Saturday 31 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Bantams make it hard but get first home win
Two goals from Ward, Grandchildren will be told of this day
City romped to a three goal lead over Rotherham before the Millers gave City a job to do with two goals. Ashley Ward, cropping up to get his second of the game, made the game sure with the Bantams fourth as the Bantams won 4-2 against Rotherham United at Valley Parade.
Friday 30 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Drinks on Wardy...
City's players are due to be paid for the first time since the end of May with the club due to come out of administration on Friday. Nicky Law, who will have little so say after games if he cannot praise the performances of his payless players, said "As far as I'm aware, everything's going to be OK. The PFA's helped the club with guarantees of a loan. The players have shown magnificent spirit though to go about their business for so long without being paid."
Remember to hate Ronnie Moore
City fans must not forget that had Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore got his way then Bradford City would not be playing the Millers on Saturday. Moore wanted us drumming out of football for being into a financial mess. One must always remember that no matter how well or badly Rotherham do Moore believes that success and failure in football should be governed by what happens on the balance sheet, not the football field.
Banks on bench
Steve Banks will start on the bench on Saturday after Nicky Law backed Aidan Davison after his recent displays. Robert Molenaar has been passed as fit and will come in for Peter Atherton.
Ward: Ipswich the best win since I arrived
Ashley Ward on the win at Ipswich "I think it was the best performance since I've been here. It was a night when you were proud to be in the team, especially when nobody in the whole country gave us a chance. In this division there is no harder place to go. The pitch was perfect for Ipswich to play their passing football but by the end they were reduced to pumping high balls in the box, we forced them out of that. What really sticks in my mind was the work rate which was phenomenal from every player."
Beni: I should be coming to England now
Benito Carbone came to the realisation that he had wasted a huge talent but as per Beni, placed his blame in the wrong place. The Italian said thet coming to Sheffield Wednesday aged 24 was "The worst mistake of my life" and concluded "I should have gone to England when I was 32 to end my career. Apart from being in contact with Gianfranco Zola and Fabrizio Ravanelli in the first years, nobody came from Italy to watch us play. We felt like we were living on the far side of the world."
Carbone is right of course. If his aim was to get Italy caps he made the worst move he could but perhaps Carbone should be asking himself questions as to why Inter were prepared to let him leave. The 14 year old Carbone was the most gifted player of his generation in a generation that included considerable talent. The fact that he was exiled to England was not the reason Carbone did not get International recognition, it was the fact that as young as 24 coaches had already detected that Beni was not making the most of his gifts.
Thursday 29 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Reserves get annual Liverpool spanking
City's reserves like to get a good pasting by Liverpool at least once a year and tonight was no exception with the Reds putting seven past the youthful Bantams who managed one in reply. Milan Baros score four, Neil Mellor, Gregory Vignal and Markus Babbel got the others with few people begrudging the returning German a goal. Criag Fishlock got City's goal with a low drive from 20 yards.
City sign Bolton keeper on loan
City have signed Bolton's Steve Banks on a three month loan to cover for injured Gary Walsh. It would seem that any move for Alan Combe is now off.
See you next season TK
Tom Kearney, who has been the highlight of City's season to date, will miss the rest of this term after it was confirmed that he has damaged his cruciate ligament. Kearney's contract expires at the end of the season so in theory he could have played his last game for the Bantams in the 0-0 draw with Grimsby in which he was injured however Nicky Law has told the talented midfielder that he will be offered a deal by the club.
Kearney's level headedness has been impressive since his start started to rise at VP and his acceptance of the downside of the game was no less measured. Kearney said "It's horrendous and my head is down at the moment but unfortunately these things happen in football. There are a lot of people worse off than me and I've got to be positive about it however long it takes to get fit again. I was made up for the lads when they beat Ipswich and I will be there on Saturday cheering them on. But it won't be easy because I'm kicking my heels when I'm off training for a few days let alone for months like this."
Michael Standing will take Keanrey's place in central midfield next to Paul Evans and already he has big boots to fill. City fans had accepted young Kearney as the new number four in the central midfield at Valley Parade, now Standing has that burden.
Atherton injured. Well you knew it was coming...
Peter Atherton injured his groin in the 2-1 win at Ipswich and will miss the next three weeks of football. He joins David Wetherall on the sidelines leaving City with a half fit Robert Molenaar, Andy Myers and Mark Bower to pick from in the central of the back four.
Three new faces for City's second string
City field three trialists against Liverpool in the reserve game at Odsal tonight. The three are one time Scottish under 21 international and former Coventry City Academy striker Jason Ashby, right back Steve Harrison who was at Carlisle United after being released by Middlesborough and left back Simon Francis who has impressed in recent Youth Team games and has been offered a scholarship.
Wednesday 28 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Patience rewarded for Combe as City look set to sign keeper
Alan Combe's patience waiting for City to put together a deal for the keeper the Bantams had on loan at the end of last season would seem to have been rewarded with indications that the Dundee United keeper is set to join City before the weekend.
Combe's joining would seem to point towards Aidan Davison leaving the club although his supposed destination, Grimsby Town, are settled on their keeper Danny Coyne but would like to move him on to save money.
City's number one Gary Walsh is undergoing a scan and may need an operation however even if Walsh does not require surgery he does not seem capable of playing a full season without injury and so if Nicky Law does not want to field Davison he needs another keeper and Combe, despite his dominative stature, fits the bill.
Law wants to keep Proctor for longer
Although he initially joined on a months loan it seems likely that City would like to keep Michael Proctor until the three month maximum for temporary transfers. Proctor, who is no stranger to long loans having left Sunderland all season for York last term, is having half his wage paid by the Bantams and today said "I've only been at Bradford a few days but I'm really enjoying it. They are a great bunch of lads and you could see the tremendous character of the team in the way they performed at Ipswich. Going to places like that is what the First Division is all about and to get the result was just brilliant. I couldn't have asked for more than to get the winning goal on my full debut. I was disappointed in the first half when I felt I should have scored at least one. But I was glad to make up for it in the end."
