latest bradford city news
That was the season that wasn't...
2000-2001 in review
[2] On the field
[3] Off the field
[4] Why you should care about City going down
Wednesday 11 July, 2001
The News
A way back for Clarke?
While Jim Jefferies has stated that he will make Matt Clarke no assurances about a place in the City team irt is thought that the boss is ready to offer Clarke the chance to return to scrapping for the number one shirt with Gary Walsh, the process of which irritated Clarke so when Walsh regained his place following bad form from the now wantaway goalkeeper.
Meanwhile Aston Villa are the latest club to be linked with Clarke.
Portsmouth cough up for Mills
Portsmouth have paid City what they owe for Lee Mills and are set to have the transfer embargo placed on them lifted.
Ready to Motherwell?
Reported City target Karl Ready of QPR is set to join Motherwell by the weekend. Once Robert Molenaar signed up for the season it is thought that City's interest in the player diminished.
Tuesday 10 July, 2001
The News
Bebe Carbone holds up Beni
Benito Carbone missed the first two days of City's pre season after his son was taken ill in Italy. In a pre-emptive strike against those who would say that he player had walked out Jim Jefferies commented that the Italian would not use the illness of a child as an excuse and that he believed Beni would have kept his fitness up during the break and so would not be too effected by missing time in the JJ boot camp.
The club noted that it had received medical evidence verifying Carbone's story.
Blake backs City's season
Robbie Blake has cast of rumours linking him with Burnley saying he thought this would be a big year for the Bantams and that (quote) "I can see us doing well.". Blakes comments point to the underlying confidence that seems to be in the City squad, a trait targeted and it seems engendered by Jim Jefferies.
Sharpe wants to start again
Lee Sharpe has said that he wants to continue at city following the breakdown of his move to Portsmouth hoping for a "Clean Slate". Frankly if Sharpe can get through the boot camp then he should be taken at his word.
Dewsbury Up Front
An new branch of Up Front Superstore has opened in on Railway Street in Dewsbury.
Clarke: "I don't want to go to Fulham"
Tiresome but excellent between the sticks keeper Matt Clarke has decided that he does not want to go to Fulham. Whisper had it that Glenn Hoddle looked at Clarke as a back up and perhaps eventual replacement for Neil Sullivan at Spurs but the former England boss went for Blackburn's Alan Kelly.
Monday 09 July, 2001
The News
City back for hard training
Jim Jefferies took the City team, minus David Wetehrall, for his first preseason. "It's going to be a week of graft for everyone. The first few days will be all about fitness before we get into conditioning and ball work. We've got a couple of days to get used to training again and then we are off to Catterick for the really strenuous stuff." Promised Jefferies.
Gary Locke, veteran of Hearts boot camps commented "I can guarantee the boys will be getting plenty of sleep in the next couple of weeks! He really puts you through it and I remember always feeling absolutely shattered at the end of each session. "But it's all about getting yourself fit, and we will feel the benefit come the start of the league. The gap between football seasons seems to get shorter and shorter so we all try to keep ourselves ticking over fitness-wise."
Carteron interest confirmed
Jim Jefferies has stepped up his search for a right sided fullback looking at St Etienne's Patrice Carteron who spent the end of last season at Sunderland.
Good Evans
Dutch trailist Michael Evans joined the City players in preseason training today. Word has it tat should he be able to get through Jim Jeffeires boot camp approach to preseason then he will get taken on the Irish tour.
Burnley's Blake interest rebuffed
Sources close to City say that any approach for Robbie Blake from Burnley will be rebuffed. Blake forms a key part of Jim Jefferies plans for next season.
Sunday 8 July, 2001
The News
City masters to lose Beagrie to Scunthorpe regulars
City legend Peter Beagrie, who's display's powered the masters team into the final beating Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough on the way, is on the verge of a move to Scunthorpe which will in all likelihood put an end to his play in the seniors competition. Beagrie should join Scunthorpe on Monday.
Jorgensen rejected Cardiff
New signing Claus Jorgensen's agent has revealed that the player turned down Sheffield United and ambitious Cardiff to join City.
Friday 6 July, 2001
The News
Jim make surprise Jorgensen signing
Jim Jefferies has signed his first player of the summer making a low key move for AFC Bournemouth's Danish midfielder Claus Jorgensen.
Jorgensen is rated highly at Dean Court, having taken the player of the season award on his first year at the club. He can play across the midfielde and is noted for his work rate, a feature Jim Jefferies will have required in any potential signing and his ability to take on and beat defenders.
