McCall admits diamond plan failed to sparkle
BRADFORD CITY manager Stuart McCall admits that the introspection after his side’s disappointing derby loss to Harrogate Town will include looking at his own role in it.
A candid McCall offered ‘ no excuses’ for City’s 1- 0 televised reverse to Harrogate Town, who were full value for victory.
McCall acknowledged that too many of his own players underperformed, with his decision to opt for a midfield diamond not working, while he was also critical of his side’s decision- making and the inability of his full- backs to provide width.
McCall said: “It was important to get ahead, but we could not manage to do that. We have got to take our medicine and look to be better on Saturday.
“Theladswillbehonestenough to say there were too many fives there. But, likewise, I need to look at myself and whether the system was the right one to go with.
“There are no excuses, but you look at the team they have got and they have been together for two or three years. They are used to winning.
“They have got a way to play and have a good spirit in them. Everybody knows their jobs and it is hard to play through against them.
“When we did break, we made some poor decisions on the ball.”
It was a night which also saw Gareth Evans – starting his first game since his return to City – leave the fray at half- time with a hamstring niggle, with his replacement, Callum Cooke, missing a golden chance to put the hosts in front moments into the second half.
McCall, whose side visit Mansfield Town on Saturday, added: “That was a big chance just after half- time. We want Cookey to make late runs like that and get in the box, but he knows himself that he has got to hit the target.
“I am not lambasting him because it was a good forward run, but it was a big opportunity to go ahead. It was the same with Austin ( Samuels) at the end. He can hit with his left and right foot, can use both feet but just snatched at it. We will analyse the game and speak to them about it.
“We are four games in. It’s not a massive crisis. We were beaten by a good, well- organised side. I said previously that I am expecting themtobeinthetophalfofthetable – and I am sure they will have higher ambitions after putting in performances like that.”