With memories of last year’s play-off semi-final loss to Millwall still raw, there’s a strong desire for revenge this Saturday as we head down to South London to once again clash with the Lions.
That play-off loss over two legs to Millwall was a tough one to take at the time. After a successful League One campaign last time around we suddenly looked out of our depth when the big day came and played with a severe lack of any imagination. The first leg on the whole was terrible at Valley Parade whilst in the second; we didn’t look like a team that needed to turn around a two goal deficit in the slightest. That being said I’m glad I didn’t have to pay to go down to Wembley and watch us get thumped by Barnsley which inevitably seemed like it would happen had we got there..
The disappointment of the end of last season has been quickly moved on however as the team have made a rousing start to this year’s League One campaign. With three wins and two draws in our opening five league matches we’ve swiftly moved to shorter odds to be promoted come the end of this season. However the real tests begin to start now, granted MK Dons was a big win away from home against a top side at this level but our next four games in particular are very difficult especially as three of them come on the road. Away to Millwall, away to Gillingham, home to Bristol Rovers then away to Bolton, that’s a tough run and even though I do like to be ambitious, I’d take seven points from that right now.
As well as our fantastic league form we further tasted victory in the new and highly controversially ‘revamped’ EFL Trophy against Stoke City’s under 23 side on Tuesday night which included former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam and usual first teamer Marc Muniesa. Watched by City’s smallest crowd in the last 20+ years, the youthful looking Bantams side played some nice football and managed to come out 1-0 winners thanks to a first half header from recent signing Timothee Dieng.
New Faces
This week has seen the transfer window come to a close too and for once on transfer deadline day we were rather busy with both incoming transfers and a single departure. First we saw the capture of Scottish striker Marc McNulty (right) on loan from Sheffield United for the season. A great deal to be honest as the forward was exactly what we needed to add to the squad in my opinion, a real goal scoring threat. Throughout his time in football McNulty has had a very good goal scoring record wherever he has played and the anger heard from the Sheffield United fans over his departure can only be taken as a further positive.
Marc McNulty on signing for the Bantams - "I am excited to join a big club like Bradford. I had a few options but I always wanted to come here once I knew of their interest. With the size of the club, the manager and the fan base, it was a no-brainer."
After McNulty’s arrival, Rahic, Rupp & co went on to further sign attacking midfielder Haris Vuckic (left) on an initial six-month loan deal from Championship side Newcastle United. The 24 year old Slovenian can play through the middle or on either flank if needed and adds a new dimension to our play. His creativity in the centre of the park will be vital in those close matches were bound to have throughout the duration of this season.
Just the one departure on transfer deadline day for the Bantams and we’re saying goodbye to former winger Paul Anderson who had his contract mutually terminated by the club before joining fellow League One side Northampton. Sometimes in football it just doesn’t work out but without that season long injury last term I feel like Anderson would still be a Bradford player as he has the ability to shine on his day. Unfortunately though it wasn’t meant to be though, best wishes to him on his future.
Overall I’m extremely happy with our summer transfer window negotiations. We look extremely strong at the back once again with Knight-Percival and Kilgallon coming in, Dieng looks solid whilst Vincelot has being my player of the season so far and as he moves further up the pitch to a midfield position, he will only influence games much more. Josh Cullen as we know is extremely talented for League One, Vuckic and McNulty add flair and goals and Hiwula adds the much needed pace up top. We have our strongest squad in years and this season could be a very exciting one for Bantams fans all being well.
If the team continues to improve and perform then we can expect to grab a result at The Den from our match up with Millwall at the weekend but we have to once again be wary of the South London club. Millwall too have made a good start to their League One Campaign, picking up three wins and a draw however they did get hammered 5-1 by Peterborough which highlighted their defensive frailties at times. If we get Vuckic, McNulty, Cullen, Hiwula etc into the game effectively on Saturday then we can expose their weaknesses at the back.
However it’s their strike force that we must look out for once again. The Lions arguably have the best pair of strikers in League One in Lee Gregory and Steve Morison who are absolutely lethal finishers. Lee Gregory in particular always plays well against us so our back line will have to put in one of their performances of the season to keep yet another clean sheet on Saturday afternoon.