Aged 25 he joins City under the Bosman ruling after two years on the south coast having come to English football from AC Horsens. Jorgensen will ware the number 19 shirt he had at Bournemouth. Gary Locke relocates into Andy O'Brien's 14.
Sharpe not going to Portsmouth
Lee Sharpe will not be joining to Portsmouth after his three month loan but with Gareth Whalley, Dino Minelli and new signing Claus Jorgensen all looking for a place on the left side of midfield, it is hard to see the former Man U player getting much of a chance with the Bantams.
Bower not going to York
York City have dropped their interest in Mark Bower.
Clarke: It gets stranger...
Matt Clarke has joined Fulham on a loan that will take him up to but will not include the first game of the Premiership season. Clarke joins the Premiership's most expected side for preseaon and hopes to impress enough to secure a move to London, otherwise he will return to Valley Parade in a months time.
With Clarke making what is in effect a move up and looking at the (Al) Fayed wealth that powers the former scummy London team it is doubtful City will allow the player to leave for the minimal fee that he would like. Indeed why should the Bantams be the only club that gives Fulham a break on transfer fees, the club is clearly a bottomless well of money which the rest of the game have tapped to some effect and if the player is good enough to take ot the Premiership then he is good enough to pay money for.
Clarke swap for Collins and cash?
City may ask Fulham to include former Crewe midfielder Wayne Collins in any deal that will see Matt Clarke join the London club. Collins, 23, signed for the London club under Kevin Keegan but has failed to win a place in Jean Tigana's side and is available for a move.
Welcome back
Offline for a while, came back in a nice new coat...
Wednesday 4 July, 2001
The News
The mysterious world of Matthew Clarke
With Bolton deciding they no longer interested in signing City's Matt Clarke attention has turned to "A London Premiership club" who have, Clarke's agent says, made a bid for the keeper. Charlton are prime candidates after their bid for City target (but out of our price bracket now) Annti Neimi of Hearts was rejected.
Clarke's agent went on to describe Matt as "The best keeper available" which does question why City should be prepared to listen to Clarke's pleas to not put a high price tag on him. Parma Buffon joined Juventus for £32m today, Neimi is valued at some £2m. One wonders why if Clarke is so good, City should let him go for a lower fee.
Schemmel joins West Ham
As expected Metz right back Sebastien Schemmel has joined West Ham in preference to City. "Boo Sucks" to him we say.
Tuesday 3 July, 2001
The News
Dansen loving Dutch striker joins City on trail
VVV Venlo striker Michel Evans will join City on a pre season trail after coming recommended to Jim Jefferies by Robert Molenaar's agent. A cautious Jefferies said "We have seen the videos of Michel and he looks worth a trail. He is out of contract so we have nothing to lose."
Venlo finished bottom of the Dutch first division last term, Evans scoring six goals that season and 30 in the five years and 159 games he has spent at the club. He has an American father and claims, according to the Venlo website, to be interested in "Films, computers and dansen", whatever Dansen is.
McAteer link
City are being linked with a move for Blackburn's out of favour right wing back Jason McAteer. It is known that JJ would like to bring in a new right back and that McAteer is desperate to leave Ewood Park after first team chances dried up, however the Eire international is hoping for a Premiership club.
Matt Clarke stuff
Matt Clarke might join Bolton, but he might not and frankly I'm past caring.
McCall goes back to school
Stuart McCall spent ten days of the summer on a coaching course which he described as "Intense both physically and mentally." This shows a rekindling of McCall's interest in management after his unsuccessful spell as Assistant to Chris Hutchings and caretaker.
Pollock link
Flimsy rumour has City linked with Crystal Palace's former Man City captain Jamie Pollock. However as he approaches 30 Pollock would seem to be outside Jim Jefferies target age of mid twenties.
Jess takes up Beagrie's shirt
After signing full time for City Eoin Jess has taken up Peter Beagrioe's old number 11 shirt.
Monday 2 July, 2001
The News
McCall turned his back on Goodison return
Word has reached BfB that Stuart McCall turned his back on a Premiership return to Everton and a second pairing with former Gers boss Walter Smith when he signed up for a final year at City. Smith wanted McCall to pair up with former Gers team mate Paul Gascoigne in the Toffee's midfield.
Cadamatari link resurfaces
BfB has also heard a whisper that Everton's Bradford born Danny Cadamatari is being linked with City once more.
Saturday 30 June, 2001
The News
Jess finally becomes a City player
Eoin Jess finally but pen to paper on a three year deal that official makes him a Bradford City player. Jess, the only player to be transferred for £1m to a Scots club outside of the Glasgow two (Is that Celtic and Motherwell these days?) joins City on a free transfer after falling out of favour at Aberdeen but doing well for the Bantams.
