Player fans love to hate ready for more stick at Bradford City (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Kevin Ellison loves banter with Bradford City fans – if those dishing it out can take it back

6:50am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Kevin Ellison celebrates his late equaliser for Morecambe against City last season

He’s back and ready to put a few City noses out of joint again tonight.

Kevin Ellison can guess the kind of reception he is going to get at the Coral Windows Stadium. He wouldn’t expect anything different.

Ellison, League Two’s ultimate pantomime villain, had the last laugh in January when he scored Morecambe’s late, late equaliser to snatch a dramatic draw.

And as he returns to his former club again, the spiky veteran has a simple message for those preparing to dish out another hot reception – keep it coming.

Ellison said: “If I’m honest, I enjoy all the stuff flying round. I like that bit of banter with the crowd.

“It gives me a bit of a boost to try to do something when I can hear the stick. Let’s face it, bad players don’t get slated.

“People can shout whatever they want. I don’t mind as long as they can take it if I give a bit back.

“Some of them can see the funny side and others can’t – but that’s their problem.

“It will probably be worse after me coming on last time to score. Maybe I can make a few of them eat some humble pie again.

“People keep saying I’m finished but I scored 17 goals last season and I’ve got three so far this time. I’m trying to stay fit but the team is more important than me.

“It’s not about Kevin Ellison, it’s about Morecambe and hopefully we can get another good away result.”

Unlike Barnet, the Shrimps arrive at Valley Parade in top form on the road. Saturday’s goalless draw at Aldershot was their third away clean sheet to go with 3-0 wins against Exeter and Bristol Rovers.

Ellison admits that City will pose the hardest threat so far and has been impressed with their start.

“Bradford have been down the bottom fighting for their lives in the last few years but they’ve got a strong squad there now,” he said.

“There was a bit of a clear-out in the summer and the players coming in have all got good experience in higher leagues. I expect them to be up there or thereabouts.

“It should be a good game because we do better away from home. Last season our away form was awesome and we always look a threat on the counter.

“We’ve done all right so far but probably should have a few more points on the board. Losing 4-0 at home to Fleetwood was a bit upsetting but generally the performances have been good.”

Ellison will not be the only former Bantam on display, with left back Robbie Threlfall no doubt eager to prove a point to City boss Phil Parkinson.

Ellison said: “Robbie started at Liverpool so we know he’s a good player. He was just a bit unfortunate with injuries and the change of managers at Bradford.

“But he’s got a great left foot and the last couple of games is probably the best I’ve seen him.”