Wethers a fantastic City servant

2:11pm Thursday 21st February 2008

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Mark Bower column

Wethers will leave some very big boots to fill - and not just because of the size of his feet!

You hear all the cliches about players being fantastic servants to their club but I don't think it could be used in a truer context.

He has been fantastic for Bradford City over the years, not just playing but in the dressing room and off the field.

Let's not forget he has made sacrifices with money to help us through some of the most traumatic times.

Wethers was the go-between for the players with the administrators and PFA when we were in administration and was a massive help.

He has also been there on a day-to-day basis for players that have got problems, so he will be sorely missed.

I've been really lucky to have played for such a long time alongside him. He's got a wealth of experience and has passed on that knowledge and I certainly count myself very privileged.

It is going to be very strange without him. You just felt he was going to go on and on.

Even though Wethers will be 37 at the end of this season, I feel he has still been one of our best players and one of the most consistent.

He is always right up there near the front during pre-season and in our training runs. There's not an ounce of fat on him and he's looked after himself magnificently - which is another great example to set for everyone.

The news came as a little bit of a surprise but, at his age, he might be feeling the aches and pains a bit more and he wanted to bow out while still doing himself justice. He has certainly done that.

Wethers has strong opinions on the game and will get his point across when he feels it necessary. He will make a good coach and eventually a good manager further down the line.

You could see that in the short time he did it last year, even though he was fighting against the tide.

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