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Club News

Connell set for Bray start

27 July 2012

Club News

Connell set for Bray start

27 July 2012

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson has confirmed he is set to give new striker Alan Connell his first start in Bradford colours tomorrow in City's friendly with League of Ireland Premier Division side Bray Wanderers.
Connell, who only joined City on the eve of their Irish trip exactly a week ago, is likely to be joined in the Bantams' starting line up by fellow summer recruits Andrew Davies, Gary Jones and Will Atkinson.
Their inclusions will be part of a number of planned changes by Parkinson for Saturday's fixture, with the City chief looking to flip his squad around following Tuesday's friendly at Wexford Youths.
Whose who began at Wexford from the bench will play the first hour or so at Bray, while those who started on Tuesday are scheduled to come off the bench for the final 30 minutes at Carlisle Grounds.
This is to ensure pretty much all of Parkinson's squad get the same amount of match minutes out of the Ireland tour.
After finishing off their week-long stay in the Emerald Isle with the Bray friendly, City will then return home to Yorkshire on Sunday.
"Alan didn't start on Tuesday so he will be one of the names who will be playing from the off at Bray," said Parkinson.
"The only thing with Alan is whether we decide to let him go for 45 minutes or 60 minutes because he's played slightly less football than the other lads recently.
"But the lads who didn't start on Tuesday, like Alan, will play from the beginning on Saturday certainly. That's how we've always planned it."
Out of the four players who sat out the win over Wexford - Stephen Darby, Ritchie Jones, Kyel Reid and Garry Thompson - Parkinson is hopeful that as many as three of them will be back for some involvement at Bray.
Parkinson added: "Ritchie Jones is fine, it was just a minor knock he picked up from a tackle in training that led to us resting him at Wexford. 
"Stephen Darby is fit to play some part of the (Bray) game as well, and so is Kyel Reid.
"Garry Thompson should be back in training at some point next week but we won't be risking him tomorrow."

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