Bradford City have confirmed the appointment of Gary Bowyer as their fifth manager in 12 months, but initially until the end of the season.
He is a replacement for David Hopkin who stood down from his role at the club after his side lost 3-2 to Walsall a week ago, leaving them 23rd in the League One table.
Caretaker manager Martin Drury took charge of the Portsmouth game on Saturday, which saw a drone halt the match in the second half, before Kenny Jackett’s side went on to smash them 5-1, keeping the Bantams in the same position as well as Pompey who are five points off Barnsley in second.
Gary Bowyer had been out of a job after he resigned as Blackpool manager last year, at the time still owned by the Oystons. He was in charge at the Tangerines in June 2016 after the club’s relegation to League Two. In May 2017, Bowyer took Blackpool back up to League One in his first season in charge, his side beat Exeter City in the League Two Playoff Final. He then resigned on the 6th of August after the first game of the season.
Other managers who were the top six favourites for the job at Valley Parade recently was Steve Evans, Paul Hurst, caretaker Martin Drury, Mark Bower and Bolton’s Phil Parkinson.
? BREAKING NEWS | We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Bowyer as @officialbantams manager!
➡️ | Read full details here: https://t.co/wKEDgqhvyF#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/6aPSYOaD4O
— Bradford City (@officialbantams) March 4, 2019
Bowyer said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here. This is a massive club and the opportunity to manage Bradford City doesn’t come along that often. It was one I had to take.
“I have been ready to get back into management for a while but it’s been about getting the right opportunity. This is a fantastic one for myself and for Andy (Todd).
“We are totally aware of the challenge that lies ahead but if I didn’t believe we couldn’t get out of this, I wouldn’t be here.
“That’s the most important thing. We have belief in the players and we are going to work very hard from now until the end of the season and concentrate on the games we have left.
“I remember coming here with Blackpool a couple of years back. It was the start of the season and the place was rocking.
“I speak to people who have managed here and know the supporters. They have said what a good club this is and the great fanbase it has – and what an impact they can have on the team when they get behind them.
“What I am really looking forward to is getting the stadium full and bouncing again.
“I have driven in today and been so excited coming in, it’s incredible. The challenge is something you’ve got to embrace.
“We will outline our demands to the players and what is expected from them. They are going to have to work very hard, stick together and have a right good go.
“As long as they do that, we will see where that takes us.”
BRADFORD CITY’S MANAGERS SINCE PHIL PARKINSON (2016):
– DAVID HOPKIN (September 2018 – February 2019, win percentage – 20.00, club 23rd in L1)
– MICHAEL COLLINS (June 2018 – September 2018, win percentage – 33.33, club 17th in L1)
– SIMON GRAYSON (February 2018 – May 2018, win percentage – 21.4, club 11th in L1)
– STUART MCCALL (June 2016 – February 2018, win percentage – 45.8, club 6th in L1)
Fans took to Twitter to give their reaction to Gary Bowyer becoming the new manager of Bradford City, their fifth in 12 months – check out those tweets by clicking on the next page.
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