2008–09 Bradford City A.F.C. season

November 2020 September 2010 Bradford City 2008–09 Stuart McCall Mark LawnJulian Rhodes Football League Two FA Cup Second round League Cup First round Football League Trophy First round Peter Thorne (17) Peter Thorne (17) 14,038 vs Notts County (9 August 2008) 5,065 vs Leyton Orient (29 November 2008) _blackflair _goldstripes_thin _blackflair _maroonsides _darkyellow_outerbands 800000 800000 800000 000000 000000 _blackflair _bow burgundy white _blackflair _yellowsides 2007–08 2009–10 The 2008–09 season was the 106th season in Bradford City A.F.C.'s history, their 94th in The Football League and 96th in the league system of English football. Their 10th-place finish in 2007–08 meant it would be their second successive season in League Two. This article covers a period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009. Background 2007–08 Bradford City A.F.C. season History of Bradford City A.F.C. Bradford City A.F.C. seasons Stuart McCall had been appointed Bradford City's new manager ahead of the club's 2007–08 League Two campaign.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/6679253.stm McCall named new Bradford manager 22 May 2007 1 July 2008 BBC Sport He had targeted promotion during his first season,Simon Parker http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/search/display.var.1456117.0.mccall_ill_have_failed_if_we_dont_go_up.php McCall: I'll Have Failed If We Don't Go Up 3 December 2007 1 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus but the club were in the bottom half of the league until after the New Year and could only finish tenth, 16 points outside the play-off spots. McCall released 13 players at the end of the season,http://www.telegraphandargus.co.uk/display.var.2234555.0..php Johnson one of 13 axed by City 29 April 2008 1 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker June 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes and also lost his captain, David Wetherall, who decided to retire,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7254349.stm Wetherall poised to hang up boots 20 February 2008 1 July 2008 BBC Sport and Luke Medley, who turned down a new contract in favour of a return to his home in London.http://www.telegraphandargus.co.uk/display.var.2318877.0..php Medley turns down City offer 5 June 2008 1 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker dead https://archive.today/20130505055306/http://www.telegraphandargus.co.uk/display.var.2318877.0..php 5 May 2013 McCall added four new signings: keeper Jonathan McLaughlin, http://www.telegraphandargus.co.uk/display.var.2260010.0..php City snap up goalkeeper 9 May 2008 1 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon ParkerAugust 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes midfielder Chris Brandon,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7428993.stm Bradford bag midfielder Brandon 31 May 2008 1 July 2008 BBC Sport Paul Arnison and defender Graeme Lee during June as he attempted to build a team to win promotion.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7462051.stm Bradford City seal Arnison switch 18 June 2008 1 July 2008 BBC Sporthttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7482167.stm Bradford swoop for defender Lee 30 June 2008 1 July 2008 BBC Sport Review Pre-season City returned to pre-season training on 1 July 2008 with a fifth new player, after Tranmere midfielder Paul McLaren signed a two-year deal.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7483599.stm Tranmere's McLaren joins Bradford 1 July 2008 1 July 2008 BBC Sport Two weeks after pre-season training started, City played their first friendly when they lost 3–1 to Farsley Celtic, the only City goal coming from a Barry Conlon penalty. City's side included several trialists, including goalkeeper Nick Colgan, Korey Nix (brother of City midfielder Kyle) and Rory Boulding. Rory's elder brother Michael, who had also been training with City, was unable to play because of an injury.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3211960.Ankle_injury_rules_Boulding_out_of_Celts_defeat/ Ankle injury rules Boulding out of Celts defeat 17 July 2008 17 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker The second pre-season came three days later, when City defeated Bradford rivals Bradford Park Avenue 3–1, selecting a squad which included a number of youth team players.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3219073.McLaren_benefits_from_pain_game/ McLaren benefits from pain game 20 July 2008 20 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker City's third friendly was a 2–1 defeat by another West Yorkshire non-league side, Guiseley, who featured former Bradford player David Brown on trial.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/3223044.Evans_gets_second_chance/ Evans gets second chance 22 July 2008 22 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker City embarked on a short tour of Scotland, where they defeated Dundee 1–0 but lost 4–0 to Motherwell.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/3543731.McLaren_has_lucky_escape/ McLaren has lucky escape 23 July 2008 23 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parkerhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7527292.stm Trialists help Well dump Bradford 26 July 2008 26 July 2008 BBC Sport During the tour, the club signed brothers Michael and Rory Boulding on free transfers.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3546165.McCall_delighted_to_sign_Boulding_brothers/ McCall delighted to sign Boulding brothers 24 July 2008 24 July 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker Upon their return to England, City lost their next friendly 2–1 to Burnley.