It's Gunner be great! Ecstatic Phil Parkinson can't wait for Bradford City v Arsenal tie

7:20am Thursday 1st November 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Theo Walcott celebrates scoring in Arsenal's stunning 7-5 comeback win over Reading Theo Walcott celebrates scoring in Arsenal's stunning 7-5 comeback win over Reading

City hit the jackpot with a Capital One Cup quarter-final date against Arsenal to leave Phil Parkinson purring: That’s as good as you get.

After four uninspiring cup draws, the Bantams were finally handed a Valley Parade money-spinner against the Gunners in the last eight.

The game, which will take place in the week beginning December 10, is expected to be shown live on TV – which will provide another significant financial injection.

Parkinson had been clamouring for a big-money tie to swell his promotion budget and was thrilled to see Arsenal’s name pop up in the draw late last night.

He said: “I’m absolutely ecstatic. We’ve always said our time will come and we would get that massive cup tie and it’s finally happened.

“To see the words Bradford City v Arsenal going across the TV screen was fantastic. It’s great for the club, great for the two chairmen and great for all the supporters.

"Money-wise, getting an away tie to one of the big teams would have earned us maybe a bit more. But equally, Arsenal at home with 20,000 of our fans there will be something special – and I’m positive it’s going to be on TV.”

With holders Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all going out, fans feared that City would once again miss the boat when it came to a bumper tie in their first quarter-final since 1989.

Parkinson admitted: “As the games were getting played and Norwich and Swansea were winning, the odds were lengthening on us being given a lucrative draw. But it’s as good as you are going to get in terms of playing at home to one of the Premiership’s biggest clubs.”

The match will have an extra attraction for City assistant manager Steve Parkin, who is close friends with Arsenal number two Steve Bould after they were apprentices together at Stoke.

Parkinson will let the excitement sink in at the training ground today – but then talk about Arsenal will be banned.

He said: “Of course we’ll have a good chat about it but from tomorrow morning I don’t want to hear it mentioned again until the game comes around. Our priority is the league and we need to give ourselves the best chance of getting promoted.”

Comments(29)

biccy says...
7:34am Thu 1 Nov 12

Bring it on Arsenal!! We were there when City played Everton in '88 and we won 3-0. We found we could name the team after 24 years when the photo appeared in the T&A (is that sad?) We have often wondered if the supporter who was asked to go straight to the BRI because his wife had gone into labour left the thrilling game. That baby would now be 24-wonder if they will be at the game?

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silverbantam says...
8:04am Thu 1 Nov 12

biccy wrote:
Bring it on Arsenal!! We were there when City played Everton in '88 and we won 3-0. We found we could name the team after 24 years when the photo appeared in the T&A (is that sad?) We have often wondered if the supporter who was asked to go straight to the BRI because his wife had gone into labour left the thrilling game. That baby would now be 24-wonder if they will be at the game?
The Everton result was 3-1 to City.

City should charge £30 a ticket with a £10 discount for season ticket holders and £5 discount for 50/50 card holders ?

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Edinburgh -bantam says...
8:21am Thu 1 Nov 12

This is an excellent draw.Wenger has a poor record at Valley Parade - a draw and a defeat.City won 2-1against a far better team than the one currently representing the Gunners in this trophy.

Do you remember he complained about the narrowness of our pitch?

Hopefully the "new" City supporters will turn up for League games as well because this season we have a team not a bunch of individuals wearing Claret and Amber!

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Cityman23 says...
8:39am Thu 1 Nov 12

"(EXTREMELY!!) HAPPY VALLEY-EXCESS ALL AREAS"

'JOOLS & LAWNEE'

The night before! (10.30pm)

J: What are you doing Lawnee?

L: Cough/splutter!!! ...holdin my breath Jools...thought if I could just keep my breath....for three minutes...we might get ...a ..

J: ...good draw?!!

L: ..yeah!!

J: Lawnee...earlier..I caught you ...walkin...with eyes closed...across that road!!..
Next...I find you eating rye crispbread and ....low fat cheese!!

L: we've GOT to get....a plum tie..THIS time!!

20 mins later

L: yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
....you beauty!!!!!!...Aaaaa
aaaaaaaaaaghh!!!
yessssssssssssssssss
ss!!!Gerrrrrrrrrrrrr
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrin
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnthe
rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
rrrreeee!

(sings) Maybe... it's because... I'm a Londoner...
..that I love London town!!
Good old Arsenal...we're proud to sing that name...whilst we sing this song...we'll win...this game...I'm forever...blowin...b
ubbles....

J: ..that's the WEST HAM song!!

L: we're in the MONEY....in the MONEY!!!

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RuggerTyke says...
8:51am Thu 1 Nov 12

If we play a passing game like we did second half versus Wigan we can hold our own with some of the quality in the side and the likes of Davies, Oliver and Ravenhill will help massively.

