Bradford City midfielder Gary Liddle has become an amateur weatherman in his bid to play in this weekend's FA Cup quarter final as Phil Parkinson's side look to book another trip to Wembley.
Liddle was set to serve the second game of a two-match ban against Crawley Town on Tuesday but became concerned the game was going to be called off due to the weather.
Bradford City v Reading
The FA Cup
Sixth Round Proper
12.45pm, Saturday 7 March 2015
Valley Parade, Bradford City FC
Winners receive £360,000 from prize fund
Live on BT Sport
By Julian Bennetts
If the game had been postponed, Liddle would have missed this weekend's tie against Reading instead – and admits he was delighted when the Crawley match was given the go-ahead to ensure he could face Steve Clarke's side.
"I was [checking the weather forecasts] and I was very nervous it might not go ahead," said Liddle.
"Thankfully it did. There were selfish reasons for wanting it to, as I couldn't have played this weekend as a result."
But now Liddle says his side have "nothing to lose" as they look to continue their giant-killing exploits to book another trip to Wembley.
The Bantams are well acquainted with the stadium having played there twice in the 2012-13 season – against Swansea in the League Cup Final and then when securing promotion from League Two via the play-offs.
And if they continue their stunning Cup exploits this weekend they will be guaranteed another trip to London for the Semi-Finals – but only if they get past the Championship side.
Yet having disposed of Chelsea, Sunderland and Millwall in what is already a remarkable run, Liddle says he has no fear heading into what should be a day to remember at Valley Parade.
Watch the highlights as the Bantams beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
"We have come off the back of games against Millwall, Chelsea and Sunderland – all of which we were massive underdogs in – and come out the other side," added Liddle.
"So we have everything to gain. Just over a year ago, Reading were a Premier League side and they still have some Premier League players there. We will be underdogs like in the previous rounds where we weren't expected to win but we did.
"Being at home is all we asked for and hopefully we can get another surprise result.
"It's an FA Cup quarter final, the biggest cup competition in the world. It is an exciting time. Having come so far as a League One club is unheard of, so we are looking forward to it.
"This club was lucky enough to go to Wembley twice a couple of years ago. The manager brought in terrific players after that and has recruited well.
"Another trip to Wembley could be huge for this club. Hopefully we will deal with that on Saturday. It is a big prize to play for."
