst a buyer is still being sought." The Administrators added "However, we are still confident that a buyer can be found and that a sale can be achieved within the next few weeks."

Administrator also speculated that a new buyer would honour season tickets already sold by the club.

Selling Twenty Three years for the Bantams

BfB editor Michael Wood suggests a deal for any new owners of City to consider. Selling back Twenty Three years of a 25 season ticket.

Sod the players

Players are like children, shielded from the world by the club says Roland Harris, and City players are about to throw a big tantrum. Sod the players says Roland.

Tuesday 28 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Jess back at Coventry

Eoin Jess has not left the grass grown under his feet following his sacking from City and is set to join former Euro 96 squad mate Gary McAllister at Coventry City. Cov once paid £1.5m for Eoin Jess, they were not pleased with the results.

Law escapes touchline ban, Touchline as yet unknown

Nicky Law has been warned about his future conduct and fined £1,000 for rowing with Ref Rob Stiles during City's 2-1 win over Wimbledon. There is a touch of surrealness about regular football proceedings about City in these troubled times. Had Nicky Law been banned from the touchline then one would think that the City manager may have asked the powers that be "Which touchline exactly am I not allowed to stand near: Highfield Road in the First Division or Emley in the Unibond League?"

Law on the future

Nicky Law has spoken about his future at Bradford City and the future of the club. "The people of the city and the fans of this club deserve to watch Division One football next year."

The City boss continued "I am fully committed to taking this club forward and the club don't have to worry about me walking out. I have two years on my contract left and I am determined to see them out, and will take the club onwards and upwards."

Speaking about how he sees the City team going post player cull Law said "A lot depends on the pot of money available from the new owners, but there is no reason why we can't fight for promotion next year. We are looking out for the right type of player, we want players who will bite, scratch and kick for this club. We want players with enthusiasm, commitment and hunger - that is the sort of squad I will being put together to take the side forward."

Law concluded "I want players who will fight for their shirts and fight for their places, There will be no just turning up for an easy pay-day. Those days are now gone at this club. We are looking for a certain breed of player who can give the fans the commitment they deserve. They want to see players giving everything for the club, especially after all that has gone on in recent days."

Morning, Noon and Night

Sports Minister Richard Caborn has today spoken of his regret at the Bradford City's plight. When the German media Group Kerch collapsed it threatened to take half of the Bundasliga with it until the German Government stepped in. Despite the fact that half of the Football League club's face bleak futures post ITV Digital the Government have made no similar noise about helping football.

FA pull rank over FL for The MK Dons

The Football Association overruled the Football League who had prevented Wimbledon from moving to Milton Keynes. Previoulsy it had been assumed that the FL's word was stone and that should that word go against City then there would be little the Bantams could do. Should the FL decide that City should be punished for sacking players the FA may be a sourceof appeal for City and City fans.

Monday 27 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Ten new Bantams lined up

Nicky Law has lined up ten players to join his "Bradford City v2" should the club not go out of business and retain First Division status. "We can only talk with representatives and agents at this stage, but I have spoken with nine or ten," said Law, who will recruit enough for a reserve team as well next year. I will have to talk with the new owners to see what kind of budget we will be working to. But players who last year were earning £5,000 a week, will now only be able to command around £1,500. This will make my job a lot easier."

Conjecture has it that Law is hoping to get funds from the new manager to sign his former Chesterfield captain Ian Breckin to become the Bantams new skipper and Jamie Burt to replace Danny Cadamarteri. Other stories suggest that Law would also like to sign Bosman transfer Tony Thorpe as his target man and Alan Combe if the new owner has £300,000 to bet on a sure thing.

Chris Greenacre and Paul Evans are both still interesting Law but the former would have to lower his demands of £10,000 considerable before he could sign. Another report over the weekend suggests that Matthew Etherington would have joined the Bantams over the summer but is now looking for another club.

Getting away with it?

Reading's Chief Exec Nigel Lowe wants City thrown out of the league saying "If one club is allowed to get away with it then they all will." Michael Wood asks What exactly are City getting away with?

Administrators sack 19 and then use the word "Continuity"

Administrators Mike Moore has perplexed VP watchers who were under the impression that his remit did not include anything to do with playing football by admitting that he made a concession to the game not the finances by keeping Nicky Law at VP in the round of sackings last week. "Nicky Law was retained as a vital part of the future of Bradford City. Although he has only five players, by retaining the manager it gives the club some structure and continuity ahead of next season. It is business as usual for him as he begins the search for players to bring in when the new owners are in place." Continuity: Different team definitely, different ground perhaps, different league even but at least we keep the guy who has been in charge of the team for five months.

Sunday 26 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Wetherall wants to be a Bantam again

David Wetherall has stated that he would like to return to City despite the club sacking him last week. One excellent way for David to go about this would be, as PFA representative and club captain, to stop the players and the PFA from pursing a course that would see City thrown out of the league.

Of course such talk from Wetherall could be simply establishing the players desire to stay with the Bantams to allow him a firmer footing in any future legal action.

Fixture date buts the onus on the League

The Football League will announce the fixtures for the 2002-2003 on the 13th of June, 2002, the week before City's administrators are expected to have sold the club meaning that should the FL not take action against City at the 6th of June meeting, which they probably will not for fear of setting a hard to maintain precedent for other clubs who may face similar problems over the summer, then when City are sold the new owner will have a First Division fixture list to work from and the threat of expulsion, not expulsion and the hope of the first division.

Saturday 25 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Expulsion could come down to the players

The Football League have told City's administrators that if the club does not satisfactorily pay all it's footballing creditors, that is the former players of City who were sacked on Thursday, then the club will be expelled from the League. However the FL did note that should a mutually agreeable deal be struck between players and the club then the League would not follow the expulsion path. In other words should the players agree not to press a claim against City then City would not face the FL's wrath.

