The history of Bradford City Part 5

Season 5 saw a massive transformation at Valley Parade. In Birch's first full season in charge he cleared out the whole first team squad, brought in a few experienced players and purchased and promoted a number of youth players to the first team. The season was always going to be a struggle with so many inexperienced players in the team and so it proved with City finishing bottom of the league with only 11 points from the 14 league games. However the team seemed to excel in the cups, remaining unbeaten in the Inter Wing Cup group stages though unfortunately not progressing to the last 16 while Birch's love affair with the FA Cup saw the team progress all the way to the quarter finals only to lose 1-0 at St James' Park to the eventual Treble winners Newcastle United.

While the league form was poor, the chairman and fans were delighted with the progress the youngsters were making and Bradford's cup form had fans hailing Birch as the new messiah.

The history of Bradford City Part 7

According to Bradford manager Matt Birch, Season 7 was supposed to be about consolidation and trying to blood a couple of young stars for the future. City's cup form went to pot this season, managing just 3 points in the group stages of the IWC as well as crashing out of the FA Cup in the first round. All this would have been acceptable just as long as City avoided relegation in the league.

But Bradford did more than that, the team were on a high in their league form and beat all the odds to clinch not only promotion, but their second league title in two seasons. Bradford were already on their way to Division 1, a season ahead of schedule.

The history of Bradford City Part 9

In the penultimate part of our look at Bradford City, we take a quick look back at the first two months of Season 9, probably the most significant in the history of the club so far.

After the massive and unparralelled recent success, Season 9 was always going to be confusing. With City so far ahead of schedule in getting to the Premiership, the target should have simply been survival and it was a difficult thing for the manager to temper the expectations of the fans. But right from the off it was clear that this season would be very different from previous seasons. The opening game saw a hard fought draw against West Ham, there have been two big losses, an unlucky draw against Cardiff along with a sole victory at home to Arsenal. City sit just above the relegation zone but look to have enough in the tank to stay just clear of relegation. Birch's initial hopes that the club might be able to make a push towards the top of the table soon died down and he went back to the long term game plan and started building for the future. Survival in the Premiership would still be a massive achievement and go a long way towards cementing Bradford place as one of the giants of the game.

However while the league form has been difficult, in the Inter Wing Cup however Bradford have enjoyed far more success. Bradford have progressed from group 3 and are now looking forward to the knockout stages and hoping to go further than last season.

Bradford have also been very busy in the transfer market. Riera, Skoog and Gazza have joined to boost the midfield but the big news is Alan Shearer joining from Arsenal. Bradford can now look forward to season 10 with arguably the best strike force on the game, Diego and Shearer.

Dwight Will Do Nicely

Dundee united supremo, Andy Grant, today welcomed D_Pezzarossi 27 gua 1 5 15 20 17 600 966 387 878 13 0 1247 3 0 0 1 16 39 8 0 0 0 0 to tannadice after extended contract talks. It is believed that he will hook up perfectly with Ralph up front and give Dundee United the edge in cup and league matches. The transfer will be completed in the IW transfer window. Grant said ' Although we lost Blacky, i felt it was important to get a player of Pezzas quality in to help out. For the first time in my career at tannadice, i will have the resources to play 3 up front, if needed. However, he is here to play and not to give me options - so he will likely feature as Ralph strike partner with R_Fowler sitting back as a reserve to the 2.'

Pezzarossi was also delighted with the move, he said 'I am absolutely delighted that the gaffer came in for me. I am an ambitious player and want to win trophies at the highest level. I can't thank Mr Gordon enough for the break he gave me in the game and allowed me to mature into the player i am - but it was time to move on. Dundee United are the only team i have ever REALLY wanted to play for. As i child, i would sit in our village excitedly waiting for Scotsport SPL to come on the telly so i could worship my boyhood heroes, such as Craig Brewster and Paul Sturrock - simply a dream come true' It is also reported that R_Fowler is feeling the pressure of this move and is actively seeking to leave tannadice. The talented veteran is attracting some interest and its understood that Grant won't stand in his way if a good enough offer comes in.

SOUTHWICK CALLS FOR CANARIES TO GET HARDER

December's Manager of the Month Andrew Southwick has
urged his side to become tougher if they want to keep
their place at the top of Division two.

The Norwich City gaffer has become frustrated by the
amount of injuries his side has picked up recently.

Southwick had to field a decimated defence in crucial
cup ties v Ipswich and Charlton which saw them suffer,
with the league the only trophy left to fight for now.

