COMMUNITY leaders have joined in the joy of Saturday's miraculous Bradford City win by praising Phil Parkinson and his players' historic victory.
A Bradford MP said the shock 4-2 victory at Chelsea had "transformed the spirit of the city", while one community leader said it was the "best news Bradford’s had this century."
Stupendous, amazing and wonderful were just some of the words used to describe the Bantams' FA Cup comeback, but the shared elation was perhaps best summed up by the Council's Liberal Democrat leader Jeanette Sunderland whose only comment was: "WHAHOOOOOOOO!!!!"
Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, said it was great news for the city.
“What a wonderful, wonderful victory and my congratulations to the players and management.
“A Bradford victory is always a superb thing, but this kind of victory is stupendous.
“And what a great and amazing day for the fans and the city!” Cllr Gibbons said.
Councillor Dave Green, the leader of Bradford Council, said City now had nothing to fear – all the way to the FA cup final itself.
“I don’t think you can really put something like this into words. It’s a real credit to the club and the supporters.
“And bring on the next round!
“Nobody is going to want to get Bradford now, and Bradford City has nobody to be scared of,” Cllr Green said.
Conservative group leader Glen Miller said he had guessed the result in advance - but had failed to place any lucrative bets.
"I never had any doubt that Bradford would beat Chelsea, and I told everyone that," Cllr Miller revealed.
"I'm a Chelsea supporter and I remember the shock when Bradford beat us in the Premier Division.
"But I'm so pleased for the team and for the district," Cllr Miller said.
Passionate soccer fan Nick Baines, the Bishop of West Yorkshire and the Dales, said the result might teach Jose Mourinho a little humility - which he indeed showed when he graciously acknowledged Bradford's supremacy on the pitch.
“I’ve always said I think Phil Parkinson is a superb manager, particularly in the way he motives the players on big occasions.
“It proves the importance of good management,” said the former Bishop of Bradford.
Zulfi Karim, of Bradford Council for Mosques, said: “It’s the best news Bradford’s had this century.
"I’m still pinching myself and I want to hear as many people say it as possible so I know it’s true. I’m delighted,” Mr Karim said.
City season ticket holder and Bradford East MP David Ward said hearing the result was “like a dream.”
“I couldn’t get tickets to go down, but my son Sam who works in the Bradford club shop went down yesterday with some mates.
“They got tickets off the internet and were standing surrounded by Chelsea fans.
“It must’ve been impossible to restrain himself as the goals started going in!
“It’s just totally wonderful,” Mr Ward said.
MP for Bradford West George Galloway said this was a "miraculous" moment which everyone could enjoy..
"The management, players and staff have helped transform the spirit of the city,” Mr Galloway said.
“It shows dreams can come true!” said Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe on Saturday night.
“We are away at a wedding in Ireland and landing at Belfast Airport it was 2 – nil.
“Then when we got to the hotel it was 2 – 2.
“And then what a win – it’s brilliant for the club, the city and for football,” said Mr Sutcliffe, who said he might have a small celebration drink with other Bradfordians at the family event.
Shipley MP Philip Davies takes his sons to watch the Bantams and described Bradford’s win as “absolutely amazing”.”
“It’s got to be one of the biggest FA cup upsets in history – it’s fantastic!”
Bradford magician Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, leant some celebrity backing to the club.
After the match, he tweeted: "Amazing!!! 4-2. Wooooooooooooo!!!! Get in!"
MORE BRADFORD CITY HEADLINES
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel