Wembley win will make Bradford City boss hot property (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Whether it be "35%" "25%" or "50%" the man is clearly a genius.

Only 35% chance of winning it Mr Pardew? It's a level playing surface sir, 11 v 11 and anyone can win it, so that makes it in my eyes 50/50. We are not there on a sight seeing tour but in a cup final and there on merit. I think we can win this final. Yes, we are still the underdogs but as we have seen in our earlier rounds, we can dispose of anyone on our day.

*
QUOTE : " “It’s a tremendous tribute to the players, who have done it, and the manager, of course.

“But the situation is all good; nobody loses. Bradford will hopefully win the cup, and then promotion may follow."

* Thank you Alan Pardew--and your support of Bradford City is most appreciated. WELCOME ON BOARD -Sir . ( Thank you for the loan player too!!)
*
Newcastle United and Bradford City, have always had a very special relationship. Thinking back over the years--and for one memory, the transfer of Peter Jackson, and 'Jacko's ' great contribution to their Club, and Supporters.
*
I hope Alan is right with his hopes for City.
*
I agree his thoughts concerning 'Parky' leaving City in the Summer, which should act as a warning to City and the directors. If City don't achieve promotion this Season ( But 'Play Offs' and Wembley -AGAIN !, could beckon).

THEN WE MUST retain 'Parky' - his excellent management team and coaching staff. THAT IS A MUST AND PRIORITY REQUIREMENT.

Otherwise our attempts at promotion NEXT Season will NOT materialise.
*

We've nothing to worry about if Parky goes in the summer, we could always get Benito Carbone. He said he wants the job!

bettyswollocks wrote:
We've nothing to worry about if Parky goes in the summer, we could always get Benito Carbone. He said he wants the job!

Does he know he won't get 40k per week now? We don't have an idiot as chairman now!
As for trying to hang on to parky if we win well not being funny he is hardly a manager who is running away with the league is he. Not knocking him as I still feel he is better than what we have had in recent years.

I do not think it is an excuse to say that the promotion campaign has been distorted by the cup run.

In a sense it will be a relief when Sunday is over but what a fantastic experience it has been

It then becomes a fifteen (or so) match season in which eight points have got to be clawed back to ensure third spot.

If Phil Parkinson can get the team on a roll this will prove how good he really is.

Home: - Wycombe, Rotherham, Dagenham, Aldershot, Bristol Rovers, Southend, Northampton, Burton

Away: - Port Vale, York, Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Chesterfield, Cheltenham

Better playing conditions.

Nine and a half weeks of solid concentration from the best squad in League Two will see this one through.

I'm more woried that we could lose the best manager since Jagger. Come Messers Rhodes and Lawn get Parky signed up as the Swans have done with Laudrop it will give the fans and the team a massive lift prior to kick off. As for our chances we have already knocked out Wigan, Arsenal and Villa out. Come on City Dare to Dream!!!

Freddy wrote:
* QUOTE : " “It’s a tremendous tribute to the players, who have done it, and the manager, of course. “But the situation is all good; nobody loses. Bradford will hopefully win the cup, and then promotion may follow." * Thank you Alan Pardew--and your support of Bradford City is most appreciated. WELCOME ON BOARD -Sir . ( Thank you for the loan player too!!) * Newcastle United and Bradford City, have always had a very special relationship. Thinking back over the years--and for one memory, the transfer of Peter Jackson, and 'Jacko's ' great contribution to their Club, and Supporters. * I hope Alan is right with his hopes for City. * I agree his thoughts concerning 'Parky' leaving City in the Summer, which should act as a warning to City and the directors. If City don't achieve promotion this Season ( But 'Play Offs' and Wembley -AGAIN !, could beckon). THEN WE MUST retain 'Parky' - his excellent management team and coaching staff. THAT IS A MUST AND PRIORITY REQUIREMENT. Otherwise our attempts at promotion NEXT Season will NOT materialise. *

Well, you will have to convince a lot of people on here who wanted Parkinson sacked last season. They did not want him at the club and said he had to go. And shaun from RICHMOND, bless him, says they are all DEADBEATS at the club.......including
....PARKINSON!!!!!!!
!!.........and remember shaun donates money even though he does not support the club.......it's very generous of him....THANKS shaun!!!!!!!!!!!!...
he plays GOLF you know!!!!!!!!!!??????
??

