THIS is Bong Tong reporting from Valley Parade as the Woolwinders get the game going ...

Now wouldn’t that be a great way to start the match blog on the Telegraph & Argus website!

Nope, I’ve not been up all night drinking – although shots at my age should carry a government health warning – but flicking through a fantastic new book about the club.

With all due respect to author John Dewhirst, “A History of Bradford City AFC in objects” does not sound the catchiest of titles.

But don’t be fooled. This is no crusty old tome aimed purely at the anoraks, chronicling the club’s minutiae down the years.

It’s more a fascinating delve, not just into the history books but the cupboards and spare rooms of supporters who have accumulated all types of City knick-knacks and souvenirs.

There’s something for everyone in John’s superb work – once you start to flick, you’ll find it difficult to put down.

I’m not just giving it a free plug because he’s kind enough to give me a mention. It’s a genuinely fascinating read.

And for those who prefer to just look at the pictures, there are thousands of images from teamsheets and programmes, even the letter begging for re-election to Subbuteo kits, 1970s patches, car stickers and terrace tat.

Being a newspaper man, I loved the old adverts – from Hammonds “Don’t take any sauce from the opposition lads” to Little Toff Whiffs; not forgetting the invitations for artificial legs, trusses and a “well cooked” lunch from Busby’s Cafe.

John also chronicles the history of the Bradford City reporters from the Telegraph & Argus – and how every football writer in the “olden days” would use a nom de plum such as Wanderer, Preceptor or Broadacre.

But nobody could beat TA Riley’s magnificent moniker of “Bong Tong” when he covered Manningham before City were formed in 1903.

It’s also interesting to read how the club’s identity grew and how the nickname of the Bantams was born.

The “Woolwinders” line came from a Spurs programme in 1913. John reckoned it was a put down and they were just jealous after City’s FA Cup triumph two seasons earlier.

The book is a unique way of following the club’s path to the present day. I can’t recommend it highly enough.