Bradford City and England’s Euro 2016 qualifying group were unexpectedly linked at this week’s draw.
As the pundits tried desperately not to crack up laughing at the collection of hand-picked opponents put in Roy Hodgson’s way, a long-forgotten Bantam suddenly popped into view.
Our boys will not only have to see their way past the might of Switzerland, Slovenia and Lithuania, they have also got to fight the curse of the ultimate one-hit wonder.
Estonia’s coach Magnus Pehrsson meant nothing to the national media discussing their upcoming England dates until he suddenly name-dropped Chris Waddle into the conversation.
For Valley Parade aficionados, the 37-year-old will revive memories of a whacky period when Chris Kamara would bring in a new Scandinavian seemingly every week.
While Rob Steiner was a relative success up front, Pehrsson’s City record was of the “blink and you missed it variety”. He made his debut alongside Steiner and Norwegian Ole Bjorn Sundgot against Oldham at Valley Parade in November 1996.
A Swedish under-21 international at the time, Pehrsson spoke confidently of his chances: “I think English football will suite the type of midfield player that I am.”
The Latics won 3-0 with a Stuart Barlow hat-trick – and Pehrsson was subbed after an hour. He never wore a City shirt again.
Recently appointed Estonia’s national boss, his new charges are likely to make a similar impact on Wembley.
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