Aidy Boothroyd has no interest in how his hometown club will get on back in League One.
Northampton’s Eccleshill-born boss admitted his side were struck down by “stage fright” and felt City fully deserved their promotion. But he insists his backing for the club he followed as a boy ends there.
Boothroyd said: “I’m absolutely not bothered at all about Bradford, Leeds, Pontefract United or any other team. I couldn’t care less.
“I like Phil Parkinson, he’s a good lad. But there isn’t a manager I don’t get on with.
“It’s a difficult job and he’s been there in the dug-out when his team’s not won. He appreciates that.
“Bradford have had a very, very good season and they went up because they deserved it.”
Boothroyd predicted City’s memories of getting hammered 5-0 by Swansea could have a psychological effect when they went back to Wembley three months on.
He added: “I thought Bradford’s visit here earlier in the season when they got beaten would work in our favour. But it didn’t.
“They started better than us and we looked like rabbits in the headlights for the first 30 minutes.
“We never got to the pace required until 30 minutes into the game – and by then it was over.
“There were a few of my players who were unrecognisable from the ones who’ve got us this far.
“You want to be going away from Wembley as a winner and Bradford got what they deserved.
“We’re a talented group of people who got stage fright on the day. But every actor’s got that now and again and it’s how they come back for the next performance.”
Parkinson knew that City’s focus would not be affected by what went on in the Capital One Cup final.
He said: “I read a few comments, not from Aidy but other people, that losing like that could have a detrimental effect on us. But obviously those who said that don’t know our players like I do.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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