Bradford City have chosen to sack their manager Stuart McCall weeks after extending his deal which left many supporters surprised.
Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Oldham left them 22nd in the League Two table and with just one league victory since 17 October.
The 56 year old was in his third spell as boss after taking over in February, now it seems his most recent defeat was the final nail in the coffin.
đź“° BREAKING NEWS | We have today parted company with manager Stuart McCall – and assistant Kenny Black.
➡️ | Read: https://t.co/8xlpD8KIrk#BCAFC | #CityForAll pic.twitter.com/OLtabquPql
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) December 13, 2020
CLUB STATEMENT
Bradford City has today parted company with manager Stuart McCall – and assistant Kenny Black.
The 56-year-old took the reins at the Utilita Energy Stadium in February, after Gary Bowyer was relieved of his duties.
McCall oversaw 29 matches during his third managerial spell in the City dugout – winning seven, drawing five and losing 17.
Academy coaches Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars will take temporary charge of the first-team squad, ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to Crawley Town.
The club’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart and Kenny for their efforts over the past 10 months.
“This decision was not taken lightly, and we have done everything in our power to support them during their time at the club.
“Unfortunately, we have taken only four points from our last 10 games, and find ourselves in a battle at the wrong end of the table.
“And, with a host of important fixtures – and the January transfer window – on the horizon, we felt now was the right time to move in a different direction.”
McCall said: “I am obviously disappointed it has ended like this for everyone concerned, but am thankful for the opportunity we were given – and the support we have received throughout.
“Kenny and I were excited to return to the club and were desperate to bring success, though results have not been good enough.
“I would like to wish everyone at Bradford City nothing but the very best for the future.”
The club is now welcoming applications for the vacant managerial position – via e-mail – directed to footballadmin@bradfordcityfc.co.uk.
It was late November when Bradford City extended the contract of manager Stuart McCall, despite a disappointing start to the League Two season.
He signed a new one-year contract extension, however, that only last 17 days before he ended up getting the chop.
McCall said: “I am naturally pleased. When I first came back last season it was always a long-term vision I had laid out, and I am really looking forward to further building the project.
“Nobody is happy with where we currently are in the league table, and the determination and drive comes from trying to rectify that.
“To have the backing and longevity is encouraging, because it gives us time to look at things and plan on changing the fortunes of the club.
“I have the hunger and desire to be here for a long time and get this club turned around. That is my ambition and aim.
“We have an opportunity to get out of the difficult position in which we are currently, in the short term, but also kick on over the long term.
“Ryan has been here nearly three years and has stood up to the plate. He, like all of us, has Bradford City in his best interests – and I have a strong relationship with him.
“It is not about what has gone by, or what is in the past. It is about having a core belief about what we are trying to now achieve, and what lies ahead.”
Sparks said: “When Stuart returned to the club, we wanted him to come back and help us rebuild, following the collapse which followed his departure in 2018.
“This has not changed and we are fully supportive of him and Kenny, and wish to give them both every chance of achieving the success we know they desire.
“Building an identity is crucial, and this cannot be achieved with a short-term approach. It is our belief that we will reap the rewards of continuity in the long term.
“Stuart McCall understands the true meaning of Bradford City and everyone knows how much this club means to him. With our full support, we believe he can drive us forward.
“We have made a disappointing start to the season, there is no doubt about that. Injuries have affected our progress and stretched the squad.
“With this in mind, planning for January will prove essential in terms of the overall outcome of this season. There are areas in which we aim to improve and we will work extremely hard to ensure we move away from the league position we currently find ourselves in.
“Today is about moving forward, together. Our supporters are everything to us and we will take the necessary steps to make Bradford City the club we all know it can be.”
Fair to say it all went wrong since then, losing to Oldham at home in the FA Cup second round, as well as defeats to Cheltenham, Carlisle and then Oldham this weekend.
You have to go as far back as a month ago when they last picked up any kind of points, a 2-2 draw to Exeter, with their last win a 7-0 win against Tonbridge in the FA Cup first round and before that a 3-0 win against Southend on the 3rd of November.
There was plenty of reaction as Bradford City sack their manager weeks after extending his deal at the club…
love the man beyond words and gutted to see him go but correct and only decision thats going to save us this year
— polls (@poll_francesca) December 13, 2020
Unfortunate to not have fans there to be on his side and get these useless players into shape! Still a legend!
— Truds (@its_Truds) December 13, 2020
When you’re an absolute Stuart fan and you think it’s time to go, then it has to be the right time. Always a City legend. Good luck in all you do Stuart, now it’s time for heads down and fight our way out of this mess.
— Darryl Moulson (@DarrylMoulson) December 13, 2020
Gutted for Stuart I really am but this what happens when you don’t back a manager this next appointment is the most important in the clubs history in making sure we don’t drop out the Football league just hope we get it right this group have failed Stuart hang your heads in shame
— Harry (@HJPM2001) December 13, 2020
Stuart McCall put his all into Bradford city true legend but a change was need couldn’t understand why they gave him another year on his contract when the players wasn’t playing for him GOOD LUCK Stuart Mac
— Sean gale (@Seangal02879158) December 13, 2020
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