Bradford City crock Luke Oliver suited if not booted for Wembley

7:50am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Bantams Photograph of the Author By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Phil Parkinson joked Luke Oliver's Wembley suit "might have to be made to measure but the big fella will definitely get one!” Phil Parkinson joked Luke Oliver's Wembley suit "might have to be made to measure but the big fella will definitely get one!”

Phil Parkinson will make sure Luke Oliver joins in City’s cup final experience – because he knows the agony of missing out on Wembley.

While Andrew Davies is confident of declaring himself ready for the February 24 showdown with Swansea, Oliver’s campaign has long been finished by a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Last season’s player of the year will be a spectator when the Bantams make history in the Capital One Cup. But Parkinson has promised that he will be included in their big day, so much so that he will be kitted out with a new Wembley suit like the rest.

The City boss can understand Oliver’s frustration after going through the same when he was a player with Reading. In 1995, he had to watch their play-off final against Bolton from the stand.

Parkinson said: “I had a knee injury and came back too soon. So I had to have complete rest for three months with it and missed the Wembley final.

“I still went to the game but it was very difficult. Blimey, every player wants to play there. I totally understand the scenario that Luke is going through. He’s a tremendous character and I feel for him but unfortunately it’s part and parcel of being a footballer.

“But we’ll make sure we get him a Wembley suit. It might have to be made to measure but the big fella will definitely get one!”

Oliver, who has played in an FA Trophy final before for Stevenage, joined the City squad for the warm-weather training break in Tenerife. He is progressing well but will not be ready to return until pre-season.

Parkinson added: “It’s a bad injury he’s got and you can’t hide away from that.

“But I said at the time that I’m really pleased with the physio department we’ve got and we’ll make sure he gets the best rehab possible to come back stronger than ever.

“It was great to see the big fella out with us in Tenerife. We had limited numbers down for it originally but when we beat Aston Villa I asked the chairmen to extend that to take everybody.

“People like Luke and Andrew Davies deserved to go.

“Luke is always bright when he comes in every day. It’s very difficult when you’re injured but him and Davo have been great around the team.

“When we go to Wembley, those lads who have played a part will be invited. It’s important we remember them.”

Comments(16)

KnightMcCall says...
11:14am Wed 6 Feb 13

Must be awful to miss out on such a big occasion. PP will have a big job on his hands managing those who do not make the match day squad. I don't know about anyone else but I would have to select from contraced players first before putting any loanees in.

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shoatsy says...
11:41am Wed 6 Feb 13

the team that gives us the best chance of winning should be picked

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JamesRobertshaw says...
12:10pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Andrew Davies in the final would be a real boost

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Michael Clayton says...
12:21pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Whether loanees out from employees, the unity in that squad was demonstrated after the disastrous events at Burton.

Introducing sentiment creates pressure. There are enough things to mull over.

The one thing for sure is that Phil Parkinson will make the correct decisions.

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Dave2610 says...
12:46pm Wed 6 Feb 13

lets hope Rory makes a rapid recovery and all the others stay injury and suspenion free so Parkies job is made easier but what a replacement to have in Davies!
Come on boys we can bring the cup back to Bradford!

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Plastic Bantam says...
1:03pm Wed 6 Feb 13

I understand John Terry is also being fitted for a suite and will be celebrating with the team when we win!

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robush says...
1:11pm Wed 6 Feb 13

does anyone know the latest regarding rory, thought he was having a scan to find out how serious the injury was

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bettyswollocks says...
1:13pm Wed 6 Feb 13

I think PP will already have his team in mind with only injuries or a shocking loss of form forcing changes.

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bcfc1903 says...
10:07pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Great that Luke Oliver will be involved in the pre game stuff on the Wembley pitch with the rest of he squad. He was playing so well until his terrible injury, better even than last season when the big fella won the club player of the season supporters award. Once again Phil Parkinson is showing real class in his dealings with players, well done Phil.

**

We shout with pride....we'll never hide....Claret and Amber!!!!

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Waynus1971 says...
1:00am Thu 7 Feb 13

bcfc1903 wrote:
Great that Luke Oliver will be involved in the pre game stuff on the Wembley pitch with the rest of he squad. He was playing so well until his terrible injury, better even than last season when the big fella won the club player of the season supporters award. Once again Phil Parkinson is showing real class in his dealings with players, well done Phil.

**

We shout with pride....we'll never hide....Claret and Amber!!!!
No, no, no. How can we be 'loyal' to Oliver. He has only been with us for a couple of seasons and hasn't done enough for the club to warrant a place in the travelling party. What a ridiculous decision by Parky.

Surely we should be offering that place to someone that was with us for many years, but for whatever reason isn't with us anymore? Surely they deserve the place first?

The same rationale that some would have us adopt over Wembley tickets, if you please.....! LOL

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bcfc1903 says...
2:13pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Yes, Yes,Yes...He's done plenty to deserve travelling with the other squad members and walking out on the Wembley pitch with the rest... suited up. A valued member of the team until his terrible injury...he will no doubt soak up te Wembley atmosphere...but wishing he could be more involved.

**
We shout with pride...We'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!

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Waynus1971 says...
5:17pm Thu 7 Feb 13

bcfc1903 wrote:
Yes, Yes,Yes...He's done plenty to deserve travelling with the other squad members and walking out on the Wembley pitch with the rest... suited up. A valued member of the team until his terrible injury...he will no doubt soak up te Wembley atmosphere...but wishing he could be more involved. ** We shout with pride...We'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!
I was being sarcastic fella. It was aimed at all those that only want to watch City once we get to Wembley. If possible, the whole first team squad should go, only if to spur them on to even more greatness in their careers.

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bcfc1903 says...
7:21pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Funnily enough...i read it first time as sarcasm but then thought.....maybe it wasn't....i certainly 'know what you mean' when reading what you've posted on the 1200 extra ticket thread...lol

**

We shout with pride.....we'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!

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Michael Clayton says...
11:03am Fri 8 Feb 13

bcfc1903 wrote:
Funnily enough...i read it first time as sarcasm but then thought.....maybe it wasn't....i certainly 'know what you mean' when reading what you've posted on the 1200 extra ticket thread...lol ** We shout with pride.....we'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!
Funnily enough, it looks as though you missed the sarcasm and then realised once it was pointed out to you. Strange how minds seem to work in reverse.

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bcfc1903 says...
12:17pm Fri 8 Feb 13

Michael Clayton wrote:
bcfc1903 wrote:
Funnily enough...i read it first time as sarcasm but then thought.....maybe it wasn't....i certainly 'know what you mean' when reading what you've posted on the 1200 extra ticket thread...lol ** We shout with pride.....we'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!
Funnily enough, it looks as though you missed the sarcasm and then realised once it was pointed out to you. Strange how minds seem to work in reverse.
Funnily enough that wasn't the case.....

**

We shout with pride...we'll never hide....Claret and Amber!!!!!

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Michael Clayton says...
3:33pm Mon 11 Feb 13

bcfc1903 wrote:
Michael Clayton wrote:
bcfc1903 wrote: Funnily enough...i read it first time as sarcasm but then thought.....maybe it wasn't....i certainly 'know what you mean' when reading what you've posted on the 1200 extra ticket thread...lol ** We shout with pride.....we'll never hide...Claret and Amber!!!!!
Funnily enough, it looks as though you missed the sarcasm and then realised once it was pointed out to you. Strange how minds seem to work in reverse.
Funnily enough that wasn't the case..... ** We shout with pride...we'll never hide....Claret and Amber!!!!!
Northampton.

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