"We are Premier League, we are Premier League." The jubilant chant of the
joyous Bradford fans summed up the most nerve-wracking drama witnessed for many
seasons as the Bantams celebrated top-flight survival.
But it fails to adequately convey the rollercoaster ride of emotions because,
after waiting 77 years to party amongst English football's elite, it all boiled
down to just 90 tense minutes at Valley Parade and at The Dell.
Who cares that Bradford finished the season with the lowest ever points total
to survive in the top flight since the three points for a win system began in
1981-82.
This was a day which will never be forgotten by every City fan who sat perched
on the edge of their seats and chewed their nails as they witnessed such
stomach-churning scenes.
As for Bantams defender David Wetherall, he will surely never produce a
sweeter moment than his 13th-minute header which guaranteed his side victory.
And as for Southampton's Wayne Bridge and Marian Pahars, they are likely to be
granted freedom of the City of Bradford for their goals which helped save the
Bantams and condemn Wimbledon to the Nationwide League after 15 years in the top
flight.
The millions of pounds riding on the result of this one game - let's not
forget Liverpool were gunning for a Champions League place - was arguably the
greatest amount in Premiership history.
But as Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond rightly revealed in the build-up,
this match had nothing to do with money, particularly in Bradford's case, as, on
this occasion, it revolved around pride, passion and the fans.
Richmond refused to consider the cost of an immediate return to Division One,
instead he preferred to consider the depth of feeling - the extreme happiness or
sadness - which would be felt by the supporters.
It was they who undoubtedly lifted Bradford before kick off, raising the roof
as the teams took to the pitch, and cheering to the rafters every City name as
it was announced over the tannoy.
But that was in stark contrast to what followed - and what placed the match
into its proper context - as a not a pindrop could be heard during a perfectly
observed minute's silence to mark the 15th anniversary of the Bradford fire,
which claimed the lives of 56 men, women and children.
It also placed Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler's apparent problems into
perspective, and again emphasised no one player - no matter how talented - is
more important than the team.
Boss Gerard Houllier, amid rumours of training ground bust-up - but claiming
it was due to a lack of fitness - chose to leave Fowler on Merseyside and
claimed it was due to a lack of fitness.
With Fowler needing as much match practice as possible to ensure he is fit for
Euro 2000, following his recent injury problems, his omission will have cast
doubts into the mind of Kevin Keegan, who watched from the directors' box.
Fowler is still likely to be included in Keegan's provisional 28-man squad for
the tournament but there will remain a considerable
amount of convincing to be done in the next few weeks regarding his fitness.
Houllier was still able to name two more of Keegan's squad members in Emile
Heskey and Michael Owen up front, but they were superbly shackled by Bradford's
resilient defence.
They were the bedrock of a victory handed to them by the incomparable
Wetherall, the club record £1.4million buy in the summer from Leeds - but a
player now absolutely priceless.
Liverpool had looked comfortable until referee Dermot Gallagher ruled Dietmar
Hamann had fouled Gunnar Halle wide on the right and midway in the Liverpool
half, despite the German appearing to make a clean challenge.
From the free kick, Norwegian Halle delivered a piercing delivery for
Wetherall to power home with precision his fourth goal of the season and his
first since December 18 - the party was just beginning to start.
A pulsating, end-to-end game then ensued as Liverpool looked to end their goal
drought which had stretched to 386 minutes prior to kick off.
But the closest they came in the opening half - and indeed the game - was in
the final minute when Owen went on a surging run, with Wetherall, Andy O'Brien
and Halle all in attendance.
Having shaken off the two centre backs, the young England star then rounded
Clarke and was left with an empty net.
His sidefoot shot was rolled goalwards, but a backtracking Halle somehow
managed to keep the ball out of the net and City breathed again.
It was typically backs to the wall throughout the second half as Bradford
tenaciously threw everything in front of Liverpool's attempt to equalise.
One penalty shout was waved away by Gallagher as Wetherall's arm blocked an
Owen shot as he twisted and turned to create an opening, while Halle flung
himself in front of another attempt by the foraging striker seconds later.
Then came the moment everybody connected with Bradford had been praying for,
with Southampton taking the lead at home to the Dons on the hour from a Bridge
free kick - starting a ripple of noise which reverberated around Valley Parade.
The cheers were almost stifled in the throats of the fans as, in the same
instant, Owen gained purchase on a header which Clarke again just tipped over
the bar.
Ten minutes from time Pahars added a second for the Saints, and, just as that
happened, Owen flicked a right-foot shot within inches of the right-hand post.
But it was not to be for Liverpool and Dermot Gallagher's final whistle
started celebrations at the prospect of another season in the Premiership.
For Sky pundit Rodney Marsh, there will now be a close shave. A head-to-head
with Richmond earlier in the season had led to Marsh claiming he would shave all
his hair off if City stayed up. Prepare to go bald Rodney!
Teams:
Bradford: Clarke, Halle, Wetherall, O'Brien, Sharpe, Lawrence, McCall, Dreyer, Beagrie (Jacobs 81), Saunders (Rankin 78),
Windass.
Subs Not Used: Westwood, Blake, Davison.
Booked: Dreyer.
Goals: Wetherall 12.
Liverpool: Westerveld, Carragher, Hyypia, Henchoz,
Matteo (Meijer 82), Redknapp, Berger (Camara 61), Hamann,
Gerrard (Smicer 61), Heskey, Owen.
Subs Not Used: Song, Nielsen.
Booked: Henchoz, Hamann.
Att: 18,276
Ref: D Gallagher (Banbury).
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