Overtures in The Symphony Stand?

Peter Gilbert. 25.8.00

10 Things to know about BRADFORD CITY FC

i) Bradford was originally a rugby stronghold but after Manningham RFC held an archery contest to raise funds. They were afterwards somehow persuaded to change the shape of the ball they played with. So Bradford FC was formed and they took up residence at Valley Parade. Recognising that this was a way to introduce football into this area the FA were more than happy to accept their application.
ii) Bradford City FC make a habit of confounding their critics and in their first ever League Cup Tie when in the third division they beat a certain Man Utd 2-1 in a second round match on 2.11.60. United declined to enter the competition again until 1966/67 season. I believe it's called sulking.
iii) They won the FA Cup in 1911.
iv) After not being relegated last season their manager at the time said 'I'll pick some fish and chips up on the way home' and then - in the nicest possible way -' I shall stick two fingers up at all the critics'.
v) One famous critic last season was Rodney Marsh who boasted that he would have his head shaved on the pitch if they stayed up. Yippee!! it's happening on Saturday. Let's hope they stitch his mouth up too. Get there early folks you wouldn't want to miss the fun.
vi) They have an ex-City player who has the brightest hair style I've ever seen, it's Jamie Lawrence.
vii) They beat us easily last year in this fixture 3-1.
viii) Their fanzine the City Gent is reputedly the oldest in the country.
ix) They have an amusing mascot who is not a furry animal.
x) The average age of their players is the oldest in The Premiership.

After our great win at Upton Park who would bet against us in this fixture? We should win by a mile, just like we shouldn't win at Old Trafford or Anfield but Bradford City like us make a habit of popping up with the unexpected.
One thing is for sure I'm looking forward to having a meat and potato pie there| (best in the country) and sitting in the classical Symphony Stand, very posh.
Last year I felt a bit like a football snob when they beat us, I felt they shouldn't have but as I walked back to my car as an obvious Leicester Fan, the Bradford folk made a point of saying out loud things like 'Well if we can beat them we can beat anyone.' 'If we can do what Leicester have done, we can survive.' In the return fixture I found their fans very approachable too, and I was pleased to see Leicester folk socializing with them and saying 'All the best for next week.' And shaking hands in the true spirit of the game. Who says that football fans are hooligans. I'm looking forward to the Bradford trip.

They won't be easy to beat though.
In defence they have the very experienced David Wetherall with the talented young Andrew O'Brien alongside. I suspect they are still lacking in the full back areas, that appeared to be where they were opened up last season.
In midfield they have lots of experience with Peter Beagrie and Stuart McCall. They have added David Hopkin and Benito Carbone no less so this year they'll be even better. Up front they have the wily Dean Saunders and The Desperate Dan like figure of Dean Windass who nearly signed for us.
It will undoubtedly be a physical match with a passionate crowd backing them.

Last Match City Player Analysis
Flowers He was breathtakingly outstanding, he loves being under pressure.(*****Star Man)
Rowett: Poor heading ability, he's settling in though and still looks unflustered.
Elliott: Very involved full of commitment.
Taggert: After only one match he seems to be regaining his fitness, very solid.
Impey: Somewhat insignificant contribution.
Savage: A brilliant tenacious and inspirational performance.(*****Star Man)
Lennon: Still doesn't look to be at his best. Is he happy to have stayed?
Izzett: Another key player making a slow start to the season.
Akinbiyi: Worked very hard, unlucky to have a goal disallowed.
Eadie: Worked hard, took his goal very well, was a constant menace.
Guppy: Could, can and will (I think) do better, a vital crosser of the ball.
.
Subs:
Cottee, he should have come on earlier.

So there we have it……..if we win we could go top of the league which I will photocopy and have blown up into a huge poster , frame it , and put it on the wall.
It's vital that we get off to a good start. I was interested to hear PT say we didn't play well against West Ham……….that's true but we won………isn't that the sign of a good team?

I hope they get Sweenie Todd to give Rodney Marsh his haircut, but don't put him into the meat pies, he'd ruin them!!!!!!!

PS........if you thought we hadn't won at Upton Park for a long time; well we haven't won at Bradford since 1937 !!!!!