Parkinson key to City revival, says Rhodes

The Bantams have just enjoyed their best week in more than a decade with two victories on the field – including a momentous Capital One Cup quarter-final tie against Arsenal – and a double dose of good news off it.

Not only did City win their appeal against being kicked out of the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player but a deal to sell the office block next to Valley Parade to a school went through on Wednesday, with the profit going straight into the club’s coffers.

All in all, therefore, a week to remember for Bradford and Rhodes believes the role Parkinson has played in the revival has been integral.

He said: “Phil is doing a great job. I thought a lot of people were unfair on Phil last season.

“Those criticising failed to recognise what a terrible state we were in.

“The squad was very, very poor and we were hurtling towards non-League at pace. And that would have meant oblivion.

“That meant last season was all about survival, which Phil achieved with something to spare in the end.

“Fans who thought we should have been doing better last season failed to appreciate the poor hand Phil had been dealt when he took over.

“But since the end of last season, Phil has been able to do things on his own terms. He has been able to build from the start.

“He works hard and his organisational skills are impressive. As anyone who has watched the team this season will tell you, the team spirit is very strong and I put that down to how Phil and his staff motivate the players.”

Rhodes added: “Phil never stops. Even when he has a day off, such as last Wednesday. But his mind will have been on Southend and what team to play.

“The pleasing thing now is the fans can see what job Phil has done.

“People might think a sell-out was a formality against Arsenal,” he said.

“But I don’t think we would have had a full house a few years ago. The fans responded in such numbers because they can see what a good team we have and how we like to play football.

“There is a sense of belief again,” added Rhodes.