Proctor, whos goal at Ipswich should have launched a thousand "The Proctor Boys" headlines only we did not think of it until today, continued "I had a good time last season at York and learned a lot. But this is a real step-up and I couldn't have wished for a better start. We've shown what we are capable of and now it's up to us to start building on that result." Nicky Law was subtlety pleased with his new recruit saying "I thought Michael made the difference on Monday. He's bright and trying to make things happen."
Keane threatens Wetherall
Roy Keane's "ghostwritten autobiography" is out on Saturday and it name drops City's skipper David Wetherall in it's most infamous paragraph. Michael Wood thinks that Roy Keane should never be allowed to play football again.
Tuesday 27 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Arrogant Burley shown up by the gracious Law
Ipswich boss George Burley bristled with arrogance as he bemoaned his team's inability to beat a team like Bradford City. Burley, who should remember City finishing above his side once before after he had written us off, said "It was the kind of game we should really win, If we don't win them we are not going to get promoted, it's as simple as that."
In contrast Nicky Law remained humble and paid tribute to his players "To go to a place like Ipswich against the promotion favourites and to get a victory in the way we did epitomised our players spirit, They haven't been paid for 18 weeks and I cannot speak highly enough of them. Times are difficult, we just muck in and chuck in. We know there's no money and that we have to sell more players but just have to get our heads down and get on with it. I know we are hoping to come out of administration but we are not taking anything for granted."
Coventry game put back
City's game with Coventry City of September has been put back to an unspecified date owing to International call ups of which the Sky Blues have three and City have on, namely Welshman Paul Evans.
We happy few
Nicky Law faced up to two more injuries at Valley Parade saying "The squad is down to about 15 now and that includes a loan player. These injuries seem to happen every time we play but the lads keep bouncing back from it."
Should Law go out to strengthen his squad he will have to work within the £80,000 a year salary limit or as it is known at VP, the two Beni rule. Gordon Gibb said on Saturday "This salary cap is non-negotiable. Mercenaries need not apply."
Evans: Ipswich "A springboard for the season"
Paul Evans hopes to use the win at Ipswich to spur the City side on. Evans, who bent a freek kick into the Ipswich goal said "This has got to be a springboard for the season. It was a great place to get our first win and I thought we outplayed them and thoroughly deserved the points. After Ipswich hit six in their last home result they were probably thinking they would beat us because we hadn't won a game or scored many goals. It was nice to see a free-kick go in. I don't know about promising to score one but I've gone close a few times so far. What a great place to get it."
Monday 26 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
The team that can't lose finally win
City beat Ipswich 2-1 at Portman Road
This game was billed as an Ipswich scoring competition but a stunning free kick from Paul Evans and a smart finish from Michael Proctor turned the scoreline, and the pundits predictions, on their heads as City beat Ipswich 2-1 at Portman Road.
Athers and Cadders out
Peter Atherton and Danny Cadamarteri joined City's lengthy injury list. At this rate Juanjo will get a game.
Kearney gets a new deal despite lay off
Nicky Law has given Tom Kearney a big boost on the day he goes for a scan on a knee injury that could have ended his season after four games. Law confirmed the club's long term commitment to Kearney saying "We're in the process of trying to sort him out a new contract. But he hasn't got to worry about that, it's just important for him to get himself right."
Speaking about his midfield counterpart Paul Evans said "You could see Tom was in agony. We're all just hoping the news from the specialist isn't as bad as it sounds. The lads were saying that's just our luck with Jamie Lawrence and David Wetherall already injured and Andy Gray having to play with a broken hand. You don't expect that many injuries to come at the same time."
Law admits to striking problems
Nicky Law has admitted he is worried about City's lack of firepower "It's frustrating for everybody and you do wonder where our next goal is going to come from." Law is understood to be keen to take Kevin Davies on loan from Southampton.
Sunday 25 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
City waiting on Kearney news
Bantams are waiting with baited breath at news about Tom Kearney who has a suspected cruciate ligament injury that could rule him out of the season. Kearney, who has played less than 10 games for City since his signing from Everton, has come to encapsulate that many Bantam fans would like to see at Valley Parade. His hard working style and tenacious tackling have established him is a natural replacement for Stuart McCall in the number four shirt and in some ways the hearts of City fans.
Kearney looks set for a long lay off although the length of that injury will not be known until the midfielder has seen a specialist which will be doing over the weekend. BfB joins City fans in crossing fingers.
Mani under the knife
After missing Saturday's game Lewis Emanuel has had a knee operation. He joins fellow left back Wayne Jacobs on the sidelines.
Saturday 24 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Kearney out for the season
Midfielder damages cruciate ligament
Tom Kearney could miss the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate ligament during the 0-0 draw with Grimsby Town. Nicky Law echoed the thoughts of City fans saying "I am especially disappointed about Kearney. He is a big part of our set-up and if he has damaged his cruciate ligament, he will be out of action for nine months."
Where will we get goals?
City stalemate leaves lingering question
The toothless Bantams never looked like losing to Grimsby during the 0-0 draw but even with loan signing Michael Proctor coming on at sub you were forced to ask "Where will we get goals?"
Gibb gets tough
Gordon Gibb has set City a salary cap of £80,000 a year or around £1,500 a week.
Friday 23 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Sunderland striker joins on loan
City have signed 21-year old Sunderland striker Michael Proctor on loan. Proctor has only played once for Sunderland but spent forty games on loan at York City last season scoring 14 goals. He has also loaned at Halifax Town and Hvidovre of Denmark.
Forrest first team bound
Nicky Law's attempts to sign a striker on loan would seem to have come to naught with Danny Forrest being elevated to the first team squad for the games with Grimsby and Ipswich. Forrest who some, well me, rate as the best prospect to come out of City since Andrew O'Brien, has continued his good form for the reserves and juniors and could be blooded. Certainly if City's future is not in "sexy signings" then we must start to blood young players quicker than we have previously and see if they are able to make the leap from promising youngster to first team prospect.
Forrest is already lagging behind Everton's 16 debut boy Wayne Rooney by a year.
Herrera Forest bound
Nottingham Forest are chasing Esteban Herrera with a view to bringing him on loan to England for a season.
Law on Sod's Law
Nicky Law grimaced at the possibility of former trialist Rob Taylor playing against City with Grimsby tomorrow saying "It's Sod's Law that Bob will come here, play well against us and do something silly like score." Oh that Ashley Ward would be so daft.