Think reading between the lines here with Pardew and pp been buddies, it is a subtle way to put his mate in the shop window and also puts pressure on BC to make him a decent offer.

Everyone is clearly forgetting one thing, including Pardew.

If City win, then they are in Europe next season!

I would be surprised to see Parky go before having a crack at Europe, it would have to be a good offer.

“I was at Villa and jumped up when the goal went in – that’s the first time all year".

I know Newcastle haven't had a great deal to celebrate this season, especially since the turn of the year, but to say he has only jumped out of his seat once and that was watching City, says something for our cup run.

I believe 90% of fans outside of Wales will be cheering us on on Sunday. I can't wait.... I seriously think I'm going to explode with excitement...... That's if Peter Vile (300) doesn't bore me to death first...!

Andrew_ide wrote:
Everyone is clearly forgetting one thing, including Pardew. If City win, then they are in Europe next season! I would be surprised to see Parky go before having a crack at Europe, it would have to be a good offer.

It didn't stop Jagger from quitting on us before having a crack at the big boys of Europe..!

ALEXIMO.56. wrote:
Only 35% chance of winning it Mr Pardew? It's a level playing surface sir, 11 v 11 and anyone can win it, so that makes it in my eyes 50/50. We are not there on a sight seeing tour but in a cup final and there on merit. I think we can win this final. Yes, we are still the underdogs but as we have seen in our earlier rounds, we can dispose of anyone on our day.

its because it is a level playing field we only have 35%. might bw better for us if it was a bit bumpy!

Birky_Neil wrote:

bettyswollocks wrote: We've nothing to worry about if Parky goes in the summer, we could always get Benito Carbone. He said he wants the job!

Does he know he won't get 40k per week now? We don't have an idiot as chairman now! As for trying to hang on to parky if we win well not being funny he is hardly a manager who is running away with the league is he. Not knocking him as I still feel he is better than what we have had in recent years.

For the sake of consistency I hope he stays, but to be honest I think he is a bit negative and don’t really like his ultra cautious approached – sorry.

Waynus1971 wrote:

Andrew_ide wrote:
Everyone is clearly forgetting one thing, including Pardew. If City win, then they are in Europe next season! I would be surprised to see Parky go before having a crack at Europe, it would have to be a good offer.

It didn't stop Jagger from quitting on us before having a crack at the big boys of Europe..!

Waynus, maybe so, but PJ didn't have the support of Richmond and the dispute is well documented, hence Europe did not interest him. If you've not heard all the different rumours have a look. http://www.boyfrombr
azil.co.uk/bradford-
city-history/the-rea
l-reason-why-paul-je
well-left-bradford-c
ity/
Finally Inter-toto cup is not anywhere as tempting as Europa League

*
I seem to recall that both City's Directors and PP, have agreed to not discuss a new contract, until after Sunday's Match.
*
PP will then be in a position to not only concentrate on the remaining League Matches; But also, negotiate a new contract deal, with our Chair-Persons.
*
I hope our Directors are already prepared- to offer a good deal to PP.
*

*
Peter300 says...
10:33am Tue 19 Feb 13
*
""" Well, you will have to convince a lot of people on here who wanted Parkinson sacked last season. They did not want him at the club and said he had to go. And shaun from RICHMOND, bless him, says they are all DEADBEATS at the club.......including

....PARKINSON!!!!!!!

!!.........and remember shaun donates money even though he does not support the club.......it's very generous of him....THANKS shaun!!!!!!!!!!!!...

he plays GOLF you know!!!!!!!!!!??????

??
*
This is further rhetoric and castigation from an Alcoholic with Mental Illness problems. I find it very difficult to determine who this person purports to be; When he states he is a City Player from the past. Who now is a publican.
*
I agree with other commentators and Waynus Today-- " That's if Peter Vile (300) doesn't bore me to death first...!"
*

And.. another manager comes out stating the b****y obvious!! Is that news?!!

(To go with Liverpool's Brendan Rogers' opting for Swansea as the winners at Wembley on Sunday! What a surprise!)

Yes, 'PP' has' done the 'unthinkable'!
ie upsetting the 'cosy' cartel of Premiership hegemony over English finals!! (perhaps trophies?!!)

