Battling without effect

WELCOME BACK . . . John Sheridan applauds what was a terrific reception from Athletic fans as he heads for his technical area at Valley Parade.

JOHN Sheridan felt his side battled hard before and after Connor Brown’s red card - without quite having the ability to put enough pressure on Bradford’s defence:

“It is always difficult after having a man sent off. I was quite pleased with the way the game was going. Obviously, they are a big threat playing off James Hanson and getting forward quickly. But our goalkeeper didn’t have much to do and I was comfortable in the way we were playing the game.

“It was a really battling performance from us and even with 10 men, we worked our socks off. I saw lots of good things in us. I have only been here two days and played a 3-5-2, which is a different system. I went with what I thought could get us something out of the game and it worked ok.

“The lads are not really used to me yet. I saw lots of effort and workmanlike performances, but I would like us to pass the ball forward a bit quicker.

“When we are in possession I would like us to penetrate the team and we are a bit predictable from what I have seen. We have to retain possession in the opposition half for longer periods to give them a problem.”