Phil Parkinson

Five things Bradford City must do to reach the play-offs

Bradford have been on great form recently, going seven games unbeaten and rising to 7th in Sky Bet League One. 

However, what do they need to do to maintain this great form? Here, I look at five factors that are vital if Bradford are to keep up their recent form…

Keep the loanees:

Phil Parkinson has made very good use of the loan market this campaign, bringing in Reece Burke, Kyel Reid and Lee Evans. These players have been superb so far this season for The Bantams, with Burke and Evans now stalwarts in midfield and defence respectively. If they do lose these players in January, then it may be hard to replace them with ones of the same quality.

Find a consistent goalscorer:

Devante Cole made a superb start to his Bantams career but the goals have dried up recently and he was benched for Bradford’s 2-0 victory over Crewe at the weekend. James Hanson has scored a few, but Bradford still don’t have a truly reliable goalscorer. Find one, or turn Cole into one and they’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Keep Phil Parkinson:

Parkinson has long been rated as one of the better managers in the bottom two divisions after guiding the West Yorkshire club on two incredible cup runs and turning them round from League Two strugglers to a side who will be aiming for promotion to the second tier this season. Despite having some critics over his style of play, even from his own fanbase at times, Parkinson has led Bradford superbly since he joined in August 2011.

However, the club had to reject an approach for him from Sheffield United this summer and it is important to reject any further interest if they’re to carry on their momentum. Although there has been no confirmed interest in him from other clubs, it may not stay like that for long if his side continue to perform.

Win against the lesser teams:

Bradford have had a problem for a while of losing to ‘lesser’ teams, who you’d expect them to beat. Their results against the big boys of League One are usually to a high standard, so it is vital that Bradford continue to back this up with victories against lower teams, who you’d expect them to beat. This has been an important part of their recent run- they have beaten both Blackpool and Crewe, as well as taking four points from high flying Wigan and Bury.

Make Valley Parade a fortress:

City’s incredible season ticket price of just £149 and their Flexicard initiative were both well documented in the summer, with the West Yorkshire club selling over 18,000 season tickets. This means that they have incredible support for a third tier side, with Bradford fans often praised by travelling supporters. The Bantams must use this to their advantage this season, to help them push on towards the play offs. If they can get 18,000 fans behind them, Valley Parade could quickly become a very daunting place to travel. However, if they don’t and the fans get on their back, it will become daunting for City themselves.

Play well at Valley Parade and it becomes a fortress, making it a very difficult day for away sides.

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