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3559283.Late_winner_cruel_on_in_form_Evans/ Late winner cruel on in-form Evans 31 July 2008 1 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker Following his form in several trial games, including a string of saves against Burnley, goalkeeper Rhys Evans, who had played on loan the previous season with City, became City's latest signing on 1 August 2008.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3563000.Rhys_earns_his_keep/ Rhys earns his keep 1 August 2008 1 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker Three days later, City's next friendly resulted in a 1–0 victory against League One side Oldham Athletic.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3567305.Daley_s_pace_has_Oldham_on_the_run/ Daley's pace has Oldham on the run 3 March 2008 3 March 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker The final pre-season friendly was played behind closed doors, when City lost 2–0 to Sheffield Wednesday with a team made up of juniors and reserve players. A day before the start of the season, McCall signed defender TJ Moncur on loan from Fulham as cover at right back. The agreement gave Bradford the option to sign Moncur, who had also played seven games on loan the previous season, on a permanent contract once the loan finished on 3 January 2009.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3580841.Moncur_back_for_second_loan_spell/ Moncur back for second loan spell 8 August 2008 9 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus August City started the season with a 2–1 victory at home to Notts County. Striker Peter Thorne, who had been Bradford's top goalscorer in the 2007–08 season and scored a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture, scored both Bradford's goals.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7541104.stm Bradford 2-1 Notts County 9 August 2008 9 August 2008 BBC Sport City again lost at the first round stage of the League Cup for the third successive season, this time 4–0 to West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/7541888.stm Huddersfield 4-0 Bradford 12 August 2008 13 August 2008 BBC Sport Thorne, who had been rested to the substitutes' bench for the defeat at Huddersfield, returned for City's second league game when he scored both goals in a 2–0 victory at Macclesfield Town.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7551258.stm Macclesfield 0-2 Bradford 16 August 2008 16 August 2008 BBC Sport City maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 2–0 victory against Rochdale on 23 August 2008.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7565149.stm Bradford 2-0 Rochdale 23 August 2008 23 August 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20080831073825/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7565149.stm 31 August 2008 live It was the first time since the 2001–02 season that City had won their first three games of the season.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3606075._Let_s_not_get_carried_away_/ 'Let's not get carried away' 20 August 2008 24 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus Mike Crowther Michael Boulding opened the scoring with his first City goal before Thorne added his fifth of the campaign.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3617965.Boulding_off_mark_as_City_maintain_100_per_cent_start/ Boulding off mark as City maintain 100 per cent start 23 August 2008 23 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus Mike Crowther McCall stated he wanted to sign one more player before the August transfer deadline, before bringing in South African midfielder Dean Furman from his former side Rangers on loan until January.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3626669.City_sign_Rangers_starlet_on_loan/ City sign Rangers starlet on loan 27 August 2008 27 August 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker City's winning start to the league season came to an end with a defeat by Aldershot Town—the first time the two sides had met. City had taken the lead with Paul McLaren's first goal for the club, but Peter Thorne missed a penalty as City lost 3–2.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7578306.stm Aldershot 3-2 Bradford 30 August 2008 30 August 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20080902014142/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7578306.stm 2 September 2008 live September City suffered a second successive defeat when they were knocked out of another cup by a rival West Yorkshire side from League One. This time it was Leeds United, who won 2–1, in the Football League Trophy in front of 20,128 fans—one of the highest crowds for the tournament. Barry Conlon scored City's goal.https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7587877.stm Leeds 2-1 Bradford 2 September 2008 2 September 2008 BBC Sport After two successive defeats, City returned to winning ways by defeating Port Vale 2–0 on 6 September, with goals from Bullock and Thorne.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7588692.stm Port Vale 0-2 Bradford 6 September 2008 6 September 2008 BBC Sport The game marked the first contest between managers Stuart McCall and Lee Sinnott since McCall was appointed City manager in May 2007, when Sinnott was also in line for the job following his form at Farsley Celtic.