Rick
8th November 2006, 01:33 PM
Colin Todd reckons Bradford City are on the verge of recovery.
Although their 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion was their fifth in six games, the manager firmly believes his side are close to transforming their fortunes.
They face Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup on Saturday in what could be seen as a welcome distraction from their worrying Coca-Cola Football League One slump.
But Colin Todd feels it is not all doom and gloom at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium.
Talking to the Telegraph & Argus he maintained: "There were some very good signs on Saturday.
"When we lost to Blackpool by four we were 2-0 down at half-time. We were in a similar position against Brighton.
"We were 2-0 down just after the interval but the response was tremendous. It was much-improved and if we had seen that at Blackpool, who knows what could have happened?
"It was a kick in the teeth getting back to 2-2 against Brighton and then losing a goal in the last minute but the signs are encouraging.
"We didn't fold and should have had a point out of the game."
Given their recent knockout record, in which they have lost numerous games against lower-ranked opposition, Colin Todd is actually glad City have familiar faces arriving this weekend.
"People look at the cup draw and there are a lot of non-league clubs in there," he added.
"At least we have got a team coming here who have a cup pedigree. Crewe have a track record which we saw the other week when they played Manchester United and virtually took them to penalties.
"We have already played Crewe this season and beat them but since then they have made changes.
"Now we have to make sure we make our home advantage pay. That's going to be the key on Saturday."
City - who beat Crewe 3-0 at the Alexandra Stadium in August - have lost their last four games at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium but are buoyed by confirmation three of their loan players have gained permission to feature.
Colin Todd feared Leeds' Ben Parker and Derby duo Lee Holmes and Nathan Doyle could all be forced by their clubs to sit out the first round clash.
That would have left him with major headaches, giving his already paper-thin squad.
"We would have been short if it hadn't happened but we have got them in now," said Todd.
"I was waiting for calls but I spoke to Dennis Wise and Billy Davies and there are no problems at all.
"It is very good news for us regardless of the cup match. It gives us that continuity, which is important."
Well my minds at ease after hearing Colins words of wisdom which seem to be the same from the last 2 and a half years.
It good we fought back from 2 down against Brighton to nearly snatch a draw after the joke that was Blackpool. Well Colin here's an idea, why not get the team to actually turn up first half and they we won't have to come from 2 down.
It's the same **** we have heard over and over again and it's wearing thin when the actions never justify the words.
Although their 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion was their fifth in six games, the manager firmly believes his side are close to transforming their fortunes.
They face Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup on Saturday in what could be seen as a welcome distraction from their worrying Coca-Cola Football League One slump.
But Colin Todd feels it is not all doom and gloom at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium.
Talking to the Telegraph & Argus he maintained: "There were some very good signs on Saturday.
"When we lost to Blackpool by four we were 2-0 down at half-time. We were in a similar position against Brighton.
"We were 2-0 down just after the interval but the response was tremendous. It was much-improved and if we had seen that at Blackpool, who knows what could have happened?
"It was a kick in the teeth getting back to 2-2 against Brighton and then losing a goal in the last minute but the signs are encouraging.
"We didn't fold and should have had a point out of the game."
Given their recent knockout record, in which they have lost numerous games against lower-ranked opposition, Colin Todd is actually glad City have familiar faces arriving this weekend.
"People look at the cup draw and there are a lot of non-league clubs in there," he added.
"At least we have got a team coming here who have a cup pedigree. Crewe have a track record which we saw the other week when they played Manchester United and virtually took them to penalties.
"We have already played Crewe this season and beat them but since then they have made changes.
"Now we have to make sure we make our home advantage pay. That's going to be the key on Saturday."
City - who beat Crewe 3-0 at the Alexandra Stadium in August - have lost their last four games at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium but are buoyed by confirmation three of their loan players have gained permission to feature.
Colin Todd feared Leeds' Ben Parker and Derby duo Lee Holmes and Nathan Doyle could all be forced by their clubs to sit out the first round clash.
That would have left him with major headaches, giving his already paper-thin squad.
"We would have been short if it hadn't happened but we have got them in now," said Todd.
"I was waiting for calls but I spoke to Dennis Wise and Billy Davies and there are no problems at all.
"It is very good news for us regardless of the cup match. It gives us that continuity, which is important."
Well my minds at ease after hearing Colins words of wisdom which seem to be the same from the last 2 and a half years.
It good we fought back from 2 down against Brighton to nearly snatch a draw after the joke that was Blackpool. Well Colin here's an idea, why not get the team to actually turn up first half and they we won't have to come from 2 down.
It's the same **** we have heard over and over again and it's wearing thin when the actions never justify the words.