£30 a ticket?, even Bates wouldn't do that!

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COLATS says...
8:54am Thu 1 Nov 12

Cityman23 wrote:
"(EXTREMELY!!) HAPPY VALLEY-EXCESS ALL AREAS" 'JOOLS & LAWNEE' The night before! (10.30pm) J: What are you doing Lawnee? L: Cough/splutter!!! ...holdin my breath Jools...thought if I could just keep my breath....for three minutes...we might get ...a .. J: ...good draw?!! L: ..yeah!! J: Lawnee...earlier..I caught you ...walkin...with eyes closed...across that road!!.. Next...I find you eating rye crispbread and ....low fat cheese!! L: we've GOT to get....a plum tie..THIS time!! 20 mins later L: yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. ....you beauty!!!!!!...Aaaaa aaaaaaaaaaghh!!! yessssssssssssssssss ss!!!Gerrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrin nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnthe rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrreeee! (sings) Maybe... it's because... I'm a Londoner... ..that I love London town!! Good old Arsenal...we're proud to sing that name...whilst we sing this song...we'll win...this game...I'm forever...blowin...b ubbles.... J: ..that's the WEST HAM song!! L: we're in the MONEY....in the MONEY!!!
your posts dont get anymore interesting? even though were on cloud nine? we should introduce a voucher system for the next few home games to garantee tickets for the big one?

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bettyswollocks says...
8:54am Thu 1 Nov 12

RuggerTyke wrote:
If we play a passing game like we did second half versus Wigan we can hold our own with some of the quality in the side and the likes of Davies, Oliver and Ravenhill will help massively. £30 a ticket?, even Bates wouldn't do that!
Oliver? Pay attention.

As for the suggestion of charging £30 - that'll really reward all us loyal fans that have turned up week in week out to see the L2 dross we've had to put up with for the past 5 years.

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Cityman23 says...
9:17am Thu 1 Nov 12

"HV-EAA!"

'In the Mind Of Simon Parker!"

SP: Now let me see, how many 'connections' with...guns...can I get into headlines to my stories..between now and December...

Scribbling with his pencil!

"CITY FIRING...AT WILL!"

"OPPONENTS' TACTICS BACKFIRE!"

"VOLLEY WINS THE GAME FOR BANTAMS!"

"CITY GO OUT WITH A BANG!"

"SIX GUN-SALUTE TO THE BANTAMS!"

"STRIKERS CRACK INTO ACTION!"

"GOALIE ROUNDS OFF A 5 - STAR
PERFORMANCE"

" 'PARKIE' KEEPS HIS POWDER DRY!"

"CLARET/AMBERS AIM TO HIT THE TARGET"

SP: yes..that'll do...for now!!







...

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ALEXIMO.56. says...
9:27am Thu 1 Nov 12

I suggest that City introduce a voucher system for the game. With the game due on the 11th or the 12th of Dec, we have 3 home games in the league. It's ok everyone jumping up and down about making £500,000 on the night with a massive crowd and sky tv., but what about massive crowds at league games? City should introduce the cup vouchers at all 3 home games and any 2 of the 3 would qualify you for a ticket. This would stop all the plastic fans jumping on the bandwagon. It would also put more supporters through the turnstiles on these 3 home games. Remember, we still need cash at home games in the league too. The first one starts with Chesterfield on 6th Nov then Exeter 17th then Plymouth 20th. This system should only apply to those paying supporters and not s/t & flexi holders as they will have 1st choice when tickets go on sale. Keep the tickets at £20 and not £30.

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Freddy says...
9:30am Thu 1 Nov 12

*
I do not know if it is possible to identify "ALL THE BRADFORD ARMY" of Supporters, that went to every Away Match in this CC Competition. If it is possible. Then every single one of those genuine hard core Supporters, should receive a Priority Ticket, for the Arsenal Match.
*
I am, as usual, heavily committed to my TV work in London, and the Midlands. I hope to get to the FA Cup match at Northampton, this Saturday, to join the Bradford Army.
*
I have FOUR Flexi-Cards for my family and I.So far we have been able to travel up to Bradford for the Fleetwood-Wimbledon-
Barnet -Morecambe-Port Vale-Cheltenham-MATC
HES.
*
We hope to be attending the -Chesterfield-Exeter
-Plymouth matches too.
*
I have been associated with BCFC since 1955. Played for them as a Teenager. Worked for The Club from 1985-1990.
*
I have been a Full Season Ticket Holder for numerous Seasons.
*
If my family and I can not travel to Bradford, in the week beginning 10 December- for The Arsenal Match. I wonder if it is possible to award our seats to 'Charity Supporters' for those genuine City Supporters, who may not be able to afford the gate prices?.
*
I am assuming that Flexi-Card Supporters, will be entitled to tickets for this Cup Match??.
*

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Cityman23 says...
9:32am Thu 1 Nov 12

Balbriggan FC

As predicted...a home draw v Arsenal at VP!!

