Older head likely to be preferred Bradford City strike option (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Lets hope he doesnt start looking at the likes of fagan who hasnt found a club yet still living off the big wedge he got from us last season

Although better quality, the squad looks a little small to me, especially given our track record with injuries. Hope we get a couple more quality signings.

I feel we may have missed out on one or two with the Andy Gray saga dragging on. Steve Howard (signed for Hartlepool) would have been the ideal big 'forrad' to bring the best out of what we already have and teach Hanson the ropes.

There shaun miller from crewe available, shaun harrad is also available.
There are strikers out there its just wages.
I think hanson,wells is as good as any strike force in lge2.
I also see ross hannah coming into his own this year.

Hoggy64 wrote:
Although better quality, the squad looks a little small to me, especially given our track record with injuries. Hope we get a couple more quality signings.

I agree! Only 17 named there! Only just enough to cover the bench!! Not trying to be dramatic but a couple of injuries will have us up the swanny! It would have been better to have signings in earlier for bonding and avoid the "he had a poor pre-season" or "he needs extra weeks fitness" excuses. I'm sure there's irons in the fire but I hope they come in in the next two weeks at least.

Would love to see a good experienced striker come in obviously,but we need quite a bit more than that by my reckoning even without a single injury we cant field a starting 11 and full bench of proffesionals and that includes Baker who is virtually untried.
Come on city more quality players please especially a right winger if Thompson is gonna be deployed mainly as a striker.

I'm surprised we haven't recruited
a new goalkeeper. We need to be stonger there. Mac is OK but still learning and Duke is not the anwer when thinking long term. Perhaps there is something in the pipeline - I certainly hope so...

My worry with Jonny Mac is he doesn't ooze confidence he doesn't hold himself as a strong keeper, he sometimes looks like a lost boy playing in front of a big crowd, good back up but shouldnt be our first choice

As it stands the squad is thread-bare to say the least! If we're going to be taken seriously as promotion candidates we need at least 4-5 more recruits and I ain't talking short term loan deals! We've got to get away from this loan think tank! It seldom works! We need another striker! Why oh why are we getting gazumped by the likes of Hartlepool beggers belief who yes maybe playing in league one but surely can't have a better magnetic pull than City! A central midfielder as we've lost 2 and only brought 1 in! Another defender as we've only got 5 covering the back 4 positions! Also I'd say another left sided midfield/winger to push Reid for a place! Keep him on his toes! I feel with Reid it's all about attitude! Give him the comfort of a guaranteed starting place and you won't get the best from him. Is Adam Boyd still available after being released by Hartlepool last year? I know he had a fall out with the old manager!

Think I read that PP stated that he wanted at least 1 to be signed before the Ireland trip and they leave Sunday/Monday. Hopefully that wasn't him thinking Gray would be in by then as this trip would be ideal for a new signing to become pert of the team.

Spenvalleyspartan wrote:
As it stands the squad is thread-bare to say the least! If we're going to be taken seriously as promotion candidates we need at least 4-5 more recruits and I ain't talking short term loan deals! We've got to get away from this loan think tank! It seldom works! We need another striker! Why oh why are we getting gazumped by the likes of Hartlepool beggers belief who yes maybe playing in league one but surely can't have a better magnetic pull than City! A central midfielder as we've lost 2 and only brought 1 in! Another defender as we've only got 5 covering the back 4 positions! Also I'd say another left sided midfield/winger to push Reid for a place! Keep him on his toes! I feel with Reid it's all about attitude! Give him the comfort of a guaranteed starting place and you won't get the best from him. Is Adam Boyd still available after being released by Hartlepool last year? I know he had a fall out with the old manager!

Although I understand what you are saying and do agree with the majority, there are some issues I feel need correcting.
.
Firstly, you say we have signed one midfielder to replace the two that have left. That is actually three-to-one, with Syers, Bully & Flynn departing and only Jones snr being recruited so far.
.
In relation to the defence, we have a left-back, a right-back and currently four central defenders on the books. I still feel we need full-back cover and I personally would offer Rob Kozluk another chance as he can COVER both positions.