Yes,Swansea are
the 'favourites'-surpris
e surprise!!


And yes, 'PP' will be much coveted by the 'aspiring', 'failing', 'has-beens' and 'never wasers', IF City lift the League Cup!

Er...not much of a surprise....since envy of other players/managers is ..endemic in football!!

These 'predictions'/commen
ts come from the 'Alan Hanson School of Predictions' ie go for the favourite.

To be honest 35% ie better than a one in three chance, is quite good for a team three leagues below their opponents!! Now THAT is surprising!!

Come on the 'One In Three-ers'!!!

If City win the cup, it is likely (sooner rather than later) that 'PP' will go. But I would still rather WIN the cup and 'PP' go than 'not' win the cup and 'PP' stay!!

The ONLY thing that can't be changed is a club's history and what a history-making event, winning the cup would be for a team like City.

I'm NOT 'Balbrigan FC or Pardew or Rogers or even..Alan Hansen but I'll make a couple of 'predictions'!!

If City win the League Cup on Sunday, 'PP' will be odds on to be 'Manager Of the Year'.

And BCAFC? Well THEY would be 'Team Of The Year' or should that be '..Of The Decade' or '...Of the Century'!!!

And the BCAFC player that scores the winner/winning penalty...'Player Of The Year'!!'

Whatever happens, Parknson must stay.

Looking at his record in the transfer market, I cannot think of a single dud that he has brought in.

The only one who got away was David Syers and (proven by every other piece of business) I would like to think that it was down to Syers' demands / willingness than any bad business on the manager's part.

The pity is that a player (such as Syers) would have provided support to the front two down the middle of the park. Something that I think is lacking from the (otherwise excellent) central midfielders.

Cityman23 wrote:
If City win the cup, it is likely (sooner rather than later) that 'PP' will go. But I would still rather WIN the cup and 'PP' go than 'not' win the cup and 'PP' stay!! The ONLY thing that can't be changed is a club's history and what a history-making event, winning the cup would be for a team like City. I'm NOT 'Balbrigan FC or Pardew or Rogers or even..Alan Hansen but I'll make a couple of 'predictions'!! If City win the League Cup on Sunday, 'PP' will be odds on to be 'Manager Of the Year'. And BCAFC? Well THEY would be 'Team Of The Year' or should that be '..Of The Decade' or '...Of the Century'!!! And the BCAFC player that scores the winner/winning penalty...'Player Of The Year'!!'

I think it is a case of putting your eggs in one basket. Also, there is a danger of getting whipped up from all the media hype that will be all the trend in the next week or so.

Of course, it will go down in the record books but I do not agree with Win-Go versus Lose-Stay.

Without doubt or excuse, the league season has faltered due to the cup run.

If the club had been knocked-out of the cup early on, I believe the team would have been up near the top.
Given that, you would be desperate for the manager to stay rather than allowing a one-off event to prove as some sort of ultimatum.

Win the cup and keep the manager. That is the target.

Freddy wrote:
* I seem to recall that both City's Directors and PP, have agreed to not discuss a new contract, until after Sunday's Match. * PP will then be in a position to not only concentrate on the remaining League Matches; But also, negotiate a new contract deal, with our Chair-Persons. * I hope our Directors are already prepared- to offer a good deal to PP. *

Too mutch dithering i fear re PP situation
all talk and no action.Being too busy for the last three months or more is a poor excuse.
I really hope i am wrong but i feel PP will be tempted away regardless of winning the cup or achieving promotion.
If he does go however, i will always remember this season for the superb memories it has given me.

Benito Carbone?
Surely you mean Paulo Di Canio!!

340stopper wrote:

Freddy wrote: * I seem to recall that both City's Directors and PP, have agreed to not discuss a new contract, until after Sunday's Match. * PP will then be in a position to not only concentrate on the remaining League Matches; But also, negotiate a new contract deal, with our Chair-Persons. * I hope our Directors are already prepared- to offer a good deal to PP. *

Too mutch dithering i fear re PP situation all talk and no action.Being too busy for the last three months or more is a poor excuse. I really hope i am wrong but i feel PP will be tempted away regardless of winning the cup or achieving promotion. If he does go however, i will always remember this season for the superb memories it has given me.

