Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has claimed he and his players want to be a part of history as they continue to chase down League Two leaders Walsall.
The Bantams host in-form Colchester United tomorrow in what is set to be a bumper clash. Over 22,000 are expected are Valley Parade in a game which is likely to have huge repercussions on the race for promotion.
Danny Cowley’s team have seemingly come out of nowhere to sneak into the play-off positions, but are just five points behind third-placed AFC Wimbledon in the final automation promotion spot. Meanwhile, Bradford remain second and three points behind Walsall. However, they have missed an opportunity to move to the top of the pile in the past couple of weeks after suffering back-to-back defeats against Gillingham and Tranmere Rovers.
Alexander Hoping To Go Down In Bradford Folklore
It’s been 40 years since Bradford last clinched a league title when they won the 1984/85 third division. Speaking about ending the hoodoo, Alexander urged his players to create history:
“I’ve always tried to understand how players think because I was one myself and talking about something 30, 40 or 50 years ago didn’t resonate with me, whether it was positive or negative.
“I just wanted to focus on me and my opponent. I don’t talk to the players about my career, even if it is relevant to me, it isn’t to them and they don’t care.
“We’re respectful and understand that this club has had successful players and teams in the past and we want to be part of that history but that’s whatever club you play for.
“If in 30 or 40 years time people remember our team then that’s a good position for us to be in.”
Writer’s View
Bradford’s surge up the table since the turn of the year has put serious pressure on Walsall, who once looked as if they would win the division by a canter. The Saddlers have won just two of their last 12 to see the gap close to just three points. Alexander will still be ruing a missed opportunity over the past couple of weeks when they dropped points to teams struggling at the other end of the table. A return to form against a team who are unbeaten in 11 would be just the tonic though, and where better than in front of 22,000 fans?
