Parkinson shrugs off City setback

The Bantams suffered a hugely disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hereford United last week, a result that means just goal difference is keeping the club out of the League Two relegation zone going into today’s meeting with Northampton Town.

With Hereford being one of just two teams below Bradford in the table, the air of optimism that had been building at Valley Parade after a heartening week that included knocking Huddersfield Town out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been conspicuous by its absence in BD8 over the past seven days.

Parkinson, however, is adamant that City can bounce back against the Cobblers and get their season up and running once again.

The City manager said: “Losing to Hereford was a setback but that is all it was, one setback.

“The key is how you react to a setback like that and we have to respond in the right way against Northampton.

“I understand the air of despondency that the result (at Hereford) caused among the fans and it has not been a nice week for us at the club, either.

“But, sometimes you have to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. We are building a good squad here that will be capable of taking Bradford City forward.”

James Hanson returned to training this week and could start alongside Craig Fagan up front for City, who also welcomed back Ross Hannah after injury on Thursday.

Parkinson added: “It is a big week with two away games (at Macclesfield and Swindon) to follow so it is important we start on a positive by getting the three points.”