Parkinson's pride as Bradford City penalty kings are on cloud NINE (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Parkinson's pride as Bradford City penalty kings are on cloud NINE
8:00am Wednesday 12th December 2012 in Sport
By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN: City players set off on their victory run after pulling off one of football’s all-time giant-killing feats by beating Arsenal
Giant-slaying City woke up today as Capital One Cup semi-finalists after a night that Phil Parkinson believes fans will cherish “for the rest of their lives”.
Parkinson’s warriors stunned a full-strength Arsenal side in front of Valley Parade’s biggest crowd since 1960, winning their ninth penalty shoot-out on the trot after the game finished 1-1.
Garry Thompson’s volley was cancelled out by Thomas Varmaelen with only three minutes of normal time to go. But the Belgian’s miss during penalties proved decisive as City sealed one of the biggest results in their history to reach the semi-final of the competition for the first time.
Parkinson admitted: “I’m very proud of the boys. I don’t really want to single anyone out but there were some tremendous performances.
“It hasn’t really sunk in for them or for me yet and I don’t think the enormity of what they have achieved will do until today.
“It was a night to remember. We want to put this club and this city back on the map – football clubs can do that.
“This is a fantastic football club. You could just feel the support and passion around the ground.
“I came in at 4.30 and you could start sensing it then.
“It was a very special night for everybody. All the people here, especially all the kids, will remember it for the rest of their lives.”
Arsene Wenger surprised City by putting out his best team but the home side refused to be fazed by their big-name opponents.
Parkinson said: “He’d been saying in the press that he’d bring a strong squad but I didn’t expect him to go 'bang’ and play them all. Seeing the likes of Jack Wilshere and (Santi) Carzola in there was a real surprise.
“The talk will be about the penalties again but I’d rather praise the performance. It was sensational.
“We’ve taken on Arsenal’s best team and were leading with three minutes to go. Then we had the setback of conceding the goal and had to go again. But I thought the lads were outstanding and showed immense quality once again.
“Once their goal went in, I was glad there were only three minutes because you could just see us dip. That’s understandable.
“But we asked the lads afterwards if they were fit and strong enough to go again (in extra-time) and they showed they were. They weren’t going under.”
Skipper Gary Jones, a scorer in the shoot-out, called it “one of the best nights of my life” before adding: “We’ve just knocked Arsenal out of the Capital One Cup. It was 11 versus 11 and we had to keep our shape and frustrate them.”
Goalkeeper Matt Duke, who saved a penalty from Santi Cazorla, said: “We set our stall out and the men in front of me were fantastic. We are really fit as a team and that showed.”
Comments(45)
Craig1985
says...
8:29am Wed 12 Dec 12
Well done lads as always I'm proud to be a Bradford fan CTID
balbrigganfc
says...
8:32am Wed 12 Dec 12
Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody!
Predicting City to play another team in the semi finals. Could it be Chelsea, could it be L666s, you'll have to wait and see casara sara blah blah blah
Come on you Bantams, CTID!
total90
says...
8:34am Wed 12 Dec 12
Steam Pigs
says...
8:48am Wed 12 Dec 12
WELL DONE CITY
ALEXIMO.56.
says...
8:53am Wed 12 Dec 12
balbrigganfc wrote:Erm QUE SERA SERA.M8. :-) We're super City and we're going up then it's off to Wembley to win the cup.
As previously predicted City came away last night with a positive result against the Arse-nil.
Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody!
Predicting City to play another team in the semi finals. Could it be Chelsea, could it be L666s, you'll have to wait and see casara sara blah blah blah
Come on you Bantams, CTID!
Cityman23
says...
9:19am Wed 12 Dec 12
The scene is ...over 1000 years ago, in a far off land.....!
Ist man:Aaaaaaaghh...aaa
aaagh
2nd man: AAaaaaaaaaghhhhhhh
3rd man.....er.....is ...anything becoming clear.....oh wise one?!!!!
ist man: AAAAaaah...er...don'
t interrupt me...when I'm ....in mid...AAAaagh!!!
