Do you think Bradford have generally improved their side over the summer?
The squad is probably around the same level as last season. I think that adequate replacements have either come in or come back to fitness to replace most of the players who have left. The defence hasn’t got any worse, and the strikeforce has probably improved slightly.
The biggest absentees will be in midfield; Dean Furman and Nicky Law were two of our best performers last season when they were here on loan, and we have managed to sign neither. However, Chris Brandon’s return to fitness will alleviate part of that problem. We have also seen a flurry of midfielders sign over the last few days, including Michael Flynn, who has played at L1 level for the past few years. It remains to be seen how they will perform, but they will probably be able to at least hold their own in this league.
Do you think McCall should have stuck to his word and walked at the end of the season?
I have mixed feelings on this issue. Personally I think McCall has some good points and bad points as a manager. His bad points are mostly down to lack of experience, and to remedy them, he needs to be given more time in the job. The advantage he has over other managers is that, because he is a club legend, the fans and board will most likely give him more time than usual. Whether he is sacked or not depends on how long it takes him to start learning from his previous mistakes, as there must be a point in time where people will start to get impatient.
My head says I would like to see a crafty old manager, well versed in operating in the basement division to take over the reigns. But for now I am happy to keep McCall on for the foreseeable future, if only to see what happens.
What do you make of the whole Sven furore surrounding Notts?
I guess most people in this league will see it as a massive publicity stunt, unless it becomes apparent that he is making a difference to Notts County’s play on the field. I don’t really understand what else he would bring to the table. He will probably bring a lot more exposure to Notts County, and maybe the league as a whole, and he may be a ‘glamour figure’ (for want of a better term) which may attract players to the club. If nothing else he will at least give visiting supporters at Meadow Lane something to sing songs about.
Who is Bradford's man to watch?
Michael Boulding has looked in good nick so far in pre-season. Joe Colbeck has the potential to play like a world beater when he fancies it, but it’s a bit of a lottery whether he fancies it or not. Sorry, that’s two, I know.
How do you think both sides will do this season?
I think both sides will be hovering around the play-offs.
It’s difficult to tell what will happen at Notts. If you get a good start you may be difficult to catch. If the players don’t gel, or something goes wrong, I can’t imagine McParland staying that long, and you might have to start again at the January transfer window and wait to mount a challenge next season.
We have a solid side, and the added bonus of a bit of stability, and McCall being a year wiser. The league doesn’t look to have too many outstanding candidates, and with a bit of luck, a reduction in the injuries we seem to pick up, we will be aiming for a play-off place. I wouldn’t be surprised if we fell short, but as long as we have looked to progress from last season I won’t be too bothered.
Thanks for your time Rob. Finally, a prediction for tomorrow's match?
I think it will be a score draw, and will go for 2-2. Boulding and Thorne (with his biannual Notts County goal) for us.