Molenaar to sign on Monday
Robert Molenaar will sign a new deal with City on Monday.
Mc: I stayed for the fans
Stuart McCall revealed that the motivation behind him turning his back on an 11th hour offer to join a Premiership club was the support of City fans.
Sharpe still going South
Portsmouth Director of football Handsome Harry Redknapp has confirmed that the south coast club are still interested in signing Lee Sharpe. Redknapp recently blasted the current stars of the game for being boring, not drinking and not liking to play golf. One thinks that Sharpe will fit right in at Fratton Park if that sort of activity is valued over playing football.
Thursday 28 June, 2001
The News
McCall speaks on new contract
After signing up for a final year in football with Bradford City City's leader Stuart McCall expressed relief that he and the club had been able to hammer out a deal. "There had been other clubs interested and I had a phone call this week with an offer that sounded particularly appealing. But I never really wanted to leave Bradford and I'm glad this has been sorted out at last. It's been an unsettling couple of months but now I can look forward to next season and giving it all I've got for one last time."
Rip up the fixture list
City's fixture list got further reorganisation after the ITV motivated movement of games with Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest. Now City's match with Preston North End has been moved as it clashes with the Tory Party Conference in Blackpool (Not that one would have thought that that many people would be at that event while the game with Burnley at VP has been put back to allow City fans the chance to watch Germany v England on TV.
The overwhelming feeling in the week the fixtures have been out is that the list should be considered a first draft. The days when a man could book his days off for April the following year would seem to be gone.
City miss out on Latapy and Glass
Jim Jefferies targets Russell Latapy and Stephen Glass seem to have evaded the City boss with them both set to complete moves on Friday. Latapy is reported to be on the verge of a shock move to Rangers after failing to agree terms with Celtic while Glass will join Watford from Newcastle.
Wednesday 27 June, 2001
The News
McCall signs up, now for promotion
Stuart McCall signed a one year deal with City that will take him to the end of his career with the club that he started with some twenty years ago. McCall' s signature on a one year deal that will include a testimonial for the player sees Jim Jefferies get the third of three out of contract players to sign up for the Premiership return push.
Speaking about signing up the skipper chairman Geoffrey Richmond said "I am delighted that this (McCall's contract) has been brought to a successful conclusion, It was unthinkable Stuart would finish his career playing for anyone other than Bradford City. We now hope that what is likely to be Stuart's final year at this level will finish with an emotional return to the Premier League.". So do we GR, so do we.
New City Club site
Word in the football web site development community is that as part of the Football Leagues deal with NTL all the 72 club's sites are to be remade using a single, rebranded template (Which, by the way, I think is rubbish by don't let that put you off).
The first of these sites out of the box is Birmingham City's. Picture this is claret and amber and that will, if the rumours are true, be City's.
Thursday Night Football!
City's first Thursday Night ITV digital game will be on September 20th at Nottingham Forest. Good game, bad time.
Tuesday 26th June, 2001
The News
Richmond puts it straight: "Beni is not for sale"
Geoffrey Richmond has rebuffed any potential approaches for City's Italian striker Benito Carbone by saying that the play is not for sale. "Any clubs that come in (for Carbone) will be firmly rebuffed" said City's chairman. West Ham United had been linked with a £3m move for the player.
City Legends Unlike Appearance Number 1
Stan back in British football?
City legend Stan Collymore is in bizarre talks with Boston United over a move to the Lincolnshire club.
Wethers to miss two week of preseason
David Wetherall has undergone an operation but should be fit to join preseason two weeks after the rest of his team mates and is expected to make the first game of the season. Peter Atherton and Andy Myers both stand by as cover to partner Robert Molenaar should Wetherall not be fit.
City Legends Unlike Appearance Number 2
Mills on heavy MTV rotation
City's 25 goal striker Lee Mills would seem to have Tyler Durdened his way into the new Robbie William video. "L Mills Demolition" is the subliminal message on the side of a van in the Port Vale supporting former Take That man's latest. Mills joined City for a million (That's 20 minutes work to Robbie) in 1998.
GR on FLB
Geoffrey Richmond has joined the Board of Directors of the Football League. Lets hope its only for a year and he can get back to annoying the Premiership chairmen by reminding them of the 72 professional clubs as was his (by all reports kept) promise last time.
Scott Kerr on why he quit City
Scott Kerr has said that he had to leave City to get first team football, as he has with Hull. Fair does then.