2nd man: Yesssssss....I see it now....
3rd man: What do you see..oh wise one?
2nd man: It..is....the year...2012!!
It is.....the ....winter solstice....
3rd man: Yes????!!!
2nd man: And......it is the ....21st ...of December........AND.
...
!st: Yes....get on with it!!
2nd man:.......THE WORLD IS COMIN TO AN......END!!!
3rd man : Aaaaaaaagh...
1st man: ...Yes.....I see it too......there is ...weeping...and wailing....but...jus
t a minute...?Not ...everyone....is...
upset!!
2nd man: What?!!
1st: I am getting....another..
.vision....
2nd/3d men: Yessssssss?
1st man....Some men.....dressed....i
n ...claret and amber....will win....a GLORIOUS VICTORY....on.....11
th ..December!!!
AND....amongst many wearingred/white...t
.here is much ...weeping...and wailing...!!A tall man...in black...stands..cryi
ng!The ....cockeral...is significant!
On the 21st December.....the world...perished....
.but..these clarets/ambers.....a
re .....STILL SMILING!!!
3rd: Well....at least ...it's 1000 years ..in he future....we Mayans...don't have to worry!!
nd: I HAVE MADE THE ...IMPORTANT....PROP
HESY!!
1st Man: Nah......No one makes predictions like me....ABSOLUTELY NO ONE!!!!
2nd: Oh no you don't!
1st: DO!
2nd: DON'T!
1st: DO..DO..DO!!
1 bingley bantam
says...
9:29am Wed 12 Dec 12
JAtkinson wrote:Wow fantastic unbelievable what a night what a result am so so proud of the lads and management cant congratulate them enough.Nobody who saw that can say we didnt deserve it even the ref did his best to help Arsenal but ha!.
I'm not a football fan but was glued to the radio last night. What a fantastic result! Brilliant result for the team and the city (and, of course, Tottenham). Well done to the team and the fans - your efforts could be heard loud and clear on the radio and certainly outshouted the southern contingent.
Glad it sounded like it should on the radio cause watching it back on Sky is it just me or did they do their best to make it sound like Arsenal were at home?
bullybullman
says...
9:35am Wed 12 Dec 12
tyker2
says...
9:41am Wed 12 Dec 12
1 bingley bantam wrote:could only hear the Arsenal fans singing when they equalised. We kept them quiet for so long. Magnificent effort by all concerned at BCAFC. I thught the referee was total biased and most free kicks went the way of Wenger's men.
JAtkinson wrote:Wow fantastic unbelievable what a night what a result am so so proud of the lads and management cant congratulate them enough.Nobody who saw that can say we didnt deserve it even the ref did his best to help Arsenal but ha!.
I'm not a football fan but was glued to the radio last night. What a fantastic result! Brilliant result for the team and the city (and, of course, Tottenham). Well done to the team and the fans - your efforts could be heard loud and clear on the radio and certainly outshouted the southern contingent.
Glad it sounded like it should on the radio cause watching it back on Sky is it just me or did they do their best to make it sound like Arsenal were at home?
Loved the way we played. stood up all the way through and played some good fotball for an hour and threatened on the break but after that we had to defend for our lives. Thought Wells played well but ,if he has aspirations to play at a higher level,he has to improve his fitness to last longer in such games. Merdith was sensational often being overloaded with two players but remaining solid positionally and in te tackle.
However great effort from all concerned.
23800 PLUS IN THE GROUND AND MAYBE THAT CAN BE REPEATED WITH A MATCH WITH LEEDS/CHELSEA
lawsonio123
says...
10:21am Wed 12 Dec 12
cibasteve
says...
10:24am Wed 12 Dec 12
It fills you with pride and gives you heartache and despair when you love your team as much as I do.
