The Bantams started their pre-season programme in style with comprehensive 7-1 win against Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Tadcaster Albion. Ross Hannah scored twice (one penalty), while Andrew Davies and James Hanson also registered on the score sheet to give City a 4-0 lead at half time. Parkinson fielded a different side in the second half and the goals came from Nahki Wells, Kyel Reid and youngster Louie Swain.
The City Side included five trialists who were each given a 45 minute run-out:
Javan Vidal – The 23-year-old right back is a graduate of the Man City youth academy, but he is currently without a club. Vidal has been capped by England at both Under-19 and Under-20 levels and he has also had loan spells at Grimsby Town, Aberdeen, Derby County & Chesterfield before he left the City of Manchester Stadium. The defender only ever made one appearance for Man City when Roberto Mancini handed him a start in a Carling Cup tie at West Brom back in September 2010.
Christophe Lowinsky – The Martinique-born 20-year-old central defender is a French Under-19 international and he has recently been released by Marseille. He will be hoping to impress after failing to make the grade at Newcastle United after a trial spell in May.
Anthony McNamee – The 29-year-old left winger was recently released by Wycombe Wanderers following their relegation to League Two. Londoner McNamee started his career at Watford but he has also played for: Barnet, Crewe Alexandra, Swindon Town, Norwich City and MK Dons.
Michael Boateng – The 20-year-old right-back is a free agent after recently being released by Bristol Rovers. The defender started his career at Crystal Palace as a school boy, before doing his scholarship with Blue Square Bet South outfit Woking. He went to play for Carshalton Athletc before moving to Bristol and he also had loan periods at Tonbridge Angels and Sutton United last season before being released.
Tom Taiwo – The 22-year-old Pudsey born midfielder has recently left Carlisle United after rejecting a new contract offer from the Cumbrian side. Apparently he wants to move to club closer to home due to family reasons. The central midfielder started out as a junior at Leeds United but he moved to Chelsea along with Michael Woods. The move was the subject of a legal wrangle between Leeds and Chelsea over ‘tapping up’ that led to a court case. Chelsea agreed to pay Leeds £5million in the end. Taiwo never played for the Chelsea first team but he did have loan periods Port Vale and Carlisle United. His move to Carlisle was eventually made permanent when he signed for an undisclosed fee in January 2010.
Finally trialist Matt Hamshaw revealed on twitter that he is no longer at Valley Parade: “didn’t work out mate, the gaffer is after a rapid wide man, unfortunately, really enjoyed my time there, good luck for the season.”