Suite dreams

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Monday 27th Jun 2005.

Stuart McCall and John Hendrie will be permanently remembered at Valley Parade.

The club have decided to name the two banqueting suites in the Sunwin Stand after the City legends.

A giant mural featuring the pair playing in claret and amber is being designed by a local artist to sit outside the rooms.

"It's an absolute honour," said Hendrie, who scored 55 goals in 201 games between 1984 and 1988.

"Something like this makes you feel very proud.

"Bradford City have always been a homely, family club and have always looked after the old players.

"Even when they were in the Premiership, you would be welcomed back - that affection is always there.

"People talk about the Hendrie and McCall days at Bradford but it was more than just us two. We had a lot of good players and a fantastic team spirit.

"You talk to any of that crowd and when we get back together we're always laughing and joking about the old times.

"And the football we played at that time was so exciting. I remember when I joined Newcastle, saying that I'd left the better team.

"Obviously the game has changed now. We're talking about corporate suites, but in those days there was no money at all and we played for the love of it.

"It's great that the club remember the old players - especially in this year, the 20th anniversary of the fire. When you've come through that, not just the players but everyone involved with the city, then it's always going to have a place in your heart."

There was a room named after McCall in the original main stand but that disappeared when the ground was rebuilt. The former City skipper is delighted to see the idea being revived.

McCall said: "I went to Chelsea not long ago to look round the stadium with my children and nearly every room was named. It's the same at a lot of grounds and I'm really pleased about this."

The Sheffield United assistant boss, fifth in City's all-time appearance record list, is confident the fans who use the facilities will be able to toast a successful season.

He believes former Blade Danny Cadamarteri can be a big factor on his return to Valley Parade.

McCall said: "I thought Danny did very well in the time he was with us.

"Halfway through last season I said he'd have a big part to play, but Steve Kabba came back from injury and we signed Danny Webber. They were two lads who were very similar in style so he didn't really get a crack at the end.

"But we know he's a very determined person and a good player. If he's firing, I'm sure he will do a good job for Bradford.

"If it's Deano and Cads up front, they will cause plenty of problems next season."

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