What the clubs chances of getting the players to agree not to boot the boot in out of vindictiveness are is anyone guess. In the case of an Ashley ward or Benito Carbone one feels that they have in some ways been the architects of this situation City, refusing to take moves that would have kept the club alive and that when it becomes apparent that the club is the proverbial "dry stone" that they will forget their claims and move on with their careers. The likes of Andy Tod who are less likely to get a new contract may not.

Nicky Law played down the reports of expulsion as "hype" suggesting that should the FL punish City they would end up having to punish a third of the league in a similar way.

Sharpe wants to be a part of it

Lee Sharpe is in discussions with New York/New Jersey Metrostars above a move to the MLS. Expect AJ Soprano to start wearing a 16 Sharpe shirt from next series.

Gunnar Halle is also near finding a new club. Lillestrom want him, Paul Robinson of Leeds and one time City target Greg Shields.

All hush, journey man footballer speaks

Former Sheffield United star Imre Varadi has blamed City's current crisis on "bad management". [A] Who the Hell asked him and [B] Who the Hell cares what he says?

Friday 24 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The crisis starts to sink in

The BfB columnists are started to come to terms with a week of events at Valley Parade that no one ever thought possible.

Jonathan Jackson, who works in Scarborough former home of Geoffrey Richmond asks the question that many City fans will be asking: Was I Wrong To Trust The Big Man?

Jon Blakely, a frequent critic of Geoffrey Richmond for some time, finds his anger has turned to shock in his column I never thought it would be us!

Michael Wood thinks that there is confusion between the actions of Bradford City and those of the administrators Kroll Buchler Phillips that threatens the future of the club.

Buyers start talking

The administrators are hoping to have an agreement for a new buyer for City within three weeks. Joint administrator Mike Moore, aka the man who sacked a football team, said "I am talking to interested parties and during the next three weeks I hope to come to a provisional agreement with one of those parties."

Speaking then of the way forward for Bradford City Moore said "Then we will have proposals to put to the Professional Footballers Association and to the Football League. I am optimistic those negotiations will result in the long-term survival of Bradford City."

One prospective buyer is believed to be Harrogate Town chairman and former Leeds MD Bill Fotherby. Fotherby, 71, over saw the Leeds site that won the League Championship in the early 90s. The phrase: "Any port in a a storm" comes to mind. Another rumour linkes John Fashanu's consortium that was to buy Northampton Town to a bid for City.

The administrator "Cannot guarantee Division One Football"

Administrator Mike Moore made this statement "I an not guarantee fans they will be playing Division One Football next season, If we are to remain in the League we do have to get an agreement and it is something I am working very hard to do."

Law: Let's get on with it

Nicky Law rolled up his sleeves to get on with his job as manager of the world's highest profile five a side team saying "It is a sad, sad situation. I feel sorry for the players, I feel sorry for the girls in accounts who walked out of the offices in floods of tears, I feel sorry for everyone. Football could not continue they way it was going- this was always going to happen sooner or later."

"It's a shame but the club could not run at an excess of £20,000 a day overheads just on players' wages. The administrators have done what they've had to do and now we've got to be positive and start thinking ahead. I will draw up a list of players I would like to bring in and think we can get, and then take it up with any new owner."

"The players we've released have gone, but once the new owners come in there'll be places available there for 18 or 20 new players. It's like a new business opening up and making jobs available in the community. It's obviously a shame for the players concerned."

Former players mull over events

Player of the season Andy Myers expressed sadness that he is no longer with the Bantams and hopes that City can survive the crisis at Valley Parade. Speaking about the supporters who it must be said have not always been on Myers side in his three years at Valley Parade Andy said "Where does it leave the fans now? At the moment they've got no club to support. I'm upset more than bitter. This shouldn't happen in any walk of life. But Bradford is bigger than everybody and nobody wants them to go into liquidation. Whatever happens, I hope that the club can survive all this and become strong again. I just wish I could have still been a part of it. I feel sorry for all the people affected. It's not just the players but also those that have been laid off elsewhere in the club."

Robert Molenaar has suggested that City be thrown out of the league after being sacked by the Bantams saying "The League surely won't have it (The sackings). This is a test case for every club and I wonder if they could be relegated to the Conference."

David Wetherall echoed Molenaar's comments saying "You'd think that kicking the club out of the League would be one of the sanctions, but I am not sure fully of the rules. If that were to happen, presumably Bradford City would end up in the Conference?"

The League position

The administrators returned from meetings with the Football League with the following statement. "The league have stressed that their current insolvency policy does require all players' contracts to be honoured in full."

So either the new owners, if we can find some, pay up or the League changes it's mind.

Thursday 23 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

The Cull

PFA want City expelled as administrators sack sixteen

Wayne Jacobs, Gary Walsh, David Wetherall and Benito Carbone head up the list of players who have been released by the Bradford City administrators as contracts of all but the lowest paid members of the squad were ripped up. BfB editor Michael Wood looks at the future as for City, if there is one, after sixteen players are sacked while Jon Blakely looks at City on the brink.

The PFA, who described City's administrators decision to sack 16 players as "Disgraceful", are expected to make renewed calls for the Bantams to be expelled from the league a sombre thought considered by Michael Wood in his column Thinking about a future without Bradford City.

PFA Deputy chief executive Mick McGuire said that City's move "Puts the whole game in jeopardy". McGuire said To say we're shocked and disgusted is an understatement- clubs have contracts to follow which are sacrosanct. If administrators choose to disregard regulations in this way that has far-reaching implications for football as a whole- players can then unilaterally breach contracts in the way the Bradford administrators have done. If everyone disregarded what they had promised that would set a precedent and a base mark for other clubs to do that. It sends its own message to Bradford when a club behave as dishonourably as this."

