Bradford City: Bowyer excited to face European champions

The announcement that the reigning European champions are heading for Valley Parade in pre-season has got created a huge buzz around the club.

And the Bantams boss admits he is as excited as anybody to be facing them in the friendly on Sunday, July 14 in aid of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation set up by Stephen Darby.

Bowyer said: “The reason for the game is a special one and it will be a wonderful occasion for such a good lad.

“I watched the final the other night and the Liverpool celebrations afterwards. You see the history of the club in terms of winning the Champions League and European Cup.

“It’s a phenomenal achievement from Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool players.

“To be able to pit our wits against them is going to be a fabulous experience not only for the players but the staff and the football club. It’s an unbelievable fixture for us.”

The all-ticket game has been arranged to raise funds for the charity formed by City legend Darby and close friend Chris Rimmer, who has also been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Darby is a lifelong Liverpool fan and came through the Anfield academy. He made seven appearances for the club before Phil Parkinson took him to Valley Parade in 2012, playing nearly 250 times for City over five years.

Bowyer added: “The fans obviously have a massive affection towards him because of his performances and the way he conducted himself when he played for Bradford City.

“I had Jay Spearing at Blackpool and they are big mates. When the news broke, I saw the impact when I spoke with him about it.

“It’s terribly sad but the fixture itself will be able to offer some hope to the charity.”

Liverpool were pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester City despite finishing with 97 points – and losing only once. But they lifted the European crown for a sixth time.

“It’s been great for English football that the two European finals this year have been dominated by our clubs,” said Bowyer, whose dad Ian won back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.

“It brings back memories of when it used to be a regular occurrence.

“Both Manchester City and Liverpool had an incredible season and it’s wonderful that we get the chance to play against them.

“It’s the stand-out game and that’s not being disrespectful to the rest of our pre-season. Everyone is looking forward to it.”

Tickets will go on sale to season-ticket holders only from Monday until Friday, June 21. They will then be available to the general public from June 24.

Admission will be £15 for adults, £10 seniors, students and under-16s and £5 for under-11s. Liverpool fans will be housed in the Midland Road stand.