Local clubs right behind Bradford City quest for glory (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Local clubs right behind Bradford City quest for glory
8:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in Guiseley By Ian Whiting
DARING TO DREAM: Guiseley’s Mark Bower, pictured centre during his City days, will be at Wembley supporting his old club, whom he believes can pull off yet another upset
The local area’s non-league clubs will be battling for points tomorrow but most of their players, managers and coaches will be getting behind the Bantams on Sunday.
There has been some banter flying between the supporters of City and neighbours Bradford Park Avenue but anyone involved in the game cannot have anything but admiration for Phil Parkinson and his squad for their achievement.
Avenue boss John Deacey said: “I’m going to Wembley to support City. It is unbelievable what they have done but I really hope they can do even better and lift the cup.
“Jordan (John’s son, who plays for Avenue) is very good friends with one of the younger City players and we are going down to get behind him and cheer the Bantams on. I think its great for the city as a whole and I’m not even a Bradford lad.”
Guiseley’s club captain, and former City skipper, Mark Bower is also set to be in the capital. Bower said: “City have done well to get to Wembley and who is to say they can’t win it?
“It is a one-off game, they have put three Premier sides out already and they have the desire. It might help if Michu gets injured before the game though!”
Guiseley was the last club of Bantams’ semi-final hero James Hanson and the Lions will be opening the clubhouse at 2.30pm tomorrow for their fans to watch television coverage of their former top scorer gracing the hallowed turf.
A club with even more interest in the final will be Eccleshill United, who boast not only Hanson but also Nahki Wells as graduates. They also have strong links with City as Mark Ellis and Bobby Davison are in charge at the club, while players from the RIASA Academy that brought Wells to England feature for the Eagles.
Albion Sports’ midfielder Charlie Flaherty, who soc-ialises with Hanson, and former Thackley manager Dave Morgan, who used to stand in the Dennyfield dugout on matchdays in his City kit, are among the many others heading to the match.
They all hope to witness their home-town club making history by being the first from the fourth tier to win a major trophy at Wembley.
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