Matt Derbyshire has been full of praise for Bradford City’s impressive away form, after a run of decent results has seen the Bantams go unbeaten on the road for the entirety of 2023, in an interview with the club’s website.
Many of those positive performances away from Valley Parade have been achieved without the 36-year-old even being in the squad. Matt Derbyshire hasn’t been present whatsoever in recent wins on their travels down to Kent to beat Gillingham 2-0 and to win narrowly at nearby Yorkshire neighbours Doncaster.
He did, however, contribute to an away win over fellow promotion hopefuls Stevenage in mid February. He would get Bradford back on level terms in this one after an early Carl Piergianni opener – an Andy Cook nod-down would present the ball to Derbyshire who would hammer the ball in off the bar to make it 1-1.
The Bantams would go on to win that contest 3-2, another excellent performance away from the comforts of West Yorkshire.
Injuries and fitness issues have unfortunately got in the way of Matt Derbyshire playing regular League Two football since joining in January, with the ex Premier League forward approaching the latter stages of his playing career.
Even without the veteran striker, Bradford have been impressive in recent weeks and will hope they can continue to win their upcoming matches to cement a playoff spot.
Good Friday presents Mark Hughes’ side with another tough away test, with Bradford travelling down to Crawley Town.
Crawley were unbeaten in their last four matches in League Two before losing convincingly at Field Mill against Mansfield Town in their last encounter.
They will, however, be a stern test for Mark Hughes’ men – Scott Lindsey’s Red Devils are unbeaten on their own patch in their last four matches.
Matt Derbyshire, when speaking to the Bantams website, was only solely focussed on his side though and the role he could potentially play in matches to follow.
He said: “We have got great away form. We have to keep pushing when we go away. We have to keep our good away record going.”
“Hopefully, we can get back-to-back wins to push us further up the table this weekend.
“I am chomping at the bit. I try to give everything and make an impact whenever I play. I am back now, and it is time for me to push on again.”
The 36-year-old further opened up about the reasons he chose to relocate from his previous side NorthEast United in India for Bradford City, his former manager at Blackburn in Mark Hughes being at The Bantams a major factor in the move.
He said: “As soon as (Hughes) got the job, I was on the phone trying to make a move happen. I wanted to come straight away, but it did not happen. When it did, I was buzzing.”
“It is nice to be back working with them (Mark Hughes and Glyn Hodges). It is good when you recognise a familiar face. I am absolutely loving it here.”
Writer’s View
As Matt Derbyshire nears his retirement, it’s great to hear that he is still clearly enthusiastic about getting out there and playing for Bradford City especially under Mark Hughes.
Maintaining an excellent away record will be crucial for Bradford City to maintain a position in the League Two playoffs, as well as ensuring they keep the Valley Parade faithful on side by winning their home matches too.
The Bantams will hope they can extend this unbeaten away record until the end of the season and Matt Derbyshire will hope he can pop up with another goal along the way.
