Image by Thomas Gadd (thomasgadd.co.uk)
August
A rocky start to the season, as many of the new signings fail to impress early doors and the team looks incapable of holding onto a lead. Phil Parkinson doesn’t panic, dipping into the loan market for much-needed reinforcements.
The games
York City (a) in the League Cup, 2-2 draw and penalty shootout loss
The talking points
Social media: a curse or a blessing?
What’s wrong with Bradford City at the moment?
September
The month begins well enough with an unbeaten run extending to five, but back-to-back losses dampen the early season optimism once more and cause another Parkinson re-think.
The games
Sheffield United (h), 2-2 draw
Peterborough United (h), 2-0 defeat
Colchester United (a), 2-0 defeat
Talking points
Phil Parkinson’s foresight can continue to build the Bradford City empire
Image by Thomas Gadd (thomasgadd.co.uk)
October
Kyel Reid makes a welcome return on loan, inspiring the Bantams to a largely positive month that includes memorable wins over Rochdale and Bury.
The games
Barnsley (h) in the JPT, 2-1 defeat
Talking points
Phil Parkinson’s credit in the bank enables him to stay true to his values
Phil Parkinson set to shake things up, but ability must ultimately come first
November
Thanks to a month of wonderful defensive displays, the Bantams set a modern day consecutive clean sheet record that pushes them into play off contention and into the next round of the FA Cup. A lack of goals at the other end is a worry, however.
The games
Aldershot (a) in the FA Cup, 0-0 draw
Aldershot (h) in the FA Cup, 2-0 win
Scunthorpe United (a), 2-0 win
Talking points
The Bradford City Fire, the national press, and the need for balance
A heartfelt plea about the enquiry
Image by Thomas Gadd (thomasgadd.co.uk) – copyright Bradford City
December
As bad weather hits the North of England over the festive period, City go through a stop-start period of games that results in them dropping down the league but having games in hand.
The games
Chesham United (h) in the FA Cup, 4-0 win
Sheffield United (a) 3-1 defeat
Talking points
Bradford City have the right mentality for a promotion push
Youth development and the different culture of Bradford City
Bradford City’s Magnificent Seven
January
A pivotal month in the campaign, as Parkinson uses the January window to shuffle the pack with positive results. Form stutters over the first half of the month, but a crucial win over Fleetwood points to better times ahead.
The games
Bury (a) in the FA Cup, 0-0 draw
Bury (h) in the FA Cup, 0-0 draw and penalty shootout loss
Talking points
What’s different about Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City this season
Five tactical solutions Phil Parkinson might consider to reverse Bradford City’s league slump
The Midweek Player Focus: Devante Cole
The greatest manager Bradford City never had
Image by Thomas Gadd – copyright Bradford City
February
The arrival of Josh Cullen prior to the Peterborough game is the final impetus the team needs, and form really beings to click. What’s more, the team are scoring more goals at the other at last.
Peterborough United (a), 4-0 win
Talking points
Phil Parkinson deserves our ongoing respect. End of
Midweek Player Focus: Chris Routis
March
The month begins badly – very badly – with an inept home defeat to the league’s bottom club, but by the end of a busy March the play offs are very much in sight and the team has the bit beneath their teeth.
The games
Colchester United (h), 2-1 defeat
Talking points
Do Bradford City want to get promoted?
Image by Thomas Gadd (copyright Bradford City)
April
The team continue to be a winning machine, churning out 1-0 wins on a regular basis. Despite a slight stutter they seal a play off finish with a game to spare after winning – you guessed it – 1-0 at Southend.
Scunthorpe United (h), 1-0 win
Talking points
Why should we pay for the Premier League’s mistakes on youth development?
Seven games to change your world
Image by Thomas Gadd (thomasgadd.co.uk) – copyright Bradford City FC
May
The regular season ends with a comfortable victory over Chesterfield that seals a fifth place finish and play off meeting with Millwall. Alas, the first leg is a non-event for City leaving with them with too much to do at the New Den. There is no Wembley finish to this season, but it has still been a memorable one.
The games
Millwall (h) in the play off semi final first leg, 3-1 defeat
Millwall (a) in the play off semi final second leg, 1-1 draw
Talking points
Lots. The play off games and the agony of the Lions defeat, and then the club was sold to German owners and Phil Parkinson decided to leave for Bolton, with Stuart McCall his replacement.
The end of the Rhodes, but the outgoing chairman’s place in history is assured
The article we always hoped we’d never have to write
The Phil Parkinson Brexit leaves an uncertain future for Bradford City
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