Jorgi: Pick me please
Claus Jorgensen expressed his hopes that Nicky Law would give him a chance in the Bantams side tomorrow against Grimsby saying "What I want to do is perform for Bradford. After Nicky Law came in, he tried other players in the squad like me and I was quite happy with the way it went in the second half of last season. But for one reason or another, things have just turned round over the summer. But I'm trying to keep the transfer talk out of my head. I just want to work hard and convince the manager to start picking me again."
BfB cannot quiet get it's head around why Jorgensen, who played like some kind of Danish Paul Gascoigne towards the end of last season, has not started in the role Jamie Lawrence has been filling.
Thursday 22 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Law wants young old mate
Nicky Law is trying to sign former Chesterfield team mate Kevin Davies who has fallen out of favour at Southampton but has hit the usual cash stumbling block. Davies has hardly featured for the South Coast side since his return from a disappointing £7.5m move to Blackburn.
Law hopes to get Southampton to agree to pay the lion's share of Davies wages to get the striker on loan but the South Coast side are keen for the Bantams to put more of a contribution. It is understood that that is the state that the deal has reached. City are not in a position to offer more money owing the PFA dealings leaving the ball in Southampton's court.
Davies at his best combines physical power with pace and is an excellent player however word from the South Coast is that he lacks motivation. A fresh start would seem to be in order.
Jorgi turns down Luton
Claus Jorgensen has turned down a move to Luton and is hoping to stake a claim for the City side in the absence of Jamie Lawrence. Jorgensen has yet to feature this season.
Blake, Mills, Beagrie?
Nicky Law has confirmed that he is looking for two strikers and a left winger/left midfielder on loan.
Evans gets twenty
Paul Evans played the last twenty minutes of Wales 1-1 draw with Croatia on Wednesday night.
Taylor gets a crack at City
Rob Taylor, who was rejected after a trial with City during the summer, has signed a three month deal with Grimsby Town and will make his debut for the Mariners at Valley Parade on Saturday.
Windass freed
Dean Windass has been given a free transfer by Middlesbrough after Steve MacLaren told the forward that he no longer featured in his plans paving the way for a possible move back to City.
Windass would add a versatility to the City squad but could be out of the Bantams wage range.
Wednesday 21 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Law can loan
The Football League will allow City to bring in loan players although Nicky Law has said that the room for movement he has been allowed is "Not as much as he would have hoped for". Law has been trying to get Dean Windass on loan until the end of the season but it is thought that the league would prefer less of a commitment between City and the player.
It is now thought that Law will either only commit to Windass until Christmas or look to another player who would be paid less and thus could be kept longer.
Uhlenbeek signs
Birthday boy Gus Uhlenbeek has signed a one year deal with City saying "I've been playing in this country for about seven years and all my football in that time has been in the First Division. I'd like to think I know this level very well. That was why it was important for me to stay in the First Division after leaving Sheffield United. Bradford have made me feel very welcome and everything about the place has been superb - the boys, the manager and the people around the club. Looking around here you wouldn't know all the difficulties the club have had."
Nicky Law was pleased to get his man even if it is only for a single season saying "It's a big relief for us because Gus has done well and we wanted to keep him. We're obviously not in a great financial position but we've got him to the end of the season and we'll take it from there."
Lawrence in a nutshell
Jamie Lawrence summed up Stoke City away saying "I don't know how they disallowed Danny Cadamarteri's goal although we weren't helped by two or three of the worst misses I've seen in my life."
Tuesday 20 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Gray will play
Andy Gray has been told it will take four weeks for his broken hand to fix but that there is no reason for him to give up playing in the meantime. Magic Sponge man Steve Redmond said "He's broken the hand, but it's nothing we can't patch up."
Law looking for help as the midfield parts
The City boss has held talks with the Football League at their Preston headquarters to see if he could bring in loan signings (ie Dean Windass). Law said "We've got to see if we are allowed to loan players, and then of course we'll have to sit down and see if the finances are available. Losing Jamie is a massive blow and has left us really stretched. Midfield was an area where we looked to be all right but now we've lost Eoin Jess, Gary Locke and Lawrence all of a sudden."
Talking about the group of midfielders he had left Law said "We're left with Tom Kearney, Paul Evans and Michael Standing who have all got very limited experience of playing First Division football. Standing hasn't played at all yet because he needs to get fitter after his hamstring injury. He needs games but the reserves aren't playing this week so it makes it difficult. With the size of our squad, we can't afford to do massive amounts of training because we can't run the risk of any more injuries. It's virtually the same position as we were in towards the end of last season. We're three games into this one and already we have to wrap the players in cotton wool."
A year long loan of Dean Windass is thought to be Nicky Law's number one target but he is also thought to be interested in trying to get a loan deal for a striker with Newcastle's Michael Chorpra having been mentioned.
Monday 19 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Gray out for a month?
Andy Gray could need surgery on a broken hand that may rule him out of a month, however, should the hand only need to be put in a cast he will be able to play against Grimsby on Saturday.
Lawrence blow opens the door for Jorgensen?
Jamie Lawrence will be out until November after breaking his ankle in Saturday's game with Stoke leaving the door open for Claus Jorgensen to return to the City side.
Jorgensen was one of the highlights of the end of last season for the Bantams but has struggled to make the bench following the summer. He would seem to present a better option than using Danny Cadamarteri in midfield although could lose out to a returning Dean Windass should that rumour prove to have any truth in it.
Uhlenbeek needs a reality check
Gus Uhlenbeek may leave City before Saturday after turning down a final contract offer from the Bantams. Sayeth Law "We've offered Gus a contract and he's turned it down. We've made a revised offer and I don't think he's overly-impressed with that either. I would be inclined to let Uhlenbeek, who is an impressive player, join the 500 or so footballers who have no deals after the summer.
City are in no position to give in to players demands on wages. We must set a budget and stick to it, the club busting Benito Carbone deal coming from City starting the bidding and raising everytime the Italian got cold feet. 31 year old Uhlenbeek can try find himself another club. I would rather see junior Keith Brodie given a chance than see the Bantams take a first step back down the road that lead to £33m debts.
