City fan lost his job to get Final ticket!

8:00am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Hannah Postles, T&A Reporter

Stephen Hindmarch (centre) with friends after getting hold of their tickets Stephen Hindmarch (centre) with friends after getting hold of their tickets

A Bantams’ fan who was sacked after missing work the day after he had queued through the night for his Capital One Cup final tickets admitted last night: “I’d have been more upset if I’d missed out on Wembley!”

Stephen Hindmarch, 32, of Lidget Green, lost his job when he failed to turn up at work last Thursday after spending 16 hours in line at Valley Parade to buy his tickets for the showpiece clash against Swansea.

The former machine operator told how he was sacked when he missed work because he fell asleep on two buses on his way to Stainless Band in Cullingworth after queuing for his tickets since 7pm the night before.

But he said: “I think I was a bit more upset at the thought of not going to Wembley than losing my job!”

Mr Hindmarch, who had been working for the firm for around four months, was so eager to snap up tickets for the historic final he was 111th in line and stayed awake all night so he could be one of the first to buy tickets when they went on general sale at 9am last Thursday.

“I arrived at 7pm the night before – 14 hours before the ticket office opened – and got my tickets at around 10.30am,” he said.

“It was cold, but everyone was in a good mood and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

“I told work I’d get in once I’d got my tickets, so after I had them I went to get the 697 to Cullingworth – but I fell asleep!

“I woke in Keighley, so got back on the bus to go the other way, but I fell asleep again and ended back at Bradford Interchange. But by that time it was the afternoon and by the time I’d have got to work it would have been time to go home.”

The dad, who already has another job lined up, said he arrived at work the following day expecting to be disciplined, but was ‘surprised’ when he was given his notice.

But he said losing his job was not a ‘tragedy’ and he was looking forward to watching Phil Parkinson’s men in Sunday’s final.

“I’m apprehensive and nervous but so excited. To be honest, what City have done is incredible and we will celebrate the day whatever happens – whether we win or lose,” he said.

“It’s something I never thought I’d see!”

No-one at Stainless Band was available for comment.

Comments(41)

Avro says...
8:22am Fri 22 Feb 13

Hardly something to be proud of!

Are you expecting sympathy or you job back? lol

Report this post »

Apollo says...
9:31am Fri 22 Feb 13

Idiot.

Report this post »

Freddy says...
9:40am Fri 22 Feb 13

*
Avro says...
8:22am Fri 22 Feb 13
*
I doubt you will understand the passion,fervour, commitment,total desire--to be at Wembley on Sunday. This is the second report I have seen where Employers have no sympathy for City Supporters.NOR HAVE YOU AVRO.
*
There are some 20 Supporters already pre-warned (See Live Articles) who have received warnings that if they go to Wembley on Sunday--THEY ALSO WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS.
*
I feel " Stainless Band " and a " Bradford Contractor" ( Working on a Major Bradford Supermarket ). ( Probably MORRISON--who did not want to Support Bradford City.
Should be taken to Court under the current Employment Laws. If I am correct--THREE warnings have to be officially made to the employee--before they can be dismissed.
*
IT IS LITTLE WONDER that the likes of "Stainless Band" would not comment. They know they are in the wrong.
"Stainless Band "--now have a huge STAIN on their reputational BANDS!!.
*
May I suggest to Stephen --that if so aggrieved, he should 'Google' Solicitors -who operate the Legal Aid System in and around the Bradford Area. Also--a visit to Citizens Advice could prove advantageous.
I note Stephen has another job lined up. Well done--You may not feel like taking "Stainless--or should it be Stainmore!. -to court?.
*

Report this post »

