Our mutual friend Oliver now one of the Bradford City family (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Luke Oliver took time to settle but has become a Bradford City regular

9:10am Friday 10th February 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker

Luke Oliver in action against Morecambe, a fixture that saw him pick up a hamstring strain that has kept him out for two matches

In a week that marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, it’s the right time for Oliver to be wanting more.

Luke Oliver has seen the worst of times in his two years at City. Now he feels the best of times are long overdue.

Great expectations that lured him north are yet to be fulfilled. Valley Parade has been more Bleak House. But the naturalised Londoner is still happy to consider himself one of the family.

Oliver said: “It has taken time to adjust because I’ve never lived up north before. It is different but I’m enjoying it more this year.

“After a while you get used to people and it’s a much friendlier place than London. You actually get a ‘good morning’ from passers-by, which is nice.

“And I’m delighted to have played so often. I’ve played over 70-odd league games now, including the loan spell, and long may that continue.

After a while you get used to people and it’s a much friendlier place than London. You actually get a ‘good morning’ from passers-by, which is nice

Luke Oliver

“I’ve been quite fortunate to keep my place under three different managers. I just wish there had been a few more wins.”

With Luke O’Brien’s recent exit, the remaining Luke’s 83 appearances in all competitions puts him fourth in seniority in the current squad behind Lee Bullock, James Hanson and Michael Flynn.

He said: “That just shows you how football is. This is my second full season at Bradford and I’m already in the top few of being here the longest.

“But these days you get short contracts and then you’re either wanted again or back on the move.”

Oliver is one of the many whose deal is up in the summer but his stand-out consistency this term has surely convinced Phil Parkinson that he will be worth a new offer.

The lanky defender had played every game under Parkinson until a hamstring injury against Morecambe kept him out of the last two. He was due to return against Crawley but the extra week has done him a favour before tomorrow’s Wimbledon trip.

He said: “It’s only been a couple of weeks but you still get frustrated. I was on a great run and had that momentum, which you don’t want to stop.”

Oliver’s partnership with Andrew Davies has formed the backbone of the City side. He admits that playing alongside someone from the Premier League has lifted his own performance.

Oliver said: “It’s always nice to have a settled partnership. You’ve got that consistency where you know the other person’s strengths and weaknesses. But Davo is such a good player and you want to match what you’re with.

“He came here from a higher division and it shows in certain parts of the game. You can see that extra bit of quality. Playing with him, you want to do the same and improve yourself.

“We’ve spoken about why he came here and I think Davo just wanted to play football. He’s had so long without it and I think we’re reaping the benefits.”

Oliver sees a similar improvement as a team but costly recently-dropped points mean City are still glancing nervously behind them.

“We should have won both of the last two home games but suffered through a lack of concentration,” he said.

“If we’d taken those (extra) four points, we’d be nearly ten off the drop zone and catching the teams above.

“But I’ve got full confidence in this squad. It’s going in the right direction even if the table may not show that.”