Bradford City
Odds: 22/1
Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 11 (League One), 2004/05 - 11 (League One), 2003/04 - 23 (Championship, Relegated), 2002/03 - 19 (Championship), 2001/02 - 15 (Championship).
2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Second Round (replay) vs Barnsley (h) - lost 5-3 after extra time.
Carling Cup Second Round vs West Bromwich Albion - lost 4-1.
Football League Trophy Northern Section Quarter Final vs Kidderminster Harriers (a) - lost 2-1.
Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Dean Windass (striker) - 20 goals.
Players In
Eddie Johnson (Manchester United - Free), Matt Clarke (Darlington - Free)
Players Out
Lewis Emanuel (Luton Town - Free), Jake Wright (Halifax Town - Free), Owen Morrison (Released), Danny Cadamarteri (Released), Lee Crooks (Released), Andy Cooke (Released), Kevin Sanasy (Released), Danny Forrest (Released).
Bradford City have established themselves as a solid mid table League One club following their problems with administration stemming from their relegation from the Premier League over five years ago.
Much of their limited success last season was down to evergreen striker Dean Windass, who bagged 20 goals at the ripe old age of 36. Such were his goal scoring exploits, he was even linked with a move to Premiership new boys Wigan Athletic last season.
Windass will be 37 during this campaign so Bradford have signed Manchester United youngster Eddie Johnson as a possible long term replacement. The 21 year old striker was also wanted by Crewe Alexandra, following a loan spell at Gresty Road last season, but signed a two year contract at Valley Parade. Johnson also spent time on loan in the Championship with Coventry City during the 2004/05 season.
However, Johnson damaged ankle ligaments during a pre season friendly against Boston United and will miss the first month of the new season, while left back Lewis Emanuel's departure to Luton Town leaves manager Colin Todd short in that position. Todd bolstered his defence with the signing of out of contract Darlington defender Matt Clarke. The former Halifax Town centre back has been brought in to replace Jamaica defender Damion Stewart who left the club to join Queens Park Rangers at the end of the season.
Bradford also cancelled the contract of midfielder Bobby Petta to allow him to join Australian league outfit Adelaide United. Petta began his career at Feyenoord, before joining Ipswich Town and then Celtic.
Verdict
Bradford City have finished in eleventh place for the last two seasons and nothing suggests that will improve this time around. Much will depend on whether Dean Windass can keep going and whether Eddie Johnson can score goals at this level. |
