Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Club News

PARKINSON HAILS HIS CITY HEROES

25 January 2015

Club News

PARKINSON HAILS HIS CITY HEROES

25 January 2015

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson couldn't praise his side enough after City pulled off arguably one of the greatest shocks in F.A Cup history by defeating Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

Coming from two goals down, Parkinson's men stunned a nation by netting an incredible four times to turn the tie back in their favour and amazingly secure their place in the F.A Cup Fifth Round for the first time since 1997.

City also became only the second English team, and the first outside the Premier League, to defeat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge under the leadership of their legendary boss, Jose Mourinho.

With virtually all of the country's media desperate to grab a word with Parkinson post-match following the truly astounding cup victory, the City chief had plenty of opportunity to eulogize over the Bantams' sensational performance and result.

Speaking in his press conference at Stamford Bridge after the tie, a thrilled Parkinson said: "When we were celebrating on the pitch at the end it was only just sinking in - it felt all a bit surreal.

"To go to the Premier League leaders and score four goals is a great feeling.

"This will be remembered not just by the people of Bradford, but by people across the country for many years to come.

"We were disciplined when we needed to be but we still managed to carry a threat going forward, and we are at our best when we are positive.

"We have shown so much character to come from two goals down. 



"Despite being up against world class players today, at two-nil down, our heads never dropped. We stuck to how we had worked on playing throughout the week in training.

"We have a good set of lads here, they knew what they had to do at half time, it was just a case of calming them down and just reminding them of a couple of things. After that, the second half we were different class.

"As much as the goals will be the highlights, the honesty and discipline of the lads was astounding.

"The night at Villa Park (vs Aston Villa, January 2012), was extremely special because it earned us a place in a major cup final (Capital One Cup Final) but given the quality of our performance, the magnitude of this match and the size of the team we were up against, this has to be right up there as one of our very best wins.

"Jose Mourinho came into our dressing room at the end of the match and shook hands with all of the players and our members of staff. I felt that was a real touch of class from him.

"Two years ago we did it, and now people again are talking about Bradford City. That is great for the club and the city of Bradford itself."

Roared on by a six-thousand strong away following, City scored three of their four goals in front of their delirious supporters housed in Chelsea's Shed End.

Parkinson said: "As I said earlier in this week, we probably could have sold 20,000 tickets for the game today (Saturday).

"We were extremely focused and determined to send our supporters home back up the motorway with a performance they could be so proud of.



"I think the fans who did get tickets today will never forget what they have seen.

"To get the goal back from Jon (Stead) gave us real belief going into the break. Kicking to our own fans in the second half after that, we always felt we could cause them problems.

"At times the atmosphere created by our supporters almost made it feel like a home match for us.

"They really did make a difference. Even when we were getting beat, it was just still incredible support. I am so pleased for every single one of them."

Advertisement block

iFollow Next Match Tickets Contact