Bulls go back
The Bradford Bulls are returning to Odsal Stadium and rather like a lodger who does not tidy up after himself we will miss the money, but we were tired of finding his half eaten kebabs on the floor on a Sunday morning.
Sunday 18 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jamie broken ankle?
Jamie Lawrence will have a scan on his injured ankle which it is thought make be broken.
"Winner" on losing
Nicky Law did not have to look far for someone to blame after the 2-1 loss at Stoke with the players performance being pointed to "I couldn't believe the way we played, and gave away two stupid goals. You can't do that and expect to win games. You can make all the excuses you like, but we just didn't compete."
The man who appointed Law Geoffrey Richmond is under no illusions where his former manager's strengths are"Nicky's man-management is absolutely unbelievable with players who still haven't been paid since the end of April. I've a lot of faith and confidence in his ability. He finds grounds for optimism when really there is none, with him the glass is always half full. We had a fantastic relationship and if anything the troubles brought us closer together. I almost feel cheated that I don't have the opportunity to work and go forward with him. I'm absolutely 100 per cent certain that Nicky is a winner, a real superstar. That isn't a PR spin."
Richmond continued "Nicky is fiercely ambitious and the hardest working manager that I've ever experienced. There was no such thing as a night off for him - he wouldn't know the meaning of it. He had a great eye for talent and in other circumstances this summer we would have signed Thomas Hitzelberger from Aston Villa just before John Gregory left, got Alan Combe of course, Chris Greenacre and a young Australian called Paul Reid. Nicky also spotted Michael Boulding at Grimsby and was raving about him long before he started banging in the goals and getting noticed elsewhere. Of course he ended up joining Aston Villa with another three or four Premier League clubs also after him. Even with the very limited resources available he has brought in quality. Tom Kearney has looked fantastic, we haven't seen a lot of Michael Standing but there's no doubting his ability, and Paul Evans, Andy Gray and Gus Uhlenbeek have impressed already."
Saturday 17 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
The unbeatable beat themselves
City beaten 2-1 at Stoke
The Bantams have not won at Stock City's Legoland style stadium and two first half self-inflicted wounds made sure that run continued. City rallied well and got one back through Andy Gray in the last minute but the game ended 2-1 leaving the Bantams cursing a linesman's flag.
Windass back at Bradford?
The word aroun City is that Dean Windass will join City on loan until the end of the season. Cool!
GR going to get back
Geoffrey Richmond has indicated that he will try use his pound he sold City for to buy another club. Richmond commented "I will take another club, and I'll try to achieve there initially what I achieved at Bradford, but hopefully without the sad ending. That is my regret as I'm leaving it with the job half done not with it fully done. Leaving Bradford is a little bit like a bereavement. I feel very sad but I also feel very happy that the club's survived and it's in good hands going forward."
Friday 16 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood whos birthday it is today
Evo on stepping up and bending 'em
Paul Evans on the step up a division "That's when I've noticed the step up from Division Two. Last season they probably would have gone in."
Evans, who last faces Saturday's opponents Stoke in the play off final from Division Two last season said of joining City "I'm loving it up here. The lads have really made me feel welcome and despite all that has gone on there is a really positive feel about the place. This is a great stage to play on. It's a fantastic ground and it's Division One after all. I had spoken to one or two other clubs but after meeting the manager and the players here, I would have been stupid to have gone anywhere else."
City out of administration next week
Julian Rhodes has confirmed that City hope to be able to officially come out of administration next week "Great advances have been made from last Friday in terms of finalising the legal agreement. We are expecting it to be concluded imminently which may run into next week. But it nothing for the supporters to be worried about. There are no other issues other than the time it takes to finish off a complex agreement. Things are going backwards and forwards between lawyers but the situation hasn't changed."
Gordon Gibb spelt the issue out more plainly "The PFA and league situation is all fine-tuning now and legal paperwork. It's nothing for anybody to get scared about."
Law: Loadsagoals
Nicky Law believes that his City side, that has been unbeatable but has not looked like breaking any records at the attacking end of the field, has "loads of goals in it". Said Law "The two games so far could have gone either way. The level of commitment and competitive spirit has been first class. If we repeat that at Stoke and maybe get the rub of the green we could pick up all three points. I don't think we're a team that's got loads of goals in us, but if we work hard there I think we can get the right result." Loads of goals or Ashley Ward and Andy Tod up front. You decide.
Thursday 15 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Kids show the Bantam spirit but Mancs win 1-0
Ian Banks took a reserve team of mostly kids to play Manchester City's second string and while the home side won 1-0 with a goal from Shaun Goater after a mess up in the City backline. The Maine Road strike force of Goater and Jon Macken spurned many chances but City's young side held in there and can take credit from the match. City gave student Paul Thunderboots Gedman a run out up front and Michael Standing played a full game.
City Reserves: Aidan Davison, Claus Jorgensen, Mark Bower, Robert Morgan, Damian Francis, Juanjo, Michael Standing, Craig Fishlock [Tom Penford], Andy Lee [Liam Flynn], Paul Gedman [Keith Brodie], Danny Forrest.
What's this 'ere then? Rozzers feel Tricky Trev's collar
Crystal Palace reserve keeper Alex Kolinko has gone to the police about the slap over the back of the head he got from Dickensian I'll beat my boys if I wish boss Trevor Francis. The unrepentant Francis said "I was very disappointed by their goal and when I turned around I saw Kolinko laughing, so I cuffed him around the ear and then I sent him to sleep in the dark room where all the naughty boys have to sleep, deep in the cellars with tha rats!" We made that last bit up.
The Police will talk to Mr Francis but are unlikely to charge him.
Atherton so glad to be back
Peter Atherton enjoyed his time in the sun after starring role he played in the 1-1 draw with Palace, his first game back from a year long injury "It's been a long, long time and very difficult for me trying to get over hurdles. But this is the place I want to be and hopefully it's the start of better things to come. Hopefully David [Wetherall] will be fit for the weekend because if we've got everybody fit, we've got a good squad here. A full squad will mean good competition for places and that can only benefit Bradford."
Atherton echoed the BantamspiritTM that has marked City's two draws this season saying "The lads here are a great bunch who are all prepared to work for each other. We've been through a lot this summer. Obviously it's all been well publicised but we've stuck together through everything and hopefully it will now show dividends on the pitch."