Just as it looked like he would finally have a full
strength side to pick from for the top of the table
clash with Portsmouth, goalkeeper R_Green was ruled
out for two weeks.

"We need to toughen up because we're being kicked
around the pitch like a bunch of fairies," groaned
Southwick.

"We're far too lightweight and some serious sessions
in the gym are needed if we're to hold onto our
position at the top of Division two."

This weekend's top of the table match with Pompey will
test Norwich's resolve, and with three defeats in a
row questions have to be asked if Norwich's good
fortune has gone.

However Southwick hit back: "Any team would struggle
with the injuries we've had.

"We've also faced two very good sides and Charlton who
are an exceptional team.

"Portsmouth are having a great season themselves and
will feel they should be top, but we have enough in
our locker to make it very difficult for them to do
that.

"Having a first choice goalkeeper out is a huge blow,
but D_Ward has been due a chance for a while anyway.
He's a good young keeper with a great future in the
game and now is his chance to stake a claim for the
Number one shirt."

On Track

There is a good feeling around Pride Park these days, as Derby County try
to equal last seasons feat of winning the premiership, whilst also gunning
for cup success. As things stand, at almost the half way stage, County sit
2 points of the top, having just gained an away draw at the mighty Dundee
Utd. This weekend, Derby will be looking to secure a win at struggling West
Ham to keep the pressure on the top. In the cup, Derby had a very
disappointing season last year, going out in the early stages of both cups.
This season, things have gone alot better, with County winning their group
in the IWC, and in the FA Cup, wins against Chelsea and Spurs see them into
the quarter finals. The last win being last night, with a convincing 3-0
win at Whitehart lane. All in all, things are going well for County so far.

City Confident InjuriesWont Be a Concern

City manager Andy Lowe is not optimistic for this weekends game at White
Hart Lane, after finding out Weaver and Kaladze wont be available for the
trip. Both players have been influential in City's season so far, especially
when the Manchester side took on european giants Inter Mailn and were
victorious.

"Kaladze has been a rock at the back for us, and Weaver excellent in net,
both will be sorely missed especially against Spurs' strike force" commented
Lowe. "Obviously im dissapointed that they have both failed fitness tests,
however, i have players who can come in and more than do a job for us, so
we'll just have to wait and see.".

Ellegaard was also happy about the news Weaver was out for the trip.

"Weaver has been the gaffers number 1 since he arrived here, now however ive
got a chance to show him what im capable of" claimed Ellegaard. "And you can
be sure im not going to let this chance go!"

Watson not 100%

Aberdeen manger stu watson was today dissapointed but not dejected at his team losing their 100% league record but has cheered up the fans by announcing that some signing targets are very close.
It is believed that he has struck a deal with inter milan to bring highly rated atacking middy J_Stead to pittodrie come the end of the season. After returning to the dugout after a spell away from the club for paternity reasons he had this to say.
I'm delighted at the way the season is going for us so far. We had a setback at the weekend but that was always going to happen, if we continue to play well then hopefuly we can gain promotion. I was also slightly dissapointed with our failure to beat a weakened charlton in the fa cup but the league
was always our aim. Since returning i have also been busy in the transfer market. A couple of lads have been placed on the transfer list and we are
very close to signing a striker and a defender during the inter window. I have also been in contact with inter regarding stead.

Dons Splash Out On a New R_V

Aberdeen today announced the signing of R_Vittek from psv. It marks the
dons first interwing window capture. The striker had previously signed in
the last window but the deal got stuck in red tape but stu watson was
delighted to finally get his man.
"Its took a while to get him here but now hes here he will play a vital part
in this seasons promotion push. It is initially a 6 month contract to see
how he gets on but he will be vital in the 6 months."
Meanwhile on the downside of things, it looks unlikely that the reds will be
purchasing the defensive middy they have been chasing. A price was agreed
for an unamed player but raising the cash has proven to be a stumbling block
and may well scupper the plans before the window closes.

