Headlines
Let's talk, says free agent Brandon
 |
| Chris Brandon is "open to offers" after being released by Huddersfield |
Chris Brandon today opened the door for a possible switch to hometown club City.
Brandon has been released by new Huddersfield boss Stan Ternent after four years at the Galpharm.
And the Bradford-born midfielder indicated that he would welcome an approach from the Bantams.
Brandon said: "I'm open to offers at the moment and I'd be happy to talk to Bradford if they are interested.
"I've been left in limbo a little bit as Gerry Murphy wanted to keep me at Hudders-field but the new manager has come in and made his decision, even though he's never seen me play."
The 32-year-old grew up a City fan and used to idolise Stuart McCall as a youngster. He still lives within ten minutes of Valley Parade and has made no secret that he would love to play for his boyhood club one day.
But despite the pulling power of his Bradford roots, City still face plenty of competition for his signature. His wages at Huddersfield are also believed to be above what they would be prepared to offer.
"My agent has been contacted by about a dozen clubs," he added, "so we'll just have to wait and see what happens."
Brandon began his career at Park Avenue and did not turn pro until 23 when he joined Torquay. After moving to Chesterfield, Peter Jackson brought him back to West Yorkshire in July 2004 and he played 148 games for Huddersfield, scoring 14 goals.
Brandon can play anywhere across the midfield and Murphy briefly played him up front when he took temporary charge after Andy Ritchie was sacked.
But Brandon sat out the last three games of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the derby win over Leeds.
Having released 13 players last week, McCall is busy finalising his transfer targets and will be watching the play-off games closely.
The City boss said: "There are a lot of play-offs in the next couple of weeks where players might be available. There are also players that have got year options on their contracts and the clubs will be deciding whether to take that up.
"I could go out now and get five or six players but are they going to be better than we've got? We want to aim high and try to get the best possible.
"The phone calls are flying about and it's nice to hear agents saying that a player might have x, y or z to go to but he'd really like to speak to you."
Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here
6:44am Tuesday 6th May 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: gman, bradford on 8:07am Tue 6 May 08
This would be a very, very good signing if we can pull it off....i'm a friend of the family and i know he would love to come to city and would make a difference especially at this level..lets hope somet can be agreed!!!
This would be a very, very good signing if we can pull it off....i'm a friend of the family and i know he would love to come to city and would make a difference especially at this level..lets hope somet can be agreed!!!
Posted by: Mr Sensible, Bingley on 8:41am Tue 6 May 08
If he would love to come I am sure he would be welcome although I assume he wants moe than any other club offers. Money before sentiment. I am not against that but don't let it drag on for weeks with the end result as we all most anticipate.
If he would love to come I am sure he would be welcome although I assume he wants moe than any other club offers. Money before sentiment. I am not against that but don't let it drag on for weeks with the end result as we all most anticipate.
Posted by: SHAUN, richmond on 8:53am Tue 6 May 08
Not sure he would fancy a 6 month contract!! on the usuall minimum wage per hour.......
Not sure he would fancy a 6 month contract!! on the usuall minimum wage per hour.......
Posted by: boparob, Bradford on 9:12am Tue 6 May 08
Not exactly got a fantantic CV though?
Not exactly got a fantantic CV though?
Posted by: pegger, Bradford on 9:13am Tue 6 May 08
Great player, Bradford lad.. get him in.
Great player, Bradford lad.. get him in.
Posted by: gary birdsall, windhil on 10:00am Tue 6 May 08
i think he will be a great signing for us and i think he will try and get us out of this league
i think he will be a great signing for us and i think he will try and get us out of this league
Posted by: Chris, Bradford on 10:38am Tue 6 May 08
Would be the best signing for a long long long time in my eyes..Bradford born, Bradford bread he's from Bradford and certainly off his head.. Come on Chris take the wage cut if it is possible and do us all a massive favour. Lets get some heart in the claret and amber. If City can pull this one off early doors I am sure it will attract more great signings! There will be plenty of competition for his signature though, this time last year he was signing for Blackpool in the Championship but they would not pay a fee when he was going to be a free agent in 12 mths..
