Bradford City trialists two good to let go, says Jamie Lawrence

Anthony McNamee – pictured in action against Wexford Youths – comes highly recommended by Jamie Lawrence Anthony McNamee – pictured in action against Wexford Youths – comes highly recommended by Jamie Lawrence

Anthony McNamee and Michael Boateng have the “hunger” to feed City’s promotion bid, according to club favourite Jamie Lawrence.

The Valley Parade cult hero recommended both to Phil Parkinson after working with them at his London academy.

Lawrence, who was in Wexford on Tuesday, is not surprised that the duo have impressed in the opening friendlies and urged City to take a chance on them.

He said: “You always have to be hungry as a footballer and they both are.

“They’ve never had anything in their life so you have to want to go out and earn it. It was the same with me. McNamee wouldn’t come to me at 5am to train if he didn’t have that hunger. You can’t buy that.”

Now 27, winger McNamee has spent most of his career in the Championship. Lawrence believes he can settle down again with City.

“He’s ready to go again. He has undoubted ability and I’d take a chance on him all day long.

“Anthony and Kyel Reid would be such a threat both of them together because of their pace.

“Michael, too, would be a great addition and I’d love to see it happen.

“It’s the biggest buzz ever when you see lads like that doing well and I push my chest out.

“But I always tell them before they go to Bradford, it’s a big shirt to fill. Just don’t get the number seven!”

Lawrence is a big fan of Parkinson and reckons he will offer City their best chance of reversing a decade of downturn this season.

He said: “I love Phil because he’s a straight-up guy and City have got a good man at the helm. The club are in safe hands.”

Right back Boateng was one of only two outfield players to get the full game at Wexford.

McNamee set up James Hanson ’s header for the first goal and Parkinson was impressed.

The City chief said: “Anthony showed flashes of what he’s all about and delivered some quality crosses into the box.

“We know that’s what he can do. I thought he worked hard and showed a good bit of skill.

“It was good to see all the trialists again. It was tough for them, especially Scotty Donnelly because I left him on a bit longer but he’s a good passer of the ball.

“Carl McHugh’s a good all-round defender, who can play left back or centre half.

“He’s only a youngster but he’s tough and we’ll have a look at him.”

Comments(14)

Stafford Heginbantam says...
10:15am Thu 26 Jul 12

I read Jamie Lawrence's book, and there is no doubt he still has a strong affection for City. He always gave 100% on the field, and is a tough nut who would not put his reputation on the line by putting these two forward if he wasn't convinced they had something to offer.
Worth a long look Parky!

Pablo says...
11:11am Thu 26 Jul 12

It would be ironic if we've found the answer to our right wing problem, in McNamee,having already signed Thompson and Atkinson. Sometimes you just can't win as a manager. With the signing of Connell, I can't believe Parky will play Thompson as a striker so, if McNamee looks the real deal, can we have he luxury of three right wingers on our books?

bantam bull says...
12:10pm Thu 26 Jul 12

People will probably remember Jamie more for his crazy hair dye and trumpet celebrations in the Premier League but i remember a goal in the promotion year at home to Norwich where he pretty much ran through their midfield and defence from the half way line to score, we were 4-0 up at half time.

Great bloke and someone who should always be thought highly of at VP.

I hope these trialists do come off for us. Good luck lads and Jamie.

bettyswollocks says...
12:27pm Thu 26 Jul 12

I remember that goal well bb - just kept going and going then bang!

These lads sound promising but remember were only playing against fairly easy opposition. Worth a look in one or two of the tougher friendlies though surely.

shoesman1 says...
12:31pm Thu 26 Jul 12

if thay are half as good as jamie was then thay will be good i think jamie was a very good player for city one of the best 100 percent every game

shoesman1 says...
12:43pm Thu 26 Jul 12

on another thing wells when i saw him play with is pace reminded me of jamie a bit i no earley days yet but with more skill could be very good indeed

KnightMcCall says...
1:56pm Thu 26 Jul 12

bantam bull wrote:
People will probably remember Jamie more for his crazy hair dye and trumpet celebrations in the Premier League but i remember a goal in the promotion year at home to Norwich where he pretty much ran through their midfield and defence from the half way line to score, we were 4-0 up at half time. Great bloke and someone who should always be thought highly of at VP. I hope these trialists do come off for us. Good luck lads and Jamie.
I remember that game too. Total stroll where Whalley passed Norwich off the park and City never needed to get out of second gear to win. Oh happy days!!

KnightMcCall says...
1:58pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Pablo wrote:
It would be ironic if we've found the answer to our right wing problem, in McNamee,having already signed Thompson and Atkinson. Sometimes you just can't win as a manager. With the signing of Connell, I can't believe Parky will play Thompson as a striker so, if McNamee looks the real deal, can we have he luxury of three right wingers on our books?
Atikinson is cover for both wings and Thompson can be cover for strikers. One extra would give us options and keep all of the others on their toes.

It's all down to finances really.

Pablo says...
3:47pm Thu 26 Jul 12

KnightMcCall wrote:
Pablo wrote:
It would be ironic if we've found the answer to our right wing problem, in McNamee,having already signed Thompson and Atkinson. Sometimes you just can't win as a manager. With the signing of Connell, I can't believe Parky will play Thompson as a striker so, if McNamee looks the real deal, can we have he luxury of three right wingers on our books?
Atikinson is cover for both wings and Thompson can be cover for strikers. One extra would give us options and keep all of the others on their toes.

It's all down to finances really.
....good to see you're still around and no derogatory comment about my post either!!!

parader no1 says...
3:51pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Certainly worth an extended look if Jamie recomends them. I seem to remember McNamee from a few years ago but cant remember just where from
(its an age thing)

parader no1 says...
3:51pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Certainly worth an extended look if Jamie recomends them. I seem to remember McNamee from a few years ago but cant remember just where from
(its an age thing)

COLATS says...
5:14pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Also remember the Jamie goal but I don't think at any point he had the ball under control?? It just kept fall at his feet after every challenge. But can't fault his work rate always 100%

KnightMcCall says...
6:10pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Pablo wrote:
KnightMcCall wrote:
Pablo wrote: It would be ironic if we've found the answer to our right wing problem, in McNamee,having already signed Thompson and Atkinson. Sometimes you just can't win as a manager. With the signing of Connell, I can't believe Parky will play Thompson as a striker so, if McNamee looks the real deal, can we have he luxury of three right wingers on our books?
Atikinson is cover for both wings and Thompson can be cover for strikers. One extra would give us options and keep all of the others on their toes. It's all down to finances really.
....good to see you're still around and no derogatory comment about my post either!!!
It is only pre-season and like the players; you have to get back in shape before you start attacking other posters...should be fine for 11 August though.

lonniejockstrap says...
11:17pm Thu 26 Jul 12

Pablo wrote:
KnightMcCall wrote:
Pablo wrote:
It would be ironic if we've found the answer to our right wing problem, in McNamee,having already signed Thompson and Atkinson. Sometimes you just can't win as a manager. With the signing of Connell, I can't believe Parky will play Thompson as a striker so, if McNamee looks the real deal, can we have he luxury of three right wingers on our books?
Atikinson is cover for both wings and Thompson can be cover for strikers. One extra would give us options and keep all of the others on their toes.

It's all down to finances really.
....good to see you're still around and no derogatory comment about my post either!!!
Speaking of derogatory comments, you haven't tried to insult me for a couple of days. Are you ok? Do you understand the phrase 'pot calling the kettle black'?

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