Sunshine break for City stars to recharge the batteries

An 11am inspection yesterday saw the Valley Parade pitch, which has been covered in snow all week and was still rock hard in places even before the overnight return of the Arctic weather, deemed unfit.

It means a welcome day off for the City players, who have played 42 games this season already, before jetting out tomorrow to train in some welcome sunshine in the Canary Islands.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said last night: “It was organised before the Villa game. Phil (Parkinson) felt the players needed to get away and train in the sunshine to make sure they could refocus on the League programme, regardless of what happened in the semi-final second leg.

“So, the players will leave on Sunday and then return ready for what is an important run of games that includes (fellow promotion-chasers) Gillingham and Fleetwood.”

The break will also allow the Bantams squad to take stock of their incredible achievement of booking a place at a major Cup final, following their 4-3 aggregate victory over Premier League Aston Villa.

Manager Parkinson said: “We have had a great week and created headlines all around the world. It has been great to see the players, who are such a hard-working bunch, enjoy the limelight.

“Everyone deserves it. What has really pleased me since Tuesday is seeing how the players have handled the attention.

“No-one has got carried away or started saying daft things. They have been enjoying it but also staying calm, which is great. We have kept our feet on the floor and that has been obvious in every interview.

“I have been pleased with that but not surprised. We went out of our way in the summer to bring in not only the right players but also the right characters.”

The postponement of the Wycombe game means Bradford are next in action a week today when Parkinson’s side travel to Fleetwood.

Considering City have drawn two and lost six of the six games that have followed their League Cup ties this season, the trip to the Lancashire town will be a big test.

Parkinson added: “I am confident we will do well. After getting to Wembley, there is a real confidence among the lads as to what we can achieve this season.”