MOST City fans dived on Google when Dartford’s number was pulled out in last week’s FA Cup draw.

The Conference side from Kent, who visit Valley Parade in the second round on December 7, have no history with their hosts.

But there is one link between the two clubs in Peter Taylor, the former Bantams boss who cut his managerial teeth with the Darts.

Taylor is back at City with Gillingham this weekend and the approaching cup tie has rekindled fond memories of his “first Saturday job.”

He said: “I’d managed a load of Sunday teams before then because I was still playing non-league.

“But in 1986 I got the chance to take over at Dartford from John Still. They had just been relegated from the Conference.

“We had four really good years and it was just a nice club. We doubled the number of goals each season and the gates went right up.

“We won a lot of cups and got to the FA Trophy semi-finals two years running. But unfortunately we never got a promotion.

“I think we finished second, third and second and just missed out.

“But it was a very good job for me at the time and an introduction into proper management.”

Dartford may have changed grounds long since – they moved out shortly after Taylor had gone to Enfield – but there are still characters from that period knocking around the club.

Manager Tony Burman played under Taylor as a striker.

Taylor added: “Tony was a good little centre forward. He wasn’t a (James) Hanson type but more the sort of fella who’d play alongside him.

“I remember he was a decent player and he’s a good lad. It’s difficult for him because Dartford are only part-time so they are up against it in the Conference.

“But he works extremely hard and I’m glad they got a reprieve after being relegated last season. I’m pleased they got a result and are back in the division.”

Dartford were spared the drop despite finishing third from bottom as Salisbury were expelled for financial irregularities.

But they are struggling again. An equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time against Southport edged them out of the drop zone last weekend.

Taylor’s Gills are due to play their neighbours in the Kent Senior Cup, possibly before the non-leaguers head for West Yorkshire.

And he expects Burman to tap him up for some tips ahead of Dartford’s big day out.

He said: “Tony hasn’t been on to me yet but knowing them they will ask for the DVD, every manager does that these days.

“I’m sure they will scout Bradford and do it right. They will enjoy their experience.

“Obviously you won’t get your normal 13,000 at Valley Parade because it’s a cup game but I’m sure there will still be a fair few there.

“Phil (Parkinson) has got to be pleased with the draw. But it’s a good one for Dartford as well.”

Taylor is relishing his return to the away dug-out this weekend.

He was grateful for the reception he got from the fans when he first came back to Valley Parade last season. He half-expected some stick but was instead greeted with applause on the walk along the touchline.

At one stage, he feared he might not be making the journey this week after Gillingham’s difficult start. Saturday’s much-needed victory over fellow strugglers Leyton Orient was only their second win in 13 games.

“We have been struggling as a team,” he admitted. “We’ve had a lot of injuries and then all of a sudden hit a bad run of form.

“If the chairman had sacked me I couldn’t complain and wouldn’t complain. But I honestly feel we will turn it round – we just needed to get a result from somewhere.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Bradford again. I thought the reception I got last season was brilliant.

“A lot of people won’t understand it but I’ve got good memories of being there. Unfortunately the results didn’t work out as we’d have liked but it’s a great club to work at.”