Wednesday 14 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Jess gets debut goal
Eoin Jess scored on his Nottingham Forest debut to give his new side a 2-2 draw with Preston.
Wetherall out for Stoke trip
David Wetherall is expected to miss Saturday's trip to Stoke with Peter Atherton ready to fill in again. Ashley Ward will continue as captain in Wetherall's absence.
Law trying to sign Uhlenbeek
Nicky Law is hoping to agree a deal for Gus Uhlenbeek after the Dutchman impressed in two games fofr CIty thus far. Law said "We've got first option on him and I'm hopeful we will go some way to securing his signature. He's been a big plus in the two games and will be sorely missed if we didn't have him."
Law: "I can't praise them highly enough"
Nicky Law was quick to praise his payless wonders after the second good result in three days saying "Against the odds we've done it again. I'm envious when I look at the number of players teams like Palace have but the 18 lads in our dressing room don't know how to get beaten. They are there to the death from the start to the finish and I can't praise them highly enough. They've got a great spirit which we've tried to instil in them and the two performances this season are what these lads are about."
Law continued "We played on Sunday, had a four-and-a-half-hour journey down to London on Monday night and then went out and played as well as that. Wolves and Palace are both expected to be up there and I don't think there has been a lot of difference in the teams."
Law concluded "I'm disappointed not to have won it and disappointed with the goal that we gave away. Yet again though, we've played another side who've chucked plenty of money at it but we've gone in there, dug in and taken the lead. I can't give the lads enough credit, but I'm disappointed for them they couldn't hold on for the win."
Francis on the fracas
Tricky Trevor Francis laughed off his sending off from the bench during the 1-1 draw which saw the former QPR boss clip one of his subs around the ear for laughing as Andy Tod scored.
Francis spoke about the diffrence between his Crystal Palace players and the Bantams "Sometimes difficult situations can galvanise a group of players and that is what we've seen with Bradford."
Atherton shows the new Bantam spirit
Nicky Law singled out Peter Atherton as showing the new spirit that is around Valley Parade saying "That's his first game for more than a year. It was a big blow losing David but Peter was superb, although he probably won't be able to walk for the next couple of days he'll be so stiff, but he was magnificent. He just epitomised the spirit we've got in the club."
Tuesday 13 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
City to take a back seat at the League
Bradford City's days trying to fill a chair at the top table of the Football League are over as new chairman Gordon Gibb stated "I'm glad to be focusing on football again and I've had enough of football politics over the past couple of weeks to last me a lifetime. My major priority is Bradford City Football Club and I'm not looking any further afield than that."
Gibb beat a drum for his new side after seeing Sunday's performance saying "Prior to kick-off on Sunday I would have said an acceptable aim for the season would be maintaining First Division status. But after seeing a team that are supposed to be the best in the league and how we coped with them, we've got nothing to be afraid of at all. I'm not tipping Bradford as Premiership hopefuls just yet because this is a fast-moving industry when perceptions can change on the blow of a whistle or raise of a flag. But if you'd come from Mars to watch the game on Sunday you wouldn't have known which team were tipped to go up and which ones have been regarded as lucky to survive. It was certainly a moral victory.
Gibb concluded "It's been a very tough summer and I'd like to thank the fans for supporting us through it. Now they can cement their backing for the club and wear their shirts with pride again."
Gibbs number two chief executive Julian Rhodes, who will run the club on a day to day basis with Shaun Harvey described his role at City with wry smile "My role is to ensure that financial disasters are a thing of the past. Effectively all our money is tied up in the club. The next two or three years will be tough and I don't think we will be signing any Italian footballers."
The midfield that speaks for itself
Tom Kearney has paid tribute to his two partners in what will surely be known as City's dogs of war midfield (Although a quick poll of the BfB office suggested that Hard buggars and Jamie would be a better description) "Paul Evans is a good player, he's got an old head on him and knows the game. I think we help each other along, it works both ways and Jamie Lawrence is always in there. It's good for team spirit because you've got to work for your place and everyone feeds off each other."
Egil time again
Blackburn Rovers have reportedly had interested from a mystery First Division club re: frequent City target Egil Ostendstad. It is unlikely that the Bantams would move for the player given the cash problems but should a deal ever be struck to take Ashley Ward away from Valley Parade the big Norway forward is the very type of player that the Bantams would be looking to bring in.
Monday 12 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Pretenders to the throne
City back in action with 0-0 at home to Wolves
No first day nerves for a City side that got a good draw with a decent Wolves side thanks to the new midfield fulcrum of Tom Kearney and Paul Evans.
Gibb arrives
Gordon Gibb was greeted with warm applause after confirming that he would take over from Geoffrey Richmond at Valley Parade after buying the club from the former chairman for a single pound. Gibb has promised a steady policy towards the club and it's finances. Julian Rhodes, who at 32 is a good six years older than Gibb, will take the day to day running of the club. The two will discuss the purchase of City at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
Stuart sees the future
At the end of last season few would have predicted that Stuart McCall would be sat in the Sunwin Stand and Goeffrey Richmond would be no where near Valley Parade yet while the former chairman watched the match on SKY City's legendary skipper viewed proceedings as a representative of Sheffield United scouting future opponants. What he saw, the double McCall of Tom Kearney and Paul Evans, will have assured City's old number four that the more things change at Valley Parade the more they stay the same.
One wonders what note Stuart will have made against Jamie Lawrence as left inside midfielder?
Law: We need to get better up front
Nicky Law praised his side after the draw with Wolves saying "If we keep performing with that endeavour, we'll not get beaten too many times. Gary Walsh made some good saves but we had some decent chances too and as much as the play as them. Maybe we could improve in the final third though. I thought Gus [Uhlenbeek] was excellent, Andy [Gray] did ever so well and Paul [Evans] did well too in the middle. I was pleased with everyone though; the back lads were excellent and Wardy worked endlessly."
Gibb "Delighted" with display
New Chairman Gordon Gibb was quick to praise his new team after the draw with Wolves "I'm absolutely delighted... There's nothing to be afraid of this season if that's going to be the level of commitment. I think what we saw was a group of players who've developed some real strength in depth as a result of some off-the-field political problems. Nicky Law's kept them focussed on the job; the only continuity these guys have had this summer has been each other and that showed in the team strength."