I also agree we need cover for Reid and I would love to see Compton return, but I just can't see that happening. I believe he has just been released.
.
You refer to 'being gazumped' by Hartlepool. Who were we trying to sign, that 'Pool signed before us? I'm not aware of City being linked with any player that Hartlepool have signed? If PP isn't making offers for these players (even if we think he should be), that isn't being 'gazumped'.
.
Finally, Adam Boyd isn't the answer. We have a pacy striker in Wells, a 'fox-in-the-box' (poacher) in Hannah, I don't know what Baker will bring, but it will be either 'pacy' or 'poacher' (or a bit of both) and Hanson as the sole target man. We need a similar player that can hold the ball up and bring his strike partner and wingers into the game. Billy Paynter or Dele Adebola may fit the bill, but is PP interested ????

Hanson & Wells might work (might depend on how much support they get from the new Jones), but it’s a bit of a gamble. Wells is a terrific prospect but still needs to mature and Hanson very one dimensional. I think we need someone with a better footballing brain who can hold the ball up better and bring in other players.

Victor Clayton wrote:
Hanson & Wells might work (might depend on how much support they get from the new Jones), but it’s a bit of a gamble. Wells is a terrific prospect but still needs to mature and Hanson very one dimensional. I think we need someone with a better footballing brain who can hold the ball up better and bring in other players.

We had one - Craig Fagan, but for some reason kept playing him wide on the right. On the few occasions he played the target man role he put in man of the match performances.

I notice that Hannah is now number 10
Wells is now 21,does this mean, that Wells has not signed an extention to his contract,and he will leave at the end of this season,or, someone is interested,and will be sold on ????????

pudsey.bantam wrote:
I notice that Hannah is now number 10 Wells is now 21,does this mean, that Wells has not signed an extention to his contract,and he will leave at the end of this season,or, someone is interested,and will be sold on ????????

Squad numbers mean nothing Pudsey so don't read anything into them. Hannah was no.10 and Wells no.21 last season and who played the most games? And there's no way Gary Jones being number 18 means he won't be first choice this coming season. He'll be made captain in my opinion.

pudsey.bantam wrote:
I notice that Hannah is now number 10 Wells is now 21,does this mean, that Wells has not signed an extention to his contract,and he will leave at the end of this season,or, someone is interested,and will be sold on ????????

In relation to squad numbers, I wouldn't worry about them. Wells is likely to start more games this season that Hannah, so the fact they wear 10 and 21 respectively, means nothing.
.
However, in response to your question about Wells' contract, no he hasn't signed the extension and, as things stand, he will leave next summer. Personally, I don't believe he will sign as he has clearly had his head turned, either by other clubs or by his own agent/representative
s. What I don't understand is why he doesn't take the opportunity to sign a longer-term deal on more money. If he still wants to leave next summer and a prospective club want him, they are likely to pay the transfer fee set (could even ask for a min transfer fee clause). That way, he gives us some loyalty whilst earning as much as he can get.

From actually seeing who we have registered, i do not feel we have a strong squad. I am concerned that this may lead to unproductive and disruptive loan signings,
I am even concerned about the quality of the starting 11. It is ok, nothing to shout about. With comments regarding thompson Right Mid is still a problem, we do not have a goalscoring centre midfielder.
Looking at the squad as it stands I would be happy with a mid table finish. I do not think we have the quality or strength in depth to finish any higher. I would like to see Paynter signed, but I would then expect Thompson to be a right midfielder. There is no point in having 6 strikers at this level. We need cover for CB, full backs and I would like to see Duke replaced with a stronger keeper to challenge Johnny Mac.

What about Scott Brown?

I think first XI seems quite strong - but squad threadbare, but I am happier with stronger better paid core of 15-16 players than 22 average/below average players.

