Preston North End v Bradford City: Parkinson is relishing the spice of City’s trip to Deepdale

But that is not the sole reason why Bradford City’s Chorley-born manager is eagerly looking forward to tonight’s Roses clash.

He explained: “There are so many elements in this one, from the Yorkshire v Lancashire rivalry through to Deepdale being a great stadium with a great surface and on to us likely to have a big support.

“There is so much spice to this fixture that it is one to savour and I am sure our fans are looking forward to it as much as the players.”

City go into tonight’s fixture on the back of two consecutive league defeats, something that has not happened since last January. Parkinson, therefore, is looking to bounce back at a stadium he knows well.

The Bantams manager said: “My mum and dad were season ticket holders, as was my uncle. My grandparents lived in Preston so, as you can imagine, we were over there quite a lot.

“I remember Bobby Charlton being manager when I first went along to watch Preston. What I have always liked is that it is a traditional football club, playing at a traditional, old football ground.

“Of course, there has been a lot of building over the years and the stands are excellent now. But, like Valley Parade, it is in the same location as it has always been and I think that counts for a lot.

“Of course, it was disappointing to lose like we did at Crawley and the key now is bouncing back. It won’t be easy, as Preston have some good players.

“Getting someone like Kevin Davies in during the summer (from Bolton) was a big thing. I am sure a two-year deal at his age and the geography suiting him was a big factor.”

Matt Taylor has been added to the Bradford squad after returning from his loan spell at Colchester United, but top scorer Nahki Wells will be missing despite being put through his paces on the pitch before the weekend defeat at Crawley by fitness coach Nick Allamby.

Parkinson added: “Nahki is progressing well but he won’t be involved at Preston. We took him to Crawley so we could get an extra couple of day’s training in him and that is all.

“This is a long, long season and we don’t want to risk Nahki being out for an extended time by rushing him back now.”

Last six games: Preston North End WWLLLW, Bradford City DWWWLL.

Last time: Preston North End 1 Bradford City 0; April 3, 2004; Championship.

Referee: D Coote (Nottinghamshire).