More About Paul Evans
When Arsene’s Arsenal went for 49 games without defeat they seemed imperious but the end of that run - losing at Old Trafford - sent them into a spiral of negative results which cost the a chance of winning a second consecutive Premiership. The same team that could not lose then could not win - for a while at least - before even keel was regained.
The moral of that story was that in football failure is inevitable and the control that managers have is not in avoiding defeat - everyone gets beaten sometimes - but in how defeat and other failure is dealt with.
So last season when City started a losing run around October Stuart McCall struggled to turn that streak around. One failure rolled into another in a string of results that could have cost any manager his job. McCall lived and learned it.
City started last season on a bubble of optimism which once pricked burst. This year Stuart McCall is building on more firm foundations but for sure the mood of the club is that City’s side will be a step above everyone else. At some point though the Bantams will lose, will be out played, will get robbed, will fail.
It is at that point when things can go wrong and that point where Stuart McCall has to start testing his management skills. As a coach one can be confident that he has the right stuff - many players at Sheffield United and City have praised him - but any question marks that remain are around this untested attribute.
When failure comes will McCall be able to arrest that and turn it around as effectively as an Alex Ferguson or will defeats snowball as they did for Wenger that year and Stuart in his first season?
Such a loss of confidence can come in many ways - losing can seep into being a habit - but most often it is brought about by players finding excuses. Last season too many loan players like Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu and Nicky Law Jnr were at walking pace as the Bantams went down to defeats because as loan players one could not blame them for losses. It is noticeable that Stuart has no loans in his squad so far.
Injury gives players excuses too and as Rochdale websites call him the signing of the season Paul McLaren grows a totemistic importance for City with the belief of supporters resting on his shoulders. For sure keeping McLaren fit is a bit part of City’s season but not allowing too much store to be placed on the midfielder is also important when he is absent.
One remembers how on the final day of the 1987/1988 the Bantams without John Hendrie lacked the belief and how the team minus Dean Windass simply did not believe the goals would come. McCall has to balance McLaren’s usefulness with not over playing his importance should he be lost.
However McLaren’s form cannot be worse than the previous incumbent of that shirt - Paul Evans - who was a superb player who played so many wretched performances that he had a wretched season. Evans was talented - perhaps not as talented as McLaren - but totally failed to bring that talent to City last season leaving a huge hole in the side.
City this season are stronger and have more top quality players. Should one of Graeme Lee, Michael Boulding, Chris Brandon, Peter Thorne or any of the other players who one could put in the top bracket of players in this division not perform then others are there to back them up. Money in football gives the the chance to make more mistakes. To fail more often.
Failure is not on the agenda at Valley Parade this year and confidence is high with Mark Lawn bullish and bold. With boldness he needs strength. Failure at some point is assured and the reaction to that failure needs to be consistent and measured. Three defeats on the trot are not the time for the either chairman to start talking in worried voices.
Confidence is fragile and cold heads - cold heads in the heat of a promotion battle - are required to retain it. One need only as Carlisle United about that with their off field troubles derailing a promotion bid last season.
Failure is the only inevitable thing in football. Every run of wins will eventually end. Every team will lose games. Every player will have a bad game at some point. Dealing with that failure and moving back to success is the key to a winning team, a winning season and to promotion.
www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk Player of the Season
- Peter Thorne
The If Only… Had Peter Thorne been fit all season and the Bantams been scoring and winning then who knows what the result of Stuart McCall’s first season would have been? He is the predatory poacher we missed without Dean Windass and as soon as he returned to full fitness with his intelligent play and able striking abilities City started to win. More please. - Kyle Nix
Plucked from the season string at Sheffield United Nix has everything that a young player should have. He plays with equal measures of heart and skill and is a joy to watch with his vivacious and effective style. The finish on the end of Willy Topp’s turn aganist Shrewsbury lives long in the memory. - Joe Colbeck
To say opinion was divided on Colbeck last season is an understatement with blows almost being exchanged over the winger who after returning from a loan Darlington ripped up League Two. Getting that form out of Joe Colbeck again next season is key to City’s promotion push. Keeping him long term may prove difficult. - Barry Conlon
How many players turn around the Valley Parade crowd from the angry mob to the appreciative whole who may have debated his abilities but saluted his commitment and effort. If anyone has ever deserved a contract extension it is Barry Conlon. - David Wetherall
The sentimental vote? Perhaps but David Wetherall organised a back four as well as he ever has done. The legs might have struggled but the brain was in full effect and it is that brain that will be behind the Bantams next year.
