Bradford City CEO abused by fans with phone number leaked – manager search hampered

Bradford City CEO Ryan Sparks has been abused by fans with his phone number leaked and their manager search now hampered because of this.

The Bantams’ search for a new boss has been made more difficult by irate fans who revealed the chief executive’s phone number on social media.

This has prompted a barrage of abuse and forcing him to change it with because agents have struggled to contact him.

Ryan Sparks’ details were made public by an anonymous fan of the League Two club on transfer deadline day, and a number of expletive messages and calls were made to him, so after taking some advice, got a new number.

It has caused more problems behind the scenes, life made more difficult as the club try to find a permanent replacement for Derek Adams — who was sacked as manager last week.

Agents of potential new managers for the club have struggled to get in touch with Sparks after initially contacting his old number.

Most eventually ended up getting in touch in some way of form, though this is something the chief executive wishes he could do without.

Both Sparks and the League Two outfit declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline, and it is understood that the official has also had to start parking away from the stadium after smashed beer bottles were found beside his car after a recent game.

Derek Adams, who won promotion with Morecambe via the playoffs last season, was got rid of with the West Yorkshire club sitting 11th in the table. The Scot had joined from Morecambe in June, but won only nine of his 38 games in charge in all competitions.

Robbie Fowler, 46, is among a large number of candidates who have applied for the job, months after he left his previous managerial spell in charge of Indian side East Bengal from October 2020 to September last year.

Assistant Mark Trueman took charge for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic, with the search for a new manager ongoing. Though he also wants the job.

CURRENT BOOKIES ODDS:

6) Grant McCann – 20/1
5) Jonathan Woodgate – 12/1
4) Mark Trueman – 10/1
3) Robbie Fowler – 4/1
2) Pete Wild – 3/1
1) Steve Evans – 1/1

Meanwhile, Bradford have also had to issue a ban to one of their supporters.

The club statement says: “Bradford City AFC has issued an indefinite suspension pending a police enquiry, after a racially-aggravated public-order offence at this month’s game against Exeter City. 

“During the fixture on Saturday February 12, a supporter was ejected from Valley Parade after directing racist remarks towards the field.

“The individual in question has been suspended by the club indefinitely, with the matter now in the hands of the police. 

Social media users had their say after seeing Bradford City CEO abused by fans with his phone number leaked and the manager search hampered…

@IHemmens: If thats true about all the smashed beer bottles around Ryans car, some of our so called supporters need to take a hard look at themselves. Absolutely pathetic behaviour. Hope they are caught & banned & punished. #bcafc

@WWOCB_1903: The behavior is wrong and not acceptable. However we still want him out and for Stefan Rupp to put the club up for sale.

@_RyMcCluskey: At what point do we say enough is enough? Can’t even park near VP for fear of having his car damaged or tires cut first the phone number now this it’s completely unacceptable.

@TomLove_18: Some of our fans don’t help do they 🤦🏻‍♂️ surprised this is that much of an issue though. Still a shambles, mind.

@DJHunter47: Who in their right mind would actually want a job at VP.

@gi_dalor: Are we sure that wasn’t just Steve Evans ringing to discuss the job? #BradfordCity

@itwascytronical: these past few days have made me lose faith in the city fanbase, some vile stuff going on, no wonder fuck all good ever happens #bcafc

@PC_Showler: #bcafc some of our fan base are absolute scum. How some have conducted themselves over the Jan transfer window and abusing Ryan etc is down right disgraceful. If you cant be constructive. Shut the f@ck up!!!!

Star bar: The individuals leaving messages need to be tracked and banned – they are not Bradford City fans

Peter Davies: Sounds like a protest of some sort is planned for the game against Harrogate too

Steve Riley: Just getting silly now, would love to know how they even managed to get hold of his number

Tyreece Archer: Simply no need for this why not just make your feelings known at the game?