No-one makes predictions like me. NO one!

Come on City!

CTID

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edinhosdad says...
9:32am Thu 1 Nov 12

Absolutely buzzing!! Can not wait. If the Gooners can put 7 past Reading I'm sure they will fancy a few more against us. However, VP will be rocking. Go City, Go City, Go City!!!

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BD16 says...
9:57am Thu 1 Nov 12

Edinburgh -bantam wrote:
This is an excellent draw.Wenger has a poor record at Valley Parade - a draw and a defeat.City won 2-1against a far better team than the one currently representing the Gunners in this trophy. Do you remember he complained about the narrowness of our pitch? Hopefully the "new" City supporters will turn up for League games as well because this season we have a team not a bunch of individuals wearing Claret and Amber!
Then somebody pointed out the pitch was exactly the same size as Highbury.

You've forgotten that the City team then was a lot better as well. Still, we can all dream....

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dazp says...
9:59am Thu 1 Nov 12

its should be £10 a ticket and then i dont think we will fill the stadium. any more than that and people will sty at home and watch it on TV the chairman needs to think carefully about pricing this one

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silverbantam says...
10:20am Thu 1 Nov 12

dazp wrote:
its should be £10 a ticket and then i dont think we will fill the stadium. any more than that and people will sty at home and watch it on TV the chairman needs to think carefully about pricing this one
Rubbish. Northern armchair Arsenal fans will want to see their team in the flesh.

Pricing shoud be:

£20 season ticket holders
£25 Flexi card holders
£30 everyone else

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Ralphie says...
10:35am Thu 1 Nov 12

I watch City probably about a couple of times a season (usually when they are offering the cheap tickets!)
I'd like to see the Arsenal game and would be prepared to pay £25 - £30 a ticket plus one for my grandson.
Would n't be prepared to jump through any hoops collecting vouchers for attending City's home games prior to the Arsenal game.
Obviously season ticket holders etc get priority, but City have to think carefully about the pricing with the tie being televised.

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Edinburgh -bantam says...
10:36am Thu 1 Nov 12

BD16 wrote:
Edinburgh -bantam wrote: This is an excellent draw.Wenger has a poor record at Valley Parade - a draw and a defeat.City won 2-1against a far better team than the one currently representing the Gunners in this trophy. Do you remember he complained about the narrowness of our pitch? Hopefully the "new" City supporters will turn up for League games as well because this season we have a team not a bunch of individuals wearing Claret and Amber!
Then somebody pointed out the pitch was exactly the same size as Highbury. You've forgotten that the City team then was a lot better as well. Still, we can all dream....
The Arsenal cup team doesn't have the quality of Seaman,Dixon,Keown,G
rimandi,Winterburn,L
jungberg,Parlour,Pet
it,Malz,Suker,Henry and Bergkamp.

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tyker2 says...
11:31am Thu 1 Nov 12

the fans shuld relise that this is a top one off attraction and shuld be charged at pemium rate.

season ticket holders will get first dibs flexi card holders ext dib and the theplastic supporters. The pricin structure has, i believe, tobe the same as the normal pay at the gate rate so no premiums cn be charged.

HOWEVER those plastic "spporters" should be encouragedto attend at least two game and to save the ticket stubs for those two games to give them preference after those listed above.

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Rambo says...
11:42am Thu 1 Nov 12

Looking at internet activity on Facebook and twitter it seems a lot of local armchair Arsenal fans are wanting to tickets. It shows how thick they are when they were asking within minutes of the draw being made - do they actually think they'd arrange a game that fast?

Any whatever measures can be taken to stop them getting anywhere near VP would be welcomed.

Supporting a team is about the good and bad. People have been appearing on various sites saying they haven't been for games for 10, 20, 30 years but will for this one (and they live locally!).
Sorry folks but if over those years you couldn't be bothered to attend one measly game (even when we had a cheap promotion on) then you're at the back of the line.

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KnightMcCall says...
11:50am Thu 1 Nov 12

Rambo wrote:
Looking at internet activity on Facebook and twitter it seems a lot of local armchair Arsenal fans are wanting to tickets. It shows how thick they are when they were asking within minutes of the draw being made - do they actually think they'd arrange a game that fast? Any whatever measures can be taken to stop them getting anywhere near VP would be welcomed. Supporting a team is about the good and bad. People have been appearing on various sites saying they haven't been for games for 10, 20, 30 years but will for this one (and they live locally!). Sorry folks but if over those years you couldn't be bothered to attend one measly game (even when we had a cheap promotion on) then you're at the back of the line.
It's pretty obvious that Season Ticket Holders and 50/50 holders will be given priority so they will ALL get a ticket. After that; hopefully City will give some time to fans on the database or those with Burton or Wigan stubs or as has been mentioned; give vouchers out for the Chesterfield game next week. It riles me that people who haven't given a jot about City for the last 10 years think that they can rock up for the first decent game in many years.

