THRILLED Phil Parkinson savoured the dream prospect of locking horns with Chelsea next week and declared: “We were terrific.”

City are on their way to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round after blowing away Millwall 4-0 last night at an ecstatic Valley Parade.

The Bantams blasted three before half-time against their ten-man opponents and even survived the double shock of seeing Parkinson and number two Steve Parkin sent to the stands.

Parkinson said: “To score seven goals in two games against a Championship side is a great tribute to the lads.

“The way we responded after the disappointment of Saturday was terrific. We were very professional and kept doing the right things.

“There was a big prize at stake and we wanted to achieve it. We did the job really well.

“We set out to play in a positive fashion. Milllwall are a team you can get at and right from the first whistle that was the aim.”

City’s management duo watched the whole second half from the crowd after being sent to the stands by referee James Adcock. Both reacted after Millwall defender Alan Dunne pushed James Hanson into an advertising board – and were dismissed for leaving the technical area.

Parkinson said: “I thought it was a dangerous challenge because there’s a wall just behind. I ran down there to make sure there wasn’t a brawl. I certainly wasn’t going to instigate anything.

“I shouldn’t have done it but I feel it was a little bit harsh.

“I apologised to the lads at half-time because I’d told them to keep their cool and I’d reacted in the heat of the moment.

“We’ll have to take that on the chin and I’m glad it didn’t ruin a great night. The lads didn’t need us on the touchline anyway.

“I’m glad it’s not a major talking point because we’ve got through.”

Parkinson has been to Stamford Bridge before in charge of Colchester, who came within 11 minutes of forcing a replay before losing their FA Cup tie 3-1. He admits to being a huge admirer of Chelsea supremo Jose Mourinho.

He said: “I’ll never forget that day. We’d been waiting a long time for that big cup draw and the whole town got behind the club.

“When the time comes, we’ll go and really enjoy the experience. I’ll be delighted if we can play as well as Colchester did on that day.

“I’ve got so much admiration for Jose. He is a top manager with the way he sets up his teams and the game plans to get the job done.

“I enjoy watching his teams play. They do the basics well as well as all the great intricate play and fantastic skill going forward.”

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes has estimated that getting through will bank City up to £500,000 and Parkinson insists the windfall will put the club on a sound financial footing.

He added: “It’s a considerable amount of money as a percentage of our overall budget.

“It makes things easier all round for the club. Like when we had the run to Wembley, it’s not just for that particular season but it can make us stronger for future seasons.

“We’ve had some decent revenue already from cups like the Leeds game and now this but obviously Chelsea will be the biggest of the lot.”