Staggering that the the club is only eleven league places higher than when he took over.

At the same time, the squad is transformed and there is money in the bank.

Slightly off topic, but PP has some selection issues on Sunday.

I'm not sure what other readers views are, but his biggest headache is at Centre Back. I'd go for McCardle and McHugh.

I assume Dickson, having settled in, will play left back. Out wide, I'd start with Atkinson and Thompson, who's staked his claim over recent weeks. It's important we keep it tight for the first twenty minutes and these two would seem to be the best starting option.

I'd lke to see Turgott in the squad because, if we have to chase the game, his enthusiasm and willingness to run at defenders could prove vital.

I don't envy PP as he's going to upset some of the squad.

Is Alan Pardew also his agent ? you would have to be stupid not to recognise Phil Parkinson will be a wanted man if we win the Capital One Cup hardly rocket science, he has done wonders in the Capital One Cup but the jury is still out on our league position (no not calling for his head Peter300) , we are going to need a massive improvement in league form to get us into a play off position lets see if he and the team are up to the challenge, with the squad we have had this season play offs were/are very achievable over to you Mr Parkinson once Sunday is out of the way..!!

Pablo wrote:
Slightly off topic, but PP has some selection issues on Sunday.

I'm not sure what other readers views are, but his biggest headache is at Centre Back. I'd go for McCardle and McHugh.

I assume Dickson, having settled in, will play left back. Out wide, I'd start with Atkinson and Thompson, who's staked his claim over recent weeks. It's important we keep it tight for the first twenty minutes and these two would seem to be the best starting option.

I'd lke to see Turgott in the squad because, if we have to chase the game, his enthusiasm and willingness to run at defenders could prove vital.

I don't envy PP as he's going to upset some of the squad.

Ooops! Please read "McArdle"

PS, What would that make Phil Parkinson if he was to achieve the double with Bradford City win the Capital One Cup and get us promoted through the play offs, now that would make Mess Lawn and Rhodes jobs hard, although as said above the thought of playing in Europe would give us a massive advantage in keeping him at the club ?.

Message for PP the grass isnt always greener especially in football. Not that I think that he would be looking to leave win or lose on Sunday. Still a big job to do here at City.

nowt fresh wrote:
Is Alan Pardew also his agent ? you would have to be stupid not to recognise Phil Parkinson will be a wanted man if we win the Capital One Cup hardly rocket science, he has done wonders in the Capital One Cup but the jury is still out on our league position (no not calling for his head Peter300) , we are going to need a massive improvement in league form to get us into a play off position lets see if he and the team are up to the challenge, with the squad we have had this season play offs were/are very achievable over to you Mr Parkinson once Sunday is out of the way..!!

It is not really a news article at all. Just media sound-bites. Pardew's percentage speak is a load of twaddle.

It just shows what a fickle business it is when it is claimed the outcome of one match can determine someone's future.


You mention the play-offs; as far as I am aware, 'automatic' is only one point further away. I think it is going to be all or nothing in league terms.

craven cottager wrote:
Benito Carbone?
Surely you mean Paulo Di Canio!!

It was Carbone in a interview said he wouldnt mind managing BCFC

Pablo wrote:
Slightly off topic, but PP has some selection issues on Sunday.

I'm not sure what other readers views are, but his biggest headache is at Centre Back. I'd go for McCardle and McHugh.

I assume Dickson, having settled in, will play left back. Out wide, I'd start with Atkinson and Thompson, who's staked his claim over recent weeks. It's important we keep it tight for the first twenty minutes and these two would seem to be the best starting option.

I'd lke to see Turgott in the squad because, if we have to chase the game, his enthusiasm and willingness to run at defenders could prove vital.

I don't envy PP as he's going to upset some of the squad.

Definately not Thompson, i would guess it will be Hines and Atkinson. As with the rest of the games against the premier leagure teams we need an outlet of pace at least down one side hence why i think he will go with Hines to run his socks off for an hour then come off.

Michael Clayton wrote:

nowt fresh wrote:
Is Alan Pardew also his agent ? you would have to be stupid not to recognise Phil Parkinson will be a wanted man if we win the Capital One Cup hardly rocket science, he has done wonders in the Capital One Cup but the jury is still out on our league position (no not calling for his head Peter300) , we are going to need a massive improvement in league form to get us into a play off position lets see if he and the team are up to the challenge, with the squad we have had this season play offs were/are very achievable over to you Mr Parkinson once Sunday is out of the way..!!