Last night the football gods were looking down on our club and every person connected to BCFC will know how we feel today.
It makes you laugh and it makes you cry, this morning i've crying with joy and pride because our club have put Bradford on the world map football wise.
What a night, what an atmosphere, what a team.
Last night makes every inch of every yard of every mile we've ever travelled to watch our team worth the effort.
It blows away the cold rainy evenings when you've travelled 500 miles to Aldershot, Gillingham and back.
What a great evening that will live in the memory for ever, I don't need a replay of the game, it's there forever in my heart and mind just like Wembley, Blackpool, Wolves, Everton Liverpool and many more great times.
lawsonio123
says...
10:25am Wed 12 Dec 12
balbrigganfc wrote:Come Come did you not see my coments on Arsenal.but must say you do not do to bad Merry Christmas
As previously predicted City came away last night with a positive result against the Arse-nil. Nobody makes predictions like me, nobody! Predicting City to play another team in the semi finals. Could it be Chelsea, could it be L666s, you'll have to wait and see casara sara blah blah blah Come on you Bantams, CTID!
bingleybantam-ms54
says...
10:33am Wed 12 Dec 12
What the Hell Do you say after a Night like that?
It had EVERYTHING - Pure Theatre!
I have supported City Since 1965 & Most of us Footy Fans have a "2nd Footballng Love" - Mine has always been - Spurs!
So last night was absolute HEAVEN for me on 2 levels of Footballing alliegance.
Thanks to PP's Fabulous Bantams.
I was @ Wolves in 1999
I saw us beat Liverpool one year later to "Stay up" in the Prem
.......BUT I HAVE "NEVER" Witnessed an atmosphere like that at Valley Parade last night !!
I have NEVER seen the (Capacity) Crowd so Galvanised - "As One"!
Its a footballing cliche that the crowd was the "12th Man" on the pitch - BUT Dear God - Last Night it was 100% True !
For One Night Only We turned VP into The Gallatasery Stadium in Istanbul - ............Whats their "Cheery Hello" ?? - err something like "Welcome to HELL"
Well thats exactly what Arsenal were subjected to and I truly believe the massive VOCAL support "really did" get to them!
What was so satisfying was that We did it by playing some classy - intelligent football - fought like Demons for every ball & Kept our shape!
We aren't individually as good aseach Arsenal player - But as a "Collective" OUR 11 Men matched THEIR 11 Men - and that fact CANNOT be denied.
One other point - Arsenal put out their Very Best Team - So they've NO excuses on that score.
Well done lads - You have uplifted the Supporters - Given us much overdue "Pride" - Put £££s into the Clubs Coffers & Lifted an often depressed City generally - Its not a bad thing when total strangers smile broadly at each other and hug spontaneously in shared joy !
Thats what the Gods of Football granted us City Fans last Night :-
"A Moment of Grace - Allied to:-
"A Moment in Time"...............
..that will LIVE FOREVER with those "Who were there"!!
Well done Mr Parkinson
Well done The Lads
Well done "us" - "We" the Supporters
Its the Semi's Next and YET ANOTHER
"Crazy - Crazy- Crazy - Crazy Night" as "Kiss" sing - to look forward to.
Who will we play ?? - Who cares !
But if it all comes down to Penalties????
WELL - Get your route-maps to Wembley out Boys & Girls cos as "sure as shoot" ......I certainly wouldn't bet against the Bantams - Thats for sure"!
Come on Bradford - "City til' I DIE"!
WELL DONE LADS C-:=
modman61
says...
10:37am Wed 12 Dec 12
Freddy
says...
11:00am Wed 12 Dec 12
What an incredible achievement from Bradford City last night. Lady luck was gratefully smiling on Valley Parade--despite the strange decisions from The Ref.
*
Parky's substitution of Wells was very prudent --after he had been cautioned. He did not want him to get a Red!.
