BfB Review of 2000-2001

That was the season that wasn't...

2000-2001 in review

[1] The season in list

[2] On the field

[3] Off the field

[4] Why you should care about City going down

[5] Next season's Bantams

Next season's Bantams

Next season's Bradford City could be much changed to this year. This is what next season has in store...

Goalkeepers

City have three goalkeeper who are either a: good or b: a nice guy. Gary Walsh is both, Matt Clarke one, Aidan Davison neither. Walsh will stay and be number one but expect a man to be brought in to fight for the shirt and another back up keeper, maybe Jon Worsnop if he progresses well. Target Darren Ward of Notts County signed for rivals Forest in the summer leaving City's most likely option Hearts Finn keeper Antti Niemi and Tony Caig has is out of contract . Speculation linking City with a surprise move for Liverpool's second string keeper Peggy Arphexad is probably wide of the mark. Likley in: Antti Neimi of Hearts and/or Tony Caig
Out: Matt Clarke and Aidan Davison

Defenders

A reshaping around David Wetherall is called for. Robert Molenaar will most probably be retained and another man brought in, hopefully Darren Moore. A younger pair of full backs are sought with Steven Glass of Newcastle lined up to (try) replace Jacobs. Jamie Smith of Palace could come in at right back although Rangers interest makes that less likely. Ian Nolan and Gunnar Halle will pay the price for Leeds. Mark Bower may not get through another summer. Gary Locke to fill holes as an when needed Dream in: Darren Moore
Likley in: Steven Glass of Newcastle.
Out: Ian Nolan

Midfielders

Stuart McCall continues, Gareth Whalley and Jamie Lawrence in and around but not a regulars. Expect Jim to try to get his Hearts skipper Colin Cameron to drop from SPL to Division One for Ł2m and also look out for moves for Hartlepool's Tommy Miller and perhaps Huddersfield's Dean Gorre. Eoin Jess may sign to continue his role in attacking midfield, Aussie Dino Mennillo will get a place in the squad. Other names include Bryan Hughes of Birmingham and Crystal Palace's Jamie Pollock. One odd rumour has City linked with one time Geordie mad bloke Temuri Ketsbia of Wolves. Scott Kerr will have an increased role in the squad while Billy McKinlay and Lee Sharpe are going. Again Gary Locke to fill holes as an when needed Dream in: Colin Cameron of Hearts
Likley in: Tommy Miller of Hartlepool, Eoin Jess, Huddersfield's Dean Gorre, Dino Mennillo.
Out: Billy McKinaly, Lee Sharpe.

Strikers

Beni looks set to leave and Gareth Grant will be moved on to make room for emerging Ben Jones. Joris van Hout is leaning towards City and would replace Carbone on the right hand side of attack and Tommy Johnson may arrive to play a more withdrawn role a la Eoin Jess. Russell Latapy looks like he will join City next year. Robbie Blake and Ashley Ward will be kept to lead the line although Jim would like ot bring in more pace to the club. Dean Ashton would be a promising signing although City will withdraw should a bidding race begin. Marlon King of Gillingham is good but the first divison want too much for the player (Ł5m? come one...). Latapy's Hibs partner and former Metz star (Heard that one before...) David Zitelli has interested JJ in the past and is out of contact as is Grimsby Town's Robbie Blake-a-like Daryl Clare and Scunthorpe United's Guy Ipoua, a player who interested Paul Jewell. Dream in: Dean Ashton of Crewe
Likley in: Joris van Hout of Mechelen, Tommy Johnson of Celtic, Russell Latapy.
Out:Benito Carbone, Gareth Grant