Only injured lads have enjoyed break – Taylor

Cheltenham Town v Bradford City

As Bradford City prepare for what will be only their second game in five weeks, Peter Taylor has joked that victory today at Cheltenham Town could be enough to clinch the Manager of the Month award.

The Bantams, in common with the vast majority of their peers in the basement division, have had their December schedule decimated by the Arctic weather.

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Since drawing at home to Accrington Stanley on November 23, City have played just once – at home to Hereford United 17 days ago when a goal from David Syers secured a 1-0 victory.

Since then, games against Crewe and Chesterfield have joined the trip to Aldershot at the start of December in falling victim to the snow and ice that has wiped out many League Two fixtures. Today's trip to Cheltenham, however, looks set to go-ahead and Taylor is delighted to be on the verge of a return to action.

City's manager said: "It has been frustrating to only play once in such a long time, though we did win that game. Maybe if we beat Cheltenham I might get Manager of the Month with a 100 per cent winning record for December.

"Seriously, we really hope this game can go ahead. The players are itching to get back into action. The only lads who have enjoyed the postponements are those who are injured. They know it means they have a chance of being fit when the games are rearranged.

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"To be fair to Cheltenham, they are putting a lot of effort in and the temperature has risen down there so, hopefully, we will be okay.

"We beat Cheltenham at home but I thought they were a very good football team. It means the game will be a big test, though I will also say that I am quietly confident in my team."

After today's trip to Whaddon Road, attention will turn to what changes need making in the transfer window with seven players either out of contract or at the end of loan spells at Valley Parade.

Taylor added: "We have a lot of professionals at the club so I will be looking to maybe move a couple on, while it would also be nice to bring in a fresh face."

Last six games: Cheltenham Town DDWLDL, Bradford City WLLLDW.

Last time: Cheltenham Town 4 Bradford City 5; August 22, 2009; League Two.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).

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