*
Can our excellent knowledgeable Supporters, advise me as to when the draw will occur?. Also are we hoping for a Home Draw?. Again--could the semi-final be decided on 'Pens'.?. If it is on 'Pens'-- we WILL get to The Final.
Could it be be "WEEDS" in the Semi.?.
Have we created a Club Record, and or Guinness Book of Records entry, for the number of Pen. Wins. ?. Was the Attendance a Club RECORD??. Even taking into account The Prem. Attendances?.
*
Being exiled 'darn sarth!' --It is difficult to keep up with ALL the City information.
*
fatbloke
says...
11:00am Wed 12 Dec 12
Jim P USA
says...
11:06am Wed 12 Dec 12
webshow
says...
11:17am Wed 12 Dec 12
bigang02
says...
11:27am Wed 12 Dec 12
derrie-t-
says...
11:32am Wed 12 Dec 12
tyker2
says...
11:47am Wed 12 Dec 12
Freddy wrote:next wednesday after weeds versus chel say
*
What an incredible achievement from Bradford City last night. Lady luck was gratefully smiling on Valley Parade--despite the strange decisions from The Ref.
*
Parky's substitution of Wells was very prudent --after he had been cautioned. He did not want him to get a Red!.
*
Can our excellent knowledgeable Supporters, advise me as to when the draw will occur?. Also are we hoping for a Home Draw?. Again--could the semi-final be decided on 'Pens'.?. If it is on 'Pens'-- we WILL get to The Final.
Could it be be "WEEDS" in the Semi.?.
Have we created a Club Record, and or Guinness Book of Records entry, for the number of Pen. Wins. ?. Was the Attendance a Club RECORD??. Even taking into account The Prem. Attendances?.
*
Being exiled 'darn sarth!' --It is difficult to keep up with ALL the City information.
*
LaCe78
says...
12:20pm Wed 12 Dec 12
What a performance...what a night...!
This squad is one we can and should all be proud of! They really showed their metal last night and I really think we should fear no other team in the run in! This cup run is amazing I just hope we can replicate the desire and work ethic against 'lesser' teams in the league!
Just read on BBC that Dave Baldwin believes the two televised games are worth circa £1m after the deficit had already been halved following last nights game! Our financial future is secure!
Fantastic news!
Do we need any more players in Jan with Reid and Davies back soon?!
One last note, the whole ream was clearly immense last night, yet i thought Meredith, Darby McArdle and McHugh were all absolutely superb and all deserve special mentions!
In Parky we trust... CTID
Must dash, got the match to watch AGAIN on Sky +
nowt fresh
says...
12:43pm Wed 12 Dec 12
macca1969
says...
12:44pm Wed 12 Dec 12
_Size3_
says...
12:46pm Wed 12 Dec 12
cibasteve wrote:Was a great night and a great experience. The only downside, I suppose, is that the old boy wasn't able to see it.
Football is a great game at times and very cruel at other times. It fills you with pride and gives you heartache and despair when you love your team as much as I do. Last night the football gods were looking down on our club and every person connected to BCFC will know how we feel today. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry, this morning i've crying with joy and pride because our club have put Bradford on the world map football wise. What a night, what an atmosphere, what a team. Last night makes every inch of every yard of every mile we've ever travelled to watch our team worth the effort. It blows away the cold rainy evenings when you've travelled 500 miles to Aldershot, Gillingham and back. What a great evening that will live in the memory for ever, I don't need a replay of the game, it's there forever in my heart and mind just like Wembley, Blackpool, Wolves, Everton Liverpool and many more great times.
I hope it isn't too long before we can feel such elation again :) :)
bahamianbantam
says...
1:22pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Well done!
shoesmaker4
says...
1:37pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Plastic Bantam
says...
2:41pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Freddy wrote:The semi final is over 2 legs. So it will be an even bigger ask to over come the teams left in the comp!!!