BfB poled eight contributors to get these results. The follow top fives are written by (one of) Jason, Roland, Michael, Omar and Paul.
The five best results and performances of the season
- City 3 Rotherham 2
Oh what a Tuesday night. We proved in this game that we can actually play well against a very decent side. - Darlington 1 City 3
Stunning away victory against a promotion chasing team - City 3 Notts County 0
One of the most comprehensive victories we have seen in some years. - City 4 Shrewsbury 2
Another excellent Tuesday night, with Mr Willy Topp annoucing his arrival in Bradford with his first start, and setting up Nixy for the first goal. - Dagenham and Redbridge 1 City 4
Superb away victory - what a reward for those of us who made the trip down to London down. Nicky Law Jnr made sure of the points with an excellent late brace
Five moments when we thought we might be going up…
- Beating high-flying Peterborough at Valley Parade in September to go seventh.
- Stoppage time at Bury in January, City are 2-1 up and they have a harmless looking throw in…
- Luckily beating Macclesfield when they dominated second half. “Sign of a good team playing rubbish and winning,” we thought. If only…
- Billy Topp beautifully setting up Kyle Nix to score, six minutes into his full debut.
- When Joe Colbeck broke through to net the third goal at Darlington.
…and five moments when we knew we weren’t.
- Watching Accrington play us off the park at Valley Parade in October.
- Being the better side at home to Brentford but watching the Bees have two shots and score two goals.
- Half time at home to Rochdale, somehow it was 1-1 but the opposition were on another level.
- Barry Conlon’s penalty miss against Dagenham.
- Must-win game at Rochdale in April, 1-0 down inside 24 seconds.
Top five that the gaffer got in - McCall’s best signings
- Barry Conlon
The example for everyone. Put in effort, get rewarded. - Kyle Nix
Skillful, talented, young. Fingers crossed we keep hold of him. - Peter Thorne
Showed class. - Ben Starosta
Looks like the sort of full back who can defend well and then add to the attack. - Scott Loach
They say that he will be England keeper one day. A way to go but impressive so far.
No Thanks - Five disappointing signings McCall made
- Paul Evans
What gives Evo? - Alex Rhodes
Caught in the act of making Omar Daley look like a winger who tracks back. - Willy Topp
So much fanfare, so much wait ’til next season. - Darren Williams
Good, but like having Darren Holloway back. - Nathan Joynes
Barnsley said he was great, he was not.
We will miss you - Five players who impressed but have gone
- David Wetherall
A legend. - Donovan Ricketts
Capable of making blinding saves. - Tom Penford
A favourite of this parish - Nicky Law Jnr
Who looked like a very good player. Better than his Dad for sure. - Eddie Johnson
Because the lad deserves credit for effort.
That went well - Five great things about 2007/2008
- The atmosphere, and home performances, at Valley Parade improved thanks to proper priced tickets.
- Stuart McCall back is great. Having him answer critics in the second half of the season is better.
- Barry Conlon turned around the fans with some gutsy displays proving that it is possible to turn around the fans with gutsy displays…
- …and nowhere was this better seen than Joe Colbeck who tore down the right wing brilliantly for four months.
- We broke even for the first time since the Premiership. Now that is progress.
Next year - Five things to get excited about
- Stuart McCall is up to speed.
- 20,000 supporters in Valley Parade? Would be great if it came off.
- Willy Topp is resting in Chile as we speak and raring to go at League Two next season.
- Should Joe Colbeck continue his form from the end of this term then expect dewy eyed thirty somethings to compare him to John Hendrie with every other breath.
- Promotion. You know its gonna happen someday.
Bradford City 1 Barnet 1 - League Two
This game was never going to get the pulse racing. Evidently, It was a fixture that failed to inspire a large number of City season ticket holders – with Liverpool playing Chelsea in the Champions League viewed from a warm living room sofa the choice made by many.
With both sides safe from the perils of the relegation zone, and no chance of getting into the playoffs, City and Barnet predictably played out a 1-1 stalemate.