Sunday 24th June, 2001
The News
Nantes confirm City approach for Winclon
French Champions FC Nantes have confirmed that City have approached them over striker Christophe Winclon. 23 year old Winclon, who has fallen out with the club, is looking for a move to England where some of his family live (A sister in Manchester).
The deal is not thought ot have gone beyond the approach stage and no fee has been agreed. Nantes rate Winclon at £1m but could sell for less with him being at logger heads with the management.
Reggina link shot down
Italian side Reggina's rather bold claims that they would unveil Benito Carbone as a new signing on their tour of Australia have been shot down by City boss Jim Jefferies and, as BfB, by Carbone himself.
"As we have said before, we don't need to sell Beni. Talk of price tags is immaterial" said Jefferies, "Provided we are ambitious and can keep the players we have then he would be happy to stay." Continued the City boss.
Word leaked to BfB backed this up with Benito Carbone reported to be "Uninterested" in joining another relegation fight regardless of the country. It is said that Carbone's agent has been instructed by the forward that he is only interested in going to teams "that will be finishing in the top half of their tables this year".
Saturday 23rd June, 2001
The News
Jess and Molenaar sign up for next season
Eoin Jess and Robert Molenaar ageed to new deals for Bradford City as Jim Jefferies set off for a summer holiday with only Stuart McCall of the current squad not signed up for next year. "We have agreed terms with Eoin and Robert and it is just a case of getting something put in writing." Said Jim Jefferies.
Schemmel signing imminent?
City have made an offer for Metz's right wing back Sebastien Schemmel who spent last season on loan at West Ham. Schemmel's agent said of the deal "Now he has to choose. We have agreed that he leaves for either team (City and West Ham)." New Hammers boss Glen Roeder is not offering as good a deal to the player as Jim Jefferies is but attraction of London and Premiership football may sway the Frenchman down south.
Friday 22 June, 2001
The News
Richmond: I Hope McCall is a City player next season
Speaking on the on going saga of Stuart McCall's new contact GR said "I'm fairly confident Stuart will be a Bradford City player next season, and I certainly hope he is."
JJ plays it cool as Makel begs for City move
Jim Jefferiers gave a lukewarm reaction to Hearts Lee Makel's plea for the his former boss to bring him to Valley Parade. Makel has been freed by Hearts after failing to agree a new deal and his his eye on a move back to West Yorkshire following his spell at Huddersfield.
Jefferies however is unmoved claiming to have an open mind on the player and the chances of signing him. Jefferies was more positive about the chances of keeping Robert Molenaar and Eoin Jess to the club saying that he hoped to have the deals sown up soon. JJ was also hopeful of keeping Stuart McCall but frankly that situation is neigh on unreadable for City fans.
Former City boss Paul Jewell shed voiced his opinion on the McCall contract situation saying that he through the captain would probably sign up soon.
Summerbee not wanted
Jim Jefferies does not want to sign either Nick Summerbee or Dundee's Juan Sara.
Thursday 21 June, 2001
The News
Ipswich target Matt Clarke
Ipswich Town will make a £2m bid for City's Matt Clarke should Richard Wright's £6m move to Arsenal go through. The East Anglians have sized up a number of replacements for Wright with a move to a bigger club for the England keeper seemingly inevitable and Clarke has figured high on the list of names. Other players interesting Ipswich are Leeds' number two Paul Robinson who is unavailable and Aston Villa's David James who is too expensive in both fee and wage.
BfB sources understand that Ipswich will make a bid on Monday.
Barnsley opener could promise McCall return
City's opening game of the season will be against Barnsley on the 11th of August and, should captain Stuart McCall not sign a contract extension, could see the popular skipper make his debut against the Bantams. City's last game at home to Barnsley was the Gordon Watson inspired 2-1 win where the front man returned from injury to score two goals in the last two minutes.
City first away trip is the long haul to Portsmouth, another success in the promotion campaign where City won 4-2 thanks to a virtuoso display from Peter Beagrie. City first meeting with a former Premiership opponent is the next game with Coventry and three days later City come up against former player David Hopkin away at Crystal Palace.
Other games of note for those interested in compare and contrast: Grimsby away on the 2nd of February 2002, Gillingham away on the 23rd of that month. Rotherham away is on the 16th of March and the final game of the season is at Wallsall on the 21st of April.
Wednesday 20 June, 2001
The News
JJ hopes to have three signed up by Sunday
Jim Jefferies hopes to have Robert Molenaar, Eoin Jess and Stuart McCall committed to the Bantams by the weekend before he takes a week away from Valley Parade. Molenaar reports that the club have made him an improved offer but that he has yet to "negotiate" the deal.
