Bradford City’s defeat against Lincoln City highlighted the obvious deficiencies in the squad. However, Stuart McCall is keen on defying critics.
The Bantams boss cut a frustrated figure in the post-match interview. Not one to blow up with aggression, McCall gave constructive criticism toward his players. However, the team’s performance highlights the need for quality signings to add competition.
Bradford City’s Inequalities Highlighted in Post-Match Interview From Stuart McCall
Where Did it Go Wrong for Bradford City?
Many Bradford City fans were looking forward to a match against Liverpool; however, it wasn’t to be. Stubborn League One side Lincoln City put an end to any hopes of a cup tie against the champions of England with delight. They were on top form and clinically destroyed the City defence with clean, counter-attacking football. Bradford’s defence had, up until now, started the season well. In contrast, the Bradford City players were left holding their arms aloft in disbelief as the Imps punished their sloppy defending.
The displays from Antony O’Connor and Ben Richards-Everton were appalling. O’Connor regularly failed to pick up his man, or stay goal-side of whoever he did manage to mark. Richards-Everton had a chance to stake a claim for a starting berth, but his woeful performance certifies Reece Staunton’s name goes on the teamsheet ahead of his. The midfield showed glimpses of quality and did fashion some half-decent chances. However, the obvious lack of quality in the final third was once again on show as the Bantams’ lack of goals continues.
McCall Shares the Frustration
Repetitive questioning in the post-match interview made for defensive responses from Stuart McCall. The performance infuriated fans, staff, and everyone connected with the club, but McCall was indignant in his response: “judge us after the 45 league games we have left”.
McCall’s responses were that of a manager attempting to limit the psychological damage. A 5-0 defeat is something that can hang heavy over the squad, something that is best avoided. Tyler French, who has shown great quality at right wing-back, scored a howling own goal and was subbed off after 45 minutes. Left wing-back Connor Wood has always been a solid performer and didn’t really deserve to be at the end of such a heavy scoreline. Staunton, who replaced Ben Richards-Everton at half-time, put in another assured performance. The midfield performances were okay, even if the attacking efforts, once again, fell short.
Therefore, berating the entire squad for what was a miserable performance would be throwing the toys out of the pram. In the first three games, the team has been defensively solid, hard-working and has shown real promise. Yes, the performance was scandalous and some players are quickly running out, or have run out, of chances to impress but lingering on this defeat will do more harm than good.
Obviously, the squad need more players. Even McCall admits this, despite claiming to be happy with his current crop if no transfers materialise.
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