These are exciting times once again to be a Bradford City fan.
Just when it looked as if the season might peter out after the unbelievable high of going to Wembley, a late surge has got everyone dreaming of going back there in the play-offs.
However the last couple of weeks – or, hopefully longer – pan out, it has been a campaign that nobody of a claret and amber persuasion will forget.
The appetite in City has been restored – as the huge numbers attending the club’s annual awards later this month will testify.
Organisers Friends of Bradford City have had to shut the doors after selling well over 600 tickets for the event on April 30. That’s more than double those who attended last year.
And given its timing three days after the final league game at Cheltenham, there could even be extra reason to celebrate.
Luke Oliver dominated the prizes last time but unfortunately the big man’s season-ending injury at Burton in October cut short his chances of defending his titles.
It is down to the fans to decide who will succeed him as the Telegraph & Argus player of the year. They are spoilt for choice with nominations from front to back.
Leading scorer Nahki Wells has become the first City striker to break 20 goals since Dean Windass finished joint-top for League One eight years ago.
James Hanson, alongside Wells, has enjoyed his best season since he arrived on the pro scene and capped it off with that goal at Villa Park.
If there were awards for the best second half of the campaign, then surely Garry Thompson would get the vote. After a slow start to his Bantam career, Thompson has been outstanding, whether it’s on the right wing or filling in up front.
Kyel Reid has had his injury problems but is coming back to his match-winning best – it’s no coincidence that City’s form has peaked at the same time. Wing twin Zavon Hines, too, has produced his moments to open up opposing defences.
Skipper Gary Jones was an inspirational figure in over a decade at Rochdale. And those leadership qualities have been demonstrated in abundance as he drives City on with the energy of a player ten years younger.
At the back, marathon man Rory McArdle has been a model of consistency at the heart of defence. While injuries disrupted those around him, the Northern Ireland international has stood firm for game after game.
Stephen Darby and James Meredith have provided City’s best fullback pairing in a long while. Athletic, strong-willed and hard-working, they have epitomised the tenacious spirit that Phil Parkinson is trying to instil in his squad.
How City missed Meredith during his ten-week absence with glandular fever.
But the absences of Meredith, Davies and Oliver – not to mention the injuries to loanees John Egan and Ryan Dickson – have opened the door for Carl McHugh, surely the find of the season.
The young Irishman, who earned a deal after a pre-season trial, has a huge future in the game ahead of him if his debut year is anything to go by.
His performances in the cup run – from his debut at Watford to those unforgettable nights against Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa – showed a young player with nerves of steel.
And then there are the two keepers. Matt Duke forged his name in Bantam folklore with the penalty shoot-out heroics on the road to Wembley and Jon McLaughlin has since come in and bolstered the play-off push with some crucial saves.
Will Atkinson, Nathan Doyle and supersub Alan Connell have all played their part and could come into consideration. Anyone who has made at least 15 appearances is eligible to win – the choice is up to you.
Votes can be cast via a link on the club's website at www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk. The deadline is midday on Friday, April 26.
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