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3647126.Sinnott_and_McCall_two_peas_in_a_pod/ Sinnott and McCall two peas in a pod 4 September 2008 6 September 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker Thorne scored another two, as did Michael Boulding, when City added their fifth win from six league games with a 4–1 victory over Exeter City (despite being 1–0 behind at half-time) to go top of the league.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7602050.stm Bradford 4-1 Exeter 13 September 2008 14 September 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20080915112410/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7602050.stm 15 September 2008 live City lost their unbeaten home start to the season the following week when they lost 3–1 to Bournemouth, managed by former City player Jimmy Quinn. Joe Colbeck scored City's goal, his first of the season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7614046.stm Bradford 1-3 Bournemouth 20 September 2008 20 September 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20080922043452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7614046.stm 22 September 2008 live City suffered a second successive defeat a week later against another promotion favourite, Shrewsbury Town, 2–0. The game was marred by an injury to TJ Moncur, who collapsed after less than ten minutes after a clash of heads with Graeme Lee and had to be taken to hospital.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7626825.stm Shrewsbury 2-0 Bradford 27 September 2008 30 September 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20080929075336/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7626825.stm 29 September 2008 live October City went a third game without victory with a 1–1 draw with Luton Town. City had been reduced to ten men when Paul Heckingbottom was sent off, but just four minutes later Barry Conlon, who had come on as a substitute only a minute earlier, gave City the lead, only for Luton to equalise seven minutes later.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7639320.stm Bradford 1-1 Luton 4 October 2008 4 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081006053410/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7639320.stm 6 October 2008 live City recorded their first victory in four games by defeating Accrington Stanley on 11 October, despite trailing by two goals with ten minutes to go. Goals by Conlon, Michael Boulding and Thorne gave City a 3–2 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7646966.stm Accrington 2-3 Bradford 11 October 2008 11 October 2008 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20081014041850/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7646966.stm 14 October 2008 live The roles were reversed a week later when City led Gillingham 2–0 at half-time with goals from Thorne and Colbeck; but, despite Gillingham being reduced to ten men when Mark Bentley was sent off, the game finished 2–2.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665130.stm Bradford 2-2 Gillingham 18 October 2008 21 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081021082055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665130.stm 21 October 2008 live Only two days later, City again fell to a late goal when they lost to Darlington 2–1, with Omar Daley scoring his first goal of the season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665174.stm Darlington 2-1 Bradford 20 October 2008 21 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081023172227/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7665174.stm 23 October 2008 live After recording just one victory in six matches, McCall said he wanted to bring in some loan transfers and signed Tom Clarke from Huddersfield on 23 October.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7685946.stm Huddersfield's Clarke joins City 24 October 2008 23 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081026113751/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7685946.stm 26 October 2008 live He made his debut the following day as a first-half substitute against Grimsby Town after fellow defender Matthew Clarke was sent off. City were leading 1–0 at the time through an Omar Daley, and, despite being reduced to ten men, extended their advantage through former Grimsby striker Michael Boulding and a first club goal for Graeme Lee, eventually winning 3–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7672298.stm Grimsby 1-3 Bradford 24 October 2008 24 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081028024955/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7672298.stm 28 October 2008 live Colbeck was injured during the victory over Grimsby, and so McCall signed midfielder Nicky Law, who had played ten games for City the previous season, as cover on another loan deal.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7693725.stm Bradford City sign Laws on loan 27 October 2008 27 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081102220944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7693725.stm 2 November 2008 live The month ended with a 1–0 against fellow promotion hopefuls Bury, with Barry Conlon again coming on as substitute to score the only goal of the game.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7684241.stm Bradford 1-0 Bury 28 October 2008 28 October 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081101001125/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7684241.stm 1 November 2008 live November At the start of November, City extended their unbeaten run to three games, but were unable to defeat Barnet despite being ahead three times. Barry Conlon scored two of the goals in just his fourth league start of the season, with Peter Thorne scoring City's other goal in a 3–3 draw.