Would be the best signing for a long long long time in my eyes..Bradford born, Bradford bread he's from Bradford and certainly off his head.. Come on Chris take the wage cut if it is possible and do us all a massive favour. Lets get some heart in the claret and amber. If City can pull this one off early doors I am sure it will attract more great signings! There will be plenty of competition for his signature though, this time last year he was signing for Blackpool in the Championship but they would not pay a fee when he was going to be a free agent in 12 mths..
Posted by: Chris, Bradford on 10:48am Tue 6 May 08
Its also great to see knowbody gets involved in arguments on here anymore with dumb **** Shaun Richmond form bell end road. I was stupid to entertain him 'once upon on time'.
Cant believe he is not bored of chatting crap yet.
Its also great to see knowbody gets involved in arguments on here anymore with dumb **** Shaun Richmond form bell end road. I was stupid to entertain him 'once upon on time'.
Cant believe he is not bored of chatting crap yet.
Posted by: bantamsam, VP on 12:42pm Tue 6 May 08
Great signing if we can get him. Lets hope the pull of playing out what could be his final years at his hometown club outweighs any big money move...
Great signing if we can get him. Lets hope the pull of playing out what could be his final years at his hometown club outweighs any big money move...
Posted by: Bellend Road, Bermuda on 12:43pm Tue 6 May 08
Shaun from Richmond, Im sure you'd fancy the minimum wage but with your intellect you're not worth that much.
Shaun from Richmond, Im sure you'd fancy the minimum wage but with your intellect you're not worth that much.
Posted by: Mr Sensible, Bingley on 12:51pm Tue 6 May 08
Glad to see you are still sane Shaun. You are obviously intelligent and make some of the contributors a little concerned. Unless they are on the books of City I just cannot see their point but alas if they are they will certainly be on the minimum wage, they have to be to supplement the few at the top. P.S.Get down there for the free offer lads.
Glad to see you are still sane Shaun. You are obviously intelligent and make some of the contributors a little concerned. Unless they are on the books of City I just cannot see their point but alas if they are they will certainly be on the minimum wage, they have to be to supplement the few at the top. P.S.Get down there for the free offer lads.
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 1:08pm Tue 6 May 08
not sure about this one: another player released by a club only 1 division higher and aged 32.
in my opinion just past his sell by date-- would he come on a play and pay basis thereby minimising the risk to us of signing potentially a sick note waithing to happen.
not sure about this one: another player released by a club only 1 division higher and aged 32.
in my opinion just past his sell by date-- would he come on a play and pay basis thereby minimising the risk to us of signing potentially a sick note waithing to happen.
Posted by: Chris, Bradford on 1:34pm Tue 6 May 08
I think any player McCall signs will be on a minimal basic with add ons for what they are paid to do, ie play, score/cleansheet, win, win cups, get promoted. Rightly so why not? Every god dam footballer should be the same, would any of us get paid for not performing at work?
I think any player McCall signs will be on a minimal basic with add ons for what they are paid to do, ie play, score/cleansheet, win, win cups, get promoted. Rightly so why not? Every god dam footballer should be the same, would any of us get paid for not performing at work?
Posted by: Chris, Bradford on 1:36pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]tyker[/bold] wrote:
not sure about this one: another player released by a club only 1 division higher and aged 32. in my opinion just past his sell by date-- would he come on a play and pay basis thereby minimising the risk to us of signing potentially a sick note waithing to happen.[/quote] You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season!
tyker wrote:
not sure about this one: another player released by a club only 1 division higher and aged 32. in my opinion just past his sell by date-- would he come on a play and pay basis thereby minimising the risk to us of signing potentially a sick note waithing to happen.
You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season!
Posted by: seanary, Bradford on 1:36pm Tue 6 May 08
a bit ageist Tyker. Wetherall has just played every minute of a 46 game league season and is way beyond age 32. Windass is 39 or 40 I believe and has also just had a very productive season. I don't think 32 is particularly old for a modern footballer. Brandon has been a good player in a higher division so could be a very good player in League 2. I think it unlikely that he would play in league 2 if a League 1 club want him though.
a bit ageist Tyker. Wetherall has just played every minute of a 46 game league season and is way beyond age 32. Windass is 39 or 40 I believe and has also just had a very productive season. I don't think 32 is particularly old for a modern footballer. Brandon has been a good player in a higher division so could be a very good player in League 2. I think it unlikely that he would play in league 2 if a League 1 club want him though.
