Your Bradford
Get involved: Send your pictures, video, news and views by texting BRADFORD NEWS to 80360 or e-mail »
Phelan rewarded for his attitude
6:51am Friday 2nd May 2008
Comments (88)Scott Phelan is primed to play his first City game for five months tomorrow - four days after being released.
The former Everton midfielder was one of the unlucky 13 players to be axed by Stuart McCall as he cleared the decks for next season.
But with Eddie Johnson already gone and Lee Bullock coming back to fitness, Phelan is still expected to start against Wycombe in the final game - his first action since the home defeat against Hereford just after Christmas.
Alex Rhodes, David Brown and Ben Saynor are also in the squad travelling down in the morning even though they, too, must look elsewhere.
McCall has been impressed that the youngsters have not let their chins drop after receiving the bad news.
He said: "Training yesterday was like the first day of pre-season because of the energy and liveliness. Bearing in mind we've got four lads with us who have been released, you'd never have known it with all the banter.
"When I released them, I knew I was going to be short this weekend but the four lads are all desperate to be involved, which is good.
"Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have.
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
"It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on.
"But we have to improve the quality for next season if we want to be up there. We need to up the level in the squad and that's what I'm trying to do."
With Peter Thorne out, Luke Medley will make his first start up front. The 18-year-old striker, who has been offered a new deal, has played eight times so far off the bench.
McCall said: "Luke has done really well for the reserves to score ten goals in a not very successful team. It's a good opportunity to look at him."
Another teenager, Sean Taylforth, will also make his full debut on the left wing to cover the suspended Joe Colbeck. Young midfielder Luke Sharry is expected to travel for experience.
Wycombe boss Paul Lambert may rest players again as his side gear up for next week's promotion play-offs.
Lambert made six changes for the 1-0 loss at Notts County and could give some of his big-hitters another afternoon off.
Striker Scott McGleish is one goal short of 200 in his career but, having played at Meadow Lane, he may be rested in favour of Leon Knight, who returns from suspension.
Sam Stockley is banned so Craig Woodman will come in at left back, with Russell Martin likely to switch to the right.
McCall said: "Paul's a good person who has built a strong team there. I saw Wycombe at Grimsby a couple of weeks ago and they were excellent.
"They are very hard to break down, as we found at Valley Parade. We played well that day but they defended well.
"And logistically, I would like them to go up from the play-offs because Darlington, Stockport and Rochdale are much nearer travelling-wise so I know we'll take more fans to those games next season."
Your Say YourBradford
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:49am Fri 2 May 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:49am Fri 2 May 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:49am Fri 2 May 08
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:15am Fri 2 May 08
Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage.
Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:15am Fri 2 May 08
Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage.
Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:15am Fri 2 May 08
Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage.
Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:15am Fri 2 May 08
Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage.
Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
farsleyb, Farsley says...
11:04am Fri 2 May 08
"Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have.
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
farsleyb, Farsley says...
11:04am Fri 2 May 08
"Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have.
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
farsleyb, Farsley says...
11:04am Fri 2 May 08
"Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have.
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
farsleyb, Farsley says...
11:04am Fri 2 May 08
"Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have.
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
boparob, Bradford says...
11:55am Fri 2 May 08
farsleyb wrote:
As per Stuart's comments "Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
To make room for the massive signings we're about to announce ???
boparob, Bradford says...
11:55am Fri 2 May 08
farsleyb wrote:
As per Stuart's comments "Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
To make room for the massive signings we're about to announce ???
boparob, Bradford says...
11:55am Fri 2 May 08
farsleyb wrote:
As per Stuart's comments "Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
To make room for the massive signings we're about to announce ???
boparob, Bradford says...
11:55am Fri 2 May 08
farsleyb wrote:
As per Stuart's comments "Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
If he thinks he's a hard working, talent lad and given that he's playing tomorrow, why get rid of him.
To make room for the massive signings we're about to announce ???
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:stuart said at the fans forum on Tuesday that most of the players released won't be playing the final game because they 'won't be in the right frame of mind'.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
i apprecaite the point you're making about wanting to finish 9th, but there's a great opportunity to try some of the youngsters tomorrow like Taylforth and that could be very beneifical. it's not the end of the world if we lose, but it should be noted Wycombe are likely to play an under-strength team as well so we have every chance.
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:stuart said at the fans forum on Tuesday that most of the players released won't be playing the final game because they 'won't be in the right frame of mind'.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
i apprecaite the point you're making about wanting to finish 9th, but there's a great opportunity to try some of the youngsters tomorrow like Taylforth and that could be very beneifical. it's not the end of the world if we lose, but it should be noted Wycombe are likely to play an under-strength team as well so we have every chance.
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:stuart said at the fans forum on Tuesday that most of the players released won't be playing the final game because they 'won't be in the right frame of mind'.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
i apprecaite the point you're making about wanting to finish 9th, but there's a great opportunity to try some of the youngsters tomorrow like Taylforth and that could be very beneifical. it's not the end of the world if we lose, but it should be noted Wycombe are likely to play an under-strength team as well so we have every chance.
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:stuart said at the fans forum on Tuesday that most of the players released won't be playing the final game because they 'won't be in the right frame of mind'.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
i apprecaite the point you're making about wanting to finish 9th, but there's a great opportunity to try some of the youngsters tomorrow like Taylforth and that could be very beneifical. it's not the end of the world if we lose, but it should be noted Wycombe are likely to play an under-strength team as well so we have every chance.
peter, skipton says...