Horsfield denial is striker hint
Jim Jefferies denied he was interested in Birmingham's Geoff Horsfield saying that he feels the player is too similar to Ashley Ward to be of any use to him. Jefferies revealed tat should City go after another forward player it would be one who was "Less similar to one of the current three (Ward, Beni Carbone and Robbie Blake)", a statement that would seem to point to JJ's desire to bring in a pacey player.
Sara bid considered
City are understood to be considering a bid for Dundee's on loan Argentine striker Juan Sara. Sara is on loan on Tayside from Tucaury of Paraguay and has stated that he would prefer to make his move to the Scots club permanent rather than go to England. Sara confirmed City's interest but it is thought that such interest will only be entered into should he not agree a deal with Dundee.
Hearts to sign City trailist
Hearts are trying to sign French keeper Stephane Cassard leaving number one Antei Neimi free to leave. Charlton and City are interested in the Finnish keeper.
Kerr is odd
Scott Kerr took a parting shot at City calling the Bantams a club "Without ambition". Lessons in ambition from a player who is prepared to drop down two divisions instead of staying to fight for a place in a better side. Scott, how odd.
Tuesday 19 June, 2001
The News
Summerbee's agent contacts City
Ever popular Sunderland diver/ditherer Nick Summerbee has been freed by Bolton Wanderers following promotion, a move that has prompted Summerbee's agent to try resurrect City's interest in the player that Chris Hutchings would have signed for £1.5m this time last year had he not taken too long over deciding, Hutch using the money for Benito Carbone instead.
Jim Jefferies is understood to have greeted the idea of signing Summerbee lukewarmly and so Wolves are favourites to recruit.
First trip to the Macc Lads
City have been drawn away at Macclesfield in the first round of the Worthington Cup, the first time that the Bantams have played at the Moss Rose ground in a competitive game (I will stand corrected on this).
Unlike previous years that former Premiership clubs have skipped City are in the first round that will be decided in one leg and could go to penalties should no winner be found in extra time.
extra Corrected I am, by Chris The Stafford Bantam [Cheers fella] who reminds us that City played Chester City at Moss Rose during their exile at the then non-league Macclesfield's ground.
JJ wants to keep McCall
Jim Jefferies confirmed that he would like to keep captain Stuart McCall at the club and confirmed that the club and captain had re-entered negotiations which are in progress.
"I will do my hardest to keep him" Jefferies stated.
Sunday 17 June, 2001
The News
Horsfield linked
The Sunday People have linked City with a £2m move for Birmingham's striker Geoff Horsfield. Horsfield, a former player of GR's at Scarboro, seems out of place at Brum since the emergence of Andy Johnson.
Of course such a deal would seem to rest upon JJ having changed his mind over starting the season with Carbone/Blake/Ward up front, further suggsting that Carbone would be leaving the club to return to Italy and the funds raised would go to signing the impressive Horsfield. Any deal could involve Peter Atherton returing to St Andrews where he spent three months on loan.
Saturday 16 June, 2001
The News
McCall makes City an offer
Stuart McCall has broken the stalemate that had developed between club and player by offering the club a conpromise deal on the one year contract issue. "(McCall's) solicitor phoned me with a suggestion which I will discuss with the chairman over the weekend." said Jim Jefferies, "We'll get back to Stuart about it on Monday.". Breath still baited.
Kerr to sign for Hull
Scott Kerr, promising midfielder, has left City to join Hull City for a nominal fee. Kerr, who has knocked on the door of the first team at Valley Parade but never started is promised first team football by Hull boss Brian Little.
Although there are some obvious difficulties in judging Kerr's abilities without him having played a first team game BfB is surprised and concerned to see a young midfielder who showed promise leave the club. Kerr's one decent amount of time in the City first team, a second half against Darlington, showed him linking well with Benito Carbone and possessing a vision that hinted at more. Somehow I doubt higher division football has heard the last of Scott Kerr.
Thursday 14 June, 2001
The News
McCall set to reject new terms?
Stuart McCall is reported to be set to reject a new contract offer and thus would be set to leave City for the second time in his career.
Jim Jefferies has stated that the offer to McCall was a basic wage that made 66% of the skipper's current deal although there is confusion as to how much McCall is earning at present. Some reports suggest that big earners such as David Hopkin and Beni Carbone have had a knock on effect increasing City skipper's wage in line owing to a clause in his contract. Using this method of calculation McCall may turn down a deal of some £10,000 for a final year at Valley Parade.