Barnet in truth were the better side and carved out the better chances, three of which brought the best out of Scott Loach. They took the lead in the first half when a thunderous effort from Barnet midfielder Thomas smacked off the crossbar. The rebound fell to the lively Birchall who reacted first to the rebound before beating Loach at his near post. Later in the half, Barnet should have doubled their lead, but Loach stood up brilliantly to block a one on one effort.
Whilst City did command much of the possession, not much of it was put to good use. The game took on the role of being an exhibition type match as the players went through the motions. Nevertheless, it was still a relief when Eddie Johnson nodded down Joe Colbeck’s accurate corner to grab us a point in the second half.
The main purpose of this game was most certainly to be to run the rule over those players “fighting” for a new contract at Bradford. With midtable obscurity the destination for both sides, it did seem like a good night to reflect on the current squad. It was time to reflect. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, you can be sure we will see plenty of new faces arrive at the club before August. My views on our current crop of players might not be shared by all, but having seen a large percentage games home and away I felt the need to want to share these with fellow BfB readers:
1 Scott Loach (Goalkeeper)
His form for us has raised eyebrows in the Premiership. Whilst there is no doubt Loach is an accomplished keeper, he is still someway off being a Premiership regular, but is no doubt one with a bright future in the game
2008/2009 City prospects
We would love to see him back next season, but seeing him back here next season is highly unlikely to say the least. We will have to go shopping in the summer to purchase a reliable, experienced new No 1.
2 Darren Williams (Right Back)
Williams has not done a lot wrong this season. He has generally been quite solid defensively, and will feel slightly aggrieved to have lost his place in the starting line up to Ben Starosta. Stuart feel’s that Starosta offers more attacking options down the right than the more defensive minded Williams.
2008/2009 City prospects
Williams only has a one year deal, but I feel he is worth another one for his defensive capabilities. McCall may decide to sign another right back permanently to provide competition again in this position.
3 Paul Heckingbottom (Left Back)
Heckingbottom’s return to Valley Parade has gone well. He hasn’t had any competition for his place, but luckily he is enough of a professional to not get complacent and let his performances drop. He has been excellent defensively and is always fully committed to the cause. A model professional.
2008/2009 City prospects
More of the same. He is a good left back at this level.
4 Paul Evans (Central Midfield)
Evans’ return to the club has certainly not gone as planned. After an ok start, he has turned in some quite awful performances in recent months and is surely going to be given his P45 in the summer. His usually reliable passing game has gone to pot, seemingly he is now better at passing to the opposition than to his team mates.
2008/2009 City prospects
Free Transfer
5 David Wetherall (Central Defender)
It pains me to say that I am actually relieved that big Dave wont be part of our back four next year. There is no doubt his loyalty to this club is commendable, but too many painful memories of our badly organized defense since the turn of the century have overshadowed our towering defender’s ability. He has always been dominant aerially – but this season his decision making, for once, has been called into question, as well as his lace of pace becoming more of an issue as the seasons have gone on.
2008/2009 City prospects
Another fans favourite taking up a coaching position within the club.
6 Mark Bower (Central Defender)
Well its been over 10 years now and Mark is still with us. He is a much better player than he was when he was signed up back in 1998, and his consistent displays have earned him respect. He was dropped for Matt Clarke earlier in the season, but overall I think Bower has had an average campaign. He really needs to push on next season to ensure our defense doesn’t leak those extremely costly late goals.
2008/2009 City prospects
A regular at the back , but really needs to step up to the plate in Wetherall’s absence, lead and organize.
7 Omar Daley (Right Winger/Forward)
Very much a footballing enigma, Omar Daley still has a lot to prove. Signing him up long term earlier in the season is very much a protection on our asset who possesses the highly desirable attribute in the modern game – blistering pace. However, Omar very frequently flatters to deceive. Either by making the wrong decision in the final third, or lacking the ability to finish a flowing burst forward with a deadly finish. I remember when I first saw Omar Daley play – back in 2003 when we visited Reading and he lined up for the opposition. His skill was there for all to see, but his finishing and decision making was abysmal, and he was substituted by their manager at the time Alan Pardew. And now, in 2008, he almost seems like the same player. There is no doubting however, that on his day, he can win us matches in this division. Lets hope he can finally have the season of his career next time round.
