Barnsley v Bradford City: Video replay can help spur the Bantams

AS Phil Parkinson drove away from Valley Parade on Tuesday night an hour or so after Bradford City had slumped to the foot of League Two, he felt uncomfortable.
Phil Parkinson.Phil Parkinson.
Phil Parkinson.

A poor and untypical performance had resulted in a 2-1 defeat to Gillingham and Parkinson knew the rot had to be stopped.

That is why the City manager called a meeting of his players and made them sit through a horror video.

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“We sat down with all the players on Thursday and looked at a tape of the game,” said Parkinson. “We went through areas that we need to improve, basically all aspects of the game. Both on and off the ball.

“They are a good bunch and the players are as good as gold. We always open the floor up to them in a situation like that.

“We want discipline and endeavour, and for everyone to do their job.”

City have been ahead in all four of their league and cup games this season but are yet to claim victory.

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Of those four winless games, the 2-1 loss on Tuesday was the most worrying. “It has been tough. I felt our performance didn’t reflect how we want to play or how we have played for the last four years.

“There was not enough endeavour on the pitch. We have always been a team that is based, first and foremost, on desire and work ethic.

“As I drove away, I felt uncomfortable. Confidence was clearly a problem for us and it meant we had not had what I call a true Bradford City performance.”

Midfielder Lee Evans (Wolves) and defender Reece Burke (West Ham) are in the squad after joining on loan this week.

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