Pre match City vs Liverpool, May 2000
Part three of our new series sees long-standing supporter Ian Hemmens share his views on half a century following the Bantams.
How long have you supported City and how did it happen?
2015/16 will be my 50th year following City. I followed the time honoured route of my Dad taking me. I first went to Valley Parade in the summer though as Dad helped re- concrete the Kop or paint the crush barriers, as the club asked for volunteers.
What’s your typical home matchday routine?
Nothing special here, just lunch and luckily I can walk down to Valley Parade in 15 minutes. Just meet and chat with the group who sit around us, same group have been there for years so it’s always good catching up.
Image by Thomas Gadd (thomasgadd.co.uk)
Favourite Bradford City players?
Stuart McCall, Bobby Campbell, John Hendrie, Greg Abbott, Peter Beagrie, Brian Mitchell, Ronnie Futcher, Peter Thorne, Rory McArdle, Stephen Darby, Tom Hallett, Paul Aimson.
Favourite non-Bradford City players?
Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Franz Beckenbauer, Lionel Messi.
Favourite grounds?
Valley Parade, Anfield, Wembley, Nou Camp, Amsterdam Arena, Albertpark (Ostend), Leeds Road (Hudds).
Least favourite grounds?
Elland Road, Boothferry Park, Ayresome Park, Boundary Park, The Old Den.
Favourite period supporting the club?
70s & 80s for travelling everywhere; the Jewell era for dreams coming true.
Most memorable matches?
Darlo 1969, Watson Game v Barnsley 98, Wembley 96, Wolves 99, Wembley play off 2013
Match you most regret missing?
1911 FA Cup Final! Burton Albion play off away.
Match you wish you had missed?
Any featuring Jason Gavin or Carlos Logan.
What don’t you like about football?
All the Sky hype and the idea that football didn’t exist before the Premier League. Agents and mercenary players.
How would you improve Bradford City?
Major investment to accompany the present managerial style of steady progress.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Michallat
Favourite manager?
Peter O’Rourke and Phil Parkinson.
Least favourite manager?
John Docherty and Colin Todd.
All time City XI?
Walsh, Mitchell, Jacobs, Dreyer, Hallett, McCall, Abbott, Whalley, Beagrie, Campbell, Aimson
Categories: My Bradford City Life Story
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