Bradford boss reveals changes that nullified Charlton Athletic’s threat

By Richard Cawley

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Simon Grayson has rejected claims by Charlton boss Karl Robinson that his Bradford side were overly physical in yesterday’s 1-1 draw – and revealed how they took the sting out of the Addicks.

Josh Magennis headed the South Londoners in front at The Valley but they were pushed back in the second half before Tyrell Robinson equalised with 10 minutes remaining.

New Bantams manager Grayson said: “They started better than us and we gave the ball away too cheaply which allowed them to come onto us.

“We had to make sure we stayed in the game. We tweaked things at half-time and caused them a lot more problems. A point was the least we deserved off our second half performance.

“I just told them to be a little more positive. I brought on [Paul] Taylor who gave them a little more problems. I said we needed to get further up the pitch and don’t let them have too much space between the lines where Marshall, Fosu and Kaikai can hurt you. We retained the ball a lot better and that allowed us to get a head of steam and really ask questions of the back four.”

Robinson described the treatment dished out to his offensive players as “horrendous” and said he would be issuing a complaint to PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Ltd).

“It was a competitive game,” responded Grayson. ‘I don’t expect our players to pull out of challenges. The yellow cards happened for both teams – there could’ve been more for us and Charlton Athletic as well.

“I don’t think the ref lost control. Every decision was contested because both teams want to win.

“We need to be more aggressive, more on the front foot. If teams complain about it now then wait and see where we are in a few more weeks when I stamp my authority.

“Some of their players made a couple of naughty challenges and got booked and they maybe got missed at times.

“I’ve got no problem with Karl. I know what he can be like after games.”