Sheffield United fan favourite plotting cup upset over Sheffield Wednesday as Darren Moore opens up on Bradford City exit

Legendary Manchester United figure Mark Hughes may well be the main man in Darren Moore’s opposite dugout at Bradford City this evening, but there’s another that will be recognisable to long-time followers of Sheffield football.
By Alex Miller
Published 30th Aug 2022, 12:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Former Sheffield United winger Glyn Hodges, who made nearly 200 appearances for the Blades between 1991 and 1995, is the Bantams’ assistant manager and will be hoping his League Two side are able to spring an upset as Wednesday come to town for the opening match of this season’s Papa Johns Trophy.

Title-chasing Bradford have had a so-so start to the season, winning twice, drawing twice and losing twice with a largely new-look side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Read More
Sheffield Wednesday may have to steel themselves for late Lee Gregory pursuit - ...
Glyn Hodges, left, is the new assistant manager at Bradford City following Mark Hughes's appointment, right. Picture: Bradford City AFCGlyn Hodges, left, is the new assistant manager at Bradford City following Mark Hughes's appointment, right. Picture: Bradford City AFC
Glyn Hodges, left, is the new assistant manager at Bradford City following Mark Hughes's appointment, right. Picture: Bradford City AFC

Former Owls academy prospect Vadaine Oliver could well feature for Bradford, who are captained by ex-Rotherham United man Richie Smallwood.

The links between the two sides are numerous. Moore, Wayne Jacobs and Josh Windass’ father Dean played in the Bradford side that achieved promotion to the Premier League back in 1999.

It was a shock that Moore was let go that summer by Paul Jewell – one of his predecessors as Wednesday manager – to be replaced by, ironically, a Wednesday academy graduate.

“They’d recruited in David Wetherall to replace me to play at Premier League level,” Moore said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

MORE: Could Sheffield Wednesday new boy be a contender for best bit of business this summer?

“I wanted to stay on there and continue but I understand football and it meant I had to leave Bradford to pursue a Premier League career.

“When I joined Bradford we were just a step away from the Premier League and I felt the move to Portsmouth was the same. While it didn’t happen at Portsmouth it did happen at West Brom.

“I had a wonderful time there, we achieved a great promotion there. It was a wonderful group of players and we got good success there. We still talk about it now, that class of ‘99.”

Moore admitted his Bradford exit came as something of a shock to him but harbours no ill-feeling toward the club for which he played 62 league matches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

MORE: Last-ditch offer derailed Sheffield Wednesday transfer as attacker makes 11th hour change

“It was a surprise,” Moore said. “The dream was to play in the Premier League.

“But I’m grateful in that it continued of my strong character. I wanted to go out and play football.

“I’ve no animosity towards Bradford or what happened at that time, they were great memories.”

Related topics:Darren MooreManchester UnitedBradford CitySheffield United