2008/2009 City prospects
Daley will continue to delight us, and make us cry. Some finishing practice in the summer would be advised if he has ambitions of being our number one threat next season.
8 Eddie Johnson (Central Midfield/Forward)
Johnson may well have done enough in the last month to earn himself a new contract. I don’t think he is good enough as a midfielder to command a regular first team spot as he quite often drifts out of games without you even knowing he is on the pitch.
2008/2009 City prospects
Will probably get a new one year deal. Should be used as a utility squad player.
9 Barry Conlon (Striker)
Conlon has divided opinion amongst fans from Barnsley to Plymouth. He is like marmite – you either love him or hate him. Whilst I appreciate the effort he occasionally puts in to the cause, the guy cannot finish. We have a number 9 who cant finish. Some of his finishing is so woeful it would make Ade Akinibiyi wince. Yet I have the feeling that somehow Stuart rates this guy and will hand him a new deal. I , for one, am praying that wont happen.
2008/2009 City prospects
Offer of a contract is 50/50. I wouldn’t offer him anything more than a lift to the nearest airport.
10 Peter Thorne (Striker)
Thoroughly deserved his new deal. The class act of the side. He looks after himself, is intelligent and a keen eye for goal. His goal record speaks for itself. His all round play is also admirable and shows why has managed to play at a higher level for so long.
2008/2009 City prospects
If we can keep him fit, look for 20 league goals from Thorne next season.
11 Alex Rhodes (Winger)
Rhodes has showed glimpses of good form this season, but I fear his inconsistency will prove to be too costly.
2008/2009 City prospects
No contract offered
12 Matthew Clarke (Central Defender)
Excellent form at times this season. Makes the occasional rash decision, and thus needs to work on refining his approach slightly. Will really look for him to sharpen up his act next year and dominant League Two strikers next season.
2008/2009 City prospects
A regular at the back
15 Joe Colbeck (Winger/Midfielder)
It quite often crossed my mind in the first half of this season that Colbeck would never make it at City. Yet, he has surprised me. I used to hate him. Absolutely hate him. I thought he would go the way of Danny Forrest and Joe Brown. But his loan spell at Darlo did him the world of good. He is now performing more consistently (especially away from home!). He battles. He whips in a good cross. Add more consistency and more of a footballing brain to his play and he can really help us next year.
2008/2009 City prospects
Expect some good things from Colbeck next year – he needs to prove that he can perform in front of the Valley Parade crowd.
18 Tom Penford (Midfielder)
I feel he has done enough to earn a contract. If he can be a bit more attacking minded he will have the makings of a good player.
2008/2009 City prospects
Will get a contract. Needs to stamp his authority on the team next year and chip in with some more goals.
20 Scott Pheland (Midfielder)
Not good enough. Not strong enough for this league (or any other)
2008/2009 City prospects
Free transfer
22 Kyle Nix (Midfielder)
Decent player. Needs to figure out his best position, stick to it and make it his own or he will only be a bit part player. Always battles for the cause.
2008/2009 City prospects
Worth a one year deal. He will hope to nail down a regular spot in the team next year, but may have his work cut out if Stuart brings in alternatives.
23 Willy Topp (Striker)
We certainly haven’t seen the best of him yet. I fear he may not be the right kind of player for this division. Shows some nice touches and skill but not shown us an end product yet.
2008/2009 City prospects
Make or break season for our 35k investment. He has had time now to settle in.
25 Luke Medley (Striker)
His wonder strike against Wrexham gave us hope. But he has something very much “non-league” about his play. His failure to make it at Cambridge City speaks volumes. The occasionally glimpse of desire, ala Grimsby away, isn’t good enough of the course of a whole season
2008/2009 City prospects
No contract offered.
32 Lee Bullock (Midfielder)
Solid defensive midfielder. Decent player in this league.
2008/2009 City prospects
Should nail down a regular place in the centre of the park
36 David Brown (Striker)
Predators goal against Macclesfield. His ability on the training ground will determine whether Stuart wants to keep this youngster.
2008/2009 City prospects
50/50 on a new contract, but I would probably release him due to his lack of physical presence.