The players of City have also suggested that they might be prepared to take legal action against the Bantams, although such action would seem to lack focus, while City's administrators claim that the sackings will save City £20,000 a day.

Players whose contracts have been terminated
Players who remain at the club with any level of experince

In effect the administrators have cut the team down to four players. Youth-team boss Steve Smith, kit man Alan Jackson and fitness coach Kevin Hornsby have also been told to leave Valley Parade.

Will the Bantams be kicked out of football?

There is now a serious issue as to how football will react to City breaking contracts in a manner that, in the past, has not been allowed by a football league club. The PFA have promised to look for City to be expelled from the league should the administrators pursue the course of action they have.

The devil in the detail

Bradford City's administrators are leaving the future of the club to the good faith of the Football League. After sacking 16 players Kroll Buchler Phillips state "In arriving at our decision, we have not contravened the Football League Regulations. We are aware that pursuit to Article 6 the Board of the Football League has an absolute discretion in deciding whether a purchaser becomes a member of the Football League. We are confident that the Board of the Football League will, upon a sale of this club, agree to a purchaser of the club being a member and will exercise its discretion in good faith acting reasonably and take into account public policy consideration and the interests of football as a whole."

"We are also confident that as part of our reconstruction plan once a buyer is found - and we have received enquiries from 9 interested parties - and the club is sold that Bradford City will exit Administration and its future will be secured. Once this occurs, Nicky Law, with the new owners will be able to begin planning for next season."

In other words Kroll Buchler Phillips think that the Football League clubs will understand City's situation and not bow to pressure from the PFA et al, who are sure to call for City's head after this, and allow City to continue in the league. If Kroll Buchler Phillips are wrong then 100 years of Bradford City history is over.

Football League meet with administrators

The Football League has met with the administrators of City to discuss the future of the club. "We want to hear things from the horse's mouth. There are collective bargaining arrangements with the Professional Footballers' Association and tearing up contracts is not a route we want to encourage teams to follow. It would create a precedent. What's then to stop a player giving one month's notice to a club and then heading off?"

"A lot of clubs are watching the situation at Bradford and we want to make sure that our rules and regulations are adhered to. There might be certain unscrupulous people who may want to use administration just as a means to off-load players. Administration is a legal detail to allow clubs to sort themselves out financially. I don't think there's any real threat of Bradford City not being in the league next season."

Wednesday 22 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Nine looking at Bantams

Mike Moore of Kroll Buchler Phillips (Joint Administrator of Bradford City if those who have not been following the names) has said that they have received nine enquiries about buying City.

However Moore did say "To improve Bradford City's chances of survival, the Administrators have been forced to close both the Dewsbury and Wakefield club shops with immediate effect." Which would seem to suggest that despite the interest in the club a sale may not be guaranteed.

Law told to carry on

Nicky Law will continue to build for next season after being given the go ahead to carry on signing players. "The administrators have told me to do my job as I have done. They are confident we can get new ownership in three to four weeks. I'll keep making inquiries and putting things in place for when the new owners come in, whoever they may be."

Law, who has worked under administrators during his time at Chesterfield, is reported to be working to a new lower wage bill figure. Law is believed to have dropped his interest in Mansfield's Chris Greenacre as a result however the impending (reported) administrating of Grimsby Town may see Law be able to pick up two of his other targets, Simon Ford and Michael Boulding, for less provided that we come out of administration better than they do.

Jorgi: We know nothing

Claus Jorgensen claims that he and his fellow Bantam player has not heard anything from the club over their futures at Valley Parade, indeed Jorgi only discovered about the situation in the same way as many City fans have, through the net (Hi Claus).

Jorgensen, one of the great hopes for next season, said "It's very sad that it has to be done this way, they should have been a bit more informative. Players may be on holiday but the club have our phone numbers. Surely speaking to us first would be the right way of handling things instead of having to read it through the media. This is my career and I'm not happy about it. But I'm not totally surprised that it happens like this. It seems to be the way football clubs are run - the players are often the last people to know. There is no communication. I don't think this is a special case with Bradford."

Jorgensen is not thought likely to be for the chop at Valley Parade being one of the lowest paid professionals at the club. Perhaps Jorgensen might been keen to get in touch with the PFA who seem to be conducting activities and making threats on behalf of him and the rest of the squad. Michael Wood comments on the players in his article How Benito Carbone can walk out of Valley Parade a hero.

Tuesday 21 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Still watching ITV?

Can the Commercials is a campaign against Granada and Carlton, the two huge rich organisations who could stop half of English football from going down the pan if only they were to pay attention to the spirit of deals the entered into not the letter. Its worth thinking in this consumer society of ours about whether you still want to consume Granada and Carlton when they happily stick two fingers up at over 100 years of our history. See Can the Commercials for more.

PFA making expulsion threats

The PFA Mick McGuire has stated that he believes that the Football League should expel Bradford City should the administrator try to cancel any of the players contracts. It is doubtful that the FL would go down this road as the precedent that expulsion would set could lead to them losing 30 or 40 members this summer.

Continuing their barmy banter the PFA have stated that they, by which one takes it they mean that Bradford City players although the Bantams squad seem to have been forgotten by the PFA as it looks to duke it out with the club(s), will not accept a pay cut compromise but could be "flexible over payment of bonuses". Open would be amazed if any of the City squad that sneaked to 15th in the First Division dare ask for bonuses but the PFA do not seem especially interested in talking to the City squad.

A warning from Aldershot

BfB columnist Jon Blakely on why Administration is not a game. "I used to work at Aldershot football club, and used to go and watch them every Saturday when my YTS wages wouldn't get me up to Bradford every weekend. They died and I tell you to the very day before they stopped existing each and every fan thought it was a game, some sort of smoke screen to allow the club to come through stronger. They didn't."

