Phil Parkinson: Wembley win now the priority

Parkinson’s task at the start of the season was to execute a rebuilding exercise that would begin the process of restoring Bradford to their former status as a Premier League club. As that experience almost killed the club first time round, no-one was expecting a repeat to be a quick process.

Yet Bradford’s present position of 11th in League Two would be a source of satisfaction for no-one had it not been for a quite extraordinary Capital One Cup run, which reaches its climax against Swansea at Wembley tomorrow.

So far, Parkinson’s side have claimed three Premier League scalps in Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa. And while some may prefer to talk about the bread and butter of weekly league combat, the 45-year-old from Chorley has his sights firmly set on the record books.

“All along the league has been our priority. I cannot hide away from that,” he said. “But we are in the final at Wembley and have a chance of getting into Europe. So I can honestly say now, if we had the choice of two things, it would have to be winning the cup. We are a League Two team. We have created history by getting this far. It would be truly amazing if we could pull it off.”

And how would Bradford handle that? Possibly an unexpected insurance premium for a start to ensure a trophy – something Arsene Wenger has not got his hands on for eight years remember – can be protected properly.

Perhaps a map of Europe to plot a Europa League campaign that may well start in July and end in August. Of far greater importance though is investment to push the club forward, with the present run having already cleared historic debts that have dragged Bradford down since the days of Benito Carbone, Stan Collymore and the Premier League.

“The chairman has done a great job clearing the debts but now it is their job – and mine – to ensure this extra revenue is used to keep improving the structure of the club and make sure our supporters have a club that will flourish in years to come,” Parkinson added. “As much as we want to enjoy this weekend, it is really important this revenue is used wisely. I am sure it will be.”