Bradford City: Slimline Flynn worth his weight in gold (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City: Slimline Michael Flynn worth his weight in gold

7:50am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson believes City will get more from Michael Flynn because there’s less of him.

The skipper made a triumphant return to action in the 2-1 win at in-form Torquay, lasting the full 90 game in his first outing for two months.

Flynn had not been involved since being rushed into hospital before Christ-mas with a severe bout of gastritis.

He lost over a stone and a half after being laid low for three weeks and had been gradually building himself back up before rejoining the fray at Plainmoor.

But the Welshman’s weight is still lower than before – and Parkinson thinks he looks better for it.

The City chief said: “I thought the new slimline Michael Flynn played really well.

“He lost a lot of weight when he was ill and we’ve been speaking to him about it. Our sports scientist has been working closely with him.

“Flynny put some weight back on to get his strength back but he’s looking very good and very sharp.

“We only planned for him and Rammers (Simon Ramsden) to play 60 or 70 minutes but both looked fine and credit to them.

“Ideally, they could have done with a reserve game first but we didn’t have one so we decided to give them the progression of stepping straight up.

“They have both got the mentality to handle the big games. They are both captains.”

City are using the last free midweek until April to recover from various knocks after their second away win.

Craig Fagan has a tight hamstring, Marcel Seip twisted his ankle in the closing minutes and Luke Oliver reported some tightness in his groin. But Parkinson is confident all will recover for the £1-in Valley Parade clash with Hereford.

Meanwhile, Guy Branston yesterday played his first City game since October in a private friendly at Chesterfield.

The former club captain featured for the full game, which the home side won 2-0.