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 2:08pm Tue 6 May 08
[bold]You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season![/bold]
let's hope so.
as regards comparison with WETHERALL-- Agreed but misdlfield is a demanding position.
Windass-- well he's a one off!!
All I was trying to say was that we are renowned for having players who are just that bit past it without nurturing our youth team.
Ok one or two older players with youngsters doing leg work etc but even before next season starts take a look at the age of some of those retained.
We maybe need just one more player at his age now:the rest should be raw big and strong youngsters.
You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season!
let's hope so.
as regards comparison with WETHERALL-- Agreed but misdlfield is a demanding position.
Windass-- well he's a one off!!
All I was trying to say was that we are renowned for having players who are just that bit past it without nurturing our youth team.
Ok one or two older players with youngsters doing leg work etc but even before next season starts take a look at the age of some of those retained.
We maybe need just one more player at his age now:the rest should be raw big and strong youngsters.
Posted by: micksey, wibsey on 2:31pm Tue 6 May 08
I should have thought a bloke who only turned full time pro at 23 would have at least 3 or 4 good years left in him, it's not so much about age as how much bang and clatter they've had.
I should have thought a bloke who only turned full time pro at 23 would have at least 3 or 4 good years left in him, it's not so much about age as how much bang and clatter they've had.
Posted by: Chris, Bradford on 3:10pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]micksey[/bold] wrote:
I should have thought a bloke who only turned full time pro at 23 would have at least 3 or 4 good years left in him, it's not so much about age as how much bang and clatter they've had.[/quote] ..... and its not like he's a big build, at his size he could easily do till 35-36...
micksey wrote:
I should have thought a bloke who only turned full time pro at 23 would have at least 3 or 4 good years left in him, it's not so much about age as how much bang and clatter they've had.
..... and its not like he's a big build, at his size he could easily do till 35-36...
Posted by: ricky76, barrowford nr burnley on 3:33pm Tue 6 May 08
for me brandon would be the ideal player to play alongside bullock can score goals creative and can also defend maybe 32 but still got 2 or 3 years in the tank
for me brandon would be the ideal player to play alongside bullock can score goals creative and can also defend maybe 32 but still got 2 or 3 years in the tank
Posted by: gman, bradford on 4:22pm Tue 6 May 08
i'd love to see Brandon ina city short and belive he would be a superb signing....he's creative and he's a crafter which is exactly what we need..if we had him Nix and Bullock in midfield then thats 3 people who will give everything. We may then accomodate the useless but dangerous Daley...
i'd love to see Brandon ina city short and belive he would be a superb signing....he's creative and he's a crafter which is exactly what we need..if we had him Nix and Bullock in midfield then thats 3 people who will give everything. We may then accomodate the useless but dangerous Daley...
Posted by: gman, bradford on 4:25pm Tue 6 May 08
obviosuly i mean city shirt above!!!
wouldn't be so keen to just see him in a pair of shorts.....although shaun probably would!!
obviosuly i mean city shirt above!!!
wouldn't be so keen to just see him in a pair of shorts.....although shaun probably would!!
Posted by: LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. on 4:29pm Tue 6 May 08
I wouldn't mind a bit of his cousin, Lisa.
I wouldn't mind a bit of his cousin, Lisa.
Posted by: audal, lovell on 5:00pm Tue 6 May 08
brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude
brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude
Posted by: LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. on 5:16pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]audal[/bold] wrote:
brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude[/quote] No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time.
How much do City players get paid ya reckon?
audal wrote:
brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude
No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time.
How much do City players get paid ya reckon?
Posted by: audal, lovell on 5:55pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]LeagueJunkie!!![/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]audal[/bold] wrote: brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude[/quote] No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time. How much do City players get paid ya reckon?[/quote] not a lot so why give 5 or 10 % away, would you? i wouldn't.
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:
audal wrote: brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude
No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time. How much do City players get paid ya reckon?
not a lot so why give 5 or 10 % away, would you? i wouldn't.
Posted by: tyker, midland road on 6:54pm Tue 6 May 08
Audal has a good point why do players need agents especially at our level when there is little or no money for wages, few if any commercial contracts and even fewer press conferences for them to attend.