City do also need to make sure they sell out. Not sure they are allowed to increase ticket prices but if they can charge more to non season-ticket holders then that would make sense to me.

I assume Yawn from Richmond won't be coming too because "the cups don't matter"...

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Up with the partridge says...
1:12pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Great this one - I want to be there.
Do you have hospitality boxes at Bradford United as if so I am going to try and get an invitiation?
Should be great, what date is the game?

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ricky76 says...
4:10pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Same price as league games £20 a ticket with season ticket and flexi cards holders given 7 days to purchase before going on general sale all season tickets holders should be entitled to one ticket plus one as well then obviously discounted rates for over 65 and under 16. We will sell around 18000 and Arsenal will sell there allocation of 4500 meaning a crowd of 22500 min will be there regardless of being on sky

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Whoisevans? says...
5:04pm Thu 1 Nov 12

Well done to all the fans who went to Wigan and made the atmosphere electric could hear them all on the radio. A special mention to the team for their determination and nerve. I hope Parky goes with the same team for saturday and then gives Mchugh a chance before he brings in any loan players. The club should not need to increase prices as the game will be a full house plus the Sky T.V money will be good. I hope we do better than the Bristol City game at Valley parade at this stage. I was in the Kop the week before it and a guy said he was a scout for Bristol City and it was Joe Jordan's intention to kick us out literally and they did. Within a few minutes Joe Jordan kicked Dave Evans in the heel and that was it he scored and they just did what the guy said Kicked.

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RuggerTyke says...
5:10pm Thu 1 Nov 12

People can watch Arsenal at Emirates for far less than £30 in a league cup game!

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derrie-t- says...
6:44pm Thu 1 Nov 12

£30 pounds a ticket? no chance will put more people off than entice them with £20, i agree with a post above pricing should be very well thought out, also i'm sick of seeing things about plastic supporters, who cares if they turn up its a bit more money, i don't think we'll fill the stadium anyway i wouldn't worry about getting a ticket

ranting aside!, i was delighted to see a big club at home! the wigan game was awesome too brilliant atmosphere hoping for even better at VP! CTID

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Rams1884 says...
10:32pm Thu 1 Nov 12

cMy two brothers and my mother are massive city fans .and i also want them to win every time they play.i was born in Bradford .but for some unknown reason i chose to support Derby County from a very young age I live in stoke on trent now but when i lived in Bradford i used to go and watch city home and away on a regular basis i was also there in 85 but anyway what i am getting at is .i am really really happy for everyone connected with the club and really hope you do yourselves proud when the world watches the match on telly ..Unlike the scum down the road...i will be watching with pride at how well you have done this season keep it up and the best of luck . your support has been amazing since you where in the prem and with you lot staying loyal you can only keep getting better ...you will be playing at Pride Park again before you know it . i am actually going to SUPPORT city when they play Port Vale the week before the Big One .hope am not sat in the away end on my own .....Come On City .....Respet

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Rams1884 says...
10:35pm Thu 1 Nov 12

how did that c get up there !!

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Whoisevans? says...
11:05am Fri 2 Nov 12

Rams1884 wrote:
how did that c get up there !!
It should have been with the respet lol. Thanks for your unbias view hope you enjoy the two games and hopefully more to come. I hope Shaun his reading these comments and sees even fans from other clubs show more respect than he does for our team and manager.

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Whoisevans? says...
11:11am Fri 2 Nov 12

Cityman23 wrote:
"HV-EAA!"

'In the Mind Of Simon Parker!"

SP: Now let me see, how many 'connections' with...guns...can I get into headlines to my stories..between now and December...

Scribbling with his pencil!

"CITY FIRING...AT WILL!"

"OPPONENTS' TACTICS BACKFIRE!"

"VOLLEY WINS THE GAME FOR BANTAMS!"

"CITY GO OUT WITH A BANG!"

"SIX GUN-SALUTE TO THE BANTAMS!"

"STRIKERS CRACK INTO ACTION!"

"GOALIE ROUNDS OFF A 5 - STAR
PERFORMANCE"

" 'PARKIE' KEEPS HIS POWDER DRY!"

"CLARET/AMBERS AIM TO HIT THE TARGET"

SP: yes..that'll do...for now!!







...
Wenger faces a firing squad. Walcott gunna leave cos they are fired out of the cup. Hanson bangs in a hat-trick. Explosive City blow Arsenal away.
Come on City!!!

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