It is not really a news article at all. Just media sound-bites. Pardew's percentage speak is a load of twaddle.

It just shows what a fickle business it is when it is claimed the outcome of one match can determine someone's future.


You mention the play-offs; as far as I am aware, 'automatic' is only one point further away. I think it is going to be all or nothing in league terms.

No problem Michael Clayton I'll take automatic if we get into a position where it's achievable, but we have to make up the 7 points we need to make a play off position but yes bring it on, even though Wembley will be our second home by then I would prefer automatic rather than play offs..!!

Agree with much of what is written on here. Season will be remembered for the Cup and the extra income. Promotion fell apart with loss of Davies, Reid and Oliver and will need monumental unbeaten run to have a chance - the returning Davies (plus a quaility loan signing for striker can pardew help us out?) will help that effort for sure. Can the team do it - heroes if they do !

Team for Sunday - atkinson on right and hines/reid on left. Davies on bench for me - he isn't fit enough yet and it showed against Wimbledon - with Nelson/McHugh at centre half and dickson.

Team have yet to show such consistency but is absolutely a 15 game season - one game at a time after Sunday. Squad is big enough to drop people lacking effort.

what an exciting few months as City Supporter . ...

Michael Clayton wrote:
Whatever happens, Parknson must stay.

Looking at his record in the transfer market, I cannot think of a single dud that he has brought in.

The only one who got away was David Syers and (proven by every other piece of business) I would like to think that it was down to Syers' demands / willingness than any bad business on the manager's part.

The pity is that a player (such as Syers) would have provided support to the front two down the middle of the park. Something that I think is lacking from the (otherwise excellent) central midfielders.

Then, why not give Andy Gray that ROLE for rest o season! He has the experience of 'holding' the ball up. The experience of bein a "forward" player. The experiece of dribbling & driving forward and, experience in years of maturity and knowing the game and also, of what's needed. I say he's absolutely suited for it.

Michael Clayton wrote:

Cityman23 wrote:
If City win the cup, it is likely (sooner rather than later) that 'PP' will go. But I would still rather WIN the cup and 'PP' go than 'not' win the cup and 'PP' stay!! The ONLY thing that can't be changed is a club's history and what a history-making event, winning the cup would be for a team like City. I'm NOT 'Balbrigan FC or Pardew or Rogers or even..Alan Hansen but I'll make a couple of 'predictions'!! If City win the League Cup on Sunday, 'PP' will be odds on to be 'Manager Of the Year'. And BCAFC? Well THEY would be 'Team Of The Year' or should that be '..Of The Decade' or '...Of the Century'!!! And the BCAFC player that scores the winner/winning penalty...'Player Of The Year'!!'

I think it is a case of putting your eggs in one basket. Also, there is a danger of getting whipped up from all the media hype that will be all the trend in the next week or so.

Of course, it will go down in the record books but I do not agree with Win-Go versus Lose-Stay.

Without doubt or excuse, the league season has faltered due to the cup run.

If the club had been knocked-out of the cup early on, I believe the team would have been up near the top.
Given that, you would be desperate for the manager to stay rather than allowing a one-off event to prove as some sort of ultimatum.

Win the cup and keep the manager. That is the target.

I think you must be misunderstanding me on this. I am not giving 'PP' (or indeed the team) any sort of 'ultimatum'. To me and many, City are already 'winners.'

If this was tennis, Swansea would be maybe 'eighth' seeds and City would be 'unseeded' and therefore expected to lose at this stage of the competition.
Yet, unfancied teams DO over come the 'favourites' in football and of course Boris Becker was 'unseeded' when he won his first Wimbledon final.

I of course want 'PP to stay at 'VP' no matter the result on Sunday, but I am realistic to accept IF City were to win the cup, the chance of 'PP' leaving to join higher-placed sides is greater.

Of course he may STILL go even if City lose, at a later date.

IDO confess 'history' is important and City have that 'history-making' chance this weekend. It could be many generations (if at all) before they get a similar opportunity. They will likely get more prootion opportunities, so long as they exist.

