'˜Delighted to be back', says Bradford City legend Stuart McCall

Stuart McCall, during his first spell as manager at Bradford City.

The 52-year-old heads back to Valley Parade for a second spell as boss having left in February, 2010 and has professed his delight at his return.

McCall, who also served the Bantams with distinction in two playing spells, will be assisted by Kenny Black, his former No 2 at Rangers and Motherwell.

Further announcements on the rest of McCall’s backroom team are expected shortly.

New Bradford City manager Stuart McCall.

McCall, who makes his return to club management after leaving Rangers just over a year ago following a short stint in charge at Ibrox, said: “I am delighted to be back at this great club and I am looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead.

“Over the next few days, I will be getting to know the staff and working with the chairmen on building a competitive squad for the new season.”

New Bradford owners Stefan Rupp and Edin Rahic have heralded the return of McCall and say that he was the stand-out candidate to replace Phil Parkinson.

On McCall, expected to relinquish his role working with the Scottish national team after rejoining Bradford, joint chairman Rupp said: “Stuart’s fondness for Bradford City is evidently deep-rooted. He deserves this opportunity and I know the fans will join me in wishing him every success.

“Since his first spell as manager of Bradford City, Stuart has gone on to prove his credentials during a very successful spell at Motherwell and in the last couple of years has gained international coaching experience as Gordon Strachan’s assistant.

“Whilst we considered a number of high-calibre applicants for the post, we were clearly of the view that Stuart was the best man to take the club forward. We look forward to working with him.”

Chief operating officer James Mason added: “Bradford City is a very different club to the one Stuart first managed and, clearly, he is a different, far more experienced manager today.

“The platform and professionalism we can now offer his team has changed for the better. It is a platform for success.”

Aidy White has penned a new one-year deal at Barnsley, who have confirmed that Linton Brown will serve as acting chief executive following Ben Mansford’s departure to Leeds.