BOBBY POINTON says he will forever be grateful to Mark Hughes for helping him realise his Bradford dream.
The 19-year-old striker scored his first Bantams goal last Saturday against Swindon which turned out to be the winner in a 1-0 triumph during his sixth appearance for the club.
Bobby Pointon celebrates his winner against Swindon, his first senior goal
AlamyMark Hughes was sacked by Bradford earlier this month[/caption]
And Pointon says his former boss — who was sacked 10 days ago with the club 18th in the table — gave him his big break.
The striker told SunSport: “It meant so much to me being given my debut by a man of such standing as Mark Hughes.
“When someone like that is showing faith in you, it makes it more special. I’ll always respect him for that during my whole career.
“I am thankful for him having that trust in me. He was so great because he invested a lot of time in me.
“He told me, ‘You’ve worked hard to get this chance so go out and enjoy it.’ He didn’t put any pressure on me — and in fact took it off. I’m so grateful for that.
“I’ve so much respect for him. It was sad to see him leave but we most be professional as a group of players and move on now to get results.”
The Bantams have had an underwhelming start to the new campaign with expectations high that they challenge for promotion — having lost in the play-offs last time out.
And Pointon knows more than most people how important it is for the fans to climb the divisions again — as he is one of them himself.
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Young Bobby Pointon as a Bradford fan at the 2013 League Cup final against Swansea at Wembley Stadium
The teen is a Bradford City fan through and through. He used to have a season ticket and even went to many away games.
He said: “My dad and uncle took me to a game when I was five. I can’t remember who we were playing but the atmosphere was electric. I’ve been a fan ever since.
“As I got a little bit older, I started going to away games too. I remember going to Swindon. That was a long day. But I enjoyed everything about going away — the travel, the stopping off for food, getting to the ground early. It was great.”
Pointon used to meet his heroes after games for selfies with other excited youngsters.
And his favourite player was former Bantam and current Bristol City striker Nakhi Wells!
He said: “I was always waiting for the final whistle and would shout to get some players for selfies and autographs.
“I’ve a good selfie with Tony McMahon and a signed ball somewhere in the house.
“Nakhi Wells was my favourite player at the time at the club when he was scoring against Aston Villa. He also scored a screamer … 30 yards out, top corner. It was a really good goal.
“I used to copy his style — even getting every pair of boots that he wore. I even used to wear my kit the way he did. I loved him.
Bobby Pointon as a kid with Tony McMahon and a pal
“Gary Jones was another one I liked. He was a great captain and I loved his passion for the club.”
Pointon insists the squad is good enough to compete for promotion despite the tough start — and the team go into their trip at high-flying Wimbledon today full of confidence after that win at Swindon.
Kevin McDonald continues as caretaker-boss today while the Bantams search for a new manager.
And Pointon said: “There’s enough quality in this group of players. We have a very good squad for this level. We’re looking forward to working hard and hopefully getting a good result.”