Chapter 13: Dark Clouds Gather (1897-98)

The Origins of Bradford City

By David Pendleton

Chapter 13: Dark Clouds Gather

1897-98

The summer of 1897 saw Valley Parade redeveloped into one of the "most commodious grounds in the county." The hope was that continued success, allied to an expectation that the ground would be chosen to host a Cup semi-final or even the final itself, would more than pay off the near £400 cost of the development.

However, the fist month of the season brought only a single victory and defeat at Batley on 2 October plunged the Paraders to second from bottom. In an attempt to reduce costs the club cut tea allowance due to each second team player by 6d. Five players went on strike and refused to play in the ‘A’ team fixture against Liversedge at Valley Parade. After a crisis meeting the second XV accepted the clubs position that the allowances had to be reduced due to the great expenditure lavished on the ground.

The indifferent form continued. During a defeat at Headlingley the press reported "considerable dissatisfaction" among the Manningham supporters. The Bradford Daily Telegraph lamented the "lack of dash and brilliant combination" of previous seasons. The reporter noted that the Manningham players seemed to find the ball somewhat "hot and heavy." Added to this, some of the older players were unable to sustain the pressure of a hard game. Much hope was placed in the shoulders of new signing Hepburn. However, the Scotsman was sent off and suspended at Heckmondwike after flattening an opposition player. The first Bradford derby at Valley Parade in November saw a stuttering Manningham pitted against title favourites Bradford. A packed crowd saw the form book thrown out of the window. Level at halftime, the Paraders had the better of the second half and the game was won when captain Alf Barraclough seized on a mistake to score and send Valley Parade into raptures.

Meanwhile, football continued to grow in popularity. Former Manningham rugby player W I Fawcett had taken Tony Fattorini’s place as vice-chairman of the West Yorkshire Football Association. Fawcett represented Manningham FC. Once gain their fixtures were not reported in the press. However, several teams were active in the township. Manningham St Paul’s, Templars, Clarence and even St Paul’s Choir played occasional matches.

It was the oval ball game which still ruled the roost. December and January saw Manningham win eight out of nine fixtures. The sole defeat was a close run thing, the Paraders going down 5-7 at leaders Hunslet. Therefore the return Bradford derby in February was keenly anticipated.

Though Manningham’s poor start had put the title out of reach, a victory at Park Avenue would seriously damage the chances of their main rivals lifting the championship. Fans arrived at the ground hours before kick off. The Manningham Temperance Band serenaded the waiting masses. By kick off 18,000 were crammed into every corner of Park Avenue. Bradford opened the scoring with an early try. Railings on the Low Side (Horton Park Avenue) gave way and a couple of hundred men and boys "fell in a confused mass onto the field." Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, but the game was held up as the police and officials cleared the pitch. Manningham came under tremendous pressure and only last ditch defending kept the score down to 8-0 at the break. The Paraders were much improved in the second half. Alf Barraclough dropped a neat goal to pull the score back to 8-2. Bradford had a late scare when Proctor crossed, but the referee disallowed the try much the Manningham’s frustration. The Park Avenue men had their revenge and still had the title in their sights.

The second team Bradford derby was every bit as hard fought. In the match at Valley Parade six players were sent off for fighting and the police had to quell a pitch invasion by home fans. Four were players were dismissed following a mass brawl, moments later two more followed for indulging in a kicking match. Unseen by the officials Bradford’s Compton had three teeth kicked out as he lay on the pitch. Quite an afternoon!

With Manningham’s season now hinging on the Challenge Cup, much comment was caused when a full strength team was sent to Castleford for a meaningless midweek game. Hepburn was injured and his absence from the Cup-tie against Huddersfield was seen as pivotal. The Paraders lost 5-11 and effectively their season was over. The campaign fizzled out; the last day saw Heckmondwike arrive at Valley Parade with only thirteen men. Manningham ran out easy victors 23-5, but it was an unsatisfactory end to an unsatisfactory season.

The annual meeting didn’t bring any solace. A loss of £126 was reported on the season. The slow start and early exit from the Cup were mainly to blame. However, the wisdom of heavily investing in rebuilding the ground must have been questioned. Fortunately, a balance of £459 was at hand. However, with an ageing squad, falling gate receipts and the burden of the newly developed ground, dark clouds were beginning to gather on the horizon.

Chapter One: Genesis (1872-80)

Chapter Two: Carlisle Road (1880-86)

Chapter Three: Valley Parade's first season (1886-87)

Chapter Four: Death On The Midland Road (1887-9)

Chapter Five: For Club and Country (1889-90)

Chapter Six: Trouble At The Mill (1890-91)

Chapter Seven: Football Begins to Cast Its Shadow (1891-92)

Chapter Eight: Semi-Finalists and League Pioneers (1892-93)

Chapter Nine: Champions! (1893-94)

Chapter Ten: The Last Season of Rugby Union (1894-95)

Chapter Eleven: Champions of the Rugby League (1895-96)

Chapter Twelve: Death of a Hero (1896-97)