Two minute guide to: Bradford City
Vale are in Johnstone’s Paint Trophy action on Tuesday night and their Northern Section Quarter Final opponents are Bradford City. We take a quick look at Vale’s next opponents…
Man in charge
Former Colchester and Charlton boss Phil Parkinson joined Bradford in 2011. He has been in charge for 76 games, winning 25, losing 25 and drawing 26.
Last time we met?
The Valiants won 1-0 at Valley Parade back in September thanks to a goal from Tom Pope.
Overall record?
Bradford are ahead by 40 wins to Vale’s 31. There have been 26 draws.
The two sides have met once before in the Johnstone’s Paint trophy. Back in 2009, the game ended 2-2. (John McCombe and Rob Taylor scoring for the Valiants) and Vale lost the resulting penalty shootout 3-4.
Featured connection?
Will Atkinson could well be lining up against Port Vale on Tuesday. The winger spent a brief loan spell with the Valiants in 2007 where he made three starts, plus one appearance off the bench. After another SEVEN loan spells for the likes of Rochdale, Rotherham and Plymouth, he joined Bradford on a free transfer in the summer. He has now made 27 appearances for the Bantams, scoring two FA Cup goals.
Other connections?
Former Vale boss Lee Sinnott has been named as one of a hundred “Legends of Bradford City” by local journalist David Markham. Other players to appear for both sides include Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Ron Futcher, Neville Southall, Ashley Westwood, Jake Speight, Peter Griffiths, Bernie Wright and Lee Mills.
Team news
Vale will be missing Richard Duffy, Ryan Burge and Tom Pope through suspension. Micky Adams could bring in fit-again skipper Doug Loft, Sam Morsy and Calvin Andrew into the starting eleven to replace them.
Bradford could bring in the likes of Craig Forsyth, Carl McHugh and Ritchie Jones while keeper Joe McLaughlin will definitely play.
Pre-match quotes
“Keeping him in check is a good challenge for our back four but one we’re looking forward to.”
– Does someone want to tell Phil Parkinson that Tom Pope is suspended?
“If we can get a result at Port Vale we’re two rounds off going to Wembley, so it’s a big game.”
– Phil Parkinson
“Although it isn’t the FA Cup, it’s still a cup competition that you want to win.”
– Ashley Vincent