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7686139.stm Bradford 3-3 Barnet 1 November 2008 1 November 2008 BBC Sport The first round of the FA Cup saw City drawn against Milton Keynes Dons, who had won promotion to League One the previous season. However, City pulled off an upset with a 2–1 victory at stadium:mk with goals from Daley and Lee.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/7700417.stm MK Dons 1-2 Bradford 8 November 2008 8 November 2008 BBC Sport The following week's return to league action saw City against Wycombe Wanderers, who were second in the league and had the only remaining undefeated league record in the country.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3846025.City_on_a_wrecking_spree/ City on a wrecking spree 14 November 2008 15 November 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker A second half goal from Lewis Hunt gave Wycombe a 1–0 victory.https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7713365.stm Wycombe 1-0 Bradford 15 November 2008 15 November 2008 BBC Sport Full back Luke O'Brien scored his first senior goal in City's next league game as City defeated Rotherham United 2–0 in their first game at the Don Valley Stadium, Rotherham's temporary home. Nicky Law's first goal of his second spell completed the scoring.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3869870.ROTHERHAM_0_CITY_2/ Rotherham 0 City 2 22 November 2008 23 November 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker A second half penalty from Conlon three days later against Chesterfield gave City back-to-back victories and their second 3–2 of the season after being 2–0 down. First half goals from Graeme Lee and Michael Boulding had started the comeback in the first half before Chesterfield were reduced to ten men when Alan Goodall was sent off for committing the foul which led to Conlon's penalty.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7741718.stm Bradford 3-2 Chesterfield 25 November 2008 26 November 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081204043755/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7741718.stm 4 December 2008 live Winger Omar Daley was injured in the game, becoming the latest midfielder to be sidelined. As a result, McCall brought into another loan transfer two days later by signing Steve Jones from Burnley for one month.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7752011.stm Bradford swoop for Clarets' Jones 27 November 2008 27 November 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081204024531/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7752011.stm 4 December 2008 live Jones made his debut the following weekend as City lost 2–1 in the FA Cup second round to League One's Leyton Orient.https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7741918.stm Bradford 1-2 Leyton Orient 29 November 2008 29 November 2008 BBC Sport December At the start of December, Chilean striker Willy Topp was released from his contract six months early to let him find a new club. He played only two games during the 2008–09 season, both as substitute.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7760147.stm Bradford part company with Topp 2 December 2008 2 December 2008 BBC Sport The following day, Tom Clarke followed him out of the club, after he was recalled from his loan spell by Huddersfield caretaker manager Gerry Murphy.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/h/huddersfield_town/7762387.stm Terriers recall Bradford's Clarke 3 December 2008 4 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081206082138/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/huddersfield_town/7762387.stm 6 December 2008 live The first game of the month saw City extend their unbeaten run to three games with a 1–1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge, in a game in which opposition manager John Still said they had dominated.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7752453.stm Bradford 1-1 Dag & Red 6 December 2008 6 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081206022438/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7752453.stm 6 December 2008 live City's unbeaten run was ended at Brentford the following week in a 2–1 defeat, with all three goals coming in the final two minutes. City's goal came from Michael Boulding, who scored for the third successive game.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7764793.stm Brentford 2-1 Bradford 13 December 2008 14 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090107105727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7764793.stm 7 January 2009 live City failed to win for a third successive game when they drew 0–0 with Chester City.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7776034.stm Bradford 0-0 Chester 20 December 2008 20 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081223063256/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7776034.stm 23 December 2008 live Another 0–0 draw followed as City's run without victory extended to four games in the first game of the festive period at Lincoln City.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790412.stm Lincoln City 0-0 Bradford 26 December 2008 26 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081227092015/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790412.stm 27 December 2008 live Bradford ended their run of four games without a victory by defeating Morecambe 4–0 in the final game of the season to return to the automatic promotion spots.