* What an incredible achievement from Bradford City last night. Lady luck was gratefully smiling on Valley Parade--despite the strange decisions from The Ref. * Parky's substitution of Wells was very prudent --after he had been cautioned. He did not want him to get a Red!. * Can our excellent knowledgeable Supporters, advise me as to when the draw will occur?. Also are we hoping for a Home Draw?. Again--could the semi-final be decided on 'Pens'.?. If it is on 'Pens'-- we WILL get to The Final. Could it be be "WEEDS" in the Semi.?. Have we created a Club Record, and or Guinness Book of Records entry, for the number of Pen. Wins. ?. Was the Attendance a Club RECORD??. Even taking into account The Prem. Attendances?. * Being exiled 'darn sarth!' --It is difficult to keep up with ALL the City information. *
However if we get drawn away in the first leg and can keep it tight, I fancy our chances against most at fortress VP!!!!
tyker2
says...
2:58pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Freddy
says...
3:30pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Many thanks for your Info --"Tyker 2" and
" Plastic Bantam.".
*
Looking forward to the Draw next Wednesday. Dare I suggest a two leg semi-final against " Weeds". With the first leg at Bell- End Rd.!!!!!'
*
Or a FINAL at The New Wembley again , against " Weeds". Even at " Old Trafford " ???.
*
With City promoted and " Weeds" relegated.-- Next Season would be " FANTASMAGORICAL !.
*
You never know in Football. As Jimmy Greaves said --" Funny Old Game"
*
tyker2
says...
4:34pm Wed 12 Dec 12
tyker2 wrote:should of course read Bobby Ham!!
been a suporter since 197/58 season and was cramped in for the Burnley game and Spurs (booby Ham et al) and this has to be the best result ever and probably the best team performance ever with all players working hard together. A money spinning semi final and promotion will make one very old supporter very happy indeed
Waynus1971
says...
4:55pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Freddy wrote:Freddy, last night was the highest attendance at Valley Parade since it became an all-seater stadia. However, I believe more were present back in the old days. It was also the highest attendance since 1960 when we played Burney.
* What an incredible achievement from Bradford City last night. Lady luck was gratefully smiling on Valley Parade--despite the strange decisions from The Ref. * Parky's substitution of Wells was very prudent --after he had been cautioned. He did not want him to get a Red!. * Can our excellent knowledgeable Supporters, advise me as to when the draw will occur?. Also are we hoping for a Home Draw?. Again--could the semi-final be decided on 'Pens'.?. If it is on 'Pens'-- we WILL get to The Final. Could it be be "WEEDS" in the Semi.?. Have we created a Club Record, and or Guinness Book of Records entry, for the number of Pen. Wins. ?. Was the Attendance a Club RECORD??. Even taking into account The Prem. Attendances?. * Being exiled 'darn sarth!' --It is difficult to keep up with ALL the City information. *
In relation to the cup draw, it is next Wednesday night, where we will be paired with Villa, Swansea or Boro, Leeds or Cheski. The ONLY one I don't want is Swansea. Villa are still a big club, as are Chelsea and no matter how much we hate Leeds, that would still be a fantastic draw. That only leaves Middlesboro and I hear you ask why I want them. REVENGE... I haven't "forgiven" them for that play-off heartbreak...!
Whoever we are drawn against, it will be over two legs as this is the semi-finals now. Home and away against some big names plus both matches WILL be shown live on TV. Lawn/Baldwin have said we will make around £1m for the semi-finals...!
Although we are told that the nine shoot-out wins on the spin is a record (not just a club record, but a British record and more importantly, the World Record), I don't know if it will be in the Guiness Book just yet. I suppose they have to wait until we get beaten as we could extend it even further, especially as we have now been reinstated to the FA Cup too....!
Pablo
says...
5:33pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Last season , I was one of Will Atkinson's biggest critics. His form this season has been a revelation and last night he was Premiership quality.
I just hope these diversions don't detract from our promotion bid.
