Bradford City were roundly criticised by their fans in 1988 for not making late signings to ensure promotion to the old First Division.

Manager Terry Dolan was reportedly wanting to sign midfield player Andy Townsend and Keith Curle to strengthen the squad ready for the promotion-run-in.

Nothing materialised, however, and City finished fourth after losing their last two matches of the season before suffering the heartache of being beaten by Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

This season City approached the play-offs in a strong position, but manager Paul Jewell made two significant signings before the transfer deadline to give himself extra cover.

First, he signed striker-cum-midfield player Dean Windass from Oxford for £950,000 plus a further £50,000 if City gained promotion and then winger Lee Sharpe on loan from Leeds United.

Windass who was Oxford's leading scorer with a good goalscoring record at his previous clubs, Hull City and Aberdeen scored three goals, including both goals in the 2-0 win at Bury on Easter Monday.

The versatile and highly competitive player also scored City's second goal in the 3-2 home defeat against Huddersfield only to miss a penalty that would have levelled the scores.

Sharpe was on loan to the Italian club when he joined City and arrived at Valley Parade short of match practice.

But he has fitted in well, operating mainly down the right hand side and the class of the former Manchester United player has added an extra dimension to City's play in the last six weeks of the season.

Sharpe scored two goals, one in the 3-0 home win against Grimsby and another in the 2-1 home victory against Portsmouth as well as helping to lay on others.

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