2:31pm Wednesday 24th October 2007
By Simon Parker
Joe Colbeck is the first of City's "fringe" players to look elsewhere for a game.
The winger has joined League Two rivals Darlington on a month's loan and could be involved against Chesterfield on Saturday.
"It's what he needs," said Stuart McCall, who was only contacted about a possible move on Tuesday night.
"They want him up there for a month because Julian Joachim's out and hopefully he will get some first-team football.
"As Mark (Lawn) said, at the moment we've got a lot of fringe players that need to get out playing. There's no other movement elsewhere but it's down to Joe if he gets games to do himself justice. We'll see what comes of it."
McCall will welcome back Paul Evans to his squad for Saturday's trip to Grimsby.
The hard-tackling midfielder has been back in training after missing the last two games with a stiff ankle.
McCall added: "He had an injection a week last Monday and it needed a while to settle down. But he's been back in training and had three good days so he's feeling fine."
Paul Heckingbottom should be training again on Friday after a slight thigh injury and McCall is hopeful he will play. But Peter Thorne will again have to sit it out while his damaged ribs continue to heal.
"He can join in the non-contact stuff like the warm-ups, ball work and a bit of shooting," said the Bantams boss.
"Unfortunately, it will be a little bit longer yet before he can do everything with us.
"It's a source of frustration that Thorney was getting better with each game and seemed to be peaking in his fitness when he got the injury."
Grimsby chairman John Fenty reckons the weekend's game is the "biggest of the season" for the Mariners, who have lost four in a row.
Fenty said: "It's a huge six-pointer because Bradford are only one place above us and we will climb above them with a win.
"Without question, the Bradford match is going to be the biggest game of the season in terms of both attendance and what rides on the game."
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