The stories leading up to Bradford City’s match against Wrexham are plenty.
Hollywood-backed rivals are on their way to West Yorkshire, captained by a former Bantams great.
The chief executive uncertainty at Valley Parade might not be the main topic of discussion for a little while.
Kevin McDonald, Bradford’s interim manager, is muting the chatter and focusing on the football that needs to be played instead of stories.
“It’s big Hollywood stars, it’s brilliant, it is, but it’s one of those things that come Saturday, in my eyes, it’s irrelevant,” he remarked during his post-match press conference. “It’s a football match between two squads of eighteen players each. And that’s it. As wonderful as it is to behold, come Saturday, we will be the center of attention. Phil Parkinson, the manager of Wrexham, created history during his five years as the Bantams’ manager.
In the same season that Bradford avoided League Two, he guided the team on an incredible journey to the EFL Cup final. On the other hand, McDonald has downplayed his return. “His emotions will be set aside,” he declared. He’ll be well received, that much is certain. He’ll turn his attention to the game as soon as that’s finished. That is how all of them will be. Bradford has not been affected by the fixture list and is coming into the match fresh off a full workweek.
McDonald has enjoyed the chance to concentrate on training ground work following a busy run.
It’s been good, the man said. We have made progress on a few areas that we believed need additional attention. However, not needing to focus on a game and not having one has also been beneficial. “It’s been a good week, everyone’s kind of been more together, and I think the boys have had fun.”