Last night will live long in the memory and credit must be given to PP fo the squad he's built and the team spirit he's engendered.
Victor Clayton
says...
6:13pm Wed 12 Dec 12
LaCe78 wrote:brilliant city, really enjoyed it. will be interesting when all the injured players are back! Davis will probably get back in, but not sure about Oliver. I know the whole dynamic of the team will change when we have a fit squad but I think we are too reliant on Wells for goal. so maybe a new striker.
Absolutely over the moon this morning! What a performance...what a night...! This squad is one we can and should all be proud of! They really showed their metal last night and I really think we should fear no other team in the run in! This cup run is amazing I just hope we can replicate the desire and work ethic against 'lesser' teams in the league! Just read on BBC that Dave Baldwin believes the two televised games are worth circa £1m after the deficit had already been halved following last nights game! Our financial future is secure! Fantastic news! Do we need any more players in Jan with Reid and Davies back soon?! One last note, the whole ream was clearly immense last night, yet i thought Meredith, Darby McArdle and McHugh were all absolutely superb and all deserve special mentions! In Parky we trust... CTID Must dash, got the match to watch AGAIN on Sky +
pudseykid
says...
6:44pm Wed 12 Dec 12
billybobbull
says...
7:22pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Excellent watch on TV.
Freddy
says...
8:25pm Wed 12 Dec 12
Waynus1971 says...
4:55pm Wed 12 Dec 12
*
Many Thanks for your Info. Waynus. It is difficult for me as a City Man to obtain and sometimes remember All the relevant facts.
*
Very grateful.
*
Bantam76
says...
8:54pm Wed 12 Dec 12
And PP, you deserve as much credit as anyone else! There's so many folk out there willing to put the knife in when things aren't going great, so it's only fair that you get a huge pat on the back!! Fantastic effort!
On another note, I'd anyone finds a voice box in the stadia, probably the Kop near the family stand, well, it's mine! :-)
shaun from richmond
says...
10:13pm Wed 12 Dec 12
RESPECT TO PHIL PARKINSON!!.
What a night!!...what a headache this morning!...
WOW!!!!.
Wrose bantam
says...
11:09pm Wed 12 Dec 12
For me even better than beating Liverpool in 1981 or the Wembley game aginst Notts County. What an atmosphere and what a performance.
I have seen some games at VP, but this was special.
Wrose bantam
says...
11:09pm Wed 12 Dec 12
For me even better than beating Liverpool in 1981 or the Wembley game aginst Notts County. What an atmosphere and what a performance.
I have seen some games at VP, but this was special.
Bradford1903
says...
12:43am Thu 13 Dec 12
What a great night, it's occasions like this that every fan lives for and makes it all worthwhile.
Waynus1971
says...
12:54pm Thu 13 Dec 12
shaun from richmond wrote:NEVER!!!! Shaun is actually PRAISING Phil Parkinson and NOT calling him a DEADBEAT!!
WOW!!!!....To play 2 up front for nearly 120 mins takes REAL GUTS!!. RESPECT TO PHIL PARKINSON!!. What a night!!...what a headache this morning!... WOW!!!!.
Please somebody, anybody, get Shaun an AMBULANCE....!
bettyswollocks
says...
1:47pm Thu 13 Dec 12
nowt fresh wrote:20000 in against Accrington? We'd have more people in the toilet than they usually get!
I just hope last night's game wetted the appetites of the 10,000 or so non regulars (not having a go here) wouldn't it be great to see the majority of those fans return on Boxing Day and have around 20,000 to cheer the lads on against Accrington Stanley in our quest to get out of the "God awful league" and back to Championship level which a City of Bradford's size deserves ..!!
JAtkinson says...
8:16am Wed 12 Dec 12
Brilliant result for the team and the city (and, of course, Tottenham).
Well done to the team and the fans - your efforts could be heard loud and clear on the radio and certainly outshouted the southern contingent.