Getting the hang of chairman speak Gibb continued "If you believe the bookies Wolves have already got it won this season but I beg to differ today after performance. Bradford City sent shockwaves out there too; they've told everyone that we're alive and well and we're going to be in with a shout this season."
Law on Wetherall's booking
Nicky Law was not impressed with David Wetherall's 13th minute booking for being shouted at by Wolves' Nathan Blake "We all know David Wetherall and that's not David Wetherall to get booked for dissent, he said at half-time he never said anything to the ref. Thankfully it was a live game on the telly and everybody else can see for themselves that the situation was so unfair."
Kearney: We deserved it
He of the level head Tom Kearney summed up City's attitude after the draw with Wolves "We would have taken a point before the game, the odds were stacked against us with everyone saying that Wolves were going to walk it but we stuck together and did well and I felt we deserved the result."
Sharpe end?
Lee Sharpe will play for Exeter City on a pay as you perform basis. Sharpe hopes to join the American MLS in january.
Friday 09 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Trio sign
Paul Evans, Andy Gray and Gus Uhlenbeek have all signed for City with Evans putting pen to paper until 2006 and Gray until 2005. Uhlenbeek has joined as a non contract player until a deal can be sorted out.
It's getting close now...
The new season begins on Sunday and we reflect on the fact that we chose to be here and look at City player by player to see who's who and who needs to do what in 2002-2003.
Thursday 08 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Gray waiting to sign
Andy Gray has confirmed that he would like to sign for City before the weekend to allow him to play in the opening game against Wolves. The man who got City's goal of the season (so far...) on Monday night said "It's been a bit strange with all that's been going but we've just tried to block it out and be positive. Now it's just a matter of tying things up before the Wolves game and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that will happen. I've had a few offers elsewhere but I've always hoped it will happen here. They are a good set of lads, despite all that has gone on, and I've felt at home right from the start. I really feel I've come to a big club and if we can keep most of the players then I think Bradford have the potential to do well."
Gray continued "This is a great opportunity to kick-start my career which has been stop-start since leaving Leeds. Hopefully I can come in here and hold down a regular place and show what I am capable of. The last few weeks have not been easy because it's always at the back of your mind that something bad might happen. The three of us are in the same position as the rest of the lads and if the club were to go under we would lose our jobs."
Nicky Law has been duly impressed with Gray and fellow trialists Gus Uleenbeek and Paul Evans saying "The trialists have all shown great commitment and desire and all credit to them. They've taken a risk coming here with the uncertainty surrounding the club's future and hopefully we can get them all signed."
Gibb: We need to do a deal
Gordon Gibb has just over a day to come to an agreement with the PFA that will allow City to cross the final rubicon to start the new season. The league's youngest chairman is confident of his abilities to broker a deal saying "We have to come to a formal agreement (with the PFA) although we believe that we've reached an agreement in principle. We need to sit down and they need to know a little bit more about me. I'm sure they're looking for assurances to represent their members' interests. I understand that and I'm sure I can give them those assurances. Hopefully the future will be bright as of Friday 1600 BST. We are not there yet but we made a giant leap forward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the PFA for their ongoing support. We are fairly confident and hopeful that we will be able to cement our agreement in principle with them."
Wednesday 07 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Gibb: No sex before the books are balanced
The youthful new City top bod Gordon Gibb has said that there will be no major signings at VP for at least three years. "I would love to give a sexy player acquisition plan but the financial constraints are obvious. I apologise to the fans in advance but they will understand, understand and accept a conservative spending plan. We hope to give the club a viable, commercial future and initially that does not involve high-spending. What attracted me to Bradford City is that it is a regional business like the one I operate. We hope to attract a large number of spectators. We want families to come and support the club and will provide the facilities for that."
All of which talk is fine with us at BfB who are heartily sick of sexy signings who shagged the club and left us with no self respect in the morning. Tom Kearney cost the club nothing and does not take home tenth of what £1.5m pile of arse Ashley Ward gets. If Mr Gibb wants to go more for the former style of signings than the latter we shall not complain.
Nicky Law is hoping to talk to Gordon Gibb about signing up the trialists that he has had at City in the last month. Gibb paid tribute to Law saying "I would like to congratulate the manager on the job he has done in keeping his attention focused on the playing side of the equation. We need to get to know each other and each other's ambitions for the future."
Rhodes takes chief executive role
Julian Rhodes appointed will be appointed the new chief executive of City when Gordon Gibb becomes chairman.
Combe to Luton
Alan Combe is believed to be set to sign for Luton should City not make a move for him before the weekend.
Tuesday 06 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
The end of an era as Richmond steps down
"I believe that the supporters of this club are split and I believe that while I am here the fans will remain divided"- Geoffrey Richmond today.
Geoffrey Richmond has resigned as chairman of Bradford City after eight years where he has taken the club to the Premiership and Wembley and into the high court and administration. Speaking as he prepared to leave Valley Parade Richmond said "I believe that the supporters of this club are split and I believe that while I am here the fans will remain divided. I don't believe that would be good for the club going forward. I have always said if such a day arrived when I lost the confidence of a significant number of the supporters of this club that it would be the right thing for me to walk away. I believe that time has now arrived."
BfB will have no obits for Richmond, he is alive and kicking and frankly too much has been said for years about the merits of the man but as a closing thought as he hands over chairmanship of the club to Gordon Gibb of Richmond I would say this: He made my dreams for City come true.
Gibb new City chairman
Gordon Gibb will become the chairman of Bradford City taking over from Geoffrey Richmond. Gibb will also take up a 50% share of the club although which 50% is is unsure. Confirming Gibb's taking over at City Geoffrey Richmond said "Negotiations are ongoing with Gordon Gibb and are at an advanced stage with a view to him taking over as Chairman of Bradford City Football Club and becoming 50 per cent shareholder. These negotiations are subject to a successful outcome of this morning's meeting at the Football League and these negotiations are expected to be completed by Thursday of this week and I will at that stage depart from Bradford City Football Club."