KnightMcCall says...
10:00am Fri 22 Feb 13

Freddy wrote:
*
Avro says...
8:22am Fri 22 Feb 13
*
I doubt you will understand the passion,fervour, commitment,total desire--to be at Wembley on Sunday. This is the second report I have seen where Employers have no sympathy for City Supporters.NOR HAVE YOU AVRO.
*
There are some 20 Supporters already pre-warned (See Live Articles) who have received warnings that if they go to Wembley on Sunday--THEY ALSO WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS.
*
I feel " Stainless Band " and a " Bradford Contractor" ( Working on a Major Bradford Supermarket ). ( Probably MORRISON--who did not want to Support Bradford City.
Should be taken to Court under the current Employment Laws. If I am correct--THREE warnings have to be officially made to the employee--before they can be dismissed.
*
IT IS LITTLE WONDER that the likes of "Stainless Band" would not comment. They know they are in the wrong.
"Stainless Band "--now have a huge STAIN on their reputational BANDS!!.
*
May I suggest to Stephen --that if so aggrieved, he should 'Google' Solicitors -who operate the Legal Aid System in and around the Bradford Area. Also--a visit to Citizens Advice could prove advantageous.
I note Stephen has another job lined up. Well done--You may not feel like taking "Stainless--or should it be Stainmore!. -to court?.
*
Freddyyou are clearly not an employment lawyer and don't understand the law so be very careful trying to say who has and who has not done wrong.

I would take issue with you expecting employers to be sympathetic anyway. You cannot run a business effectively for the good of staff, customers and shareholders if your employees don't do what they are paid to do. Failing to turn up for work without a good reason could probably be considered "gross misconduct" which is a sackable offence. He's only been there a short period of time too so may have been on probation without most of the employment rights you refer to.

I know where you are coming from but it's best not to comment when you don't know all of the ins and outs Freddy; you might get into bother.

Report this post »

Shipleyvegas says...
10:03am Fri 22 Feb 13

well done to his employer - he should have booked the day off.

Report this post »

Peter300 says...
10:18am Fri 22 Feb 13

How many more daft stories is Postles going to submit? She should be one person looking for new job.

Report this post »

Freddy says...
10:19am Fri 22 Feb 13

*
Thank you--:-

KnightMcCall says...
10:00am Fri 22 Feb 13

*

Report this post »

Michael Clayton says...
10:30am Fri 22 Feb 13

Take the image of a man who did not see fit to raise the £25 needed for a Flexi-Card.

Compare that to the man who is prepared to queue in freezing conditions, fall asleep on buses put his passion for City before his responsibilities and get the 'Spanish archer' from his employer.

An interesting juxtaposition.

Report this post »

Albion. says...
10:37am Fri 22 Feb 13

Another self-sacked git that the rest of us will have to support.

Report this post »

Outraged English Subject says...
10:49am Fri 22 Feb 13

Albion. wrote:
Another self-sacked git that the rest of us will have to support.
From what you have stated on here before you can just about support yourself, let alone anyone else!

Report this post »

Michael Clayton says...
10:55am Fri 22 Feb 13

Outraged English Subject wrote:
Albion. wrote: Another self-sacked git that the rest of us will have to support.
From what you have stated on here before you can just about support yourself, let alone anyone else!
He was reflecting on someone else's stupidity though?

Report this post »

Chillum Bantam says...
11:00am Fri 22 Feb 13

Not the brightest thing to do, hopefully he’ll be in new employment soonest. Lots of self-righteous whingers on here as usual, keep it up.

Report this post »

The Hoffster says...
12:09pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Not sure if someone is actually right in the head when they swop a job for a football ticket.

And the T&A is publishing this article as something 'good'.

{rolleyes}

Report this post »

Andy2010 says...
12:19pm Fri 22 Feb 13

What a complete muppet

Report this post »

ajohnboy79 says...
1:19pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Some people take risks in life..... Some for the better and some for the worst. At least he attempted to get to work, albeit falling asleep on route, for which I am sure he regrets. All that will be forgotton as he still has a ticket to watch OUR beloved Football Club at Wembley on Sunday.

Would I of taken this to be there along side and with all the other City supporters....... Hell Yeah!!!

Report this post »

Outraged English Subject says...
1:33pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Michael Clayton wrote:
Outraged English Subject wrote:
Albion. wrote: Another self-sacked git that the rest of us will have to support.
From what you have stated on here before you can just about support yourself, let alone anyone else!
He was reflecting on someone else's stupidity though?
Git; an unpleasant or contemptible person, was he really!

Report this post »

Beeceefcee says...
1:35pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Yawn! Give us a proper story. What happened to the old days of granny tripping over pavement and suing council. Always had nice. Photos of her pointing to the paving stone that did it! Pure class! :-)

Report this post »

Rambo says...
2:40pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Do people actually read the entire articles on here?

"The dad, who already has another job lined up, said he arrived at work the following day expecting to be disciplined, but was ‘surprised’ when he was given his notice."

I read about this guy already elsewhere. He said he was planning on leaving in a month as he had another job and this made it look a more dramatic exit.