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790472.stm Bradford 4-0 Morecambe 28 December 2008 28 December 2008 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20081228181721/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7790472.stm 28 December 2008 live January thumb|right|upright|Striker Chris O'Grady joined on loan from Oldham Athletic in January At the start of the New Year, TJ Moncur's loan spell was cancelled and he returned to Fulham.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7806997.stm Bradford cancel Moncur loan deal 1 January 2009 1 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090103194959/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7806997.stm 3 January 2009 live The following day, City brought in another player on loan, with Chris O'Grady signing from Oldham Athletic for one month.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7808043.stm Bradford sign O'Grady from Oldham 2 January 2009 2 January 2009 BBC Sport City kept their fourth successive clean sheet the following day in the first game of 2009, but were again involved in a goalless draw, this time with fellow promotion-chasing side Shrewsbury Town.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7803490.stm Bradford 0-0 Shrewsbury 3 January 2009 3 January 2009 BBC Sport City's activity in the loan market continued, with Nicky Law extending his loan until the end of the season,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7813724.stm Law signs new Bradford loan deal 6 January 2009 6 January 2009 BBC Sport while midfielder Luke Sharry was loaned out to Conference National side Barrow.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barrow/7812975.stm Barrow capture Bradford's Sharry 6 January 2009 6 January 2009 BBC Sport Furman also extended his loan to the end of the season and Jones for another month.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4012431.City_end_Moncur_s_loan_spell/ City end Moncur's loan spell 1 January 2009 10 January 2009 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parkerhttp://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_4769997,00.html Jones prolongs Bantams stay 9 January 2009 10 January 2009 Sky Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20090111231145/http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C19528%2C12875_4769997%2C00.html 11 January 2009 live City's next scheduled game was postponed because of a frozen pitch,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7820240.stm Bournemouth P–P Bradford 10 January 2009 17 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090117020342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7820240.stm 17 January 2009 live before they extended their unbeaten run to five games the following week with their fourth draw during that run. A second half goal from Conlon gave City a 1–1 draw with Accrington Stanley.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7816189.stm Bradford 1-1 Accrington 10 January 2009 17 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090119041854/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7816189.stm 19 January 2009 live The run was extended to three successive draws against Luton Town, although City were losing 2–0 at half-time before they recovered to 2–2. A late goal from Luton's Asa Hall looked to have given Luton the win, before Conlon scored for a second successive game, this time from a penalty, to give City a 3–3 draw.https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7844350.stm Luton 3-3 Bradford 24 January 2009 24 January 2009 BBC Sport Two days after the game, City again moved into the loan market by taking Pakistani international defender Zesh Rehman for the rest of the season from Championship side QPR.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7851147.stm Bradford sign QPR defender Rehman 26 January 2009 26 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090129075943/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7851147.stm 29 January 2009 live Leaving the club on loan was another central defender, Mark Bower, who was signed by Luton Town for one month to cover injuries and suspensions.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7852165.stm Luton sign Bradford City defender 26 January 2009 26 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090130033749/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/luton_town/7852165.stm 30 January 2009 live Rehman was given his debut the following day as City's run without defeat came to an end with a 1–0 loss to top three side Bury to drop out of the top seven for the first time in the season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7847939.stm Bury 1-0 Bradford 27 January 2009 28 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090130031120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7847939.stm 30 January 2009 livehttp://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4086711.A_Grim_win_will_do__says_Bullock/ A Grim win will do, says Bullock 30 January 2009 30 January 2009 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker However, City made amends in their final game of the month by recording their first victory of the calendar year, 2–0 against a Grimsby side which had been reduced to ten men. City's goals came from loan players Law and Jones, whose goal was his first for the club.