Robson Rallies Troops

Last updated : 09 April 2004 By Rob Cooper
Bryan Robson
Robson ponders Bradford's impending relegation
Robson is desperately hoping the Bantams can beat Reading over tomorrow afternoon so that his side maintain a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.

Currently the Yorkshire side sit second from bottom on thirty-three points, a whopping eleven points adrift of safety with just six games left to play.

It appears to be Mission Impossible, but Robson is rallying his troops for a final Division One stand. Come what may tomorrow afternoon, the Bantams cannot be relegated, their fate will not be sealed until Monday at the very earliest.

And Reading will eager participanmts in the brilliant battle for all three points. A win for the Royals could push them up into the top six. But if Robson's words hold true the Bantams will be every bit as desperate for the points.

"I will be looking for the fighting spirit which we have shown from the majority of the games this season," declared Robson, speaking to Bradford's official site.

"We have to get over the hangover which was evident at Preston following the previous week's defeat by Burnley. Against Reading we have to get three points to give us hope."

Although Bradford have surely left it to late to lift themselves out of the bottom three, Robson is hoping his side can gain maximum points from their next three games to increase their chances of survival.

"You make your own luck in this game and that can change from one week to another. If we can get three points against Reading it can maybe snowball us on to good performances against Derby on Monday and Wimbledon next week."

Despite wins over Rotherham and Watford early last month, Bradford's form of late has been abysmal. The Bradford and Bingley Stadium side have lost their last three games against Sheffield United, Burnley and Preston.

An often recited chant '1-0 to the Arsenal' is perhaps relevant here as all too often games have ended up close but '0-1 to the Bantams'. An enthralling game is sure to be in store.