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Club News

WE HAVE MOVED ON

29 August 2014

Club News

WE HAVE MOVED ON

29 August 2014

Bantams assistant Steve Parkin believes City have now completely moved on from the excitement of Wednesday's Capital One Cup over Leeds United, as attentions to turn this Saturday's trip to Rochdale in Sky Bet League 1.

The Bantams travel to Spotland Stadium for their league clash with Rochdale only three days after their memorable victory over near neighbours Leeds in front of the Sky Sports cameras at the Coral Windows Stadium.

The Leeds victory has understandably been the hot topic of conversation for most City supporters over the past couple of days but Parkin insists that the Bantams players and management staff have already put the win to the back of their minds.

Talk around the City training ground has instead been about how the Bantams can keep that winning feeling going by collecting all three points at Rochdale.

Asked if City had to forget about the Leeds result in preparation for Saturday, Parkin replied: "I think we already have.

"We had the lads in yesterday (Thursday) to make sure they were fully recovered and rehydrated after the Leeds game.

"As much as we enjoyed Wednesday night, it is forgotten about now as far as we are concerned.

"It was a cup tie and we won't be thinking about that cup again until we travel to MK Dons in the next round at the end of September. We were delighted to put smiles on the faces of the fans but our job now is to focus back on the league.

"We know we have a shorter than normal rest period between games having played on the Wednesday but the lads are professional and they have followed the guidelines given to them by Nick (Allamby, Head of Sports Science/Fitness Coach).

"The lads will be ready and raring to go for Rochdale - there are no excuses why they wouldn't be."

In his role as assistant to Bantams boss Phil Parkinson, Parkin will return to Spotland Stadium this Saturday after managing Rochdale between 1999 to 2001 and 2003 to 2006.

Players Rory McArdle, Stephen Darby and, subject to his fitness, Jason Kennedy will also be returning to a former club having all appeared for Dale earlier in their careers.

Parkin continued: "They (Rochdale) had success last season under Keith (Hill) - someone who I know well - and it is a tough place to go.

"He has them playing full of energy and they have some good players in their squad.

"It'll be a tough test but one that we are really looking forward to.

"Obviously, myself included, we have a few people within our group who have worked at Rochdale before and who know the mentality of the place.

"Rochdale is a lovely club but it is also a club that wants to achieve.

"That mentality hasn't changed from when I was first there over ten years ago.

"They have players who are motivated and well-drilled. We know we have to be on our toes for this one so there will be no chance of us expecting an easy ride after the high of the Leeds match.

"I am looking forward to going back myself. I have some good friends there and I have some happy memories from my time there but we have to be professional and show that we can move on from Wednesday.

"The challenge for us now is to go to Rochdale and try to take them all the way."

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