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bantamspast links Bradford City Bradford City Supporters' Trust Bradford City Independent Supporters' Club
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Engineering Archie Engineering Archie’, by the renowned football ground historian Simon Inglis, covers the work of architect Archibold Leitch. The Scotsman designed stands for several grounds, including Valley Parade. Leitch oversaw the transformation of Valley Parade in 1908 following City’s promotion to the top flight. The Main Stand was extended, the Kop doubled in size and a new stand was constructed on the Midland Road. The Midland Road stand was constructed on ferro-concrete foundations, with a steel framed upper section. It was finished with three mock Tudor gables and intricate iron work. The stand framed decades of team groups, most famously it featured in the much reproduced photograph of City’s FA Cup winners in 1911. The stand was demolished in 1952, but the frame was sold to Berwick Rangers where it remains in use to this day. Also of interest to Bradfordians is the section on Park Avenue. The ground was completely rebuilt in 1907. Leitch designed the Main Stand, with its distinctive three gables, and the adjacent ‘Dolls House’, which was the changing and committee rooms. Park Avenue was demolished in 1980. However, Leitch’s terrace and crush barriers at the Horton Park end can still be seen to this day.
October 22 2005: A somewhat lacklustre victory (still, a win is a win) against Gillingham was preceded by our second special match-day event in the museum. Our guest speaker was Simon Inglis, journalist and author of 'Engineering Archie', the story of stadium designer and engineer Archibald Leitch. The event was a huge success and particularly pleasing was the number of supporters who came along. His audience grew significantly and remained as Simon described the massive effect Leitch had on stadium designs in the twentieth century. He paid particular attention to how both Bradford City and Park Avenue were given the Leitch treatment. Many thanks to The City Gent for sponoring this event. Find more about Simon Inglis and Played in Britain. | ||||
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Colossus: the true story of William Foulke Colossus – the true story of William Foulke’ tells the story of legendary City goalkeeper ‘Fatty’ Foulkes. The 24 stone goalie made 24 appearances for City between 1906-07. Prior to that he had a long association with Sheffield United. At Bramhall Lane he was a League Champion and twice FA Cup winner. He played for England once against Wales in 1897. After 240 appearances for Sheffield United he came to Valley Parade via Chelsea. Colossus’ gives snippets from every match Foulkes played. Apparently, his City debut saw the crowd boosted by 3,000 extra fans, who gave their new goalie ‘a grand reception’. At Stockport in October 1906 Foulke landed on a home forward, the unfortunate soul had to be taken to hospital with a broken leg! His long career came to an end when City travelled to Gainsborough Trinity on 9 February 1907. Unfortunately, he let in four goals in the first twenty minutes as the Bantams lost 4-1. Foulke also played County Cricket for Derbyshire. The giant of the Victorian game died in Sheffield on 1 May 1916. | ||||
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If present home form is maintained, fans may begin to request our museum events take place during the matches rather than prior to them. On Saturday December 17 2005 we were given a real treat with the appearance of Sports news writer of the year, the Guardian's David Conn. During his talk and response to questions he outlined some of the main themes contained in his excellent and revealing book: ‘The Beautiful Game? Searching for the Soul of Football’, the main one being it is nothing short of scandalous that so many clubs struggle financially during the biggest boom British football has ever known. In these times when the biggest clubs cream off the wealth and the popular press and TV pundits are happy for the football soap opera to roll along unhindered, the game needs courageous and forthright journalists such as him. Thanks very much David!
Ten Bradford pubs are featured in this early twentieth century collection of postcards. Of most interest to City fans will be the image of the long lost Spring Row Tavern near White Abbey Road. This photograph shows licensee Harry Hanson posing with his family outside the establishment, circa 1910. The board outside the pub advertised forthcoming City games. A game in the West Yorkshire League against Leeds City Reserves can be seen. | ||
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Book Review: | | |
A History of Bradford City Football Club