Phil Parkinson has dedicated Bradford City’s League Two play-off final win over Northampton Town to the club’s supporters.
The Yorkshire outfit secured their promotion to the third tier of English football at a canter, running out 3-0 winners courtesy of three first-half goals at Wembley on Sunday.
And Parkinson believes Bradford fans, who saw their team defeated 5-0 by Swansea in the League Cup final in February, “deserve” this latest success.
“We had a great first half. It was a dream start with three goals,” he told BBC Sport.
“In the second half, we were very professional. Northampton are a strong team but I thought we were excellent. This is more important (than getting to the League Cup final) as it determines the future of the club.
“We can enjoy the summer and look forward to next year. This was the 64th game of the season and enormous credit to the players for their performance. If any set of supporters deserve this it is the Bradford fans.”
When questioned on his own future at Valley Parade, the 45-year-old, whose contract has just over a month to run, added: “We’ll have the celebrations and I shall sit down with the chairman to talk about taking this club forward.”
Parkinson’s opposite number Aidy Boothroyd was understandably deflated after the game and cited his side’s poor performance in the opening half-hour as cause for their defeat.
“For 30 minutes we didn’t perform. They dealt with the whole occasion and game better,” he said.
“It’s a poor end to a really good season. I didn’t recognise some of my lads for half an hour but I know with this group they will bounce back.
“Nobody wants to come here and get beat. My players and staff have been fantastic this season and we might not have won today but we are winners. We will bounce back. We can’t sulk and wallow in self pity.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.