The Voice - Match preview #31: Bradford City vs Stockport County Tuesday 17th February 2026 7:45pm

I was really shocked watching a manager blame everyone but himself. He just threw his players under the bus. I would prefer that he spoke directly to his players in private.
Obviously they have a bowling green to play on at Edgley Park. Difficult conditions/pitch comes into his analysis several times.
The goal from Sarc is swept to one side as a mistake by his players!!! Not one mention of individual expertise.
I really don’t like him.

 

What a way to motivate your players.. buffoon!

 

We didn't know we would have top 6 rivals at the start of the season so we wouldn't have asked you.

 

He has taken them from NL to top end L1 so must be working.

 

Absolutely no credit for us at all. Blaming his players and the pitch is one thing, but to not acknowledge that a very good Bradford side nullified their attack and gave them nothing but scraps is poor. Glad we did the double over them.

 

Agree Metcalfe is a way better footballer than Pattison. It was his energetic pressing that was the comparison.

 

Another very enjoyable match at Valley Parade.

Totally different from the Posh walkover of course, but in a way, more satisfying given the much tougher opponents.

A different way to win, built on a steely battling determination

Tilt was a monster last night and bullied their new signing from Scotland. I genuinely never really noticed Wooton, but to be fair to him, I dont think the hoofball Stockport surprisingly deployed in the first half suited him.

As for us, fantastic workrate from everyone. Bobby Pointon would have been my man of the match, certainly back to his best now. Jenson Metcalfe continues to impress so much and looks a level above at times.

I thought Lee Evans did okay in a different style to Power, although his passing was woeful at times and let him down, however, he did his screening job well and is certainly going to be useful cover for Max Power.

Sir Toni continues to amaze me by the way, what a magnificent signing he has been.

Good atmosphere, despite there been nowhere near the announced 22000+ figure in actual attendance. In truth, I was disappointed in the number of empty seats.

Onwards to the Wombles now, and hopefully we can translate these home performances to much better than we have been away last 3 months

 

I did not feel upset at those comments...? I quite like him.. good analysis

 

That's nothing to do with Mark Stott's millions I suppose.
Challinor is a non-league manager who has been able to buy or loan good players on paper.
He's done well but I wonder how he would fare with a financially bog standard L1 or L2 side?

 

Seems i did it again

 

Spot on , amazing how some like comparing , not so like for like clubs on what is probably 25% of their playing budget never mind transfer fees.?

 

He was my M,O,M

 

Because the millions spent has really helped MK Dons, Salford, Gillingham in recent years...likewise Huddersfield this season.

Helps but doesnt guarantee. You still need a good manager in charge and Challinor is just that. City fans would wet themselves if GA left us and he came in.

PS he got Hartlepool back into the football league without millions to spend. He also saw off Parkinson and Wrexham to the L2 title.

 

Yeah I agree on Evans. Whilst he did did lose possession a few times he also contributed well and quickly made up for any mistakes. He battled really well and created space for Metcalfe to do his thing. I can't see him keeping Power out after his suspension but as a January signing getting someone in of his experience and quality feels like a positive acquisition. If you think pre window we'd have been looking at Tommy Leigh doing that job, Evans feels more fit for purpose.

 

It was his comment towards the end about wanting to play in games like last night in front of 20k, but wanting to do it in the championship and against better sides than us that made me laugh.

 

Any relation to David and Donald?

 

Like I say he's done well but I'd be wary of employing him with our finances. Oh!.. and I wouldn't wet myself either.

 

He did a pretty decent job (also, a stat not covered here but he also had 34 successful passes last night, the most of any city player).

 

That's the thing, we don't always see the good stuff, only the glaring errors.
I thought he did well. He's shown to be an adequate proxy for Power.

 

Yep, he deserves credit for being a good deputy. Hopefully he's a player that will be here for a good time, not a long time because despite a good performance last night, I'd like us to sign better in the summer.