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7858186.stm Bradford 2-1 Grimsby 31 January 2009 31 January 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090202011409/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7858186.stm 2 February 2009 live February The January transfer window closed two days later than traditionally, with City extending Jones' loan until the end of the season but deciding to allow O'Grady to return to Oldham.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7865364.stm Jones extends stay with Bradford 2 February 2009 2 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090205201806/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7865364.stm 5 February 2009 livehttp://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/19557/window-of-opportunity Window of opportunity 2 February 2009 2 February 2009 Oldham Evening Chronicle Tony Bugby City had been due to play Darlington live on television the same day, but the game was postponed because of snow.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7858315.stm Bradford P–P Darlington 2 February 2009 2 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090204143427/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7858315.stm 4 February 2009 live When City returned to action, they recorded their first back-to-back victories since November with a 2–0 victory against fellow promotion-chasing Gillingham.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7867708.stm Gillingham 0-2 Bradford 7 February 2009 7 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090209134421/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7867708.stm 9 February 2009 live It was followed up by a third successive victory without conceding, with a 1–0 victory against second placed Wycombe a week later. Jones scored for the second successive home game.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876770.stm Bradford 1-0 Wycombe 14 February 2009 14 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090216132027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7876770.stm 16 February 2009 live The sequence of wins came to an end with the rearranged game with Darlington, which ended in a 0–0 draw.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7884013.stm Bradford 0-0 Darlington 17 February 2009 18 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090219223729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7884013.stm 19 February 2009 live City's four games without defeat or conceding came to an end with a 4–1 defeat by Barnet, who were third from bottom in the table and without a home win in four months.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7886341.stm Barnet 4-1 Bradford 21 February 2009 21 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090223161215/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7886341.stm 23 February 2009 live It was followed up by another away defeat, this time 3–1 at Notts County, which saw City drop out of the play-off spots.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7899836.stm Notts County 3-1 Bradford 28 February 2009 28 February 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090302080505/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7899836.stm 2 March 2009 live March City ended their three-run game without a defeat and returned to the play-off spots three days later by defeating Macclesfield Town 1–0 with a goal from Dean Furman.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7908262.stm Bradford 1-0 Macclesfield 3 March 2009 4 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090306181321/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7908262.stm 6 March 2009 live Four days later, City recorded their highest victory of the season with a 5–0 victory against Aldershot Town. Peter Thorne scored two goals, with Dean Furman, Barry Conlon and a last minute own goal completing City's scoring.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7910478.stm Bradford 5-0 Aldershot 7 March 2009 7 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090310113811/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7910478.stm 10 March 2009 live When City returned to the road three days later, they recorded a third consecutive away defeat, this time 3–0 to fellow promotion-contenders Rochdale, with all three goals coming in the second half.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7923309.stm Rochdale 3-0 Bradford 10 March 2009 11 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090313145736/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7923309.stm 13 March 2009 live The following day, Northern Ireland international winger Keith Gillespie joined City for the rest of the season after he impressed Stuart McCall during two weeks training with the club.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7937466.stm Winger Gillespie joins Bradford 11 March 2009 11 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090314050111/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7937466.stm 14 March 2009 live After another defeat, the fourth successive away from home, this time 1–0 to another side chasing promotion, Exeter City, Bradford once again dropped out of the play-off places.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7923350.stm Exeter 1-0 Bradford 14 March 2009 14 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090317035346/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7923350.stm 17 March 2009 live Conlon and Clarke were disciplined by the club and missed the game with Exeter because of a non-footballing matter.