Speaking on the negotiations Jim Jefferies commentted "I and the Chairman had a meeting with Stuart's professional advisor at which the whole situation was discussed and it has to be said that the meeting appeared to go extremely well at that time. Subsequent comments in the media have made it clear that the player is in fact not happy with the offer made. I very much hope that Stuart and his advisor accept the package which was put forward which in my view is a generous one for a 37-year old player rapidly reaching the end of his playing career."
Beni wanted by Italians
Newly-promoted Italian Serie A side Piacenza have expressed an interest in signing City's Benito Carbone. The bid has been passed to the player, manager Jim Jefferies saying "It is down to Beni and certainly he intimated last season he wanted to go back to Italy at some stage but he could be the man to lead us back into the Premiership." Should Beni go City are expected to turn attentions to Russell Latapy.
Should any of the clubs looking at Benito Carbone make a bid City are believed to have set a price at around £3m.
City make late bid to stop Celtic getting Latapy
Despite one of Russell Latapy's representatives stating that the player is "80% certain" to join Celtic, City have made a bid to sign the player.
"Russell is basically away on international duty until the third of July and he will talk to Celtic when he comes back," said Latapy's agent "Russell is free to talk to Celtic and I'm 80% certain that they want to sign him and he will join them. Bradford are 100% interested in signing Russell."
Tuesday 12 June, 2001
The News
JJ offers deal to Makel
Jim Jefferies looks set to go back to Hearts to sign another midfielder with former Town man Lee Makel having been contacted by City to be offered a deal for next term after failing to agree terms with the Scots side.
Makel, a left footed midfielder with a keen eye for a pass, started his career with Newcastle before joining Blackburn for £650,000. A move to Town was followed by a switch to Scotland after a string of impressive displays. Wolves are also interested in signing Makel.
News deal offer for Jess
Eoin Jess has been offered a three year deal by City. The player seems ready to commit to the contract but has yet to sign.
Atherton to go to Wigan?
Paul Jewell is being linked with a bid for City's Peter Atherton who was signed for City by Jewell's number two, former City boss, Chris Hutchings. Atherton is a former Wigan captain. The player is in Jim Jefferies plans for next term but his disproportionately high wage demands would see any chance to rid the club of a squad player.
Tuesday 12 June, 2001
The News
PJ and Hutch back in business
Former City bosses Paul Jewell and Chris Hutching were revealed as Wigan Athletic's new managment pairing. BfB says Good Morning Mr Jewell.
Jakes to keep his place
Jim Jefferies has hinted that Wayne Jacobs will start as City's left back for next season showing his preference for Andy Myers in a central role (where he is some good) as opposed to wide (where he is pants).
JJ has also said that should he show the right attitude then Jamie Lawrence would be a part of the squad.
Sunday 10 June, 2001
The News
McCall expected to stay as Barnsley wait in the wings
Stuart McCall is expected to meet with City officials and beat out a contract that will see him stay at Valley Parade for the final year of his contract, however, should no agreement be reached Barnsley have joined Burnley and Des Hamilton's Cardiff in waiting to talks to the City skipper.
GR on you
"I believe our fans are the best in the land."
Thursday 07 June, 2001
The News
Jefferies plans and gets rewards
Jim Jefferies has been rewarded for forwarded his plans to Geiffrey Richmond for putting City back into Premiership contention by Christmas by being allowed to add any season ticket sales over a certain figure ot the wage budget that currently stands at £7.5m. The club calculate that should sales reach last year's levels then JJ's budget would rise to some £8,500 a week per man allowing Jim Jefferies to sign up the likes of Robert Molenaar, Eoin Jess and Stuart McCall.
Stuart McCall to turn down Burnley & Cardiff
Stuart McCall will reject potential offers from Burnley and the chance to player-coach Cardiff to stay at City for a final season when he renters negotiations with the club on Tuesday. Jim Jefferies is worried over McCall's ability to last a 50plus game season and is considering something of a job share between the skipper and Gary Locke.
Kerr to go?
Jim Jefferies has indicated that Scott Kerr could be allowed to leave City for first team football at Hull. "He is at that stage of his career." Said Jefferies.
BfB is dead against letting the talented Kerr go. The young midfielder is more than able of filling one of the six spots for young players that JJ has picked out in his squad for next season. If Jim Jefferies is serious about building up the young talent at City then it is important that Kerr, a player who Stuart McCall earmarked as a potential replacement, stays at Valley Parade.
Clarke saga drags on and on
Bolton are reported to have made a bid for idiot (but very good) goalkeeper Matt Clarke. The team that is none months off relegation have bid around £650,000 for the player. City have reminded Bolton that his value is between £3m-£5m but could consider letting Clarke finally leave so that the funds can be put into the promotion side with a bid for Antti Niemi of Hearts. This would also get the troublesome Clarke out of the club, something that it is our understanding City are keen to do sooner rather than later.