Another defender, midfielder & striker - job done! Also then have opportunity for a couple of loans?

bahamianbantam wrote:
What about Scott Brown? I think first XI seems quite strong - but squad threadbare, but I am happier with stronger better paid core of 15-16 players than 22 average/below average players. Another defender, midfielder & striker - job done! Also then have opportunity for a couple of loans?

Scott Brown has not even got a squad number, this is a question I would like answering. Is he part of the Youth Team set up and not as good as first advertised?

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Hanson & Wells might work (might depend on how much support they get from the new Jones), but it’s a bit of a gamble. Wells is a terrific prospect but still needs to mature and Hanson very one dimensional. I think we need someone with a better footballing brain who can hold the ball up better and bring in other players.

We had one - Craig Fagan, but for some reason kept playing him wide on the right. On the few occasions he played the target man role he put in man of the match performances.

I agree with you.

Waynus1971 wrote:

Spenvalleyspartan wrote:
As it stands the squad is thread-bare to say the least! If we're going to be taken seriously as promotion candidates we need at least 4-5 more recruits and I ain't talking short term loan deals! We've got to get away from this loan think tank! It seldom works! We need another striker! Why oh why are we getting gazumped by the likes of Hartlepool beggers belief who yes maybe playing in league one but surely can't have a better magnetic pull than City! A central midfielder as we've lost 2 and only brought 1 in! Another defender as we've only got 5 covering the back 4 positions! Also I'd say another left sided midfield/winger to push Reid for a place! Keep him on his toes! I feel with Reid it's all about attitude! Give him the comfort of a guaranteed starting place and you won't get the best from him. Is Adam Boyd still available after being released by Hartlepool last year? I know he had a fall out with the old manager!

Although I understand what you are saying and do agree with the majority, there are some issues I feel need correcting.
.
Firstly, you say we have signed one midfielder to replace the two that have left. That is actually three-to-one, with Syers, Bully & Flynn departing and only Jones snr being recruited so far.
.
In relation to the defence, we have a left-back, a right-back and currently four central defenders on the books. I still feel we need full-back cover and I personally would offer Rob Kozluk another chance as he can COVER both positions.

I also agree we need cover for Reid and I would love to see Compton return, but I just can't see that happening. I believe he has just been released.
.
You refer to 'being gazumped' by Hartlepool. Who were we trying to sign, that 'Pool signed before us? I'm not aware of City being linked with any player that Hartlepool have signed? If PP isn't making offers for these players (even if we think he should be), that isn't being 'gazumped'.
.
Finally, Adam Boyd isn't the answer. We have a pacy striker in Wells, a 'fox-in-the-box' (poacher) in Hannah, I don't know what Baker will bring, but it will be either 'pacy' or 'poacher' (or a bit of both) and Hanson as the sole target man. We need a similar player that can hold the ball up and bring his strike partner and wingers into the game. Billy Paynter or Dele Adebola may fit the bill, but is PP interested ????

When I mean gazumped I'm referring to small div 1 sides getting these expearienced strikers which we crave for not Hartlepool imparticular! Just that is one example. Forgot about Bully to be honest! Yes I agree we need someone of his ilk. A mr versatile! Last few months of the season he put in some shifts and was unlucky not to get an extension! So yes probably 2 midfielders! Who was that kid at Stevenage had a right game against us in the holding midfield roll! Basically bullied us! That's what we need a young big robust mobile bully! We need to be able to stand up physically to the div 2 physical demands! We're still everyone's cup final in this division! As far as Boydy is concerned I know he's free and has had a decent goal return in higher division! If he can keep his pants on!!!!

