Ramsden starting afresh at City (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Ramsden starting afresh at City

7:20am Friday 3rd July 2009

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Simon Ramsden is hoping his switch to City can cure two years of play-off heartache.

The right back has twice seen his League Two promotion dreams dashed at the death with Rochdale.

Fourteen months ago he was a Wembley loser against Stockport, while last season Dale were knocked out in the play-off semi-finals by eventual winners Gillingham.

Ramsden admitted it was a bitter blow to swallow – which is why he is determined his first term at Valley Parade will provide a happier ending.

“The season just gone was worse than the time before because at least you’d had the achievement of going to Wembley,” he said.

But to go close again and get beaten was a huge disappointment and I would have thought it affected the lads there all through the summer.

“But once you’re back for pre-season, that’s all gone and you’ve got to start afresh.

“I’ve come here with the hopes and expectations of getting out of this division. That’s what everybody is talking about and we really need to do it this season.”

Ramsden admitted it was tough to quit Spotland but knows he has joined a bigger club.

“Everything at Rochdale was great and the management have been brilliant with me but when a club the size of Bradford comes along, you can’t turn down that opportunity,” he said.

“The expectation level is a lot different. At Rochdale it would be a huge achievement to get promoted, whereas here the expectation is that you do get promoted.

“A club this size doesn’t want to be in this division and the challenge is to get out, whether it be automatically or through the play-offs. It’s a different scenario for me but one I’m really looking forward to.

“You want to be playing in front of the big crowds week in, week out. That’s what being a footballer is about and you’ve got to thrive on the pressure that comes with it.”

Ramsden, who previously played for Grimsby, was joined by fellow new boys Gareth Evans and Jon Bateson as Stuart McCall put his squad through their paces at a sweltering Marley Stadium in Keighley yesterday.

Ramsden said: “It’s always a bit strange starting at a new club but I felt welcome straight away. Once you get the first few days out of the way, it just becomes normal again.

“Pre-season doesn’t get any easier, no matter what club you are at, but everyone nowadays knows to come back fairly fit because you’re straight into the running.

“The lads seem to be in good spirits and got through it fine. You help those that aren’t so fit to get through because we’re all in it together and it’s good for building team morale.”

McCall is also casting his eye over three trialists – former Carlisle utility player Grant Smith, Macclesfield central midfielder Jordan Hadfield and centre half Steve Williams, who has been playing non-league for Fleetwood and Bamber Bridge.

Smith, 29, is the son of Gordon Smith, the striker immortalised by the commentary for his missed sitter for Brighton against Manchester United in the 1983 FA Cup final.

The left-sided Scot was at Sheffield United with McCall and featured alongside Paul Arnison in the Carlisle side beaten by Leeds in the play-offs in 2008.

Smith can play on the wing, at left back and would also offer cover as a left-sided centre half.

Hadfield, 21, is hoping to fit the bill in McCall’s search for an energetic, tigerish central midfielder.

He played in the same Macc team as Evans but also spent a month on loan at Blue Square Premier outfit Altrincham during the middle of last season.

Paul McLaren was unwell missed yesterday’s session, while Peter Thorne returns for duty on Monday.

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Your Say YourBradford

J4CKO, Apperley Bridge says...
8:00am Fri 3 Jul 09

McLaren was unwell!!!
Give over Mr Parker we know were daft but were arent stupid. I wonder if he makes a remarkable recovery to get off his sick bed to sign for somebody else in the next few days.