Exclusive: Parkinson gives Bradford final lift as he agrees deal

PHIL PARKINSON has given Bradford City a huge pre-Wembley boost by agreeing a new two-year contract, joint chairman 
Julian Rhodes has revealed.
Bradford manager Phil Parkinson.Bradford manager Phil Parkinson.
Bradford manager Phil Parkinson.

The 45-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in the summer and talks over a possible extension have been on-going for several months.

Parkinson’s stock has risen considerably this season and Blackpool made an official approach to speak to the City manager in January.

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He has also been linked with the Sheffield United vacancy in recent weeks, leading to concerns among supporters that the manager who has finally stopped Bradford’s decline could be tempted away from Valley Parade.

Those fears can, however, be allayed after Rhodes last night confirmed agreement had been reached over a new contract for Parkinson.

It will not, though, be signed until Bradford have also struck deals with assistant manager Steve Parkin and fitness conditioner Nick Allamby, which is not expected to be done until after this Saturday’s League Two play-off final with Northampton Town.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post last night, Rhodes said: “Everything is agreed with Phil over a new contract.

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“But, because Phil is a man of his word, it won’t be signed until Steve and Nick are also able to sign their own deals.

“Phil has insisted all along that he wants the staff to sign their contracts at the same time as him. That is a mark of Phil, who is not the type of man to sort himself out and leave the rest to sort their own futures.

“It also shows the togetherness that exists among the coaching staff, which has undoubtedly been a factor in how our season has gone.

“We have spoken to the League Managers’ Association and they will agree the format before sending the contracts on.

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“What it means is that Phil’s deal will not be signed until after the play-off final. We have all agreed on that because we don’t want there to be any distractions ahead of such a vital game.

“Instead, we expect everything to be sorted out next week. The main thing from the club’s point of view is that everything is agreed and is ready to be signed.”

The agreement with Parkinson, who has been in charge at Valley Parade since succeeding Peter Jackson in August 2011, includes two separate wages to cover whether City will be in League One or Two next season.

Providing similar deals can be struck with both Parkin and 
Allamby, it will bring an end to a drawn-out saga that has been held up by several factors outside of the control of either party.

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After a contract had first been mooted at the start of the year, talks took place between Parkinson’s agent, Barry Nevill, and Rhodes on behalf of the club.

However, Nevill then fell seriously ill and had to undergo surgery on a perforated bowel, leading Parkinson to turn to the League Managers’ Association for representation while his agent and friend recuperated in hospital.

Further delays came via Bradford reaching Wembley for the first time this season in February and then Rhodes, who conducts all contract talks on behalf of the Bantams, selling his private business.

That sale finally went through earlier this month, meaning the City joint chairman was free to focus 100 per cent on Parkinson’s contract situation.

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Now, with agreement having been reached, the Bradford squad are likely to be buoyed going into Saturday’s Wembley date.

Rhodes said: “The players are absolutely determined to finish on a high.

“They don’t just want the season we have had to go flat right at the end.

“The pleasing thing for us is that we looked so fresh in those final 20 minutes against Burton (in the semi-final second leg).

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“That is testament to what work has been done during the season by Phil and the coaching staff, and is why we have been so keen for everyone to stay.”

Bradford expect to be backed by around 25,000 fans at Wembley on Saturday with Northampton likely to have a similar following as the two clubs meet for a fifth time this season.

In terms of results, City go in with an advantage after winning both league contests 1-0 and having knocked the Cobblers out of the FA Cup on penalties after a replay.

Rhodes added: “I detected a touch of complacency among our fans before the Burton first leg (which City lost 3-2) but I can’t see that being a problem for the final.

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“Northampton are a team who, at one stage, looked to be on course for a place in the top three so everyone recognises it will be a tough game.

“Certainly, we can’t afford to start on Saturday like we did against Burton. Instead, we want to start like we finished that second leg.”

Parkinson has been named on an all-Yorkshire shortlist for the League Two Manager of the Month for April along with York City’s Nigel Worthington and Steve Evans of Rotherham United, who clinched automatic promotion on the final day of the season.

Meanwhile, City have secured a new shirt sponsor for next season with JCT600’s name set to appear on the club’s kit.

The Bradford-based motor group, who have signed a three-year deal, sponsored the Bantams for nine years until 2006.

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