Paynter would be a reall aquisition at this level and fire a real signal of intent to the rest of the League. My challenge to the Board and Mr Parkinson is...if your serious I mean really serious ( and god knows you should be ! ) about getting out of the dross league of League football GO OUT NOW and sign a proper striker and a proper keep. I believe we also need a high energy young midfielder coz it looks more like Grandads Army in their at the moment. Fail to deliver on these three 'essential' additions to the squad and everyone better start thinking of another season in the 'junk league' !

i miss stallard & murray wrote:

bahamianbantam wrote:
What about Scott Brown? I think first XI seems quite strong - but squad threadbare, but I am happier with stronger better paid core of 15-16 players than 22 average/below average players. Another defender, midfielder & striker - job done! Also then have opportunity for a couple of loans?

Scott Brown has not even got a squad number, this is a question I would like answering. Is he part of the Youth Team set up and not as good as first advertised?

I watched Scott Brown playing for the reserves. His positional play was good and he always seemed to make space for himself but he looked slightly overweight and lacked pace. He's a big lad and looks like he could handle the physical side but I don't believe a certain person rates him at this stage.

I think that the reduced number of season ticket sales ( excluding 50/50) has resulted in a reduced squad. I agree with Waynus that maybe Rob Kozluk could offer cover for both full back positions.

As for Fagan,no thanks.

Victor Clayton wrote:

Mick, Cleckheaton wrote:

Victor Clayton wrote: Hanson & Wells might work (might depend on how much support they get from the new Jones), but it’s a bit of a gamble. Wells is a terrific prospect but still needs to mature and Hanson very one dimensional. I think we need someone with a better footballing brain who can hold the ball up better and bring in other players.

We had one - Craig Fagan, but for some reason kept playing him wide on the right. On the few occasions he played the target man role he put in man of the match performances.

I agree with you.

Well said Mick

i miss stallard & murray wrote:

bahamianbantam wrote:
What about Scott Brown? I think first XI seems quite strong - but squad threadbare, but I am happier with stronger better paid core of 15-16 players than 22 average/below average players. Another defender, midfielder & striker - job done! Also then have opportunity for a couple of loans?

Scott Brown has not even got a squad number, this is a question I would like answering. Is he part of the Youth Team set up and not as good as first advertised?

Brown is with the 2nd year trainees, working towards earning a pro contract.

Loans will ALWAYS be used in this division and the division above because clubs cannot afford to pay 20+ full time pros, so anyone wanting to see an end to this will be disappointed, it has to happen and let's face it, we wouldn't have had Davies if we didn't use loans.

I, like many others though would like to see an end to the short term loans like the Adam Reed type and only use short term loanees as emergency cover for vital positions, otherwise for one or two games we may as well blood one of our fringe players.

I do not think we will sign too many more players before the start of the season but will utilise long-term loans again, hopefully from Prem/CCC clubs withtheir useful youth who are just nudging into the game or peripheral mid 20 p[layers similar to AD.

RIGHT MR PARKINSON NOW AS HIS CHANCE BUT JUDGEMENT TIME IS COMING ROUND ABOUT CHRISTMAS I HOPE HE IS SUCCESSFUL AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOW WAIT AND SEE FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO SEE IF HE IS SIGNINS WELL THEY ARE HIS NO MORE CAN ANYONE ELES TAKE THE BLAME I WISH HIM LUCK BUT THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING SOON WE WILL KNOW UNTIL THEN LETS GET BEHIND BRADFORD CITY HERES HOPEING BUT A DAMMED GOOD MIDFIELDER WOULD HELP

We do not want Kozluk back as cover for right back !!! if we do then we might as well get o brien back for left back cover...........move on !!!!

still awaiting the eye opener signings lawn promised !!

