Seeing The Wood
From The Trees.
As Luke Oliver is
voted the Bradford City Player of the Year 2011-2012.
Whilst the higher authority figures of the club never
promised anything other than a season to consolidate from. One feels that they
too, will be hugely disappointed with the events that have untangled ever since
Peter Jackson’s impassioned cries of bringing team spirit back to the club, at
the back end of last season. Out went Jackson after only a few games; in came
Phil Parkinson and seemingly the budget expanded miraculously, from one capable
of bringing youthful unknowns to the club. To one that could entice former
Premier League footballers such as runaway loan signing success Andrew Davies
and utility man Craig Fagan.
However, despite these ‘known’ names arriving at the club it
has been one of the more maligned
players of recent years that has taken the proverbial leap from the dark,
to become not only a firm fixture in the team but a firm fans favourite also. Often
as a player of his general physical stature does with football fans, he has received
mixed reviews during his time at the club, frequently perceived by his past
reputations at former clubs; his reputation seemed almost tarnished before his
Bradford career had begun. This combined with the fact that he was seen as one
of former manager Peter Taylor’s ‘men’. A reoccurring accusation that happens
at most clubs, which appoint a new manager who the inevitably bring in players
that they have worked with previously. This is a complaint that is currently
levelled at many of Phil Parkinson’s signings, despite been a common happening
within the world of football.
Tall, gangly and often awkward in possession, Oliver was not
adhered to the hearts of many fans particularly when deployed as the pinnacle
of Taylor’s lone striker formation. When returned to his natural position as
the fulcrum of the Bantams defence he continued to flourish and become a
dependable component of the team and largely went unfairly unrecognised as a
result. He continued professionally after the departure of mentor Peter Taylor
and was recognised by Jackson for his performances in helping the club to avoid
relegation during the remaining part of the season with a few towering
performances marred by a few poor ones also. There were calls for his dismissal after allegations
of an altercation with fans after the heavy defeat away at Southend during
Jackson’s tenure.
The key word that Oliver has taken on board is ‘consistency’.
Throughout the season he has performed solidly, alongside an ever changing
backline and this is despite starting the season from the substitute’s bench
after claims that he was on the shortlist to be moved on from the club during
the summer.
It has not just been his defensive prowess however, that has
led to his scooping of multiple awards at the annual ceremony. His usefulness
in the opposite penalty area also has played a key part in his recognition, one
remembers that thumping header at the Galpharm Stadium in the JPT that sent
thousands of fans into wild ecstasy but also the telling contributions for
instance away at Southend which led to a crucial away victory and the clubs
first of the campaign. The only blot to his copybook came during the now
infamous defeat at home to Crawley where he was one of three city players to be
red carded after wading in to support partner Andrew Davies.
In a season that has lacked excitement on the pitch if not
off it. It seems a fitting end that the award of player of the year goes to a
defender; who has performed admirably during another wretched season for the
club. Here’s hoping for a more fruitful campaign from several of his colleagues
during the 2012-2013 season.
Congratulations
Luke Oliver
