Monday, January 02, 2012

MONDAY ......WATCHING PARKY ....


I have been monitoring Phil Parkinson at Bradford City recently, after being flavour of the month a couple of seasons back, Parky has slipped back down the managerial ladder and this is probably his last big club and City are a "big" club at this level, unless he has some success. He has gone back to basics and is looking to build a big strong team at City, much like his Colchester United team of giants, based around a huge defence. Slowly and bit by bit things have started to come together and they have won three straight, with a 7-1 goal difference, which included defeats of Southend and Shrewsbury, two of the better teams in the division. The only goal conceded in that sequence, came when they were three up and reduced to ten men on saturday, following David Syers dismissal, but they are appealing that and he is available today, they have also signed another big solid defender in Charlie Taylor from Leeds, whom I understand is well thought of and poses a big offensive threat too, as a good crosser of the ball. He will get plenty of experience alongside players of the quality of Andrew Davies on loan from Stoke city, who is way too good for this level. I read this about City from a fairly scepical source last week " This powerful no nonsense defensive unit with attitude is already having a beneficial impact on the rest of the team.There will be no lazy passengers playing in this team." that Parkinson has chosen to further strengthen his rearguard is eyecatching under the circumstances and they are a side to follow in early 2012. Hosts Rotherham are struggling and boss Andy Scott is not popular with supporters, personality wise Scott is a bit of a cold fish and fans simply do not warm to him, this does him few favours when things start to go wrong. They will be without keeper Conrad Logan today who has gone back to Leicester and his 35 yo replacement has not played in three months, two other key defenders are out ( Branston cannot play against his parent club) and I have to take the visitors, plus the draw. Bradford City +0.5 ball 1.97 asian line.


Good Luck.

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