Mixed fortunes for Bantams

Bradford City's season has been one of totally contrasting fortunes. Bradford have made it through the group stages of the Inter Wing Cup as well
as going all the way to the FA Cup Semi Final. Bradford face fierce rivals Derby County in the next phase of both competitions and will be looking
forward to a better performance than the 0-4 drubbing they got when they last played Derby in the league. And that loss sums up Bradford's league
seaon so far. Bradford lie second from bottom of the table and are in serious danger of relegation should things not pick up soon. Bradford boss Matt Birch "This has been the strangest season I have been a
part of. We have been unstoppable so far in both cup competitions while we just can't get any sort of momentum going in the league. We've not been
playing any differently than in the cups but we just don't sem to be getting the rub of the green. We knew things would be a lot harder than in previous
seasons but we still expected to be around mid table. It is dissapointing but I've told the lads to just carry on what they are doing and the results will come. I have no doubt that we will avoid relegation but our main focus
right now is preparing for the upcoming treble header against Derby County."

Press release from Fulham Football Club:

It is with great regret that Fulham Football Club have to announce that due to an on-going injury problem M_Buari will be taking early retirement. The
situation came to a head after the last reserve game, when Buari complained
about pain in his hip. After an examination by the club doctor, the seriousness of the situation became clear. Further examinations by doctors have left the club with no other option but to terminate M_Buari Craven
Cottage career, the club and M_Buari have come to a mutually agreeable compensation package. The club want to thank M_Buari for all his efforts during his stay at Fulham and wish him the very best for his future, what ever that may hold.

ARSENALS SEASON DOWN THE PAN???

Arsenal last week made it 8 league games with out a win and have only bagged 3 goals so far in those matches. is this cause for concern? is it such a bad thing for this gunners side to go back down to div1 and regroup? id say no to both. arscott is using this season top rebuild which was made public at the start of the campaign. has played 3 youthful players with hope they become starts of the future. is it not yet known if they will turn out as good as hoped but they have progressed well and played maximum time for the first team. Even though arsenal sit rooted to the bottom of the league where they have been all season there is massive hope for the future after seeing the signing arsenals have made. some very impressive young talent in Lopez, Alberto, VanPersie among a few that have been brought into the squad which now has very little age compared to seasons past.

In the cups on the other hand arsenal have fared well just like in seasons gone by. after getting knocked out of the cup at the second round in a penalty shoot out to the hands of lower league position arscott was said to be very disappointed. but all was not lost as 126 mins was gained for youth players but it could have been another 90 at least so easily. Next up in cup competition for the gunners is ac Milan in the iwc which is a repeat of the season 7 final which saw arsenal lift the converted trophies. this will be a tough tie for the young stars but im sure they will give the very best to get past Highbury hero henrys side.

Newbould Gets Handy Relief While Praying Leslie Will Go Down For Him

Goals from Cooper and Adriano gave York a 2-0 win away at Bolton which put York City onto 16 points which was of great relief to the York manager.

Speaking after the game the York manager said, "We are delighted to have virtually avoided relegation this season. No team has gone down with 16 points, so we are confident now of avoiding the drop."

The York manager refused to comment on any talk of promotion saying, "we've got the Inter-Wing cup coming up soon and everyone here at the club knows that promotion is too far beyond us this season. We are looking forward to pitting ourselves against the best teams of the PBEMFF game."

When asked to comment on whether he was being considered for the England managers job the York boss said, "England? Fuck that. It's more fun playing Jim - and hopefully he'll get himself back down to division 2 really soon. After all, he didn't beat Leeds - and they are shit. He'll be relegated very soon"

York defender Richie Hope denied rumours he was about to leave saying, "me and David - sorry Iker - have not been in talks about departing for a big club. We have been in talks about departing for Southampton - and they are a small shit club."

CRUZ CONTROL

The dons got back to winning ways this weekend with a J_Cruz double securing a 2-1 win over chelsea. The dons started the match as favourites with chelsea fielding a weakened team due to injuries and it showed with aberdeen creating many chnaces. the reds opened the scoring in the 15th minute when a
deflected cruz shot sailed past the keeper. An inspired vaesen in the chelsea goal kept the score down before cruz popped up again in the 29th minute to thunder home his second. Chelsea had their share of chnaces but the dons defence stood firm up till half time.
The second half saw much of the same with the dons creating chance after chnace but failing to beat an inspied chelsea keeper. Aberdeen were given a
scare in the 58th minute when a misskick from esson was picked up by Gonzales. Winter rushed in with a clumsy tackle and was lucky to escape with
just a caution. The onslaught continued but to no avail with delpiero, bellamy and maccarone all missing chances. In the 71st minute the dons thought they had secured the win but Winters goal was dissalowwed for a mystery foul on the keeper. This gave chelsea a boost and they got a goal back from the penalty spot in the 80th min after esson fouled in the box.
the keeper was lucky to escape going into the book but was beaten when Gonzles converted the penalty. This led to a nervy end to the game but aberdeen held on for the victory to stay 5 points clear at the top.