City back in the league
The Football League officially welcomed Bradford City back into the league on the proviso that the deal between City and the PFA and Gordon Gibb and the Bantams go though before this Friday. Football League spokesman John Nagle said "The League Board of Directors were extremely impressed by the presentation it received from the club and provided the necessary requirements are now met the club will be in a position to start the new season."
Jorgi on trialists
Claus Jorgensen talked about the contribution of Paul Evans and Andy Gray to City's preseason saying "The lads who have come in have done really well, We're a friendly bunch but it must have been hard for them to hang their hats on Bradford with everything that has gone on. "
JJ on getting Locke back
Jim Jefferies sounded pleased to have his "son" Gary Locke back along side after the midfielder's move to Kilmarnock was all but rubber stamped with the one time City boss saying "Gary was a bit reluctant to come back to Scotland but he has been gradually persuaded. England is a great stage to play but with the situation at the club it couldn't go on. I've been pursuing him for a while and having worked with him before it has helped. Until the time I left Bradford, he was probably the player of the season there and they were the chairman's words. He trained with us yesterday and we're hopeful it can be sorted before our game at Dundee United on Saturday."
Jess off at least
Eoin Jess is expected to finish pulling the wool over the eyes of Nottingham Forest and sign up to play for three months but get paid for a couple of years later today. Nice work, if you can get it but frankly I will take Angel look-alike Andy Gray any day.
Monday 05 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
City look ready
1-1 draw with Boro as Bantams gear up
Out of the summer of nothingness emerged a Bradford City side that looked prepared for the season ahead. These Bantams do not look like world beaters but they look ready to scrap like a team who wants to beat the world. Read more...
Locke goes back to Daddy
The BfB season preview was very optimistic about Gary Locke. It was going to say hoe great it would be when the central midfielder moved out of the shadow of Jim Jefferies and got known as a player in his own right. It was going to praise Locke for having the courage to go it alone and it was going to suggest that Locke was akin to a boy moving away from his father's shadow to establish himself in his own right.
Gary Locke is going to Kilmarnock to join Jim Jefferies perhaps because he does not feel he can stand up on his own. How knows, how care? Paul Evans is a replacement in waiting and Tom Kearney deserves a chance to have the central midfield role because unlike Locke both of these players have shown a desire to play for City and be judged on their own merits.
Gary Locke, truly disappointed.
Jess off at last
Eoin Jess was not going to be in the BfB preview as we hoped his move to Nottingham Forest would go through. If it does not the preview will read. Eoin Jess needs to look at the level of commitment he puts into playing for Bradford City. He is talented but is too often prepared to put in less one week than he has another and after a summer of sweating on money I am damned if Bradford City should pay players who will not give their all.
Eoin Jess, talent wasted.
Saturday 03 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Fizzless Bantams draw with Farsley
If the 7-0 pounding of Bradford Park Avenue was City getting back into party mood this 1-1 draw in which Ashley Ward missed a penalty was City suffering a fairly bad hangover.
The Bantams never fizzed despite the running of Danny Cadamarteri weho saw his speculative effort deflected in to give City thier only goal of the game.
Rhodes: GR stays
Professor Rhodes has indicated that he would prefer Geoffrey Richmond to stay on as Bradford City chairman. Richmond had indicated that he would quit City should the supporters be against him.
Combe to sign
Dundee United kicked off their season with Alan Combe not even included on the bench and expected to begin talks about joining City within the week.
Friday 02 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood
Richmond: I may not be chairman
Geoffrey Richmond has indicated that once City's survival is assured he may step down from the position of chairman that he has held for the past eight years in the hope of reuniting the fans behind the club. Speaking today Richmond said "The survival of the club is what I have been personally working towards because I had a moral responsibility to do all that I could to ensure that the club survived. In the event that that comes to pass then it is my intention to sit down and speak with the Rhodes family and discuss where we go from here."
Richmond addessed the issue of City's supporters saying "It may well be that the fans are divided and there is a significant element of those supporters for who I am the issue and, in that case, I would not want to stick around to the detriment of the club, I am not a quitter - if I had been then I would have quit three months ago. However, if I feel that the club would have a clearer way forward with the fans united rather than divided, and that I might be a hindrance if I stayed, then I would do the right thing. I wouldn't want to walk away completely but under those circumstances I would just attend the matches as a supporter."
Professor Julian Rhodes has indicated that he does not want the role of chairman which would leave of the three board members Rhodes' son David to take over over the big chair at Valley Parade.
Evans, Gray & Uhlenbeek in. Davison and Jess out
Now that City have put the financial problems to one side Nicky Law is looking to sign Paul Evans, Andy Gray and Gus Uhlenbeek after all three impressed on trial. Eoin Jess is expected to join Nottingham Forest within the week and Aidan Davison will be rejoining Grimsby as soon as Law can move him on.
Law is still thought to be keen to bring in Alan Combe from Dundee United. Speaking after the 7-0 last night Law said "I know there will not be a lot of finance at the club this season, Back at the club they have probably got a lot more to worry about at the moment than me wanting to sign players, but we will have to sort something out soon. I will be hoping to have a meeting with the chairman next week to work out what we can do and what is available. I know there are some quality players still out there and I will be looking to bring some in when I know what the options are. I have been impressed with Andy, Paul Evans and Gus and we will have to see what we can do."
Myers: Wonderful to be playing again
Andy Myers spoke for the City squad after the win over Bradford (Park Avenue) saying "It is wonderful to be playing again. It has been an awful week, a real emotional rollercoaster. There were times when we really thought it was all over and the club would disappear. There have been a lot of up and downs recently, I think I could see it has been my toughest week as a professional footballer."
Myers continued "All we ever wanted to do was play football and now we can do that, We are just going to try and put this behind us and get back to work and preparing for the game against Wolves next week. It was great to get a big win tonight, it has been a real boost for confidence."
Wetherall: The nightmare is over
David Wetherall got back to business as City's new skipper "We can now get back to our jobs as footballers. It has been really tough over the last few weeks for everyone involved with the club. The nightmare is over."
Ipswich to follow CVA path?
BfB has heard that Ipswich Town, who are to play in Europe this season, are considering following City into administration and would hope to get out by creating a similar CVA style agreement with it's creditors.
Thursday 01 August, 2002
Today's News by Michael Wood. Match report by Roland Harris
The greatest victory
Bradford (Park Avenue) 0 Bradford City 7 [ s e v e n*]
Out of business in the morning, thumping the local rivals in the evening. Typical Bradford City fan day.
