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Bradford City v Port Vale: Parkinson frustrated as City’s challenge left on ice
Phil Parkinson
GOING 17 days without a game is something no manager wants, particularly at a time of year when just a couple of postponements can lead to the type of fixture backlog that can make or break a season.
Imagine, therefore, the frustration felt by Phil Parkinson after seeing his Bradford City side twice left without games due to the Arctic weather that has left the country shivering for much of February.
Worse still, training has become so problematic that yesterday was the first time the Bantams’ squad has played on grass in more than two weeks.
Even then Parkinson had to twist the arm of the Valley Parade groundsman due to the impromptu training session coming just a day before an important League Two match with Port Vale.
What has pleased the Bradford manager, however, is the manner in which his players have adapted to any difficulties thrown their way.
It is that adaptability which has left Parkinson convinced City will cope comfortably with not only a demanding schedule but also the heat of the fight to move away from relegation trouble.
He said: “Going into the last 19 games and seeing the cover we have, I believe we are looking strong.
“We have had a lot of changes but I am happy with the characters we have got in the building. They are a good set of lads and that has been reflected in these last two or three weeks, when it has been difficult.
“It helps, as a manager, when you have good players with good professionalism. They get on with whatever is thrown at them.
“It has been very frustrating to suffer consecutive blank weekends, particularly as last Friday when we got down there (AFC Wimbledon) I felt we had a chance of doing well.
“Unfortunately, the game was then called off and we came back to have a training session on Saturday at Leeds.
“Everyone has been in the same boat, including Port Vale who last played at the same time as us. To be fair, it is not just this division, either. I have seen comments from a lot of managers in League One talking about being unable to train as normal.
“We had similar problems at Charlton last year (when Parkinson was manager) so at least everyone is in the same boat. The players’ attitude has been great, even as we have pushed them from pillar to post.
“They never knew where we would go next but they have been very professional.”
After tonight’s home game with Vale, City face an arduous schedule that will include three games before the end of February and a further nine in March.
Included in that draining run are midweek trips to Barnet and Wimbledon plus weekend visits to Torquay United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Aldershot and Plymouth Argyle.
It is a programme of games that would test even the biggest of clubs, never mind one in League Two, but Parkinson insists his squad can cope.
He said: “If you look at March, we have fixtures every Tuesday so that is going to be a busy month. We have to be able to cope with that.
“Such a busy schedule is not ideal, especially as a lot of travelling will be involved. But it is important we come through these next two months in a strong position.
“We want to get points on the board ahead of March. Port Vale is a big one for us as the quicker we get the wins on the board then the quicker we can settle down into a groove again.
“As a squad, we are not resting on our laurels as if we can get the results in these games in hand to pull away from the bottom. At this stage, those down the bottom start to improve. Plymouth have brought players in, as have Northampton.”
Luke Oliver is set to return to the starting line-up tonight but Rob Kozluk is suspended.
Full-back Simon Ramsden (toe) will not be risked against Vale and neither will Robbie Threlfall (illness).
Last six games: Bradford City WLLDDL, Port Vale LLLLWW.
Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).
Last time: Bradford City 0 Port Vale 2; September 4, 2010; League Two.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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