‘Meeting the opposition’ Bradford City
On Boxing Day, Tranmere Rovers will play host to Bradford City in a fourth division fixture at Prenton Park in what should be a very entertaining game. With that in mind, I placed questions towards the visitors ‘https://thefootballfansview.com/’ correspondent ‘@_Matthew_Ward’. I thought it would be interesting to see the thoughts of a fan who’s club will soon face Rovers, to get his opinions of Tranmere as well as his thoughts on the position of the West Yorkshire club at the moment, on and off the pitch; amongst other subjects.
How long have you been a supporter of Bradford City?
I have been a Bradford fan for pretty much all of my life, 18 years.
Where did the ‘Bantams’ finish last season?
9th in League Two, a season that was curtailed early due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
What are your thoughts on your current manager?
At the moment the club doesn’t have a permanent manager after sacking Scotsman Stuart MCall little over a week ago. However, Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars have done well as interim managers as they are getting results. Two games in, four points taken, a draw away at Crawley Town and a victory at Valley Parade against Cambridge United.
What were your expectations for this season? What are your thoughts on the start your side has made to this campaign?
My initial expectations were promotion, the last campaign was promising. The start we have made was certainly not expected by any City fan. To be four points off the relegation zone for a club who’s staff and management team expected to be in the promotion picture isn’t good enough.
Which one player is your danger man? Why?
Defender Connor Wood’s quality has stood out. He is a good defender but he also has that confidence to go forwards and be dangerous across the pitch.
What is your score prediction for the boxing day fixture at Prenton Park?
I’ll go 1-0 City. Our last two performances have shown that we have the quality but it certainly won’t be easy.
Random fact about Bradford? (Famous fans, something about the area etc)
Former One Direction artist Zayn Malik is a supporter of the ‘Bantams’.
Do you support/like any other clubs other than Bradford City? Why?
Aston Villa. My dad supports them thus there is some association.
Proudest moment as a Bradford supporter?
Featuring at Wembley twice in the 2012/13 season was exceptional. We reached the final of the league cup, eventually losing to Swansea City. We also reached the league two play off final defeating Northampton Town to reach the third tier of the English footballing pyramid.
What is your opinion of the boxing day hosts?
I don’t mind Tranmere. I think you’re probably unfairly overlooked due to your location, situated right next to Premier League giants Liverpool and Everton. However, you have a good fan base and I’m a big fan of the ‘super white army’ chant.
I would like to thank Matthew Ward for his time answering the questions that I placed towards him. This league encounter should be an interesting occasion between two clubs who have promotion expectations, despite poor starts to the campaign and I hope that readers enjoyed this Q+A.
- Prenton Park, the home for this exciting league two tie.
Thank you very much for reading,
Stay safe,
Ethan Hoijord