Come season 6, come the revolution. After finding a number of new young stars the previous season all the major clubs were innundating Bradford City with transfer offers. Birch continued his canny transfer frenzy, managing to bring in some massive stars to Valley Parade. Defoe, Zitteli, Mullins and Brevett to name but a few. Alan Combe remained at Bradford, being the only player to survive since Season 1. Another new boy though to come in would be a future fans favourite in Darren Eadie. Having been used sparingly as a bench warming AM / FW for Leicester, Birch brought him in and immediately challenged him to prove he could be a regular first teamer. The versatile forward also started a long training period to transform him into a defender.

Bradford continued their fine cup form this season. They went out of the FA Cup in the first round with ten men thanks to a single extra time goal loss to the mighty Newcastle but City enjoyed massive success in the Inter Wing Cup, destroying everyone in the group stages and going all the way to the semi finals only to controversially lose out on penalties to Brondby.

But the league is where the Birch revolution really took place. The years of waiting for their first promotion were over in emphatic style. City won 12 of their 14 league games and even managed to take top spot in the big "all games" league table. The future was finally here and Bradford were on track with their plan to eventually get to the premiership.

The history of Bradford City Part 8

Season 8 was to be a massive season for Bradford City. Having gained two promotions in two seasons, Bradford were ahead of schedule on the long term Birch plan for Premiership status. Birch now had two seasons to consoldate his clubs Division 1 status before making the push for promotion again. But this would be no mean feat in a very tough division.

City started the season well with 5 league wins from 6 games including a massive 7-0 thumping of Everton. The only loss came against bogey team Rangers. Bradford had a nice lead at the top of the division which they fought hard to maintain and eventually they sealed promotion and their third league title in as many season on the last day of the season. Amazingly Bradford City had made the transformation from near bankrupcy and relegation to the conference, into the premiership in only 4 full seasons under Birch's guidance and equalled Derby County's amazing record of 3 league titles on the bounce. But there was still time yet for Birch to go one better than arch rival Derby's Graham Frith. Bradford beat three reigning title holders on their way to their first ever FA Cup final. Bradford proceeded to beat the odds yet again and won a rare FA Cup and league double. 4 trophies in 3 seasons taking Birch into legendary status.

City also made it through the group stages of the IWC once again but the season will be remembered more for the double winning achievement as well as Birch being unanimously voted manager of the season.

The history of Bradford City Part 10

In the final part of our look at the history of Bradford City, we have an interview with the man who made everything possible, manager Matt Birch.

Birch "It's been a rollercoaster ride these last few seasons. I never dreamed we'd have had so much success so soon. I had a long term plan which I discussed with the board and we set aside what limited funding there was in order to achieve our ultimate goal. Of course most of the funding was going to come from our continued growth and success on the field. So to achieve Premiership status so far ahead of schedule has been incredible but also brings with it certain financial problems. The plan was consolidation in Div3, promotion, consolidation in Div2, promotion, consolidation in Div1, promotion, consolidation in the Prem and then finally pushing our way towards challenging for the top honours. That was to be 7 seasons before we started challenging for the big one, so although we have obviously gained a lot from three championship wins, and an FA Cup, as a club we are not yet structurally ready for the Premiership and squad wise we have had to get down to the bare bones in order to try and survive. inancially we are struggling to compete at the moment as well. Having such a meteoric rise up the tables means that our fan base is still growing but these things take time. Of course if we can stay in the Premiership for the next three seasons then I predict us to be very strong off the field and have a fan base larger than would have been possible had things gone exactly according to my plan. But actually managing to survive in the Premiership for the next three seasons is another story entirely.

This season I can see us surviving quite comfortably in the prem and hopefully one or two good cup runs will help us out even more but the big test will come over the next two seasons. I think we are going to have to bring some of our own youth players into our first team squad as we simply don't have the resources yet to buy enough players. We've got four very promising young players and we were hoping to bring them through in lower divisions to ease them in gently so it's going to be a big test for them to come straight into the premiership. If we can survive those two seasons in the premiership then I think we will be a major force in years to come."

Ralph:'Low on confidence'

Dundee Uniteds main man, Ralph is said to be in the depths of dispair this evening at the news of the impending arrival of D_Pezzarossi to tannadice. This is said to have made a huge difference to his confidence and be the reason why the only goal he has scored in the last 4 games was a penalty in the FA Cup tie with portsmouth.

