The Background
Last season was a strong finish for the Bantams after going up as the Play-off wildcards. 11th place was lower than some fans expected though after a blockbuster start for City. A 2-2 draw with Bristol followed up by a 4-0 win against Carlisle saw them only lose one game in 10 including a 4-0 win over Brentford at home and a 2-0 over local rivals Sheffield United.
This run was then broken though and saw them go through a run of 20 games in the league where they hadn’t won apart from a 3-2 victory over MK Dons in the middle.
The departure of Nahki Wells in January was a hard blow for Bradford and saw the arrival and introduction of Aaron McLean shortly afterwards who took a while to get going. Adam Reach joined up on loan from Middlesbrough and had a significant impact in which Bradford enjoyed
a solid end to the season with other loanees featuring such as Kyle Bennett until the last game where they relegated Tranmere Rovers with a 2-1 victory.
The Star Man
Steven Darby is thought of very highly in Bradford and it is not hard to understand why if you have seen the right-back play. The ex-Liverpool man’s all round game is superb defensively but also is very strong when going on attacking bursts. He is not afraid to bomb down the wing to help the right midfielder out and occasionally overlap him to overload the box with crosses and glorious heading opportunities for James Hanson and other frontmen.
He is now the new club captain since the sad departure of club icon Gary Jones and his new role at captain testifies his true leadership qualities and ruthlessness from the back. The defender will be looking this season for his side to really be challenging up there and from right back he will surely play an integral part in making that happen.
Watch out for flashy midfielder Billy Knott as well who signed from Port Vale.
The Manager
Phil Parkinson is probably one of the most well known men in Bradford after his cup exploits with what some would call a very ‘mediocre’ side. Survival,Stability,Ecstasy,Promotion and solidification. That was all that a Bradford manager needed to do for the fans who were beginning to feel somewhat pessimistic. Throw a Capital One Cup final in their and you have named everything that has Parkinson managed to achieve thus far for the Bantams.
A well mannered individual, his determination to get his side playing well, his commitment that the team gives him up until that very last whistle and his passion for the club he manages and loves to do well is what makes Parkinson one of the best managers in the League. After a Cup final run though and a promotion, nothing shines through more from the manager than his loyalty to stick by the club when offered managerial vacancies at other clubs. That loyalty is what makes Phil Parkinson, a true Bradford legend.
The Interview – Billy Clarke
1. What is it about Bradford that made you want to join?
BC: The Size of club, the fan base, I think it’s a club on the up.
2. What are your personal hopes for the season?
BC: Personally as an attacking player scoring and assisting would be my goals for this season.
3. Where do you think you will finish in the league?
BC: We’ve got a good team.We are still short by a couple of players maybe but with the teams in the league this season, we all have a chance. Gonna be really tight year I would think.
The Verdict? 4th.
