Tuesday 8 April 2008
Coca-Cola Football League 2
Bradford City vs Barnet

A warm welcome to Paul Fairclough, his Barnet players, staff and the supporters for this evening's game.

I was pleased with our performance here against Morecambe and felt we fully deserved the three points. The scoreline didn't suggest it but we created a lot of good chances and should have been at least a couple of goals up at half-time.

But we kept plugging away and, although it got a bit anxious at times towards the end, I felt we did enough.

I've been delighted with the response from the players since the Mansfield game. We've played five games in that time, all against sides who were above us in the table, and acquitted ourselves very well.

I was looking for the team to show what they could do and I'm pleased that so far they have done that. Now I want us to play just as well in the next five games as we have in the last five.

It would be great if we could finish the season as strong as we possibly can. If we can end up eighth or ninth then it shows we are making progress and that's all you can ask.

I was delighted for Mark Bower on Saturday to celebrate ten years with the club and I thought he had a very good game.

We approached Skip about making him captain for the day and he said Bowser fully deserved the honour - I thought he led by example.

When you've got a special anniversary like that, you want to win the game and play well personally and it's great when that happens.

Mark's been very loyal to this club and stuck with us through good times and bad and it's good to see.

I also want to praise the supporters who were terrific once again on Saturday and created a good atmosphere to play in.

It's difficult when you are coming to the end of the season and there is not a lot to play for for the supporters. It's not like the players who are playing for their futures, but the fans made a lot of noise against Morecambe and certainly made a difference.

I know what a difference that can make to the team and I'm looking for us to reward you with another good performance this evening.

Once again we are up against a side that beat us earlier in the season with a very late goal and it would be nice if we could put that right tonight.

Barnet have had some good results and I'm sure they will relish coming here. Obviously we are aware of the dangers that lay ahead but, as always, it's about how we approach the game and go about our business.

Remember we are all one team so give the lads a cheer.

Enjoy the game