The usually clinical striker seems more clinically depressed and has denied new allegations that he has a drink problem. These were made after he appeared at a press conference sweating prefusely and with a wee shake which he could not control.

You can trust ITN News will however do some digging and give you the mans personal health problems as soon as it can

Review of season 9 so far (supplied by Steven Arscott)

PREM

The premiership this season was meant to be fairly straightforward with a number of teams playing youth players to improve squads for the future. top teams such as Dundee utd, Bradford and derby were expected to have the edge as they were with out youths along with west ham who look a shadow of there former self after a dodgy deal or two. Cardiff went crazy and loaned out stars such and deco and Zitelli in order to play 3 youths along with Everton and arsenal who look like he are in need of a squad boost if there to compete in future seasons. Last season runners up where also playing 2 young talented youthies. As expected Dundee utd and derby have had impressive starts and sit first and second with Middlesborough under the improving matt peacock sit in an impressive 3rd place. Cardiff are also holding up well in 5th with West Ham in 4th. In 6th we have the team who have cone up all the divisions as champs but sit in a very disappointing 6th place and the experienced matt birch will not be pleased with that showing at all. At the foot sit a lack lustre arsenal who are still searching for first win just below a weak Everton side who were also expected to struggle. All places are still up for grabs but the title looks to be heading either back to Tanadice or to reigning champs derby with the ageing all-stars.

DIV 1

Division 1 looked like a fairly even division also with only man utd standing out squad wise along with a impressive looking Charlton side with deco in on loan from prem side Cardiff. Southampton would be looking to go one step better than last seasons 3rd place and make it to prem with wolves who walked div2 last season looking for some of the form they produced the season before. Leeds would be looking to bounce back but after a shady deal or too seem to be bit weak in certain areas notably up front. The two Glasgow clubs also hoping for a good season along with battlers Fulham who would love another crack at the big time. So far its Southampton who are showing the best form and sit top of the pile going into Christmas on 12 points but are followed closely by wolves who continue last seasons good form. In third sit the talented man utd who will be looking for a much better 2nd half of the season. Charlton will also be disappointed with the place as they had good start but seem to be letting in goals by the shed load this season. Rangers and Celtic are sitting just above relegation placed which are occupied by former prem teams Fulham and Leeds have gone either up or down in the past 5 or so seasons. Southampton should be able to hang on this time around with minute taking the runners up place and ticket to the big time once more.

DIV 2

Div 2 looks set to be another close one with pretty equal teams fighting it out. The favourites from the off are under achievers Portsmouth who's manager rich Locke never seems to get it right and get out of div2. York are another strong side who have been in div2 far to long and need to start making strides towards the prem sooner rather than later. Bolton and Palace who climbed up from the basement league join them and Sunderland Norwich, Liverpool and Newcastle make up the rest of the table. So far it's been an unlikely side in Norwich who have got off to an unbeaten start with Portsmouth following them closely in 2nd. Newcastle who recently signed new manger and sold there main asset to prem out fit arsenal have been on good form and look good in 3rd with a shot at promotion along with a disappointing York side. Bolton and palace will be hoping them occupy the same place at the end of the season in 5th and 6th and avoid going back down the dreaded div3. Sunderland and Liverpool are having another very disappointing season and sit in the relegation spots. I see this staying pretty much the same but think it will be tough for Norwich to keep up the good form and may lose out come the end of the season with Portsmouth finally going up along with either York or Newcastle.

DIV 3

Div 3 looks to be stronger than ever this season but has its teams that stand out. Aberdeen have been totally transformed in the last season and look very strong and youthful and under the guidance of experienced manager Stu Watson a bright future is surly ahead of them. Ipswich and Man City also have improved over recent weeks and look to be in good form this season. Tottenham also have been on a mini revival of late and look to have good future also. Chelsea, Birmingham, Reading and Aston villa will be hoping to cause some upsets along the way but are expected to struggle this season. As expected so far this season its Aberdeen who are setting the pace with 5 wins out of five and have a 5 point lead on the teams in 2nd and 3rd who are Ipswich and man city who have two new decent mangers in charge now. Then come Tottenham in 4th on 7 points with Chelsea Birmingham, Reading struggling and a very disappointing Aston villa sit grounded at the bottom of the pbemff pile.