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4204194.Conlon_and_Clarke_disciplined_by_City/ Conlon and Clarke disciplined by City 16 March 2009 20 March 2009 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker https://web.archive.org/web/20090318053509/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4204194.Conlon_and_Clarke_disciplined_by_City/ 18 March 2009 live When City suffered their fifth successive away defeat, this time 4–1 to Bournemouth, only three days later,https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7935453.stm Bournemouth 4-1 Bradford 17 March 2009 18 March 2009 BBC Sport Stuart McCall threatened to resign if the side missed out on a play-off place.https://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7949639.stm McCall ready to quit as City boss 17 March 2009 18 March 2009 BBC Sport Although Conlon played in the defeat by Bournemouth, he was sent on loan to Grimsby at the end of the week, with fellow striker Paul Mullin arriving as his replacement from Accrington Stanley on a similar deal to the end of the season.http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4219438.Mullin_signs_on_loan_for_Bantams/ Mullin signs on loan for Bantams 20 March 2009 20 March 2009 Telegraph & Argus https://web.archive.org/web/20090322034624/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4219438.Mullin_signs_on_loan_for_Bantams/ 22 March 2009 live The following day, a 1–0 defeat by Port Vale was City's fourth loss in 11 games.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7937369.stm Bradford 0-1 Port Vale 21 March 2009 21 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090323125545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7937369.stm 23 March 2009 live McCall opted not to bring in any more new players by the transfer deadline,http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4234330.McCall_to_stick_with_what_he_s_got/ McCall to stick with what he's got 26 March 2009 26 March 2009 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker but defender Simon Ainge was allowed to move on loan to Cambridge United.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cambridge_utd/7966547.stm Ainge makes Cambridge loan move 26 March 2009 26 March 2009 BBC Sport City's run without a victory was extended to five with a goalless draw away at Chester, who had themselves not won in their previous 17 games.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7948988.stm Chester 0-0 Bradford 28 March 2009 28 March 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090330073230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7948988.stm 30 March 2009 live April City started April by extending their number of games without a win to six with a 1–1 draw at home with league leaders Brentford. City's goal came in the final minute from Peter Thorne to rescue one point.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7975054.stm Bradford 1-1 Brentford 4 April 2009 5 April 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090406220509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7975054.stm 6 April 2009 live Despite taking the lead in their subsequent game through Matt Clarke's header, City's run of form continued with a 2–1 defeat by Morecambe. City also had a goal from Thorne ruled out which would have given them a 2–0 lead.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7978817.stm Morecambe 2-1 Bradford 10 April 2009 11 April 2009 BBC Sport https://web.archive.org/web/20090412100152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/7978817.stm 12 April 2009 live Match results Legend WinDrawLoss Football League Two 2008–09 Football League Two +GameDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes19 August 2008Notts CountyHome2–114,038Thorne (2)216 August 2008Macclesfield TownAway2–02,556Thorne (2)323 August 2008RochdaleHome2–013,154M. Boulding, Thorne430 August 2008Aldershot TownAway2–33,805Bullock, McLaren56 September 2008Port ValeAway2–07,273Bullock, Thorne613 September 2008Exeter CityHome4–112,683M. Boulding (2), Thorne (2)720 September 2008BournemouthHome1–312,824Colbeck827 September 2008Shrewsbury TownAway0–26,51794 October 2008Luton TownHome1–113,083Conlon1011 October 2008Accrington StanleyAway3–23,012M. Boulding, Conlon, Thorne1118 October 2008GillinghamHome2–212,432Colbeck, Thorne1221 October 2008DarlingtonAway1–23,034Daley1324 October 2008Grimsby TownAway3–14,470M. Boulding, Daley, Lee1428 October 2008BuryHome1–012,830Conlon151 November 2008BarnetHome3–312,510Conlon (2), Thorne1615 November 2008Wycombe WanderersAway0–15,0021722 November 2008Rotherham UnitedAway2–04,586Law, O'Brienhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/7727551.stm Rotherham 0-2 Bradford 21 November 2008 23 November 2008 BBC Sport1825 November 2008ChesterfieldHome3–212,145M. Boulding, Conlon (pen), Lee196 December 2008Dagenham & RedbridgeHome1–112,145M. Boulding2013 December 2008BrentfordAway1–24,339M. Boulding2120 December 2008Chester CityHome0–012,0922226 December 2008Lincoln CityAway0–06,1562328 December 2008MorecambeHome4–013,105M. Boulding, Conlon (pen), Law, McLaren243 January 2009Shrewsbury TownHome0–012,8772517 January 2009Accrington StanleyHome1–112,172Conlon2624 January 2009Luton TownAway3–36,053Conlon (pen), Furman, McLaren2727 January 2009BuryAway0–14,1122831 January 2009Grimsby TownHome2–012,816Jones, Law297 February 2009GillinghamAway2–04,866M. Boulding, Daley3014 February 2009Wycombe WanderersHome1–012,689Jones3117 February 2009DarlingtonHome0–012,7823221 February 2009BarnetAway1–42,445M. Boulding3328 February 2009Notts CountyAway1–35,138Thorne343 March 2009Macclesfield TownHome1–011,908Furman357 March 2009Aldershot TownHome5–012,465Conlon, Furman, Thorne (2), own goal3610 March 2009RochdaleAway0–35,157http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10441~1589108,00.html