Off The Post Blog: Bantams show courage and character in comeback win
By Mahesh Johal
There has been a feeling that this season is starting to slip away from Bradford City. After a run of one win in seven games, and only two goals scored in 2016, fan frustration has been growing. There has been a gloomy atmosphere lingering on social media, and in the stands at Valley Parade.
James Mason and his marketing staff have obviously seen and felt this discontent. In an attempt to unite the league's second highest home crowd, the club produced the rallying video, “Your City Needs You”. An interview between Mason and Phil Parkinson, the manager, highlighted to many why he is the perfect man to lead this club.
During this barren goal drought, I have seen Parkinson described as “stubborn”. His direct style of play has come under attack, with James Hanson taking some unjust flack. Parkinson’s “inability” to sign a proven goal scorer has irked some, whilst some on social media have even suggested that he has taken this club as far as he can.
But if you take the time to watch and listen to Parkinson in this video, it is crystal clear, in my mind at least, that he is the man to get us out of this current rut and eventually back in the Championship one day.
“We’ve got to keep going. Don’t say we’re unlucky or it’s going to happen; we have to make it happen.” Phil Parkinson, 30th January 2016.
Large parts of Saturday's performance against Fleetwood only fuelled the frustration. It was a dull and unimaginative display against the relegation-battling visitors. After a lacklustre first half, Jamille Matt’s squirming header only dampened the already drenched mood in Valley Parade.
“We have to make it happen…”
In all honestly, it didn’t look it the Bantams would make it happen. That was until Mark Marshall's bundling run into the box, and Billy Knott's acute cross was glanced home by James Hanson. All three players involved with the equaliser have had their fair share of ups and downs this season. Knott in particular has not featured at all in recent weeks. But when returning to the starting eleven, the Canvey Island man provided the spark from central midfield that the team and crowd so desperately craved.
“We’ve got a problem at the top of the pitch….Wes is a player who wants to run in behind. He played well off the target men in his career. He suits what we need, and is a good fit”.
Parkinson transfer success with strikers has been questionable. His marquee signings, Aaron McLean and Devante Cole, both failed miserably. Their demeanour, attitude and quality on the pitch failed to live up to the hype. His other striker signings have all followed a specific mould. Big, strong, target men. Good players, but all lacking that goalscoring pedigree.
Wes Thomas, who arrived on loan on Friday from Birmingham City, appears to be a hybrid of the two sorts. He has a solid frame and looks like he can take care of himself. Whilst not lightening fast, he offers a quicker forward option than those presently at the club.
His debut was a positive one. He was busy and seemed to enjoy the physical confrontation with Nathan Pond. He also showed that desire to run in behind. A criticism of both Billy Clarke and the now departed Cole, is their inability to judge and utilise James Hanson’s flick on effectively. Admittedly I am only judging this from 45 minutes, but Thomas appeared to pre-empt the flick on quite well and was at least more willing to gamble on Hanson than Cole was. Well, he was when he wasn’t tying his boot laces.
“The manner which we go about our job is so important...when the ball goes into that box, it’s that extra half yard of desire that can be the difference… to slide in and toe poke one in”.
And it was from a Hanson flick on that gifted Thomas the chance to win the game in the 93rd minute. Bearing down on goal, his shot was saved onto the bar only for substitute Steven Davies to tuck in the rebound. As Parkinson said, City had to show that half yard of desire, and Davies did exactly that. Quite frankly, he shouldn’t have been able to follow up the rebound ahead of his marker, Amari Bell. However, he showed that hunger and willingness that Parkinson preached and rightfully earned his reward.
Ironically it was Davies who had a last minute goal chalked off in the reverse fixture in September. Since then, the Liverpudlian has struggled with goals and fitness. How different would his season been if that goal had stood? Four months later, one really hopes that he can kick on.
“It’s a working class city, and the supporters want to see their players give everything”.
The thing that really got me, is that Parkinson understands this city, its club and its fans so well. Whilst some were disappointed to see Devante Cole leave last week, I would much prefer to watch the likes of Stephen Darby, James Meredith and Rory McArdle (who was spectacular on Saturday) give their all for the cause. Cole is undoubtedly a talented individual. But he lacked the courage and character which is ingrained in this manager and team.
Now, only three points off the play-off places and with a game in hand, is this the result that kicks starts the Bantams promotion quest? With Parkinson at the helm, I wouldn’t bet against it...
Mahesh Johal is an exiled Bradford City season ticket holder currently living in Manchester. His favourite player is a toss-up between Peter Beagrie and James Hanson.