It has been a topsy-turvy season. Right now, things are on the up and we are sitting pretty in the playoff positions. All seems well at Valley Parade after a run of three consecutive victories without conceding a goal.
A few months ago, things were very different. Mid-table mediocrity beckoned and the knives were out. One figure who attracted a lot of the ire was Phil Parkinson. Some poor performances and unexpected transfers saw a great deal of unease settling over VP, and Parkinson copped it more than most. Football is a fickle old word where loyalties are thrown aside very swiftly, and Phil Parkinson will be aware of that more than most. It is the harsh reality of football, and is the reason that saw Parkinson himself drive to Gary Jones’s house one sad day to tell him he was out.
Much like on previous occasions though, Parkinson has endured the difficult times and emerged stronger. He is the manager and should never ever be immune from criticism, but the way he steels both himself and his players in the face of difficulty is something to be admired. This season has undoubtedly been one of his most difficult since joining and it has been far from perfect for spells. But - touch wood everyone – he seems to have got more right than wrong, yet again.
Here are a few occasions when Parky has really nailed it this season.
1. Chopping the diamond
Parkinson has opted for the diamond many times. At times it has sparkled, but early this season it had all the allure of cheap tat from Leeds Market. We looked narrow, confused and we effectively shackled ourselves. The best City sides over the years have traditionally played with wide men, and although McMahon will never be a traditional ‘winger’, Parkinson’s decision to scrap the diamond and go with a 4-4-2 has benefitted us enormously.
2. Letting Gary Liddle go
Andrew Davies and Gary Jones were big, big players that the manager let go in the past. The reason he cites for this is allowing the side to move onto the next level. When Gary Liddle was allowed to leave to Chesterfield, many of us wondered what was going on. However, Liddle’s lack of creativity has only really been felt after he departed, and our midfield looks a much more dynamic place as a result. It has moved on. Liddle and Chesterfield are hardly turning the world upside down, and a little bit of cash in the bank for him has proved to be a shrewd piece of business.
3. Calling the atmosphere ‘weird’
After scratching to a shaky January victory against Oldham, Parkinson wasn’t happy. He said: “The ground felt weird. Even after the game, I had to remind myself that we had actually won. I understand supporters are all frustrated at us not scoring. But the only way we’ve got to get it right is to keep going and backing these players.”
Damn right. We as fans have every right to have a moan, but as manager Parkinson has every right to do the same if he thinks conditions are not helping his, our, team. If anything, his comments have led to the atmosphere at VP picking up. As stubborn Bradfordians, we love to prove people wrong - ‘we’ll show you’ - and Parkinson really tapped into that with those comments.
4. Getting rid of Devante Cole…
It has to be said, Devante Cole scored some important goals early in his time with us. A love affair beckoned but it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t two-way. The fans loved Devante and Devante loved Devante but Devante had no time for us or the club. Rumoured attitude problems off the pitch and glaringly obvious attitude problems on it meant that the love affair ended. Parky acted quickly, shipping him off to the coast and getting some money at the same time.
5. … and bringing in Jamie Proctor
Proctor > Cole. An air of laziness, a poor first touch, and a sulky self-serving attitude has been replaced by graft, intelligence and someone who runs defences all over the shop. Bringing in Proctor has been a fantastic piece of business. He is a breath of fresh air. We’ve pulled Fleetwood’s pants down and everyone, including Fleetwood, knows it.
6. Getting on the phone to Preston
Morais on the surgeon’s table. Marshall struggling to make an impact. Parkinson picks up the phone to Preston and Kyel Reid returns. His ‘debut’ at Rochdale has to be one of the best individual displays of the season. A brilliant piece of business in a tight spot.
7. Sticking with a favoured 11 as we approach the run in
This hasn’t been the case for much of the season. At times, it felt like the manager has been unsure of his best side, but not now. After wins against Millwall and Crewe there was speculation over whether he would leave Knott, Thorpe and Routis in the side or not. The line-up against Scunthorpe saw them benched and the young loan players back in the side. That was a big call and one which worked against a decent Scunthorpe United side, who were coming into the game having just thumped Swindon 6-0. Another win and a man of the match performance from Lee Evans says it all.
8. Managing a squad that has suddenly ballooned in size
Phil Parkinson has a squad of about 24 battling for a berth in the starting line-up. This is unusual for him as he’s used to either a small squad or one struggling with injuries. The crucial point is that Parkinson seems to have everyone pulling in the same direction. It’s incredibly difficult managing 24 different egos and characters, but Parkinson is getting the best out of this set of players right now. Just look at the contributions coming from the bench.
9. Nurturing the West Ham connection
It isn’t just the work of Phil Parkinson that has led to the development and maintenance of such a fruitful relationship with many City fans’ second-favourite club. But the culture he has fostered at Bradford City, which includes the way that young players are looked after, means that we are getting to enjoy Reece Burke and Josh Cullen until the end of this season. Who knows what will follow in the future.
10. Not joining The Blades
As Nigel Adkins tweets desperate messages and is abused in return by furious Sheffield United fans, Parky continues to enjoy a great relationship with the majority of City supporters. I wonder if he looks on, smooths his sweater and thinks ‘thank god for that.’ I know one thing for sure, I certainly do.
@jpieslak
