Welcome to my blog where you will find features about the history of football in Bradford – in particular about Bradford City AFC – a number of which have been published in the BCAFC matchday programme.
The drop down menu above provides links to articles as well as sundry book reviews. I am also uploading an irregular series of online albums recording various themes, typically archive photographs or Bradford City and Bradford Park Avenue memorabilia from my own collection.
These photographs feature Valley Parade in the first half of the 1980s, before the disaster of 1985. The image below is of storm damage at Valley Parade in 1981.
The following colour photos were taken by myself ahead of the League (Milk) Cup tie with Sheffield United in August, 1983 and the sponsor’s promotional giant milk bottle can be seen in the centre circle. If anyone wishes to use these on social media I would ask that I am credited, thanks.
Pictured below in front of the Kop in August, 1977 the late Peter Downsborough.
The following are courtesy of Mark Rushton and feature the home game with Reading on 4th May, 1985 which was the Saturday before the fire disaster at Valley Parade.
Archive photographs of Valley Parade and Odsal
The development of Valley Parade, 1886-1908
Valley Parade photos from the 1970s
Valley Parade photos from the 1980s
Photos of Bradford City AFC at Odsal, 1986
Photos of the rebuilding of Valley Parade in 1986 – Part One
Photos of the rebuilding of Valley Parade in 1986 – Part Two
Valley Parade Disaster Appeal Fundraising 1985
Valley Parade photos from the 1990s
Construction of Midland Road stand, 1996 – Part One
Construction of Midland Road stand, 1996 – Part Two
Redevelopment of Valley Parade 1999-2000
Valley Parade of today (photos taken by myself at the Stephen Darby Testimonial July, 2019)
More photos of today’s Valley Parade (photos taken by myself at the Salford City fixture in December, 2019)
The last game at Odsal, 1st September 2019
Horsfall Stadium, home of Bradford Park Avenue (14-Mar-20)
Other galleries to follow with links updated from here.
John Dewhirst
I have written widely about the history of sport in Bradford – Links here to my online articles – and I am involved with the VINCIT online journal that covers the history of Bradford sport with articles written by a number of enthusiasts: www.bradfordsporthistory.com
My most recent article on VINCIT tells the long forgotten story of Shipley FC.
Another tells the story of the origins of women’s football in Bradford updated with additional images since originally published in September, 2018.
Updates to this site will be tweeted: @jpdewhirst
Photo of office block c1983.
Wool City Rivals 