Bullock finds Bradford City rejection hard to take (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Lee Bullock finds Bradford City rejection hard to take

8:30am Monday 14th May 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Lee Bullock admits he should have seen the writing was on the wall about his axe from City.

The popular midfielder’s four-year spell at Valley Parade came to an end last week when Phil Parkinson told him there was no contract on offer.

It came as a huge blow to Bullock, who also filled in at centre half last season when Andrew Davies and Luke Oliver were both suspended.

But the 30-year-old now reckons he should have realised what was coming.

Bullock said: “I was desperate to stay. But when you look back, I haven’t been involved enough.

“I sat on the bench the last three games and didn’t come on, travelled down to Torquay and wasn’t even involved in the squad and there were a few times when I was left out at home.

Rejection is never easy to take, no matter how it’s delivered. This is the first time it’s happened to me in my career

Lee Bullock

“Looking back, maybe it was more obvious than I thought. But I loved being there and didn’t think I would have to leave.

“Unfortunately there’s no time for sentimental value in football. It’s about getting a good team together and the manager wants to shake things up for next season.”

Bullock is one of seven players to leave the club and another six, including former skipper Guy Branston, have been told to look for a new club.

Bullock, who was the longest-server in the squad, said: “Rejection is never easy to take, no matter how it’s delivered. This is the first time it’s happened to me in my career.

“I’ve been there four-and-a-half years and got on really well with the Bradford fans. I’d like to thank them for that.

“Nobody wants them to see some success more than me. Some of the young fans have only ever visited League Two grounds and I’d love them to have the chance to go up and see some decent clubs and be involved in big matches.

“I would be gutted not to be part of it but everyone connected with the club deserves that success one day.”

Bullock, who played 129 games for City, ranks his debut at Accrington on New Year’s Day 2008 as the favourite.

He said: “I already knew Bradford were a big club but it really hit me that day. Three sides of the ground were Bradford fans and we won the game, which made it even better.

“Being at the club was a rollercoaster. There were times when we’ve threatened to go places and others when you wondered where the next point was coming from.

“I remember Peter Taylor turning down a four-year contract at Newcastle because we looked like going on a promotion push. Five games later I don’t think we’d scored another goal and were looking the other way.”

While he hopes to find another league club, Bullock is prepared to dip into semi-professional football to carry on playing.

“I would think my reputation would get me something but I don’t mind playing non-league,” he said.

“There are some very good teams in and around the Bradford area who’ve been doing very well and it’s still a good standard.”