Report this post »

bd7 helper says...
2:44pm Fri 22 Feb 13

CITY ALL WAY AND BACK ON "JOB-SEEKERS ALLOWANCE" ON MONDAY!! WOW...
GET PAID FOR ALL YOUR BENEFITS!!!! FREE

Report this post »

Birky_Neil says...
2:51pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Well the company must of been looking for excuses.
Can not of been much of an asset or they would of kept hold of him!

Report this post »

Freddy says...
2:52pm Fri 22 Feb 13

*
*
City Supporters ---Watch " The One Show " Tonight at 7pm.
*
Also on BBC- Yorkshire North at 7.30pm'
*
Paul Hudson (Lifelong City Fan and Weather Forecaster has a 30 Minute programme on City.
*
BBC-Look North will have items on City too.

Report this post »

Apollo says...
3:34pm Fri 22 Feb 13

He would probably not get Benefits as the DWP would judge that he had made himself unemployed intentionally.

Report this post »

Cotswold Gent says...
4:23pm Fri 22 Feb 13

I have a £90 ticket available as my daughter cannot now come to the game.It must go to a genuine City fan and I only want face value.No touts.
If you know anyone who may be interested, please ask them to call or text me on 07804 326653 or email me.
Thanks,
Chris

Report this post »

Cotswold Gent says...
4:23pm Fri 22 Feb 13

I have a £90 ticket available as my daughter cannot now come to the game.It must go to a genuine City fan and I only want face value.No touts.
If you know anyone who may be interested, please ask them to call or text me on 07804 326653 or email me.
Thanks,
Chris

Report this post »

Cotswold Gent says...
4:23pm Fri 22 Feb 13

I have a £90 ticket available as my daughter cannot now come to the game.It must go to a genuine City fan and I only want face value.No touts.
If you know anyone who may be interested, please ask them to call or text me on 07804 326653 or email me.
Thanks,
Chris

Report this post »

tinytoonster says...
4:23pm Fri 22 Feb 13

bd7 helper wrote:
CITY ALL WAY AND BACK ON "JOB-SEEKERS ALLOWANCE" ON MONDAY!! WOW...
GET PAID FOR ALL YOUR BENEFITS!!!! FREE
stop lyyyying!!!!

Report this post »

Avro says...
4:39pm Fri 22 Feb 13

The Hoffster wrote:
Not sure if someone is actually right in the head when they swop a job for a football ticket.

And the T&A is publishing this article as something 'good'.

{rolleyes}
Ttotally agree, but try telling Freddy that, who suddenly thinks he is well versed in employment law lol.

Putting yourself into a postion where you might lose your job over such a matter is blatently irresponsible and no regard fro his employment!

I hope the guy does not have a familiy to suport, as ultimately it will be they who will now suffer!

Report this post »

Rambo says...
5:49pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Once again, READ THE ARTICLE -

"The dad, who already has another job lined up,"

And I'm quoting myself now -

I read about this guy already elsewhere. He said he was planning on leaving in a month as he had another job and this made it look a more dramatic exit.

Report this post »

XBradfordian says...
5:54pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Avro wrote:
The Hoffster wrote:
Not sure if someone is actually right in the head when they swop a job for a football ticket.

And the T&A is publishing this article as something 'good'.

{rolleyes}
Ttotally agree, but try telling Freddy that, who suddenly thinks he is well versed in employment law lol.

Putting yourself into a postion where you might lose your job over such a matter is blatently irresponsible and no regard fro his employment!

I hope the guy does not have a familiy to suport, as ultimately it will be they who will now suffer!
I used to follow speedway all over the UK in the 60's, including buying tickets for the big ones, I always talked to my boss before hand, he would reschedule my hours and very little work time was lost. I was an apprentice at the time and my job was very important to me

Report this post »

dannyzuco says...
6:16pm Fri 22 Feb 13

For AVRO you are pathetic obviously you are not a city supporter your the one who is a total idiot!!!!! IDIOT come on city

Report this post »

dannyzuco says...
6:17pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Fao Apollo you are also a idiot come on city!!!!

Report this post »

Avro says...
8:15pm Fri 22 Feb 13

dannyzuco wrote:
Fao Apollo you are also a idiot come on city!!!!
What's up don't you know how to use the quote button lol

Have you actually read any of the above posts??
The majority here think that the guy who lost is job for a city ticket is a muppet!

