Parkinson hails ‘dream start’ as Bradford City secure promotion

Bradford City celebrate promotion to League 1.

Goals from James Hanson, Rory McArdle and leading scorer Nahki Wells settled the contest inside half an hour and made it a happy return to the capital for Phil Parkinson’s side and 25,000 of their fans, three months after their historic Capital One Cup final appearance.

Parkinson said: “We had a great first half. It was a dream start with three goals. In the second half, we were very professional. Northampton are a strong team but I thought we were excellent.

“We can enjoy the summer and look forward to next year.

Stephen Darby, Nahki Wells and Kyel Reid with the play-off trophy.

“This was the 64th game of the season and enormous credit to the players for their performance. If any set of supporters deserve this it is the Bradford fans.

“This is more important (than the League Cup final) because obviously it determines the future of the club.

“The League Cup - it was great to get to the final with the revenue it brought in - but this is what it is all about, this is the bread and butter and to get this club back in the first division is a dream for us all and now we can enjoy it.”