Lure of Molineux was spur for McLaughlin

ASK any footballer whether they would want to spend their Saturday afternoons at Molineux or Rodney Parade and nearly all would plump for the former.

Jon McLaughlin is no different, with the Bradford City goalkeeper revealing how that particular question was the last thing discussed by the Bantams players and staff ahead of leaving the dressing room and embarking on their date with destiny against Northampton Town at Wembley.

McLaughlin, who like several other City players has had his fill of League Two, said: “The last thing we said before we went out was: ‘Newport or Wolves away? What do you want?’

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“That’s no offence to those teams in League Two, but that represents the difference in class between some of the teams in those leagues.

“We are just delighted we are going up into a better league and we are facing a better challenge more fit for our club.”

On the significance of the play-off success, he added: “We have had players like Guy Branston come to us after his Torquay team has done so well and had a great season and missed out in the play-offs.

“Not to go up and be back in the same league we had been so close to getting out of would have been a real kick in the teeth.

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“Now, we just want to get the short break out of the way and are already looking forward to getting back in and taking on that new challenge.

“We have enjoyed the season, although it has been a roller-coaster and a truly mad experience for all of us.

“Everyone has played their part and there has not been a single man who has let us down.”