Bradford City missing the Valley Parade crowds

The famous quote was uttered by legendary manager Jock Stein long before Covid-19 brought football to a grinding halt in March.

Even though Football League matches have returned in full flow, supporters – barring a handful who attended pilot events at the end of September – have been barred.

For Bradford City, they might feel more affected than most.

The Bantams averaged an attendance of just under 15,000 during the 2019-20 League Two campaign but have played most of their season without supporters present.

Bradford did take part in the EFL’s pilot scheme in September, with 1,000 home fans in attendance when they drew 2-2 with Forest Green Rovers.

As late as Thursday night, Northern Ireland were able to welcome just over 1,000 supporters into Windsor Park for their Euro 2021 play-off qualifier against Slovakia.

For Bradford manager Stuart McCall, it shows that fans can return safely in limited numbers but he yearns for the day when stadiums will be full again.

“There’s certain clubs at certain levels, people are saying that Sheffield United are missing it at Bramall Lane, and that is a great atmosphere when it gets going,” said McCall.

“You can say the same at Leeds but you could say the same for most grounds.

“At our level, managers before they come here are saying ‘we are pleased there aren’t 15,000 people in the stands’.

“To get 15,000 at our level and not to have them backing you is a negative, naturally. It does make it a more level playing field.

“There’s not many who get the support that we get in this league.”

He continued: “I know we have got to get over the pandemic and get the case numbers down and everything.

“We had a game against Forest Green, there were only 1,000 fans in but they still made noise.

“You get a corner and there is a drum banging, even if it is not a full crowd, any bit of vocal encouragement is welcome.

“The sooner the better. It would be nice to even get 20 per cent. Getting back to full capacity will be brilliant. Let’s just hope we can do it soon.”

How Bradford fans would have wished to roar their side on as they earned a point against Exeter City.

The Grecians have only lost one league game this term but will have been happy to leave Valley Parade with a draw after a dominant second-half showing from the hosts.

Billy Clarke put Bradford in front as he finished off a brilliant counter-attack after 10 minutes.

The Irishman made a diagonal run across the box to get in front of his defender and was picked out by Callum Cooke.

The forward echoed his manager’s sentiments after the game, admitting that scoring is not as much fun when the supporters are not there to enjoy it.

“It is unbelievable to score here, I love it,” said Clarke.

“It is just a shame there is nobody here to enjoy it with.

“I am happy that I scored but I would be a lot happier if there were another 15,000 people here to enjoy it.”

Exeter responded well to going behind and hit back to lead with goals from Matt Jay and Ryan Bowman. McCall was disappointed by the nature of the goals but was delighted when his side levelled on the stroke of half-time through Reece Staunton.

He said: “I always like to be honest with the players.

“I thought we took part in a really good game.

“The players were a little bit disappointed but there was nothing to be disappointed about.

“Going 2-1 down and being on the ropes for a few minutes, I thought we showed great character to come back.”

Richard O’Donnell made some big saves in key moments for the Bantams, including an incredible double save in stoppage time.

McCall feels that the strong competition for the No 1 spot at Valley Parade is only improving O’Donnell’s game.

“In the last couple of games, Richard has made a couple of key saves for us but he is getting pushed by Sam Hornby,” added McCall.

“They are both pushing each other which is good. We have got strong competition in that area.

“Obviously, I was pleased to see him make those saves.”

The Bantams have a rare midweek without a fixture with Salford City up next on Saturday.

Salford were beaten 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers on Friday night but McCall feels they will prove a tricky test for his side at the weekend.

“We have got a good week of training now before going to another team tipped for promotion in Salford,” he added.

“I watched them against Bolton, they weren’t at their best but they had a couple of players missing.

“We can only concentrate on ourselves. If we keep improving and playing like we are, I am confident we will kick on.”

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