Parkinson eager to repay debt to City faithful

PHIL PARKINSON has revealed how Bradford City’s push for promotion is being fuelled by a personal desire to repay the support of the Valley Parade crowd during his first difficult few months at the helm.
Bantams boss Phil ParkinsonBantams boss Phil Parkinson
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson

The Bantams, who claimed seventh place in League Two thanks to a late season surge in form, take on Burton Albion in the League Two play-off semi-final first leg tomorrow night.

Parkinson is hoping a bumper crowd can recreate the atmosphere that helped power City 
towards the Capital One Cup final with home victories over Arsenal and Aston Villa.

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He said: “Every manager who comes to Valley Parade always mentions the crowd, the atmosphere and the intensity.

“The city of Bradford has really got behind this team.

“The fans have identified with the commitment and honesty of the team.

“I realise we have asked a lot of our supporters financially this season and they have responded by coming out in huge numbers. But we are asking them for one big effort again.”

Parkinson took charge at Valley Parade in September 2011, and his first campaign revolved around a fight against relegation.

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He added: “I remember how good the supporters were to me last year, when maybe times weren’t so good.

“They clearly understood the challenge I was facing and were great with me. They continue to be. I am determined to give them success and hopefully it will be this year.”

Bantams fans are hoping the club can agree a new contract with Parkinson, whose current deal expires in the summer.

Talks have been on-going for several months and fresh discussions are planned later today between joint chairman Julian Rhodes and the League Managers’ Association, who are acting on Parkinson’s behalf due to his agent having fallen ill.

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Parkinson is enjoying his role at Valley Parade and has made clear several times his intention to stay – most notably midway through the current campaign when Blackpool came calling.

As important as resolving these talks is, however, the priority for the City manager right now is tomorrow’s game.

He said: “Burton are a very good side.

“Their achievement has been remarkable. Gary (Rowett, manager) has got them in the highest position of their history – which after a relegation fight last year is a big thing.

“We know we are up against a team who will come to try and frustrate us. We know that and the supporters have to understand that.”

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