But I am NOT foolish enough to 'put my metaphorical eggs' in the 'League Cup Final basket!'

After 24 february, 'life will go on.' If we've won the cup-that will be a season-defining' event and yes-it's possible the residual effect of 'celebration' etc could hamper our chances of pushing on for promotion THIS season. (but..it might not!!!(??))

On the other hand, if we lose unluckily or closely, we're going to feel a bit bad, but hopefully pick ourselves up enough to battle for league points.

If we lose heavily...well..hope
fully ...'PP' can show his man-management/motiv
ational skills to pick up players and ...use this to get the players to try to win 'something' this season ie promotion.

Of course, even if we don't win the cup/don't get promotion -this has STILL been a tremendous season!! (and of course I would still want 'PP' to stay)

As for 'hype'-where City are concerned think it is impossible to 'hype' this final because the idea a fourth tier sde would be facing a top tier side in a national cup Final is so unlikely/impossible to believe (and many in football confirm this) that even the 'hype' feels like understatement!!

Michael Clayton wrote:
Whatever happens, Parknson must stay.

Looking at his record in the transfer market, I cannot think of a single dud that he has brought in.

The only one who got away was David Syers and (proven by every other piece of business) I would like to think that it was down to Syers' demands / willingness than any bad business on the manager's part.

The pity is that a player (such as Syers) would have provided support to the front two down the middle of the park. Something that I think is lacking from the (otherwise excellent) central midfielders.

Its just my opinion but I thought Compton was better than Reid or Hines. The first choice striker were already city players when he came and Connell is so far down the pecking order PP would rather play a poorly wells. I do agree that the squad is much better and its a shame syers left.

Heard lawn in radio Leeds tonight re parkys contract and said even if it had been sorted out this would not prevent a club coming in for him which is true however would we be able to negotiate a higher compensation pay out??i maybe wrong but I thought that's what normally happens, feel whatever happens on Sunday/rest of season parky will be on his way which will be a massive loss, someone said earlier best manager since jagger which is spot on,best squad for years, parky comes across as an intelligent guy a real asset to the club,hope I'm wrong but it will be a massive loss

City up to 'fantasy' 8th tonight with Northants dropping points (if we beat Dagenham and Southend at home)...and with Northants and Burton also coming to VP it is certainly in City's own hands to finish seventh....a win at Cheltenham away would place them sixth.....accepting City's results/points mirror the teams above them in the other fixtures.....so come on City.....Wembley passion first then sixth is already in your own hands!

Cityman23 wrote:

Michael Clayton wrote:

Cityman23 wrote: If City win the cup, it is likely (sooner rather than later) that 'PP' will go. But I would still rather WIN the cup and 'PP' go than 'not' win the cup and 'PP' stay!! The ONLY thing that can't be changed is a club's history and what a history-making event, winning the cup would be for a team like City. I'm NOT 'Balbrigan FC or Pardew or Rogers or even..Alan Hansen but I'll make a couple of 'predictions'!! If City win the League Cup on Sunday, 'PP' will be odds on to be 'Manager Of the Year'. And BCAFC? Well THEY would be 'Team Of The Year' or should that be '..Of The Decade' or '...Of the Century'!!! And the BCAFC player that scores the winner/winning penalty...'Player Of The Year'!!'

I think it is a case of putting your eggs in one basket. Also, there is a danger of getting whipped up from all the media hype that will be all the trend in the next week or so. Of course, it will go down in the record books but I do not agree with Win-Go versus Lose-Stay. Without doubt or excuse, the league season has faltered due to the cup run. If the club had been knocked-out of the cup early on, I believe the team would have been up near the top. Given that, you would be desperate for the manager to stay rather than allowing a one-off event to prove as some sort of ultimatum. Win the cup and keep the manager. That is the target.

