Oliver's Shinpad

Just on this. I heard the chant and as usual just turned a deaf ear and gave it the benefit of the doubt. There was nothing malicious from your fans all game so I put it down to pure ignorance of the subject. We have had incidents at Crewe and Rotherham where there was clear malice but didn't think the Oldham fans were acting that way. The reason the fire doesn't get the same publicity as Hillsborough is obviously because there has rightly been multiple inquiries into Hillsborough. The fire was a little different, the cause was quickly established and it allowed Bradford as a community to come together and mourn. I think that is why it doesn't appear as much on a national scale but in Bradford and Lincoln it will never be forgotten. As for Saturday, I hope those that went on some of the tips I gave had a good day. I thought we were lucky to score twice to be honest and, as with the reverse fixture, you impressed again. A few extra players and some better defenders and you're not far away. I think a lot of our fans can appreciate a good atmosphere because we've had a top atmosphere at Valley Parade over the last two seasons but given our lads gave us literally nothing to shout about it was strange to be out-sung so kudos to your fans. You should be safe now so here's to two more good atmospheres at the games next season.

Definitely no beer served in the ground. The concourse of the stand is open and I think the law is that you can't have a beer and be able to view the pitch. Which is why they have them weird boxed off areas at MK Dons if anyone's been there. If you go into the overflow area in the Midland Road stand then there will be beer sold in there but I'd imagine you won't sell more than 1,800 which is the capacity of the Bradford End. Curry wise, its personal preference really. My favourites are a little out of the City Centre on Leeds Road such as Akbars or Saffron Desi. But there are some good ones around the back of the Alhambra theatre such as Karachi, Rawals and Kashmir (Kashmir is a little bit on the grotty side but serves a decent curry). I've never been to Omar Khans but that is well-known city centre curry house which is also in the same area. Cheap and cheerful lager places. There is a good Wetherspoons with a great outside area on City Park. For watching the lunchtime match there is the Arena Sports Bar on Queensgate. I would imagine The Bradford Arms is your best bet closer to the ground. There is also the Barracks which serves cheap bottles of lager on Lumb Lane, but that usually attracts a lot of younger home fans and I'm not sure if it would be any good for an away fan - I've never been in however. The City Gent at the top of North Parade might be a good option as well.

For a selection of ales you won't get better in Bradford City centre than the Fighting Cock. It is about a 20min mostly up hill walk to the ground but like I say, there will be plenty of people around to help with a taxi or share one as there is a rank just up the road. The atmosphere is very friendly and the locals will be happy to chat football or anything else. The Sparrow is quite small so fills up early but has been a massive hit since opening about two years ago. I haven't been in the New Beehive in a while but its nearby the ground and has a good selection of beers. Its a classic pub that has kept a lot of its charm. Jacob's Well is one I'd definitely recommend but it is a fair distance from the ground. But the plus side is that its city centre for those travelling by train into Bradford Interchange. Recently refurbished but again has kept its character and has a good outdoor drinking area if its a nice day.

Bantams fan in peace! Just a few hints for the game on Saturday. Hopefully a fair few of you lot come along and we will hopefully be pushing for a crowd of around 15,000 and a great atmosphere. You will be in the TL Dallas Bradford End. There are supporting pillars but I would definitely try and get in the top tier because the lower tier is very shallow and the view of the other side of the pitch is not great at all. This stand doesn't serve beer by the way as the concourse is open. It is slightly unfair to suggest that Bradford is the worst ground for pubs as there are some fantastic boozers. You just have to look a little and do a bit of research to know where to go because the surrounding area of Manningham is bleak to say the least! The Bradford Arms is still open as far as I'm aware and it serves a purpose as being close to the ground but I've never been in and I never intend to either so make your own mind up from that. Around the Lumb Lane area I would try Haigys or The New Beehive - good old fashioned pubs that usually welcome away fans. There is also The Sparrow Cafe and The City Gent at the top of North Parade which are usually welcoming as well and close by to the ground (although I've never been in the City Gent it has proven popular since opening last summer). A little further afield The Corn Dolly on Bolton Road has just won Bradford's CAMRA Pub of the Year. Its a bit of a walk but doable and worth it, a great pub that's very welcoming. I usually drink at The Fighting Cock on Preston St which is a very welcoming real ale mecca that has Sky Sports as well. Bit of a walk from the ground but a taxi is a good and pretty cheap option and someone will be willing to help out. Try the pie and peas, they're incredible and there should be a good atmosphere in there with Leeds on Sky, especially if they're losing!