Accrington Stanley

The 1970's was one of the low points in Bradford's footballing history. In 1974 Bradford Park Avenue went into liquidation and by the early part of the decade City were struggling in the lower reaches of the fourth division. Crowds at Valley Parade were among the lowest in the club's long history. It was quite a come down for a city that had once boasted two top flight football clubs and the FA Cup winners.
The turning point came with City's amazing run to the quarter final of the FA Cup in 1976. The following season Joe Cooke's header against Bournemouth at Valley Parade was enough to secure promotion. For once there was a sense of optimism around the old ground and in recognition the Lord Mayor invited the City players to a civic reception. Our thanks to City stalwart Bill Roper for the photograph of the
reception and also to David Markham for identifying the players and officials.