1:51pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:Managers can't win. If SM had announced a 'strong' side, he would have been slated for not giving young players a chance. Now he's helping Scott Phelan he's criticised.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
peter, skipton says...
1:51pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:Managers can't win. If SM had announced a 'strong' side, he would have been slated for not giving young players a chance. Now he's helping Scott Phelan he's criticised.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
peter, skipton says...
1:51pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:Managers can't win. If SM had announced a 'strong' side, he would have been slated for not giving young players a chance. Now he's helping Scott Phelan he's criticised.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
peter, skipton says...
1:51pm Fri 2 May 08
Waynus wrote:Managers can't win. If SM had announced a 'strong' side, he would have been slated for not giving young players a chance. Now he's helping Scott Phelan he's criticised.
I think this is a strange decision. Firstly, where is Johnson? We are releasing him at the end of the season, but why has he been allowed to leave one game early? Secondly, we tried the little and little combination before Christmas and it didn't work then. Why does McCall think Nix and Phelan can play together now? If we were going to play one of the released midfielders, it should have been Penford. Admittedly, he isn't much better than Phelan, but he has got the height advantage. Finally, I thought the aim was to try to make the 9th place spot ours. If results go against us tomorrow, we could end up dropping down to 12th. Wouldn't that mean even less prize money? Why aren't we putting out the strongest possible side to face Wycombe?
zahir, burnley says...
1:55pm Fri 2 May 08
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
"It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on.
I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
zahir, burnley says...
1:55pm Fri 2 May 08
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
"It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on.
I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
zahir, burnley says...
1:55pm Fri 2 May 08
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
"It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on.
I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
zahir, burnley says...
1:55pm Fri 2 May 08
"He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play.
"It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on.
I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
ROCKET ROBBIE, KEIGHLEY says...
2:21pm Fri 2 May 08
ROCKET ROBBIE, KEIGHLEY says...
2:21pm Fri 2 May 08
ROCKET ROBBIE, KEIGHLEY says...
2:21pm Fri 2 May 08
ROCKET ROBBIE, KEIGHLEY says...
2:21pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
3:20pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
3:20pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
3:20pm Fri 2 May 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
3:20pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4, Darlington says...
3:30pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4, Darlington says...
3:30pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4, Darlington says...
3:30pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4, Darlington says...
3:30pm Fri 2 May 08
Boydungud, Market Harborough, Leics says...
3:59pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4 wrote:Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.
Boydungud, Market Harborough, Leics says...
3:59pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4 wrote:Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.
Boydungud, Market Harborough, Leics says...
3:59pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4 wrote:Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.
Boydungud, Market Harborough, Leics says...
3:59pm Fri 2 May 08
peanut4 wrote:Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.
peanut4, Darlington says...
4:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Boydungud wrote:A story on here a while ago, when we finally got to the top ten. Anyway, I think we can only realistically drop one place tomorrow. Rotherham play Barnet, and our goal difference is quite a bit better than Morecambe and Brentford.
peanut4 wrote: Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
peanut4, Darlington says...
4:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Boydungud wrote:A story on here a while ago, when we finally got to the top ten. Anyway, I think we can only realistically drop one place tomorrow. Rotherham play Barnet, and our goal difference is quite a bit better than Morecambe and Brentford.
peanut4 wrote: Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
peanut4, Darlington says...
4:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Boydungud wrote:A story on here a while ago, when we finally got to the top ten. Anyway, I think we can only realistically drop one place tomorrow. Rotherham play Barnet, and our goal difference is quite a bit better than Morecambe and Brentford.
peanut4 wrote: Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
peanut4, Darlington says...
4:26pm Fri 2 May 08
Boydungud wrote:A story on here a while ago, when we finally got to the top ten. Anyway, I think we can only realistically drop one place tomorrow. Rotherham play Barnet, and our goal difference is quite a bit better than Morecambe and Brentford.
peanut4 wrote: Don't the players only get a bonus if we finish in the top ten? So if we drop to 11th or 12th, we miss out on prize money but save in player bonuses.Not sure about that one. Where does your info come from? What's the point in a top ten bonus given that 8th place through 10th doesn't win the club anything? To all intents and purposes, other than the additional prize money the club earns, 10th place is as good as 20th when the season is finished.
audal, lovell says...
5:11pm Fri 2 May 08
audal, lovell says...
5:11pm Fri 2 May 08
audal, lovell says...
5:11pm Fri 2 May 08
audal, lovell says...
5:11pm Fri 2 May 08
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
5:40pm Fri 2 May 08
zahir wrote:Whats that cricket in it, guy!
Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. "It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on. I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
5:40pm Fri 2 May 08
zahir wrote:Whats that cricket in it, guy!
Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. "It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on. I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
5:40pm Fri 2 May 08
zahir wrote:Whats that cricket in it, guy!
Scotty Phelan deserves his chance. He got a knock the other night when Liverpool lost to Chelsea but he's a good kid and his attitude has been spot on - as they all have. "He realises he's not going to be here next season but his performances in the reserves have been really good of late and he wants to play. "It's not worked out for him here but I'm sure he can find another club and do well. There are a few of them who might have to drop down to Conference level to come back up later on. I think Phelan will have to go up two levels so that he can play football
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:49am Fri 2 May 08