Wembley trip would spark Bantams revival claims Rhodes

The Bantams, who travel to Oldham tonight looking to book a place in the Northern Area final for the first time, have endured a miserable time since dropping out of the Premier League in 2001.

Three relegations and two spells in administration have made it a decade to forget for all at Valley Parade, especially as for a second season running Bradford seem locked in a fight for their very survival in the Football League.

City sit just one place and two points above the relegation trapdoor and face bottom club Plymouth Argyle this weekend.

Tonight will, however, bring respite from such woes as Phil Parkinson takes his side to Boundary Park looking to claim a fourth League One scalp in this season’s Trophy.

Joint chairman Rhodes said: “We have had a good run in the competition this season and achieved some notable results.

“Beating the two Sheffield clubs and Huddersfield Town has been a real boost for the club and the fans. The tournament itself is one that has gathered momentum over the last few seasons and has become more and more important.

“I remember speaking to (Doncaster Rovers chairman) John Ryan after they had won it (in 2007) and it was clear the trophy meant a lot.

“They were showing it round the sponsors’ lounges and so on. On the back of that, Doncaster went on to win promotion (from League One) the following season and I am sure winning the Johnstone’s Paint helped generate some of that momentum.

“I also have a friend who is a Southend fan and he said something similar about when they won it. It acted as a platform for Southend going on to win promotion from not only the bottom division but League One as well.

“It would be great if Bradford City could do something similar. There is a long way to go, of course, and if we are to reach Wembley then we will have to beat another two League One teams.

“But we have shown already this season what we can do against teams from League One so I am sure the players feel confident.”

City are without Simon Ramsden tonight due to wanting to make sure the defender is fit for the visit of Plymouth.