Would not the money they dollop out to agents in these circumstances be better in their own pocket?
Audal has a good point why do players need agents especially at our level when there is little or no money for wages, few if any commercial contracts and even fewer press conferences for them to attend.
Would not the money they dollop out to agents in these circumstances be better in their own pocket?
Posted by: Mr Sensible, Bingley on 7:23pm Tue 6 May 08
It is essential thay all players have agents or they will be taken for a ride. very few have the ability to negotiate yhemselves and would be taken advantage off,just look at how the fans are been taken for a ride at City, perhaps they would be better with an agent then no season tickets would have been sold.
It is essential thay all players have agents or they will be taken for a ride. very few have the ability to negotiate yhemselves and would be taken advantage off,just look at how the fans are been taken for a ride at City, perhaps they would be better with an agent then no season tickets would have been sold.
Posted by: JM, Skipton on 7:33pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Mr Sensible[/bold] wrote:
Glad to see you are still sane Shaun. You are obviously intelligent and make some of the contributors a little concerned. Unless they are on the books of City I just cannot see their point but alas if they are they will certainly be on the minimum wage, they have to be to supplement the few at the top. P.S.Get down there for the free offer lads.[/quote] apologies for all sane, sensible BCFC fans who like to use these boards for intelligent discussion and debate - but I can't ignore the pathetic ramblings of this idiot.
Mr Sensible - I'm sure Shaun from Richmond will agree he comes on here to do nothing more but provoke other people and add stupid comments he doesn't mean, he is not carrying sensible views.
Do you really think city pay players minimum wages? Even Kyle Nix, who is paid very modestly, makes a reasonable amount playing for city. go and ask someone in McDonalds how much they earn in comparison.
Why any City supporter (don't worry I know you're not one) would moan if City signed a player on low wages I don't know. If Brandon can get better money elsewhere but chooses City i say that shows a fantastic attitude and he'll give his all for City. I would not be annoyed City haven't tried to offer him stupidly high wages to tempt him.
Supplement the few at the top - the usual meaningless dig from you that is based on nothing but you think makes you sound clever and know something we don't, when you don't have clue.
In closing mate. The season is now OVER. You're free season ticket has EXPIRED. Obviously you are not going to renew like us 'idiots' and you don't support Bradford City.
So please stop coming on these boards. Your views have no relevance to anyone and I'm sick of having to read them.
Mr Sensible wrote:
Glad to see you are still sane Shaun. You are obviously intelligent and make some of the contributors a little concerned. Unless they are on the books of City I just cannot see their point but alas if they are they will certainly be on the minimum wage, they have to be to supplement the few at the top. P.S.Get down there for the free offer lads.
apologies for all sane, sensible BCFC fans who like to use these boards for intelligent discussion and debate - but I can't ignore the pathetic ramblings of this idiot.
Mr Sensible - I'm sure Shaun from Richmond will agree he comes on here to do nothing more but provoke other people and add stupid comments he doesn't mean, he is not carrying sensible views.
Do you really think city pay players minimum wages? Even Kyle Nix, who is paid very modestly, makes a reasonable amount playing for city. go and ask someone in McDonalds how much they earn in comparison.
Why any City supporter (don't worry I know you're not one) would moan if City signed a player on low wages I don't know. If Brandon can get better money elsewhere but chooses City i say that shows a fantastic attitude and he'll give his all for City. I would not be annoyed City haven't tried to offer him stupidly high wages to tempt him.
Supplement the few at the top - the usual meaningless dig from you that is based on nothing but you think makes you sound clever and know something we don't, when you don't have clue.
In closing mate. The season is now OVER. You're free season ticket has EXPIRED. Obviously you are not going to renew like us 'idiots' and you don't support Bradford City.
So please stop coming on these boards. Your views have no relevance to anyone and I'm sick of having to read them.
Posted by: LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. on 7:56pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]audal[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]LeagueJunkie!!![/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]audal[/bold] wrote: brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude[/quote] No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time. How much do City players get paid ya reckon?[/quote] not a lot so why give 5 or 10 % away, would you? i wouldn't. [/quote] Absolutley not, at 32 I'd be grabbing all the cash I could be retirement.
audal wrote:
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote: audal wrote: brandon is a pathetic person,he needs someone to tell him to either (a)play and get paid for a club he loves or(b)goes to timbucktoo for an extra £25 pw.because his mr.5% says so. city do not need him with that attitude
No, but he might need the money to feed his family in 10 years time. How much do City players get paid ya reckon?
not a lot so why give 5 or 10 % away, would you? i wouldn't.