Read Administration is not a game by Jon Blakely.

Club for sale today

City's administrators officially started taking bids for the Bantams following an advertisement in the Financial Times. The advert claims a "State of teh art 25,000 all seater stadium" and a catchment area of 2 million.

The administrators want all interest in City registered by the 31st of May.

2 Up Front shops closed

The Up Front shops in Dewsbury and Wakefield have been closed by the administrators. Geoffrey Richmond has always insisted that Up Front was profitable although has never stated that the two shops away from Valley Parade made money.

Grimsby next?

Grimsby Town are rumoured to be about to follow City down the path of administration.

Monday 20 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Benito speaks

Benito Carbone has issued a statement on the troubles at City. The Italian is "Concerned and upset" about the plight of City and stated that the only word he ever got back from Middlesborough was that his services were no longer required.

GR: I'm not quitting yet

Geoffrey Richmond denied weekend newspaper reports that suggested he had made up his mind that he would be leaving Bradford City. GR said "I need time and space to think about the future but I have not come to any decision. In no way, shape or form am I in the right frame of mind to decide anything yet."

BfB man James Ramsden takes a look at the situation that the Bradford City chairman finds himself in through professional eyes in his column Geoffrey Richmond and the L.A.W..

Plenty of blame to go around

BfB columnist Roland Harris disagrees with Geoffrey Richmond that the problems City face are the chairman's fault. Roland says There is plenty of blame to go around

PFA talks "fruitful"

The PFA have described talks with City on the prospect of the club tearing up players contract's as "fruitful" and described the meet as a "fact finding" mission.

Typically the PFA have not even bothered to contact the members before going into talks with the club but have promised to meet with skipper and PFA representative David Wetherall.

Sunday 19 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Half the City squad to be sacked on Monday?

With the administrators officially starting seeking a buyer for the Bantams on Tuesday the expensive Bradford City squad face a tense Monday as they find out who is for the axe and who will be kept at the club.

The PFA will meet the City squad on Monday to discuss the situation at Valley Parade, something Jonathan Jackson discusses in his column Time The PFA Woke Up And Smelt The Coffee however it does seem likely that the majority of the playing squad will be leaving the club. Eoin Jess, Andy Tod and Juanjo have all been linked with returns to Scotland over the weekend.

Further to that local rumour is linking Lewis Emanuel with a move to Huddersfield raising interesting questions as to whether if the club can begin tearing up player's contracts can player's whom are still wanted by the club respond in kind and walk away from Valley Parade despite still having a commitment to the Bantams.

The administrators are said to want to bring the club's wage bill down from the current figure to around £2.5m or less. BfB columnist Michael Wood casts an eye over the City dressing room in his article Why I will not cry when the P45s are handed out.

Greenarce deal off if it was ever on

Luton boss Joe Kinnear has stated that he will be trying to sign Chris Greenacre after, Kinnear says, his agreement with City became null and void.

Saturday 18 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law facing up to life after players

Nicky Law could be facing losing all but a handful of his first team squad when the administrators start terminiating contracts on Monday. Benito Carbone, Ashley Ward, Peter Atherton, Eoin Jess, Aidan Davison, Juanjo, Andy Tod and Robert Molenaar would be on many City fan's can do without lists. City could lose useful players such as David Wetherall, Andy Myers, Gary Locke, Gary Walsh, Jamie Lawrence and Wayne Jacobs but the core of Nicky Law's young team may remain by vitue of the fact that they were not signed on Premiership contracts. Dabby Cadamarteri, Michael Standing, Tom Kearney, Claus Jorgensen, Mark Bower and Lewis Emanuel all look safe from the chop.

Law has been through all this before at Chesterfield and is philiosphical on it. "Administrators have immense power and control everything- you can't even order a toilet roll without them knowing."

Shopping man Tariq lining up bid

Sharif Tariq, owner of Keighley's Cavendish shopping centre and Bradford home of all things "legit, honest" Cannon Mills, is believed to be interested in making a bid for City. Such a bid would be backed by "Wealthy Arab tycoons".

Friday 17 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Two buyers ready

The administrators have stated that they have already had two enquiries for the Bantams, both of whom are unconnected to the Club.

D+1

As Bradford City put football business back into the public eye our columnist looks at the state of affairs the day after administration in his column D+1

Law's job safe

The administrators have confirmed that Nicky Law will be retained by the club following a positive meeting.

An administrator speaks

Mike Moore, Joint Administrator of City, made the following statement today.

GR on where it went wrong

Geoffrey Richmond has pin pointed the time when his time at Bradford City went wrong. "I will never, ever, forgive myself for spending the money we did in the second year in the Premiership. Looking back now, it was six weeks of madness and I hold my hands up."

Season tickets to be honoured

Geoffrey Richmond believes that any new owner of Bradford City would honour season ticket's sold by the club. "I would say that any purchaser of the club that didn't honour these season ticket holders would have to be someone with a death wish as nobody would want to upset the very core of Bradford City support."

Law back

Nicky Law has returned from his family holiday in the far east to go back to work.

The players battle

Bradford City has come down to a bunch of administrators, nice fellas they maybe but I do not know them and a bunch of wretched PFA officials, bickering about the future of the players at City.

The administrators say "Expenditure at Bradford City significantly exceeds income and there will be some contracts that we are just going to have to abandon. As administrators, if we haven't got the funds we don't have to legally honour contracts that Bradford City entered into. We've got people looking at expenditure at the moment and I would think we will be making decisions in the next two, three or four days. A player whose contract is cancelled would have claims against the company. But as administrator, if I haven't got the cash to pay out then I'm not legally liable for those debts."