Club Statement re Bradford Attendance 13 March 2009 14 March 2009 Rochdale A.F.C. https://web.archive.org/web/20110723060315/http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10441~1589108,00.html 23 July 2011 dead3714 March 2009Exeter CityAway0–15,2533817 March 2009BournemouthAway1–44,847M. Clarke3921 March 2009Port ValeHome0–112,4364028 March 2009Chester CityAway0–02,735414 April 2009BrentfordHome1–112,832Thorne4210 April 2009MorecambeAway1–24,546M. Clarke4313 April 2009Lincoln CityHome1–112,932Bullock44 45 46 FA Cup 2008–09 FA Cup +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes18 November 2008Milton Keynes DonsAway2–15,542Daley, Lee229 November 2008Leyton OrientHome1–25,065M. Boulding League Cup 2008–09 Football League Cup +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes112 August 2008Huddersfield TownAway0–48,932 Football League Trophy 2008–09 Football League Trophy +RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersNotes12 September 2008Leeds UnitedAway1–220,128Conlon Player details Updated to 11 April 2009.http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?seasonid=138&teamid=234 https://archive.today/20130202123842/http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?seasonid=138&teamid=234 dead 2 February 2013 Bradford 2008/2009 player appearances 11 April 2009 Soccerbase No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupFL TrophyTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals1GKENG Rhys Evans4202010104602DFENG Paul Arnison22 (1)000100023 (1)03DFENG Paul Heckingbottom900 (1)0101011 (1)04MFENG Paul McLaren30 (1)310101033 (1)35DFENG Graeme Lee4112110104536DFENG Mark Bower0 (1)00000101 (1)07MFJAM Omar Daley26 (2)311101029 (2)48MFENG Lee Bullock11 (8)200100 (1)012 (9)29FWIRL Barry Conlon15 (15)1020101119 (15)1110FWENG Peter Thorne29 (5)150 (1)00 (1)00029 (7)1511MFENG Chris Brandon3 (3)00000003 (3)012DFENG Matthew Clarke39220100042213GKENG Jonathan McLaughlin000000000014FWENG Michael Boulding33 (8)1121100 (1)036 (9)1215MFENG Joe Colbeck17 (8)200001018 (8)216DFENG Simon Ainge100000001017FWCHI Willy Topp0 (2)00000000 (2)018FWENG Rory Boulding000000000019DFENG Luke O'Brien30 (1)120000032 (1)120DFENG TJ Moncur11 (3)0200 (1)01014 (4)021DFENG Tom Clarke4 (2)01000005 (2)022MFENG Kyle Nix5 (9)01010108 (9)023MFRSA Dean Furman24 (6)300001025 (6)324MFENG Nicky Law28 (1)320000030 (1)325MFNIR Steve Jones22 (2)210000023 (2)226MFENG Luke Sharry000000000027FWENG Leon Osborne101 (1)000002 (1)028FWENG Sean Taylforth00000 (1)0000 (1)029DFENG Adrian Bellamy000000000030GKENG Matthew Convey000000000032FWENG Chris O'Grady0 (2)00000000 (2)033DFPAK Zesh Rehman13 (1)000000013 (1)034MFNIR Keith Gillespie2 (1)00000002 (1)035FWENG Paul Mullin4000000040own goals–1–0–0–0–1 Transfers In DatePosNameFromFeeNotes1 July 2008MFENG Paul McLarenENG Tranmere RoversFree24 July 2008FWENG Michael BouldingENG Mansfield TownFree24 July 2008FWENG Rory BouldingENG Mansfield TownTribunal1 August 2008GKENG Rhys EvansENG MillwallFree11 March 2009MFNIR Keith GillespieENG Sheffield UnitedFree Out DatePosNameToFeeNotes2 December 2008FWChile Willy ToppReleased Loans in DatePosNameFromEnd dateNotes8 August 2008DFENG TJ MoncurENG Fulham1 January 200927 August 2008MFSouth Africa Dean FurmanSCO Rangers23 October 2008DFENG Tom ClarkeENG Huddersfield Town3 December 200827 October 2008MFENG Nicky LawENG Sheffield United27 November 2008MFNIR Steve JonesENG Burnley2 January 2009FWENG Chris O'GradyENG Oldham Athletic2 February 200926 January 2009DFPakistan Zesh RehmanENG Queens Park Rangers20 March 2009FWENG Paul MullinENG Accrington Stanley Loans out DatePosNameToEnd dateNotes27 August 2008DFENG Adrian BellamyENG Salford Cityhttp://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3633177.Make_him_just_like_Stu_/ Make him just like Stu! 30 August 2008 1 September 2008 Telegraph & Argus Simon Parker https://web.archive.org/web/20080831143931/http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3633177.Make_him_just_like_Stu_/ 31 August 2008 live7 October 2008MFENG Sean TaylforthENG Guiseleyhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bradford_city/7656527.stm Taylforth joins Guiseley on loan 7 October 2008 7 October 2008 BBC Sport6 January 2009MFENG Luke SharryENG Barrow24 February 2009 http://www.nwemail.co.uk/afc/barrow_afc_pair_head_back_to_bradford_1_517905?referrerPath=home Barrow AFC pair head back to Bradford 24 February 2009 24 February 2009 North West Evening Mail https://web.archive.org/web/20110605101832/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/afc/barrow_afc_pair_head_back_to_bradford_1_517905?referrerPath=home 5 June 2011 dead26 January 2009DFENG Mark BowerENG Luton TownMFENG Louis HorneENG Barrow24 February 2009http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1557608,00.html City pair on loan at Barrow 15 February 2009 15 February 2009 Bradford City A.F.C. https://web.archive.org/web/20090217205843/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10266~1557608%2C00.html 17 February 2009 dead GKENG Matthew ConveyENG Salford Cityhttp://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1562408,00.html City in keeper crisis 19 February 2009 19 February 2009 Bradford City A.F.C. https://web.archive.org/web/20090221002952/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10266~1562408%2C00.html 21 February 2009 dead20 March 2009FWENG Barry ConlonENG Grimsby Town26 March 2009DFENG Simon AingeENG Cambridge United See also 2008–09 in English football The Football League 2008–09 References September 2010 Category:Bradford City A.F.C. seasons Bradford City