Absolutley not, at 32 I'd be grabbing all the cash I could be retirement.
Posted by: Big Mal, Bradford on 8:26pm Tue 6 May 08
Brandon would strengthen the team, he's local and he's keen.
I'd rather have four quality players on good wages than six average signings on average wages.
Brandon would strengthen the team, he's local and he's keen.
I'd rather have four quality players on good wages than six average signings on average wages.
Posted by: jaffalaffa, middle of the hills on 8:48pm Tue 6 May 08
JM Notso Sensible is also a Financial Adviser plus Education and Employment Law consultant. Check out his other ramblings. If he was a light bulb he would be 10 watts.
JM Notso Sensible is also a Financial Adviser plus Education and Employment Law consultant. Check out his other ramblings. If he was a light bulb he would be 10 watts.
Posted by: Waynus, Bradford 6 on 9:09pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]tyker[/bold] wrote:
[bold]You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season![/bold]
let's hope so.
as regards comparison with WETHERALL-- Agreed but misdlfield is a demanding position.
Windass-- well he's a one off!!
All I was trying to say was that we are renowned for having players who are just that bit past it without nurturing our youth team.
Ok one or two older players with youngsters doing leg work etc but even before next season starts take a look at the age of some of those retained.
We maybe need just one more player at his age now:the rest should be raw big and strong youngsters.
[/quote] Windass is a one off? What about our very own Peter Thorne? Hasn't he just finished his most productive season for several years? Chris Brandon's age has nothing to do with it.... if he has the ability, his age is irrelevant.
tyker wrote:
You would see more heart in his performances if he was 40 then most of what you have seen this season!
let's hope so.
as regards comparison with WETHERALL-- Agreed but misdlfield is a demanding position.
Windass-- well he's a one off!!
All I was trying to say was that we are renowned for having players who are just that bit past it without nurturing our youth team.
Ok one or two older players with youngsters doing leg work etc but even before next season starts take a look at the age of some of those retained.
We maybe need just one more player at his age now:the rest should be raw big and strong youngsters.
Windass is a one off? What about our very own Peter Thorne? Hasn't he just finished his most productive season for several years? Chris Brandon's age has nothing to do with it.... if he has the ability, his age is irrelevant.
Posted by: Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here on 9:42am Wed 7 May 08
I agree with the age thing sort of. I have always thought that it stands a team in good stead to have a more mature spine through the middle. Bower, Bullock and Thorne could be classed as a mature spine, the kids with their legs can work off these older players, Brandon would fit in just lovely, although I wouldn't be breaking the bank to be attracting him, nor sobbing in my beer if he didn't want to come, but a very welcome addition if he does.
I agree with the age thing sort of. I have always thought that it stands a team in good stead to have a more mature spine through the middle. Bower, Bullock and Thorne could be classed as a mature spine, the kids with their legs can work off these older players, Brandon would fit in just lovely, although I wouldn't be breaking the bank to be attracting him, nor sobbing in my beer if he didn't want to come, but a very welcome addition if he does.
Posted by: Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here on 10:04am Wed 7 May 08
What kids though is the pertinent question? We really could do with some bright young things coming through, but alack and alas due to our continuing poor youth set-up( this really does bug me, and the hype coming out of the club is nothing more than that re the youth). And even when we do get the odd decent young un they are moved on at a young age before they have even had a sniff of our first team. Time for us to try and invest something int our youth set up, and then once a decent prospect is developed try and keep them and make them keen to play for us not look starry eyed at the Prem.
What kids though is the pertinent question? We really could do with some bright young things coming through, but alack and alas due to our continuing poor youth set-up( this really does bug me, and the hype coming out of the club is nothing more than that re the youth). And even when we do get the odd decent young un they are moved on at a young age before they have even had a sniff of our first team. Time for us to try and invest something int our youth set up, and then once a decent prospect is developed try and keep them and make them keen to play for us not look starry eyed at the Prem.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
