New Bradford City kit evokes spirit of 1903 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

New Bradford City kit evokes spirit of 1903

7:00am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

City are going back to their roots with the new home kit for next season.

Phil Parkinson’s team will step out at Valley Parade in hoops – echoing the shirts first worn when they were formed from the Manningham rugby club in 1903.

The first-choice kit also includes white shorts and socks – the first time that has happened since the fire disaster 27 years ago.

City briefly began the season after the second administration in white shorts but quickly changed after a deal collapsed with the manufacturers.

Rory McArdle joined new team-mates Andrew Davies, Ricky Ravenhill and Kyel Reid for the unveiling photo shoot. And Gary Jones, another recent capture, is tipping Northern Ireland international McArdle to become City’s Mr Reliable at the back.

Midfielder Jones, who played with McArdle at Rochdale, said: “Rory’s a seven out of ten player every week. He’ll bring that determination to the team and bit of organisation at the back.

“He was a bit unlucky with Rochdale because Craig Dawson had just come through the ranks. He’s flying now with the England under-21s.

“But Rory is a really good player and totally reliable. He’s going to be an important signing for the club.”

Fans will get an immediate opportunity to snap up replica gear when the new club shop opens tomorrow. It has now moved back to the site of the former players’ bar on the corner of Valley Parade.

City’s new away kit is expected to be unveiled before the pre-season programme kicks off. The first friendly takes place on Saturday, July 21 at Tadcaster Albion, the day before the team head for Ireland.