BOSS’S PUPILS THRILLED BY DRAW

BRADFORD Town manager Lee Davidson may be staying grounded about the club’s FA Cup prospects, but the kids at his school certainly aren’t!

A teacher by trade, Davidson took over the reins at the Western Football League club this summer after being club captain for the past year.

He couldn’t have been dealt a much tougher opening task; Bobcats are travelling to division rivals Tavistock on September 1 for their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie.

Last season, Bradford finished third, while Tavistock topped the Step 5 division. Davidson, therefore, knows how difficult this fixture could be, especially given how challenging the Wiltshire club have found the past few months. “I’m really excited to get going,” he told The NLP. “It’s been an interesting process; we’ve lost nine players from last season so straight away it has been a rebuilding job.

“Last year we went to Tavistock and won 4-2, which was really positive. They’re a strong side and have strengthened over the summer so it’s going to be a baptism of fire on a Wednesday night.

“It’s a real test, this season from our perspective is going to be a rebuilding year but this game will give us an early indication of where we’re at.

“It gives the boys an opportunity as well to make their mark early on. We’re not aiming for anything in particular; it’s about finding our feet.” Davidson also notes how although he would love to go further in the FA Cup than ever before, his pupils are going to hold him to task on going all the way. Bradford’s previous best showing in the competition was in 2015/16, when they reached the Second Qualifying Round.

“The school have always been great at making sure I have enough time for football,” he added.

“It’s pretty cool to be working there during the day and then managing in the FA Cup in the evening. “The kids who are keen on football always ask how things are going but they’re also your biggest critics. They’re going to be asking when we’re going to get to play at Wembley if we win!”