Bradford survive

Wednesday 3rd January.

I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad. It was officially announced today that Lou Macari was voted ‘Manager of the Month’ for December in the Nationwide first division. I am pleased that some official recognition has been awarded for the progress made last month which saw us win 5 games and draw 2 and rise out of the bottom three for the first time in about 3 months.

The down side of the award is that it is frequently a poisoned chalice that sees teams’ good form come to an untimely end. Perhaps I am just being fatalistic, but in some senses I would have been happier if we had been overlooked once again. If we can get a decent result in the FA Cup against Bristol City this weekend I will concede that this superstition is a load of baloney.

One player who will definitely not be figuring on Saturday’s team sheet is Peter Ndlovu who was today denied permission to play in the FA Cup game this weekend. Trevor Francis has recalled Ndlovu, and in a counter move Macari has recalled Steve Jenkins but whether either of them ends up playing for their contracted clubs remains to be seen. Although he has been called back, the possibility of an extension to the loan period has not been ruled out and might depend on whether either team figures in the fourth round draw on Sunday.

It was also announced today that Jon Dyson has been granted a testimonial this season having clocked up 10 years with Town. He has been a good servant to the club, and although he has never commanded a regular first team place for much of his tenure, he generally puts in a wholehearted performance when called upon. He also has a happy knack of popping up with important goals (usually from corners) on a more regular basis than his defensive compatriots.

One of Town’s former players is returning to Yorkshire. Rodney Rowe was transferred from Town to York City a couple of years or so ago, and then headed south to join Gillingham. Opportunities have been limited, and so he has moved to Hull City today on a free transfer.

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