PLAYER A= yes/no/happen. player B =same as, player c.= ETC. my point being ? any or all players are foreign to us the fans as long as they can climb into the top seven. NO FUTURE ! just survival until the following season and then start again. I presume testimonials start after three years service and the poor chaps only pick up £540,000 in wages before moving on.

lawsonio123 wrote:
RIGHT MR PARKINSON NOW AS HIS CHANCE BUT JUDGEMENT TIME IS COMING ROUND ABOUT CHRISTMAS I HOPE HE IS SUCCESSFUL AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOW WAIT AND SEE FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO SEE IF HE IS SIGNINS WELL THEY ARE HIS NO MORE CAN ANYONE ELES TAKE THE BLAME I WISH HIM LUCK BUT THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING SOON WE WILL KNOW UNTIL THEN LETS GET BEHIND BRADFORD CITY HERES HOPEING BUT A DAMMED GOOD MIDFIELDER WOULD HELP

Sounds like your hoping we fail???? Reading between the lines??

COLATS wrote:

lawsonio123 wrote: RIGHT MR PARKINSON NOW AS HIS CHANCE BUT JUDGEMENT TIME IS COMING ROUND ABOUT CHRISTMAS I HOPE HE IS SUCCESSFUL AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOW WAIT AND SEE FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO SEE IF HE IS SIGNINS WELL THEY ARE HIS NO MORE CAN ANYONE ELES TAKE THE BLAME I WISH HIM LUCK BUT THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING SOON WE WILL KNOW UNTIL THEN LETS GET BEHIND BRADFORD CITY HERES HOPEING BUT A DAMMED GOOD MIDFIELDER WOULD HELP

Sounds like your hoping we fail???? Reading between the lines??

Congrats for understanding his post! ;o)

Fagan's link up play was second to none when played up front, brought Reid into the game more. He may not have scored that many goals but i recon he is the answer.
PP will bring in two, a winger & a forward, he will also bring in two on season long loans, most likely to be a right back & a midfield playmaker. Watch this space....

Barry Conlon is available. Now there's a signing that would turn a few heads.

BCFCBoothy1 wrote:

COLATS wrote:

lawsonio123 wrote: RIGHT MR PARKINSON NOW AS HIS CHANCE BUT JUDGEMENT TIME IS COMING ROUND ABOUT CHRISTMAS I HOPE HE IS SUCCESSFUL AND PEOPLE SHOULD NOW WAIT AND SEE FOR A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO SEE IF HE IS SIGNINS WELL THEY ARE HIS NO MORE CAN ANYONE ELES TAKE THE BLAME I WISH HIM LUCK BUT THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING SOON WE WILL KNOW UNTIL THEN LETS GET BEHIND BRADFORD CITY HERES HOPEING BUT A DAMMED GOOD MIDFIELDER WOULD HELP

Sounds like your hoping we fail???? Reading between the lines??

Congrats for understanding his post! ;o)

I think Lawsonio needs to go back to school.

*Has
*Around
*His
*Signings
*Else
*Hoping
*Damned

^Just a few of the spelling/grammar mistakes corrected above, but even with them corrected his post still doesn't make much sense. Bad grammar, bad spelling, sentences the wrong way round, no apostrophes or full stops...not to mention the broken caps-lock.

OH COLATS I DO NOT WORK THE COMMPUTOR MY 13 YEAR OLD GRANDSON DOES SO I ONLY SPEAK TO HIM AND HE DOES THE REST DID YOU NEED TO SAY WHAT YOU DID YOU HAVE UPSET A YOUNG BOY WHO IS DOING HIS BEST TO HELP HIS OLD GRANDAD COULD YOU NOT HAVE TAKEN THE GIST OF WHAT WAS BEING SAID AND LEFT IT AT THAT IT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING TO KNOW WHAT YOU DO IN LIFE (DONT SUPPOSE YOU WILL SAY) CITY FAILING YOU ARE TALKING RUBBISH I HAVE BEEN BEHIND CITY FOR MORE YEARS THAN YOU CAN REMEMBER MY BEST WISHES TO YOU PLEASE DO NOT UPSET MY GRANDSON AGAIN HE IS DOING HIS BEST OH BY THE WAY I HAVE A WAGER ON CITY TO WIN DIV 2