Looking across towards the Midland Road during the Notts County game, I couldn’t help recalling the last time we met County in the league.
On a cold Tuesday night in March 1996, then chairman Geoffrey Richmond boldly announced the building of the very Midland Road stand I was looking at. It was ironic that its eventual capacity would have comfortably accommodated the sparse attendance that witnessed City’s single goal victory over the Magpies.
Barely eight weeks later over 30,000 Bradfordians travelled to Wembley to see City defeat Notts County in the play-off final. It was the beginning of a dramatic decade that saw promotion to the Premiership, the complete rebuilding of Valley Parade and our European debut. The flip side was unsustainable wages and the eventual financial collapse of the club. Benito Carbone’s £40,000 a week wages are even more astonishing when viewed from our current position.
Apart from the unforgettable memories, one positive we have from our Premiership sojourn is the support levels the club still enjoys. Despite three relegations and two financial collapses in six years, as long as the fans stay loyal to the club, we have every reason to remain positive.
Supporters will have the chance to peek into the museum archive prior to the Bury game on 9th February. Images from 1903-22 will be shown on the big screen.
The presentation will cover the golden age of Bradford City. From the formation of the club in 1903, promotion to the First Division in 1908 and FA Cup win of 1911.
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