Monday 4th June, 2001
The News
Atherton not going
Jim Jefferies has confirmed that Peter Atherton will be a City player at the start of next season saying "I have had a chat with Peter Atherton and he'll come in and start the season with us. Whether he figures - who knows we'll have to wait and see."
JJ wants Dean Richards back (but he can't have him obviously)
Jim Jefferies is believed to have instructed his scouts to find him a speedy defender in the mold of former City man £10m rated Southampton defender Dean Richards. Should Robert Molenaar re-sign then City's four centrebacks would be the Dutchman, David Wetherall, Peter Atherton and Andy Myers none of whom could ever be accused of haveing the turn ot pace of a Richards. Rachid Neqrouz, however, is not wanted.
Who on Earth is Rachid Neqrouz?
Bari defender Rachid Neqrouz claims that City are trying to sign him, Jim Jefferies says he has never heard of Neqrouz. It seems that the Moroccan defender is using the name of Bradford City to try triger interest from other clubs. In short, you know you have arrived when people you have never heard of hve heard of you. Either that of Neqrouz is on his way to Brentford soon.
Veasen not coming to City
Jim Jefferies has denied that City have any interest in signing Huddersfield's goalkeeper (and boxer, yes we remember!) Nico Veasen. BfB says: Good, we don't want him, he was a one season wonder.
Sunday 3rd June, 2001
The News
Jess set to sign
Eoin Jess is finally set to sign for City, other offers not exactly flooding in for the former Aberdeen player, after a second offer from teh club in teh light of the £7.5m budget.
"My agent is talking to the club at the moment and we should be able to finalise something in the not too distant future. I want to stay at Bradford - it's just a case of sorting out the fine details." said Jess.
Mennillo signs off in style
Dino Mennillo's Wollongong Wolves won a second back to back title with a 2-1 win. Mennillo will sign for City in the Summer.
Saturday 2nd June, 2001
The News
Richmond "At the halfway point"
Geoffrey Richmond has said that he will only walk away from Valley Parade once the club is established in the Premiership. "My ambition over the next six or seven years - I consider myself to be at the halfway point of my chairmanship - is to get back into the Premier League, establish ourselves and take the capacity to 35,000. On the day I walk away, I want to be able to say that the club is in better shape - in every respect - than when I first came here."
JJ backs Locke
Jim Jefferies has reacted to critism about the only man he has brought down from Hearts, Gary Locke, by tipping the player to be a future star at Valley Parade.
Friday 1 June, 2001
The News
New City site
Another new City site has sprung up. Check out www.geocities.com/we_8_leeds
Le Goalie
City are looking at bringing in goalkeeper Stephane Cassard of Montpelier.
The Rumours
Rea talk wide of the mark
TeamTalk are reporting that City and Wolves are set to bettle over £1m rated Sunderland midfielder Alex Rea, however BfB's sources say that City's target is either teenager Thomas Butler or former Grimsby and Everton winger John Oster.
Wednesday 30 May, 2001
The News
JJ backs Locke for Scotland
Jim Jefferies has revealed that he has a bet with the chairman than if Gary Locke gets "10 to 15" games under his belt that the player will get a call up to the Scotland squad. BfB knows it is alone in this but we see good thinks in Locke that others do not.
Van Hout joins Anderlecht
City target Joris Van Hout has joined Anderlecht ending City's interest in him. Guess we have to stick with beni Carbone then...
Tuesday 29 May, 2001
The News
Geoffrey Richmond: "Relegation will make us better and we will not rest until we are back in the Premiership."
Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond made good his key address to City fans at the Tuesday Night supporters meeting. Richmond handled the crowd with customary flair , taking the sting of potential questions with a moral lifting promise of an increased budget.
The Key Points
- An increase in the £5m player budget for wages to £7.5m allowing an average wage of just over £7,000 a week working on a 20ish man squad.
BfB is Very pleased - The playing squad will be 20 senior pros and six young professionals
BfB is glad to see the youngster get a chance - JJ: "Nobody (would be) taking a drastic wage cut"
BfB is hoping to have Stuart signed up soon. - JJ on Beni Carbone: "Given the news tonight (see above) Benito will stay unless he wants to go. He is a terrific asset and I am now under no pressure to sell him.". Beni now has a price tag on his head.
BfB is Not sure at the moment. Beni's wage is at least three times the average laid out above. - No definite move for Latapy. JJ has expressed an interest.