Strewth, it seems we have two of a kind!

Report this post »

ANY WHERE BUT HERE says...
8:18pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Leave the guy alone.
It's far more important to him to go to Wembley, than the humdrum of normality, in a middle of the road job.
PASSION!!! CTD.

Report this post »

Outraged English Subject says...
9:44pm Fri 22 Feb 13

ANY WHERE BUT HERE wrote:
Leave the guy alone.
It's far more important to him to go to Wembley, than the humdrum of normality, in a middle of the road job.
PASSION!!! CTD.
Agree.

Report this post »

Whoisevans? says...
10:27pm Sat 23 Feb 13

KnightMcCall wrote:
Freddy wrote:
*
Avro says...
8:22am Fri 22 Feb 13
*
I doubt you will understand the passion,fervour, commitment,total desire--to be at Wembley on Sunday. This is the second report I have seen where Employers have no sympathy for City Supporters.NOR HAVE YOU AVRO.
*
There are some 20 Supporters already pre-warned (See Live Articles) who have received warnings that if they go to Wembley on Sunday--THEY ALSO WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS.
*
I feel " Stainless Band " and a " Bradford Contractor" ( Working on a Major Bradford Supermarket ). ( Probably MORRISON--who did not want to Support Bradford City.
Should be taken to Court under the current Employment Laws. If I am correct--THREE warnings have to be officially made to the employee--before they can be dismissed.
*
IT IS LITTLE WONDER that the likes of "Stainless Band" would not comment. They know they are in the wrong.
"Stainless Band "--now have a huge STAIN on their reputational BANDS!!.
*
May I suggest to Stephen --that if so aggrieved, he should 'Google' Solicitors -who operate the Legal Aid System in and around the Bradford Area. Also--a visit to Citizens Advice could prove advantageous.
I note Stephen has another job lined up. Well done--You may not feel like taking "Stainless--or should it be Stainmore!. -to court?.
*
Freddyyou are clearly not an employment lawyer and don't understand the law so be very careful trying to say who has and who has not done wrong.

I would take issue with you expecting employers to be sympathetic anyway. You cannot run a business effectively for the good of staff, customers and shareholders if your employees don't do what they are paid to do. Failing to turn up for work without a good reason could probably be considered "gross misconduct" which is a sackable offence. He's only been there a short period of time too so may have been on probation without most of the employment rights you refer to.

I know where you are coming from but it's best not to comment when you don't know all of the ins and outs Freddy; you might get into bother.
He also can go to a tribunal if he's worked for that company for over 2 years and not been warned about his time keeping prior to this. If he has the support of his union or work colleagues he will have a better case.

Report this post »

Whoisevans? says...
10:32pm Sat 23 Feb 13

He maybe better off not working for this company that fails to see that the team he follows has raised the profile of Bradford and possibly bring more business to the region and a feel good factor.

Report this post »

collos25 says...
8:29am Sun 24 Feb 13

You have to be joking

Report this post »

collos25 says...
8:35am Sun 24 Feb 13

As far as the story is concerned its seems very few have read it properly the man does not care about his job he has been there a maximum of 4 months .There is probably a lot more to his sacking than is being told.Another very poor report from a third rate reporter to fill a third rate paper.

Report this post »

Mutha.Slimer says...
1:25pm Mon 25 Feb 13

" Already had another job lined up" So in other words he was not really bothered and they wasn't really a story was there?

Report this post »

E.goldstein says...
9:58pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Outraged English Subject wrote:
ANY WHERE BUT HERE wrote:
Leave the guy alone.
It's far more important to him to go to Wembley, than the humdrum of normality, in a middle of the road job.
PASSION!!! CTD.
Agree.
Amen to that. Another job will always come along, another cup final may take another 100 years.

Report this post »

Michael Clayton says...
4:32pm Tue 26 Feb 13

E.goldstein wrote:
Outraged English Subject wrote:
ANY WHERE BUT HERE wrote: Leave the guy alone. It's far more important to him to go to Wembley, than the humdrum of normality, in a middle of the road job. PASSION!!! CTD.
Agree.
Amen to that. Another job will always come along, another cup final may take another 100 years.
Hardly committed to the cause i.e. not a season ticket holder, not a flexi-card member. Just someone who turns up when it suits him. Dressing it up as "passion" does not wash.

Report this post »

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