PFA chief executive Mick McGuire says "Our stance is simple - players contracts are to be honoured. We shall be looking to protect our members' positions as always. Under no circumstances will we allow contracts to be terminated without the agreement of the players concerned."

As usual the PFA shows signs of 1970s style union blockbusting. Should the PFA demand that the contracts of the likes of Benito Carbone, Ashley Ward et al are honoured then simply there will be no new owner for Bradford City and so no Bradford City. In the name of "protecting the interests" of the membership the PFA would be putting the 30 odd professionals at Valley Parade out of work. The PFA would win the principal, but that would mean little to the likes of Mark Bower who would be out of work having trained to be a professional footballer and having, no offence Mark, few other skills.

Project this over 30 league clubs and the PFA would see a staggering 900 jobs vanish, never to return. It is time that someone made the PFA rethink itself as a body to work for the players alongside the clubs rather than take the aggressive attitude it does not. At the moment the sole purpose of the PFA would seem to be to allow it's higher orders to preen on television and walk around the corridors of power with pomposity that belies the fact that they are head of a union that faces the single biggest crisis in it's history when around half of it's members face that prospect of being out of work during the summer.

Thursday 16 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Bantams for sale

Bradford City are in administration

Bradford City have gone into administration for the second time in the twenty years after the failure of ITV Digital and return of Benito Carbone made the club assess debts of £13m and losses of £5m a year.

Geoffrey Richmond, sounding very much like a man who is on his way out of Valley Parade stated "I fully realise that our supporters will understandably be concerned at the news that Administrators have been appointed by the High Court today. On the positive side the Administrators have confirmed that they will be seeking to achieve a speedy sale of the club. As promised in my Statement at the end of last week I will be calling a supporters forum for this evening to be held in the Banqueting Suite to commence at 8.00pm where questions will be answered on a face to face basis."

Read more about City in administration.

The forum

Geoffrey Richmond addressed around 500 City fans and a number of members of the press at a fan's forum at Valley Parade on Thursday night. Briefly this is what was said.

GR's final quote "I would not have missed it for anything in the whole world. I have lived the unbelievable highs and the unbelievable lows. You cannot have the highs without the lows. Blackpool, Wembley, Hull City, QPR, Charlton Athletic, Wolves and Liverpool saw the highlights and there were of course lows but I do not know where the journey goes from here. The next few weeks would tell that but whatever happens if there is a new owner I would be in the stand watching Bradford City."

Kudos to Kieran Wilkinson for keeping much better notes that I did.

A buyer near?

Suggestion at the press confrence at Valley Parade tonight was that the administrators had a buyer for Bradford City in mind and would appraoch that person soon.

Players to go

The administrators have stated "It will be necessary to terminate the contracts of many players". It is thought that the administrator is required to cut the wage bill below the income of the club. Premiership payees Benito Carbone, Ashley Ward, Peter Atherton, Eoin Jess and Andy Myers would seem to be first for the chop. Nicky Law, who is on holiday at present, will hope to keep the young team he was building at Valley Parade.

Evans to sign on Monday?

Reports are suggesting that Brentford midfielder Paul Evans will sign for City on Monday on a Bosman free transfer.

Evans is reported to have agreed terms with City recently adding further questions in the minds of Bantam fans as to what situation the club really is in. The UpFront cafe at Valley Parade is closed "until such time as the options available to the club in going forward are confirmed" [club statement] but if these reports are to believed, transfer negotiations continue.

Richmond misses FL meeting

Geoffrey Richmond, who was expected to raise the issue of Celtic and Rangers joining the First Division, did not attend the meeting of Football League chairmen in London on Thursday.

The question of GR's involvement at the Footballl League and other issue is addressed in Michael Wood's column What kind of chairman do we want anyway?

Banks takes over Reserves

Ian Banks has taken over running City's reserve side after Mark Prudhoe left the club to join Stockport. Prudhoes record with City's second string was not good.

Nolan wants payout

Waste of space full back Ian Nolan is claiming that City owe him money after giving him a free transfer at the end of the 2000-2001 season. "Bradford have been stalling all along the way" said Nolan, Nolan did nothing and should be ashamed to have drawn his £12,000 a week say I.

Wednesday 15 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

No Carbone interest

Geoffrey Richmond has revealed that there are no offers on the table for Benito Carbone and that the club could consider paying out a year's compensation for the player to save two years wage payments. Richmond said "(Compensation) is always a possibility, but we are trying to look at the bigger picture. There has been no interest in him whatsoever. The telephone hasn't rung but we shall have to wait and see what happens. It would be nice to get a call from Manchester United or Arsenal asking about him."

City chasing ZeeuwZeeuw?

Nicky Law is reportedly interested in signing Wigan's former Barnsley centreback Arjan De Zeeuw. The Dutch defender, a phrase that should already have alarm bells ringing at Valley Parade, is out of contract in the summer and wants to move back to the First Division. De Zeeuw, who was linked with City following promotion to the Premiership but choose the JJB Stadium over Valley Parade, is talking to three clubs about what he sees as "his last move".

At 32 it would seem that De Zeeuw would be a strange addition to Nicky Law's new "young" team and with David Wetherall named as captain and Andy Myers and Mark Bower both hoping for a place in the starting line up it would be an odd move to bring in another aging centreback. File under unlikely.

Your name on our shirts, sort of

We are hoping to put a new improved BfB online soon but have run into problems with our server people (Those guys that keep pulling the plug because we are getting too many hits). To solve the problem we are looking at moving to a different host who offers more features but costs more money. Dear reader, this is where you come in.