New Talent To Arrive At City of Manchester

With the interwing window just around the corner, Manchester City have
announced the signing of B_Emerton and P_Sturrock from European giants Inter
Milan. The move, believed to be involve a large sum of cash and W_Reyad
moving to the San Siro

"Im absolutely delighted to have signed the pair" commented Lowe. "In
Emerton, weve got a vastly experienced and quality center mid and Sturrock
should develop well alongside Quinn, both players should do well for us, and
im sure the fans will love them".

Sturrock failed to dislodge Mutu and Ronaldinho as Inter's favoured strike
pairing, much like Reyad at City. With both believed to be relishing the
move only good things are sure to come of it.

Bradford City v Derby County Treble Header

Bradford boss Matt Birch spoke to the press ahead of a punishing treble header against fierce rivals Derby County "The league tie should be a formality for Derby as they will be the more focussed of the two teams. We know what we have to do to steer ourselves clear of relegation and the league matches against Derby County and Dundee United have been taken out of
the equation. We've penned ourselves in for two losses in those games and will be using them more as preparation rather than anything else.
The first of the three ties against Derby comes in the Inter Wing Cup last 16. This we will take very seriously. It is a competition we had high hopes of going all the way in however have been unlucky to draw one of the very top sides so early. The second of the three encounters is the league match.
The only advantage we have in this busy scedule is that we can afford to take this match easy, whereas Derby will have a lot riding on this game. To
take even a point from the league game would be a huge psychological blow, however it is unlikely as our top lads will be rested in preparation for the FA Cup Semi Final which is the real big one for us. Being reigning champions has a lot of added pressure. This is the one we have wanted all season, to retain the Cup would be a massive achievement. No team has ever retained the FA Cup, in fact only the once all conquering Newcastle United have won the
competition twice. You can be sure we will be pushing the boat out to try and reach the final. You can be sure this semi final is going to be anything
but pretty!"

No Defensive Middie At Aberdeen

Aberdeen today admitted defeat in their quest to sign a tough tackling midfielder during the interwing window. It was hoped that the dons would
sign a player from an unamed european club to be used as back up for defence and the dm spot but a lack of income has scuppered things. defenders hocking and docherty were put on the transfer list to try to raise the cash but lack of interest means that they will be staying for the forseeable future instead of a newcomer arriving. Aberdeen will continue the search for players but not in the european market

Back Up Bust Up

Today Aberdeen back up player G_Dempsey slapped in a transfer request. The utility man has been frustrated by a lack of first team action. The player
arrived at the tail end of last season on a free transfer after being released by his previous club but has only managed to make 1 first team appearence and a handfull of appeaenceson the bench. Aberdeen look likely to terminate his contract and once again make him a free agent

SUPERSTAR SIGNS PRE CONTRACT!! AND FIRST 3 POINTS WON!!

Arsenal have secured the services of one of the super stars on pbemff it can be revealed. the Brazilian wizard has put pen to paper and agreed a contract with arsenal for a undisclosed fee.
the fee is rumoured to be a fair price for such a talented striker and the arsenal fans will not be disappointed with such a top notch player signing
ronaldinho who has scored 18 goals and is the top scorer in the euro prem so far this season was said to be feeling jaded under new manager Toby stronge who wants to strengthen his defensive unit for next season. at 30yrs old Ronnie is no spring chicken put arscott was said to be over the moon with the signing of such a high calibre player.

on the field arsenal seems inspired by the news of the transfer and won there first 3 points of the season to boost there survival chances. arsenal managed a 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Bradford city who arnt having a very good season of it either. the goal came from a unlikely source in defender Gibson.
Arsenal now have 6 points just 2 less than Cardiff sitting in 6th place. Arsenal also lost there inspirational goal keeper due to injury for one game which could prove very costly in next weeks clash with westham utd.

Sweet tooth O'Brien chooses Toffees

Following protracted transfer negotiations between Fulham and Everton,
Fulham wish to announce the departure of J_O'Brien from Craven Cottage.
After nearly 5 seasons with Fulham, following a very brief stay at Bradford,
its time to close the book on his Craven Cottage career. We at Fulham wish
to thank O'Brien for all his efforts and his loyalty during his stay and
want to wish him the very best of luck in his future career.

On the subject, Manager Rob Farmer was heard to say "I'm sure he'll be able
to make the step up to the Premiership, no problems. Good luck to the lad,
he was only getting reserve games here or sat on the bench at best and he
wanted more, who wouldn't!"