Filipe Morais recalls his favourite things at Bradford City

FAVOURITE GOAL:

“It was definitely away at Halifax. We were 1-0 down at the time and it was such a big turning point for us in that season.

“We were right up against it at the time and obviously it set us on the crazy FA Cup run.

“The atmosphere that day was great and we filled that whole stand behind the goal and the corner.

“It was the first time that I came on the scene and produced and then I started playing regularly.

“I’d joined late on a non-contract agreement so I was working hard to try and stay longer. I was craving the opportunity and felt I was ready.

“But Phil (Parkinson) was really good at keeping you hungry and getting more and more out of you.

“We had such a good team and it was hard to break in. There was Mark Yeates who had played in the Championship and was a technically-gifted player – I was in awe of Yeatesy when I started because he had exactly the same talent with right or left foot.

“To get in ahead of him was a big moment for me and tying in with the occasion was incredible.

Who’s going to produce a moment to get us out the XXXX?

“We were a big scalp for Halifax being so local and I remember the half-time team talk.

“The gaffer was really good because sometimes when you thought he was going to hammer you and go crazy, he would be a calming influence.

“He knew we were disappointed in ourselves so just told us to stick to the key principles which we needed to do to get back in the game.

“I can still hear his words that day, ‘this is where heroes are made’. Who’s going to produce a moment to get us out the XXXX?

“I was sat there thinking that I wanted it to be me. I wanted to be that player.

“He was like a father figure that you couldn’t let down.

“Billy Clarke came on and made a big difference because he started connecting our play better.

“He made a run down the channel and I made a run on the inside of him.

“He played a lovely ball over the top and it just bounced perfectly for me to hit on the volley. When I burst through, I knew I was in and just needed that pass from Billy which he is so good at.

“My uncle had passed away at the time through cancer so I had a shirt underneath for him. That was special as well.

“Growing up playing football, he’d always try to get to my games so it was fitting to get the goal. Although the gaffer wasn’t happy that I took my shirt off and got booked!”

FAVOURITE MANAGER

“Old school almost seems a derogatory phrase in football now. Everyone wants new ideas and intricate words but I’d say Phil was more of a traditionalist.

“He knew the importance of key values which you see dying out as every year goes by. Players are becoming softer in terms of how you deal with them on the pitch and how they take criticism.

“But the gaffer understands how to adapt to different people and I’d say that was his biggest strength.

“He would rarely praise me. I was always consistent for him and he signed me numerous times but I can count on one hand how many times he said, ‘well done’!

“He didn’t need to. He showed me rather than telling me that he rated me as a player.

“If I was injured all week, he’d ask if I could at least jog on a Friday. Then he’d play me on the Saturday – and wouldn’t speak to me again!

“With others, like Billy Knott, I know he spoke to him more because Billy needed more attention. Less for me was better because he knew I was always hungry to prove to him that I was doing well.

“I’d been at Stevenage and Oldham for the previous few years but I craved being at a club with a huge fanbase. I always felt I’d never had that opportunity since Chelsea and Millwall.

He was like a father figure that you couldn’t let down

“I’d floated about, going from club to club, and it’s especially difficult for wingers because it’s hard to produce that consistency trying to create something.

“When I went on trial at Bradford, my wife and I were staying at the Jurys Inn and went up to the stadium to look round. I was just gobsmacked because it was so good.

“I knew they didn’t have much budget but I was praying I’d get something. Whether they had the money or not, the gaffer was great at getting the best deal for the club.

“I knew I was up against it but I thought I’d let them win this one and take the hit initially on a contract that gives you no stability at all.

“I’m a positive person and as a player you get that thick skin. I had that opportunity and wasn’t worried about what might happen next month.

“It was in my own hands. I could have gone to other clubs in League One and taken a year or two’s contract in front of a few thousand fans but it didn’t compare.

“I’d trained with the boys, really liked the environment and wanted to play for the gaffer.

“My wife thought I was crazy to take the risk but she’s always backed me throughout.

“Bradford’s a big club for the family, not just me, and she still loves the club just as much.”

NEXT WEEK: Morais on his favourite City game and the karaoke king in the dressing room.