Bradford fans had every right to boo, says boss Michael Collins

Posted Sunday, August 26, 2018 by PA

Head coach Michael Collins offered no excuses as Bradford slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Sky Bet League One new boys Wycombe.

And he conceded City supporters in the 15,563 crowd had every right to boo his players, saying: “If I was sat in the stands today I would have done the same.”

Wycombe were the sharper side, particularly in the first half and deservedly went in front in the 27th minute after dominating play.

Joe Jacobson’s right-wing corner passed over the head of goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell and striker Craig Mackail-Smith headed in at the far post.

Their second goal in the 51st minute had an element of good fortune about it. O’Donnell appeared to have Bryn Morris’s shot covered, but the ball struck right-back Joe Riley and spun into the net with the keeper wrong-footed.

Substitute Luca Colville pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when fellow substitute Jordan Gibson’s shot rebounded into his path, but it was too late.

Collins said: “I’m not making excuses – that wasn’t good enough. It was an unacceptable performance.

“The most important thing was the lack of intensity. There was no urgency in our play and the fact that Wycombe came with the bit between their teeth was enough for them to take the points.

“Everyone came off our midweek win over Burton Albion in buoyant mood so I expected a lot better than that.

“Wycombe deservedly took the three points, but we allowed that to happen. We also conceded two disappointing goals.”

Collins, who signed 15 new players during the close season, said the club would have to decide whether to bring in “reinforcements” to strengthen his squad.

“If we decide there are areas where we need reinforcements we’ve got to do it now because the transfer window will soon be shut,” he said.

“It’s something we have discussed already and the process will speed up now.”

Delighted Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth, celebrating his team’s first win of the season, said his team had taken encouragement from coming from behind to take a point at Plymouth in midweek after admitting they were “a bit nervy” in their opening two games of the season.

“We pressed high and did our homework on Bradford,” Ainsworth said.

“In the first half there was a period when they couldn’t get out of their half. We’ve got the boys who can run all day. That is the way we want to play and it is there in this team.”