- GR: "Relegation will make us better and we will not rest until we are back in the Premiership."
BfB is seconding that emotion - No new "goalscorer" will be brought in before the start of the season
BfB is glad we are not paying £5m for Marlon King - Lee Sharpe and Matt Clarke are not wanted
BfB is not bothered - Budgeted for 14,000 fans at home games next
BfB is saying you should take a mate and bump up JJ's budget - GR is well
BfB is very pleased - JJ staying and not yes man
- A new keeper will be signed
Richmond steps up
Geoffrey Richmond will host a crucial meeting with City fans on Tuesday night where he will address the (supposed) problems at the club. GR will talk about his relationship with Jim Jefferies which, it is said, is strained. About the club's finances although not in that much depth, a standard Richmond policy, and about the prospects for next season.
Jim Jefferies predicted a tough 12 months ahead with City having to work within a budget. It is thought Jefferies has an average of £4,500 a week for each man in his squad and that this limit has seen moves for Darren Moore, Colin Cameron and Dean Gorre shelved.
What does seem certain is that this address to City fans will shape the near future of the club with players wanting clarification as to the future of the team and manager. Richmond will underline the possibility of marrying ambition and fiscal restraint, perhaps pointing to the fact that City had a modest wage budget in the 1998-99 promotion season and surmising that if Paul Jewell is able to build a winning side in such circumstances then Jim Jefferies should also. Jefferies will point to his crafting of teams in the shadow of the Scots big two as experience in this.
Molenaar, Latapy want to see City's metal
Current player Robert Molenaar and potential City striker Russell Latapy are both understood to be waiting for positive signs to come from Valley Parade re a promotion push before signing contracts.
Latapy's agent has said that the player is ready to sign for City but that he would hear other offers should they come before he gets back from a Portuguese holiday. Molenaar would like to stay at City but only if the current side can be built on.
Karl Ready?
QPR defender Karl Ready is supposedly meeting City officials this week to discuss a move from London to Valley Parade.
Clarke cash
Matt Clarke claimed promotion with Bolton Wanderers in the play offs on Sunday. City gain £200,000 from the loan deal. Bolton are thought to be weighing up an offer of £1.5m for the player.
Sunday 27 May, 2001
The News
Richmond on the war path
Geoffrey Richmond and Jim Jefferies will host a Supporters evening at VP on Tuesday night and BfB has had a look at the battling tone that Geoffrey Richmond will use against his critics.
Speaking to an emailer in Canada Richmond gave the powerful reply "I can assure you that when it (the division one season) does start we will have on the field a competitive team.". It is expected that GR will take this tack at Tuesday night's meeting.
23rd May 2001
The News
McCall Offered half current wage in new pay deal
Stuart McCall has been offered a new contract worth around £3,500 a week, representing half his current wage. McCall has said he is "stunned" by the offer and that he still wants to play for the Bantams and that Jim Jefferies still wants him. The deal has no coaching role in it, something McCall has had mixed success with this term.
columns: McCall should be the bigger man [BfB]
22nd May 2001
The News
Richmond and Jefferies "Clear the air"
Geoffrey Richmond has spoken of his "clear the air" talks with Jim Jefferies in which he asked the manager if he wanted to quit Bradford City.
"We are now singing from the same hymn sheet" said Richmond on revealing that the manager and chairman had come to agreement. Richmond was surprised by how down Jefferies had seemed after the Coventry game in the interview where he bemoaned the lack of funds at Valley Parade.
Richmond also said that Benito Carbone was not looking for a move back to Italy but rather would stay with City until an offer, most probably from a Premiership club, came under consideration. columns: How Geoffrey Richmond can cheer Jim Jefferies up [that little sod]
1st May, 2001
The News
Liverpool win but City impress
Freshly relegated Bradford City outplayed Champions League bound Liverpool for long spells of the game that the Red's won 2-0 leaving a certain team East of Pudsey further away from a repeat adventure. One wonder's what Rotherham will make of it all though...
28th April, 2001
The News
Bradford City are relegated from the Premiership
A 2-1 defeat at Everton has seen the Bantams relegated from the Premiership in typical City style...
columns: Why it is worth missing Bradford City from the Premiership [BfB]
JJ: We will be back
Speaking a half hour after the City team he inherited half way through the season went from the Premiership fighting Jim Jefferies vowed that the Bantams "would be back".
"We had a real go, battling for each other and we showed that we will be capable of challenging next season to win our Premiership place back. But we must now look ahead, remember the good things and work to improve them in the future. We need more strength in depth, and we intend to bring in a few during the summer."
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