City making progress as standards improve

PHIL PARKINSON believes this season’s League One is the strongest he has experienced as the manager of three clubs.
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson. Picture James Hardisty.Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson. Picture James Hardisty.
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson. Picture James Hardisty.

The Bantams have adapted well to life in the third tier following promotion and sit 13th in the table with nine games remaining.

A possible second successive tilt at the play-offs may not have materialised but City, providing they get the wins necessary to stay out of trouble, can surely consider this a campaign of progress.

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Parkinson, once manager of Colchester United and Charlton Athletic at this level, said: “I have been at this level a few times before as a manager and I would definitely say it is stronger than I have seen in the past.

“The strength in depth is the big thing. I have spoken to a lot of managers who have been at this level for a while – lads like Karl Robinson and Russell Slade – and they say exactly the same thing.

“Look at the bottom clubs. There isn’t a lot between them, while those at the top have started well and maintained that.

“Brentford and Wolves both have the best squads, which you would expect as they have spent the most money. But there is quality all the way through the division and that is why I have been pleased with how we have adapted.

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“Having said that, we can’t take our eye off the ball. Not for a second.”

Last six games: Bradford City WLLWDL, Walsall LLLDDD.

Referee: K Stroud (Hampshire).

Last time: Bradford City 2 Walsall 0; December 28, 2005; League One.