The League One Play Off Final took place on Saturday May 19th. Trouble loomed. After having conceded five to Swansea on the previous unlikely visit to the home of football, as true northerners, Luis and I feared the worst and settled back to see who could make the most creatively ominous comments about the disaster that was about to unfold.
But none of this was needed of course. Within 28 minutes the Bantams were 3-0 up and even though we weren’t entirely convinced of the win until there were 2 minutes left (based on my oft-mentioned ‘you only need a second to score a goal’ mantra), it was possibly the most relaxed we’ve ever been at a football match.
The sense of calm seemed surreal, especially as I cast my mind back to that 3rd round Capital One Cup tie against Burton, when, at 0-2 down at home in 20 minutes, my son’s frustration played out. ‘At least you have a memory’ he told me.
At the full time whistle, after briefly celebrating on the pitch, Bradford’s players, led by Gary Jones began the ascent to collect the trophy. At this point I noticed that we weren’t actually too far from the steps themselves. ‘Go and give him your scarf’ I shouted to Luis, half in jest. Not an outgoing fellow, he hesitated. ‘Go on’ I pushed. He made his way along the aisle, just as his hero passed. I saw a flutter of claret and amber and then, a coupe of minutes later, looked on as Bradford’s captain held the trophy aloft, with my son’s scarf around his neck.
For many top-flight teams, Wembley may have lost a little of its lustre. But for those of us who don’t have an over inflated sense of entitlement and for whom a rare away win is a cause for ecstatic celebration, this was some journey. A League Two club, condemned to struggle against dropping out of the League beat 5 times from divisions above them (including 3 Premier League clubs), playing more games than any League Two club has played in recent memory, falling off the pace naturally and then gathering themselves for a final push, culminating in a happy day with an even happier closing memory – and promotion.
I’m taking him to Sunderland’s first Capital One Cup tie next season. And if we’re a couple of goals down at the interval, I’m already rehearsing my lines. And that’s the wonder of football. If it can happen to Bradford, it can happen to everyone. Roll on next season. Me and my son. The sport we love.
POST SCRIPT
The night we came back from the Villa game - one of the happiest moments in my son's life to date - we received the news that a good friend had little time left with us, following a courageous battle against lymphoma. This is dedicated to Andrew Baker.
Mark Bradley
Follow on Twitter @FanExperienceCo
In May 2013 Bradford City beat Northampton Town 3-0 in the League Two Play-off Final
Memory added on June 29, 2013
Comments (Add your voice)
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
