My Dad was originally from Bradford and he wouldn't believe it if he came back! Mind you, I think he was a PArk Avenue fan.
I seem to remember Hearts having to use Hampden Park a few years a go for European games. Also, I think if Chelsea get through tonight they will probably be in the Champions League through the league so Bradford would get into Europe whether they win or lose. Unless, Swansea get through to the final.
Their ground is not that bad, well it wont be if they can ever afford to finish that new stand they started some years ago. I would imagine a European adventure would not be financially good sense, certainly not in the early stages. Let's say for example they are drawn to one of the teams in the Baltics. That would involved a couple of plane trips and hotels for at least 2 nights, could they really afford it? I think it would be tight and could actually do more harm than good to them.
Possibly Thai, although seeing the amount of money (for them) this cup run has brought in, they may feel they may as well go for it as it's only ever going to happen once. Is there no financial reward at all for taking part in the Europa league? Also, if they turn it down, do us the place go to the next highest league finisher, or a semi-finalist?
I believe there is some money but not a great deal in the early stages which is why I would have some concerns for them as a club. Not sure how much money they will get from this cup run and of course it would certainly help but to what extent I have no idea. Are they burdened with debt still from their PL days? I am guessing they are as they do not seem to be able to pull the resources to get back out of the bottom tier.
On the debt front, I think the quarter-final (or maybe the Semi) brought in enough money to clear their debts. With the final as well, I imagine they've made a couple of million? Which for a team which cost £7500 to assemble, is a huge boost, the equivalent to giving Man City 53 billion!
It's only the FA cup where the runners up get the spot if the winners get into the CL. if it happens in the league cup the spot goes to the next highest finisher in the premier league to not have qualified for Europe.
Valley Parade isn't that bad (for a 4th tier club).... or is it called coral window stadium now or something? But it would hilarious if they had to use another local ground.... Would be the only chance of Elland road seeing some European football or they would use the Galpharm (or John Smiths stadium.. I can't keep us with these stadium name changes)
Talking of last night's game, did you see the cross for Bradford's goal? Well hit far post for the onrushing striker to run onto and power a header into the onion bag. Why don't we in particular take a leaf out of their book? I'm sure Holty would relish service like that. As Birtles said Saturday, just get it in there and let them fight for it instead of this European syndrome of must be a pin point cross.
i'd have thought they ground is fine, they were in the PL about 10 years ago it has 2 big stands, must be about 20k capacity. if they play chelsea and chelsea qualify for the Champions league, chelsea win the cup, do bradford get in, or does the european place go to another team in the league?
I remember reading on the bbc website that Bradford have to win the cup to qualify for europe, but i can't find anything to back this up sorry ha
This is correct Harry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_League_Cup#Trophy Its in the introduction
I don't know whether anyone has mentioned that the last 4th tier side in the final were Rochdale who we beat of course.
apparently that rochdale game was played over 2 legs redruth home and away, so bradford are the first 4th tier team to get to a wembley final
