Sparkie Out

Makes you wonder why he's only scored 3 at most for us

 

May I suggest another look at seasons 2012/13 and 2019/20?
- - -
Usual warnings apply: I might have messed up; all seasons converted to 3 points for a win

In our history we've had 22 seasons where our points total after 24 matches has been 39 or higher and yes, 7 of our 9 promotions have come in these seasons, along with none of our relegations. The best points haul has been 52 (84/5), followed by three 49s (1907/8, 56/7, 81/2). Three other seasons have been at 39, and one of those was a promotion season. Twice we've had fewer goals for than 31; 15 times we've had more goals against than 25. In all those 7 promotions we've scored more goals than 31 -- 72 in that almost unbelievable 1928/9 season -- but in 5 of those 7 we've also allowed more goals than 25.

So we can at least say it's been a decent first half (+1) of a season, that doesn't ruin our chances. Where we go from here though can't really be predicted. We've ended up champions, we've ended up 11th, we've ended up in every position between those two except for 6th and 8th. In any case, these 22 seasons have, with few exceptions, been scattered across the divisions, over 100+ years, and a wide range of opponents -- only twice have such seasons come in succession (1909/10 & 1910/11, 2016/7 & 2017/8), where there's been some chance of consistency in both our side and in the opponents faced.

Still, these worries are better than other recent seasons in which one has been working out if, how, and where the points needed to avoid relegation may be found. Dare I venture to suggest we're safe this season?

RCB

 

We're not playing at a higher level, we're playing at this level. League Two. Oliver needs benching and Cook starting on Saturday v Carlisle. No question.

 

Absolutely this. What anyone has done at a higher level or at any level prior to now is irrelevant if they aren't doing the business here and now. That is all that matters at this moment and whilst Cook has had a recent blip, I've more confidence in him regaining his form than I have of Oliver pushing on and bagging a ton of goals for us.

 

I actually know what you mean when you say the side looks more balanced with Oliver in it. I just can’t see him getting anywhere near 10 goals this season, if he is our regular striker and that happens we finish around 15th. The rest of the team can’t score and won’t contribute more than 5/6 goals between the lot of em for the rest of the season.

 

Cook has to start on Saturday surely. Oliver has had his chance and has offered nothing last few games.

 

Is that the best you can offer 31 league one goals in 126 league one games, 92 in total over his career of 410 games across his playing career, for a fan who say's he doesn't care who plays you're a little damming in the above comment he scored 1 in 3 games (a penalty) and missed a few easy chances at Carlisle and he gets dropped to the bench, for crying out loud during Cooks time at Valley Parade he's been our leading scorer every season, having been out injured many weeks last season, behave.

 

Doubt that’s going to happen. Cook isn’t the answer to our problems.

The midfield is the problem.

 

Good post Dave
I can't understand fans harping back to what our players have done in the past (I have run marathons but can't now) !!
It's the here and now that counts and without doubt at this moment in time Cook is our main/only threat
MH is trying to get a L2 team to play Championship football it isn't working
Am sure he will get us promoted either this or next season (you've heard that before) but he needs to realise and adjust his tactics/team selection for L2
Hopefully Cookie starts on Saturday but am not putting my hard earned on it !!!

 

Right watched match of the day and the good teams get 4 or 5 players in the box when the ball comes in whilst we have 1 or 2. Whilst it has been a bit better lately we play our football far to deep

 

I don't have a problem with Oliver playing (I actually posted I thought Oliver was good against Salford) as long as its because the player Olivers taking the shirt from is not scoring, obviously Hughes thought 1 goal in three games was reason enough to drop Cook, he had to bring Oliver back at some stage of the season either to partner Cook or in the present situation instead of Cook.
I think what most/all Bradford City fans do agree on is our other outfield players be they midfield or defenders need to chip in with goals, when you think back to the situation with regards the opposition if they stopped Cook they have a very good chance of getting something from the game, so I'd say not only has Cook done well with his goal return, but by being singled out as our main goal threat by the opposition he has done remarkable well.

 

Little chance though as they rarely venture over the halfway line ...

 

Rochdale's second goal being a perfect example when the lad put the cross in Rochdale had 4 players in our box, we are far too pedestrian going forward.

 

More to the point, why do we have only five in the box defending that ?

 

The photo highlights another issue. It always looks naff to watch games on TV, to see empty stands, particularly behind a goal. Back in the day, a packed Bradford End used to add to the atmosphere. It must be soul destroying to be kicking towards that empty stand.

 

It was normally only packed right behind the goal, pretty much empty from keeper’s right side 6 yd box. A bit busier to his left side up to the fence and then not much in front of the bogs/“refreshments “ kiosk.

it only sounded good when some bright spark decided to hang a mic in the middle so spotty young scrotes like me could swear into it but I take your point, a filled end always looks better and helps to create an atmosphere.

 

I'm talking "back in the day" - maybe before some on here were even born! It used to be well populated for home games and rammed for derbies and cup ties.

 

Spurs at home in the 60’s, I had to sit on the cinders in front of the Bradford end wall. H&S would have had us shut down for that now.