Taylor insists he does not rely on long-ball game (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Taylor insists he does not rely on long-ball game

7:40am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

By Simon Parker »

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Peter Taylor today hit back at accusations that City are becoming a long-ball team.

Taylor’s buoyant Bantams go hunting a fourth win in five games against Port Vale tonight.

Spirits are high after Saturday’s dramatic success over Rotherham, when James Hanson scored deep into stoppage time.

But Taylor has dismissed criticism about City’s style of play from Millers boss Ronnie Moore.

Taylor said: “I personally thought we played better on Saturday than against Rochdale. We played a bit more football and kept going for 90 minutes. To me, that’s why we deserved to win.

“Ronnie suggested on the radio afterwards that we might be a long-ball team because we are a big team – but Ronaldo’s a big man and that doesn’t mean he doesn’t try to play football.

“We were big at set-pieces, which you should be, but we definitely got the ball down and tried to play when we could.

“I do look at all the top teams in the country and feel that they should have big centre forwards because it gives you that option.

“There are going to be times when you can’t play your football and if it’s not working you might have to change your route.

“But that doesn’t mean you play that way all the time. I thought we played some decent football against Rotherham, with some good link-up play and passing.”

City have slight doubts over Michael Flynn and Luke O’Brien but Taylor expects both to play. He has been impressed with the way last season’s player of the year has coped with the move to midfield from left back.

Taylor said: “Luke is a great boy and I like working with him.

“I wanted another left-footer to get a bit of balance in, which is why I got Robbie Threlfall. I thought Luke could do well in that position.

“He gives it a go and just takes everything on. He gives us balance defensively and can get forward a lot more now. He’s doing brilliantly for the team.

“He used to get forward when he was playing full back. Against Accrington he was always trying to take things on.

“I’m not asking him to be Ryan Giggs with all the tricks but just to keep doing what he has been and looking to get forward. He’s doing that and I’m very pleased.”

Knocks permitting, Taylor is unlikely to tinker too much with Saturday’s winning side as they face a team who have lost six times at home – the same as City.

Taylor said: “The players haven’t had enough Mondays this year when they’ve come in after winning the game. It’s a lovely feeling.

“This is a brilliant job but it’s even better when you win matches. They’ll all be looking forward to the next one.

“Port Vale have got a really good football stadium. I think it’s got a nice little history at that place.

“Micky (Adams) won’t be happy losing 3-1 at home on Saturday so they’ll be looking to bounce back. But I’m pleased with the way we are going and we want that to continue.”

Adams made all three substitutions at half-time during the Northampton defeat and has threatened wholesale changes.

Goalkeeper Joe Anyon faces the axe after a nightmare display and could be replaced by 19-year-old Chris Martin.

Comments(22)

tyker says...
8:50am Tue 9 Mar 10

Ronnie Moore aka bad loser.

Where was the long ball when we scored first:a perfect play out of defence: a big strong forward outpacing their defence and hitting a perfect low cross into the middle for an incoming "midfield" player.

Had that been in the premiership they would have been raving about the speed in which the goal was created, the perfect pass at precisely the right time and right pace and then a perfect swept shot beyond the keeper.

Yes we are a big team, at last, but how much bigger than "bad loser's "team.

watch Chelsea regularly: a lot of their play is high to Drogba who wins balls or messes centre halves about so that they win the second ball with midfield players or Anelka picking up the pieces and proceeding onward..

If you never win the second ball you will never win football matches:I think PT's teams always do that and do it effectively.

But the bad losers cannot see it.

I see that JON SHAW is at Mansfield: is it worth Taylor looking at the lad possible to play alongside Hanson and Evans:he would certainly be a better bet than MCCammon longer term.