BfB are looking for a sponsor. You give us cash for our new server and you get to have your name and link in the corner of every BfB page, up there where it says "Bradford 2008, Back the bid", on a site that gets on a slow day 350+ Bradford interested web surfers looking at on average around two pages each. On a busy day, such as the day we signed Stan Collymore, we get twice as many readers as that looking at more pages. Over a week we get over 1,000 different people at the site, over a month around 1,600. We invited you to take a look at our stats and if you are interested, get in touch as we can do a deal.

BfB readers please note, this is a sponsorship deal only. Not annoying pop ups and not image banners. Think of it as you think of the JCT600 on the front of the shirt.

Tuesday 14 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

GR wants Celtic and Rangers (obviously)

Geoffrey Richmond will be pushing for Celtic and Rangers to be added to the First Division as soon as possible. The prospect of an easy sell TV deal, two bumper gates and 25 home games a season out weighing the fact that the Glasgow two are sure to get the two promotion places.

Meanwhile BfB columnist Jonathan Jackson takes a look at the financial crisis at City and backs GR saying Trust In The Big Man.

Jamie caps record hitch and plans for central midfield

Jamie Lawrence will not add to his record number of international caps for a City player against the USA in New Jersey on Thursday for Jamaica after his passport was stolen from his house in a break in. However Lawrence has had some luck having just become father to a daughter, Tiagh.

Speaking on his prospect for next season Jamie hinted at a John Barnes-esque move to inside midfield. "I think (Inside midfield) my best position, I don't want to be stuck out wide right, I like to be running at the heart of the team and getting more involved. You've got Tom Kearney in there now and Michael Standing will be around as well. I'm happy to play anywhere but centre midfield is the position that I think I can be most effective."

JJ talks, who listens?

Jim Jefferies has said that he loved his time at City but hinted that he could not do the things he wanted at the club because of the chairman. It would seem that Geoffrey Richmond stood in Jim's way when Jim wanted to spend the pots of cash that are laying around Valley Parade untouched and unused. Perhaps not.

Monday 13 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Evans keeping mum over Bantams move

Brentford midfielder Paul Evans is rumoured to have signed a precontract agreement to join City in June after it would seem the Welsh midfielder played his final game for the Bees in the 2-0 loss to Stoke in the 2nd play off final. Evans has made no official comment but the reports do correlate with rumours that BfB reported around three months ago that the player had interested Nicky Law.

Evans is a powerful holding midfielder with a gift for free kicks and a never say die attitude. Stuart McCall with a dash of Roberto Carlos perhaps.

Around that time City were also linked with a move for Peterborough's right winger Jimmy Bulland.

Combe: My first choice is Bradford

Alan Combe wants to join City despite the financial problems of the club. Said Combe "I want to go back to England and my first choice is Bradford. I've read about other clubs being interested but I want to join Bradford if I can... Hopefully something can be sorted out with Bradford. I loved it there."

Combe continued "Since Bradford's season ended and I came back here, I've been told to train when I feel like it. There's no chance of getting a game and not being able to play is rubbish. I played the first half for Scotland B recently but that's been it. I was waiting for the season here to end and then hopefully I can get something finalised. My agent spoke to Geoffrey Richmond but said there hasn't been an offer. I don't know if United want anything but I'd have thought they'd just like to get me off the wage bill."

Rangers and Celtic to the rescue?

Current thinking would seem to have it that the Football League will ask Rangers and Celtic to join the First Division in order to create a more marketable television product to sell during the summer, thus giving a much needed shot in the arm to ailing clubs such as City.

While for all manner of reasons I would rather not see the Glasgow two join the Football League I can see the merits in using the pair to sell a TV deal for next season. Of course the pair would take up both promotion slots to the Premiership and 50 games in a season is a ludicrous amount but that pay off, that is the fact that a good number of teams that face a bleak future should they not get a cash injection soon, is worth it.

The FL meet on Thursday and the issue will be discussed.

Business as usual as City relaunch the Junior Bantams

Admit talk of receivership and going bust business seems to be going on as usual at Valley Parade as City have relaunched the Junior Bantams. The fact that the club is making purposeful moves such as this do suggest that the financial situation at the club is more engineered than created out of desperation. Geoffrey Richmond will issue a statement later in the week on the future of the clubs finances.

Find out details of the new Junior Bantams from the Bradford City site.

Sunday 12 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law to carry on spending?

Despite the financial problems of the club Nicky Law is reported to be set to continue his plans for rebuilding the City squad with a bid for Rushden & Diamonds goalkeeper Billy Turley to back up Gary Walsh. Such a move would see City give up on signing Alan Combe after the Bantams £150,000 bid for the player was rejected.

Of course whether Turley would join a club that from the outside could seem to be in fairly dire financial trouble is debatable.

Ipswich down to the "local league"

BfB columist Roland Harris takes look at the relegation of Ipswich Town and the plight of City in his column Desperate times here and Suffolk.

Saturday 11 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

17 years

Over 200 City fans joined chairman Geoffrey Richmond, the Bishop of Bradford and members of the Fire Service in a tribute service to the people who lost their lives in the Valley Parade fire of 1985.

Administration talk

There is strong suggestion that Geoffrey Richmond and the Bradford City board is considering putting the club into administration to shield it from it's creditors as the financial side of the club is restructured.

While administration is not to be confused with receivership, that is it is not the club going bust, it does seem like a very drastic measure to solve a not unscalable problem. Should City's problems result in administration then one suspects half the football league will go the same way.

Friday 10th of May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Club not in danger as shares are suspended

Potential £10m loses caused drastic action

On Friday morning OFEX have suspended trading in Bradford City shares following the return of Benito Carbone to Valley Parade and the additional financial drains that has on the club. Speaking on the BBC Geoffrey Richmond stated that the club "Weren't going into administration." but "Have a fiduciary responsibility to take professional advice in respect of the options available to the Club going forward."-[from club statement]

Geoffrey Richmond stated "I will seek to ensure all season ticket holders and supporters interests will be fully protected. I wish to further reassure everybody connected with the Club that I, and all of the directors, remain committed to Bradford City."