I think you must be misunderstanding me on this. I am not giving 'PP' (or indeed the team) any sort of 'ultimatum'. To me and many, City are already 'winners.' If this was tennis, Swansea would be maybe 'eighth' seeds and City would be 'unseeded' and therefore expected to lose at this stage of the competition. Yet, unfancied teams DO over come the 'favourites' in football and of course Boris Becker was 'unseeded' when he won his first Wimbledon final. I of course want 'PP to stay at 'VP' no matter the result on Sunday, but I am realistic to accept IF City were to win the cup, the chance of 'PP' leaving to join higher-placed sides is greater. Of course he may STILL go even if City lose, at a later date. IDO confess 'history' is important and City have that 'history-making' chance this weekend. It could be many generations (if at all) before they get a similar opportunity. They will likely get more prootion opportunities, so long as they exist. But I am NOT foolish enough to 'put my metaphorical eggs' in the 'League Cup Final basket!' After 24 february, 'life will go on.' If we've won the cup-that will be a season-defining' event and yes-it's possible the residual effect of 'celebration' etc could hamper our chances of pushing on for promotion THIS season. (but..it might not!!!(??)) On the other hand, if we lose unluckily or closely, we're going to feel a bit bad, but hopefully pick ourselves up enough to battle for league points. If we lose heavily...well..hope fully ...'PP' can show his man-management/motiv ational skills to pick up players and ...use this to get the players to try to win 'something' this season ie promotion. Of course, even if we don't win the cup/don't get promotion -this has STILL been a tremendous season!! (and of course I would still want 'PP' to stay) As for 'hype'-where City are concerned think it is impossible to 'hype' this final because the idea a fourth tier sde would be facing a top tier side in a national cup Final is so unlikely/impossible to believe (and many in football confirm this) that even the 'hype' feels like understatement!!

Fair points. Well made.

Michael Clayton wrote:
I do not think it is an excuse to say that the promotion campaign has been distorted by the cup run.

In a sense it will be a relief when Sunday is over but what a fantastic experience it has been

It then becomes a fifteen (or so) match season in which eight points have got to be clawed back to ensure third spot.

If Phil Parkinson can get the team on a roll this will prove how good he really is.

Home: - Wycombe, Rotherham, Dagenham, Aldershot, Bristol Rovers, Southend, Northampton, Burton

Away: - Port Vale, York, Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Chesterfield, Cheltenham

Better playing conditions.

Nine and a half weeks of solid concentration from the best squad in League Two will see this one through.

I think this makes alot more SENSE than most..And i confess (as i should) that i wasnt in the PP staying this year camp! Having been humbled by what has been achieved i am also realistic. The MAJOR issue really is the League..Whether via the play offs (which is harder) or to get to 3rd place is really the most important thing..Keeping PP now for another 1-2 years is important...to build ontop of what has already begun...I WILL be travelling from Somerset on Sunday to the Cup Final..with 2 other fans..it will be an emotional day..these guys CAN win..But..speaking personally I would happily swap the cup final for enough points to move up a division

Andrew_ide wrote:

Waynus1971 wrote:

Andrew_ide wrote: Everyone is clearly forgetting one thing, including Pardew. If City win, then they are in Europe next season! I would be surprised to see Parky go before having a crack at Europe, it would have to be a good offer.

It didn't stop Jagger from quitting on us before having a crack at the big boys of Europe..!

Waynus, maybe so, but PJ didn't have the support of Richmond and the dispute is well documented, hence Europe did not interest him. If you've not heard all the different rumours have a look. http://www.boyfrombr azil.co.uk/bradford- city-history/the-rea l-reason-why-paul-je well-left-bradford-c ity/ Finally Inter-toto cup is not anywhere as tempting as Europa League

Yes Andrew, I have read the stories before and I want to make it clear that I do not blame Jagger for walking. Richmond's interference was apparent at the time and just 6 weeks later,we all saw that he was the puppet-master, pulling the strongs.

My point is, whatever the pull, there is always a 'pull' in the opposite direction. If PP really wants to stay and finish the job (like he has said), then Europe or not, he should stay. As long as we can meet his demands and I'm not just thinking financially, I'm sure he will sign the contract.

As Pardew stated above, PP had better options but turned them down to join City. We obviously had some pulling power - what's changed?

In relation to your comment about the Inter-Toto Cup, do you realise that the winner of that competition gained entry into the same competition that we would get into should we win on Sunday? No, the Inter-Toto cup wasn't as prestigious, but for the winner, it was - just like it will be for the winner on Sunday. In fact, the winner of the Inter-Toto earned a place directly into the UEFA Cup, whereas, even if we do pull off a miracle on Sunday, we still have to qualify for the Europa League. As such, we could say (in that respect) winning the Inter-Toto was actually better than winning the League Cup final.