Underdogs tag suits Bantams, insists Connell

This weekend, though, that may not quite be the case as Bradford City of League Two take on a team who sit in the top half of one of Europe’s richest leagues.

Just by reaching the Capital One Cup final, the Bantams have created history and there can surely be no disgrace in losing to Swansea City on Sunday.

Alan Connell, who has featured in five of City’s seven League Cup ties this season, is firmly of that belief.

However, after being in the Swindon Town side beaten 2-0 by Chesterfield in last season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, the 30-year-old is also adamant that the national stadium can be a cruel place.

Connell, who netted one of City’s penalties in the shoot-out win over his boyhood team Arsenal, said: “I’ve been to quite a few games at Wembley in the past as a fan and, of course, I played there last season with Swindon.

“I am so excited for Sunday and hoping to play a part because playing at Wembley is the best. The best moment in my life was walking out on the pitch with almost 50,000 people there. But Sunday will be 90,000 and that is an incredible thought.

“Mind, as much as I enjoyed playing at Wembley, losing to Chesterfield wasn’t great. We played well on the day but didn’t win the game, which can happen. As favourites, it was disappointing but we got the League Two title – and that was the main target.

“But, still, losing at Wembley wasn’t nice and it isn’t something I want to go through again. Of course, we are massive underdogs in the Capital One Cup final.

“We have been the entire run, to be honest. So, we take it as another game. The tag seems to suit us.

“The best thing about this week is that I can tell it is just another game for us. Even though the media interest has been huge, we haven’t been any different. We have to make sure it stays that way.”