"We are by no means the only football club experiencing difficulties. I am personally aware of a significant number of other Nationwide League Football Clubs who are experiencing financial problems, which will undoubtedly be revealed in the coming days, weeks and months. I believe that whatever our decisions are in the next few days as regards the way forward, Bradford City will emerge from its current difficulties in a stronger position."

Richmond concluded "We hope to be in a position, by the end of next week, to issue a full statement. In the interim period no further statement will be made. Finally, I would ask our loyal supporters, during this difficult period to rally round and keep faith. I will be calling for a Supporters Forum within a day or two following the statement which has been promised above in order to be able to further inform our supporters on a face-to-face basis."

At such a time it is easy for supporters to begin to draw conclusions on the future of the club, conclusions that could be misguided with the game at this level in unprecedented circumstances. It would seem that the club are looking at ways to emerge from the financial troubles before they go so far as the club's future is in danger but patently the directors pockets would can not be the only source of income for the Bantams.

In short Geoffrey Richmond needs to find a way to make City run in a profitable manner. Carbone's exit would seem to be the first step towards this. What the other are only time will tell. BfB's Michael Wood asks the question Has a boardroom split caused City shares to be suspended?.

Dedication and memorial services

The Valley Parade fire memorial to the Bradford City and Lincoln fans who lost their lives in the fire of 1985 will be dedicated in a service at the ground on Saturday morning at 10:00.

An hour later a service will be held at the memorial Centenary Square in Bradford City Centre.

Jewell: No McCall move

Paul Jewell has denied that Wigan are about to sign Stuart McCall as a player/coach.

Increasingly desperate Carbone now desperate for move home

Benito Carbone wants to return to Italian football following the breakdown of his move to Middlesbrough. It is rumoured that Torino, the club Carbone supports and first played for, will make a bid for Beni.

King in prison

Gillingham's Marlon King, on of our picks as the best players in the division last season, has been jailed for 18 months for handling stolen goods. Jim Jefferies bid £1m for King last summer but was quoted a price of £5m by Gillingham.

Thursday 09 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Southampton to snatch Combe?

Premiership Southampton look capable of snatching Alan Combe from under City's noses after Saints boss Gordon Strachan showed an interest in the keeper. City have had one bid for the player rejected with Dundee United wanting £150,000 for the player. City, the club that lashed out £2.5m on David Hopkin and smile as it gave Benito Carbone a £2m signing on fee only two summers ago should easily be able to afford such a fee but the end of the ITV Digital deal and other factors mean that that club no longer exisits.

The future for City, and for the majority of Nationwide League clubs, would seem to be pinching pennies while the Premiership lashes out.

Not that City fans should be too upset should Alan Combe not join the Bantams. Combe is an impressive keeper, but so is Gary Walsh and with the promotion goalie on his way back Nicky Law has the number one shirt covered.

Stuart takes first steps

Stuart McCall looks ready to take his first steps into football management with a coaching role under Paul Jewell and alongside Chris Hutchings at Wigan. If as expected the former City skipper signs a deal at the JJB Sports stadium it is likely that McCall will also play for the Latics.

"Distraught" Carbone still Boro bound?

Benito Carbone could still be on his way to Middlesborough despite the apparent breakdown of his move to the Riverside yesterday. Carbone comes back onto the Bradford payroll on Sunday but rumours have it that the Italian is open to further negotiations with Boro should they come back in for him.

Nicky Law viewed the Carbone situation philosophically saying "There may be somebody else out there interested in a player who's obviously proved himself worthy of playing in the Premiership."

City fan: You're great!

The police have praised City's fans behaviour. David Richardson, Chief Superintendent of Bradford South Divisional Commander said "I have been much impressed with the behaviour of Bradford City fans both home and away, the testament to this is the fact that only three people were arrested at away matches last season. I would thank the club and the fans for continuing to work with the Police in making Bradford City a safe, family orientated and friendly club."

All of which is stark contrast to the Millwall chairman's announcement yesterday that City fans, along with supporters of other clubs in the First Division, could be banned from the New Den because of hooligan problems. In short our house is in order the same cannot be said for Millwall.

Richmond: Iceberg

Geoffrey Richmond has warned City fans the that the breakdown of both the ITV Digital deal and Benito Carbone's move to Boro could hit the Bantams. Speaking of the problems club's face paying wages GR said "What we have seen so far is only the tip of the iceberg. This is going to cause great distress to virtually every club and it will hit Bradford City as hard as anyone."

Wednesday 08 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Carbone leaves Boro

Benito Carbone's move to Middlesbrough has broken down after the Italian and the Riverside club failed to agree terms. Carbone will play no part in Boro's final game of the season at Leeds having played 12 times and scored one for the Teesiders.

Carbone is thought to have attracted the interest of Spurs, Sunderland and Torino and does not look likely to return to Valley Parade for the start of next season. Carbone will start drawing his wage from Bantam coffers until he finds a new club.

While Carbone is highly thought of by City fans his outlandish wage is out of step with the trend of events at Valley Parade and the majority of supporters would be keen to see the talented striker move on sooner rather than later.

City to face Ayr and Hartlepool

Cty will play preseason games with Ayr United and Hartlepool United in the build up to next season. The Bantams will play another game in Scotland four days after the Ayr match, although the opponants for this game are as yet unknown.

Millwall considering away fan ban

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis is considering banning Bradford City supporters from attending a Bradford City game at The New Den following trouble after his side's defeat to Birmingham in the play offs.

