Doctor Bradley (James Richardson) 1999-2001

Duration: 3.24 (164) - 3.26 (166), 3.40 (180) - 3.41 (181), 3.43 (183), 4.6 (208), 4.16 (218)

 

Overseeing the health and care of Harchester United's players, though often the scapegoat of the club's board for when their reckless decisions blow up. When a vital sale of captain Michael Dillon to Charlton falls through, Gordon and Jerry blame Bradley for not picking up Michael's arthritis when they bought him six months ago. Bradley states there was no trace when they bought Michael and how it's perfectly possible for the condition to only show up on an X-Ray now.

 

At the UEFA Cup Third Round Second Leg against West Ham, Gordon demands Bradley "put the interests of the club" first and let Luis, with a weakened knee, play if he wants to, otherwise Bradley may find himself losing the extra benefits he receives as club doctor. When Luis suffers a serious injury that will require surgery and a lengthy period out, Bradley makes it clear to Gordon he should never have been on the pitch, and Gordon lets him know it was he, the doctor's, final say.

 

After Wes Kingsley is struck down with Meningitis, Bradley recommends the upcoming Leicester match be called off until they know whether he has the contagious Viral. When Jerry learns Wes's Meningitis is confirmed to be Bacterial, Bradley doesn't take too kindly when the chairman challenges his judgement on postponing a game, stating he took the best precaution of what they could be up against and would do it again.

 

It isn't all hostilities Bradley has to contend with, for when Eddie tells him he has changed deodorants recently, Bradley informs him his rash is down to his skin reacting to a new chemical. And learns Eddie sprayed his crotch as "You never know when you're gonna get lucky, eh Doc?!".

 

If Bradley thought he'd seen the worst of Jerry's ploys take place within the club, he sees just how far he will go when he is told by Jerry that he wants him to commit Lynda to a psychiatric ward. Bradley sees that Lynda comes across as rational and says he can't have her sent anywhere, standing his ground that it would be unethical.

 

Free from Jerry's misdemeanours, Bradley is able to get on with providing care to the club's players. He is called on when Didier is found in time following an overdose, and when Jamie goes down awkwardly on his shoulder in shooting practice, Bradley pops it back into his joint. By the 2002-03 season, Bradley is still mentioned as being around, when it is brought up whether he should be consulted about Patrick holding a drugs test on the team.