The CVA is passed, what now for Bradford City?
Bradford City's creditors voted to pass the CVA that will allow the club continued existence in a meeting at Valley Parade this Thursday morning. City now have ten days to prepare for a season that many thought we would never see.
The next stop for City is a Football League meeting with eight chairmen, three of whom have been hostile to City over the summer, who will approve the Bantams membership of the league next season. With the creditors happy this should be a formality.
Geoffrey Richmond and the Rhodes family will officially return as chairman and the (slimmed down) board of Bradford City although under the terms of the CVA they will have the former administrators as appointed monitors who reserve the power to have the club liquidated should they feel that the creditors who agreed to the staggered payments of the CVA not be liable to receive payments agreed.
Those payments breakdown to 40p in the pound of debts that were paid at around 10p in the pound today should the club get promoted to the Premiership in the next five years and a further 40p should the club enjoy a second season in the top flight.
BfB editor Michael Wood offers some food for thought as City emerge for the misery of administration as he asks the question What kind of Bradford City do you want anyway?
Ronnie Moore calls for City to be thrown out of the league
Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore is not pleased with City being saved saying "We could have a Weatherall if we just paid what we fancied then tore up all the debts when it was all over". BfB's Jonathan Jackson asks the Millers boss Show Us Some Dignity Mr Moore
What now for the squad?
City are expected to cut costs in the squad with £18,000 a week Ashley Ward looking like the first to go. Nicky Law will be given a remit of ridding the club of it's higher earners, who almost to a man do very little to justify those wage packets, and swelling the squad with talented youngsters such as Tom Kearney. Frankly, we should have been taking this approach years ago. Law may also be tempted to rid the club of the eight who decided not to play against Hull City on Tuesday night. Few Bantams fans would cry if he was to exile all those players not least of which would be our own Roland Harris who says Let's make sure we do it right this time.
How City was saved
There seems to have been two key agreements that saved Bradford City. The Benito Carbone deal, which came when Geoffrey Richmond reportedly begged the players to phone their team mate and ask him to move to Como to save the club, that took the costly Italian off the wage bill and the 11th hour deal that will see the administrators have more of a say in the club for the next three years and the sum of a £1m be paid to creditors. The latter deal, brokered when Geoffrey Richmond, will see the creditors get 70% of any settlement from ITV Digital.
Professor Rhodes speaks
Breaking the silence thathas marked his time involved with Bradford City Professor Rhodes spoke about his commitment to the Bantams "My personal wealth has dwindled somewhat to such an extent over the last few months that the pressure has come in several ways, Not only have we had to solve the residual problem left behind financially but also we had to fulfil the obligations of the C.V.A. I never intended when I invested in the club to see a return. I want the club to do well; the City of Bradford deserves a good club. What has been apparent over the last few months is there aren't many people who want to do anything about it. Not many people were willing to commit and I suppose without my input there would be no club."
Quote, Unquote
The Administrator said
Neil Brackenbury, joint administrator: "Today's meeting was an important step towards securing the future of Bradford City Football Club and we are very pleased that our proposal has gained the support of creditors. We were confident that the proposal would be approved as it provided the best returns to creditors and was the only way to secure the future of the club. Whilst there is still some way to go, today was a massive step towards ending the saga for Bradford City, its players and its fans. Our next step is to meet with the Board of Directors of the Football League next week to obtain its agreement that Bradford City remains a First Division Football League club. The Administrator and everyone involved have worked very hard to get to this point and we would like to thank everyone for the support and patience that they have shown us. In particular, we would like to thank the fans who have been forced to watch this saga unfurl from the sidelines. Today is a good day for Bradford City fans and also football in general."
The Chairman said
Geoffrey Richmond, Bradford City chairman: "We have effectively received 100 per cent support from the creditors and I am absolutely delighted that we have come through this. However, we still have to get the rubber stamp from the Football League so we should see what has happened today as part one of our campaign to save the club. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't get the league support but the champagne remains on ice at the moment."
Richmond continued "We can all have recriminations and arguments about the past but that will achieve absolutely nothing whatsoever. If that happens we will probably see the club blow up. This is a time to work together."
Speaking about manager Nicky Law Richmond said "At times he must have felt very low and wondered what was going to happen, but he has remained very, very positive throughout. He has been a breath of fresh air and one of the very few bright spots during what has been a really awful three months."
The manager said
Nicky Law, Bradford City manager: "Of course this is great news. We can now get on with our jobs which is preparing for the start of the season on August 11. I will be sending a full squad out tonight against Bradford Park Avenue as we get on with the serious business of playing football. I can now get back to my real job which is being the manager of a football team."
The Fans Representative said
John Dewhirst, BfB columnist and now fans' representative on a new three-person creditors' forum: "The next hurdle is to make this work over the next 24 months. We have to give a united front both as Bradford City supporters and as Bradfordians to secure the future of this football club. Today is the first hurdle and there are going to be many more. [Had the CVA not been passed] We would be taking another step towards taking Bradford off the map. It would have massive consequences."
The Fan's Man said
Dave Pendleton, former editor of the City Gent Fanzine: "Now I just want to get to the first game of the season and get back playing football."
The Council Leader said
Margaret Eaton, Bradford Council leader: "This is obviously very good news and I'm absolutely delighted, This presumably means that the club will be able to carry on and concentrate on getting on with the new season. It is something so positive. I think everyone has been hit with a sense of "watch this space" for the past few weeks and wishing that something could be resolved. Thankfully, it has and it is great news for the city itself and the Capital of Culture bid. The city of Bradford needs to have a professional football club."
The Football League said
A Football League spokesman: "The Football League board of directors will now consider Bradford's position at a meeting on Tuesday. The criteria they will take into account will be the full settlement of the club's footballing debts and their ability to fulfil their fixtures."
The Millwall chairman said
Theo Paphitis, Millwall chairman : "It's great news for football. It would have been strange to only have 23 teams in Division One this season. We look forward to playing them."
No money from ITV Digital
The Football League has failed to win any funds from ITV Digital in respect to the final two yeras of the defunct TV deal.
The month by month news index.