There is scope for a huge article about hooliganism and the effects on the game here but one feels that the debate on football hooligans ran it's cause in the 1980s leaving simple conclusions one of which is that a club if Millwall cannot stage a football match for two groups of the general public to attend then they are going against the spirit of the game.

As supporters we should be afforded the right to watch our team wherever it plays providing we behave ourseleves. We do. If well behaved fans cannot watch football in the New Den for fear of the home fans then Millwall have no business calling themselves a football club or playing in the First Division.

Tuesday 07 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law rumoured to be close to Gray deal

Nicky Law is rumoured to be close to signing Nottingham Forest's Andy Gray on a free after the right winger was released by his club. 24 year old former Leeds trainee Gray, who was born in Harrogate, scored a single goal in seven starts for Forest last term and was freed from the City Ground on the first of May.

Gray moved to the City Ground at the start of early the 1998/99 season for £200,000. Andy is the nephew of Leeds number two Eddie Gray.

Wetherall appointed captain

As expected David Wetherall has been named City skipper following the departure of Stuart McCall. City fans will be pleased to see Wetherall confirm his commitment to City if only to put to bed the persistent rumours linking him with a move away from Valley Parade and to signal the point that Nicky Law intends to start with the player in his first eleven. Nicky Law said of his appointment"Dave is the obvious choice with his experience and good temperament. He leads by example."

City's new skipper said "Captaincy would be a great honour. It's going to be very strange for everybody to be around the club and not see Stuart. But nothing lasts forever, changes are being made and hopefully they will prove positive. First off, I've just got to make sure I'm in the side. There are lots of players vying for two or three places at centre-half. Mark Bower did ever so well when he came in, Andy Myers quite rightly won every player award and you will have Robert Molenaar and Peter Atherton coming back from injuries."

Wetherall continued "I need to come back in reasonable shape and be challenging for a place. I was thrown back in initially before I would have liked but with our situation then, it was almost a case of muddling through. What I need more than anything is a good pre-season to prove myself fully fit."

On City's prospects for next term Wetherall said "I keep hearing a lot of names who we might sign in the summer and we're being linked with the likes of Chris Greenacre and Michael Boulding. We need a good few players and numbers coming in. If the manager and chairman can get in some good quality then we have the basis of a team that are well capable of challenging next season. I played against Norwich and look at them in the play-off final now, thinking if they are there then we can certainly be next year. It all depends on the changes we make and the luck with injuries. After all the problems we had last season our luck is surely due to change. I'd like to think we have turned the corner."

OB going to Japan

Former City defender Andrew O'Brien will represent the Republic of Ireland in this Summer's World Cup. O'Brien joins a short list of former City players who have played in the World's greatest football event including Bobby Campbell and Stuart McCall. Steve Staunton, who spent two months on loan at City in 1988, is also in the squad.

Monday 06 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Tod deal dead

Andrew Tod will not be joining Hearts after the Tynecastle boss was told that he had to reduce his wage budget by £6,000. Tod returns to a bleak future at Valley Parade. He is far from Nicky Law's plans for next season and one would argue has not done enough to encourage any manager to try signing him in the time he was at Bradford City.

Chesterfield game

City will play Chesterfield in the opening pre-season game. The game was agreed as part of the deal that brought Nicky Law to Valley Parade. City will also play a tour of Scotland and games with Hull and Middlesbrough as Law plans to put his rebuilt squad through it's paces before the start of the season.

Friday 03 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni back at VP with Boro?

City will play Middlesbrough in a preseason friendly at Valley Parade on Monday 5th August 2002 six days after City face Hull City at Boothferry Park on the 30th. The game could see Boro bound Benito Carbone face his former Bantam team mates.

City will reveal other preseason friendly details on Wednesday.

Combe deal hitch #183

Dundee United manager Alex Smith thinks that Nicky Law is wrong to suggest that the Scots club wanting more than City's bid of £150,000 for Alan Combe is stupid because the player is on the verge of the Scotland squad, being Berti Voght's third choice keeper. Law would point out that Combe was also Dundee United's third choice keeper before he joined City.

Who could forget April, 2002?

We did. BfB's report for April 2002, the final month of the season.

New City boss by Tuesday

BfB will not be updating until Monday as we take a long earned break to see the In-Law's in Norwich (Premiership? Ha!). Please note that Paul Jewell walked out on City when we were in Norfolk, as did Jim Jefferies (sort of) and Nicky Law was appointed when we were there so expect new manager or some other huge City event then.

Thursday 02 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Law warns Boro

Nicky Law has hinted that should Middlesbrough not agree a deal with Benito Carbone soon the player may listen to other offers. "This may be the time when a few more jump on board and think they may get him." Sunderland and Spurs are also reported to be keen on Carbone.

Sharpe must take a pay cut

Lee Sharpe has been told that if he wants a contract at Grimsby he must take a pay cut. Sharpe was reported to be on between £8,000 and £10,000 a week at City.

Jefferies not planning Locke swoop

Jim Jefferies has denied that he is going to try sign Gary Locke. Locke has played for Jefferies at Hearts and at City.

Wednesday 01 May, 2002

Today's News by Michael Wood

Beni turns down Boro offer

Benito Carbone has turned down an offer of a contract to play for Middlesbrough with the length of the deal believed to be the sticking point. Carbone is known to want at least a three but preferably four year deal, Boro are thought to have offered just two.

Spurs and Sunderland are believed to be interested Carbone should he not sign for the Riverside club. Nicky Law has said that he would prefer to offload Carbone and his wage before the World Cup to allow for the resources taken up by Carbone to be used elsewhere. "Moving him on will go a big way towards where we need to be financially. We have to come back down to reality and what the other First Division clubs are running on."

Grimsby want Sharpe

Grimsby boss Paul Groves has admitted he is interested in signing Lee Sharpe who was freed by City at the end of the season.

The month by month news index.