But as fate would have it, a goalless draw at Valley Parade on Saturday has given Reading’s prodigal son his return to Berkshire after all. And the Bantams boss is counting down the days until it arrives.

The word legend is thrown about loosely in sport these days, but it is a term that keeps coming up when Royals fans talk fondly about Parkinson.

The former Reading captain amassed over 350 appearances for the club and is sure to get a fantastic reception when he returns as manager.

Parkinson was aggrieved he did not get an opportunity to acknowledge the 4,000 travelling Royals fans on Saturday, but says he cannot wait for the replay.

“It’ll be great to see the Reading fans,” he told the Chronicle. “Especially at a game of this magnitude. People have been talking about Bradford and what we’ve done in getting to the FA Cup quarter-final, but Reading showed what it meant to them. They played in a great manner at Valley Parade and we know it’ll be another massive game on Monday.

“Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to see the Reading fans at the home game. Once the whistle had gone at the end of the match there was a lot happening and I just thought that I’ll get plenty of opportunities when I go down there. It was fantastic support from Reading on the day and an indication of how important this competition is for people.

“It was their biggest away following for a number of years and when I played at Reading, the town always got behind the team and that was evident on Saturday.”

Parkinson’s 11-year stint in Berkshire means Reading will always have a special place in his heart - for more reasons than one after his kids were born in the town.

“I had a great time at Reading,” added the 47-year-old. “I loved every part of my 11 years there. It was an honour to represent the club and be part of the transition from Elm Park to the Madejski Stadium.

“That period in the club’s history was great to be part of, I’ve made some great mates through ex-players and I’ve got so many friends in the town of Reading. A lot of them were at Bradford for the game and a load of them will be at the replay, so it’s fantastic.

“I loved it, my kids were born there and when you’re somewhere for 11 years you’ll always have a soft spot for that place.”

Despite the sub-plot surrounding Parkinson’s return, both he and the Reading fans will be putting their mutual appreciation aside for 90 minutes and maybe more as Bradford and Reading do battle for the chance to play Arsenal in an FA Cup semi final at Wembley.

The replay comes 48 hours after both sides play away from home in their respective leagues, but the Bradford boss doesn’t think that will affect the quality of the contest.

“It’s going to be a great night of cup football,” he added. ““I thought the first game was a very good game between two honest teams. It was a terrific game that lacked a bit of quality, but both sides were fully committed and I was very proud of our performance.

“We now look forward to the replay which is going to be a great occasion for everyone concerned.”