Bradford City's first game of 2021 postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

The Bantams were due to welcome the Shrimps on Saturday, but the game has now been called off due to a Covid-19 outbreak at the Lancashire outfit.

Morecambe have informed the English Football League and their next two opponents, with the club having been due to visit Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night, that it will not be able to play its next two games.

The club informed the EFL that they would be unable to fulfill the fixtures following recent positive coronavirus tests and the requirement for players and staff to self-isolate for 10 days according to EFL and government guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

Morecambe football secretary and director Mick Horton said ‘’It is very disappointing that we have had to make this decision, but the welfare of our players, staff and opponents remains the number one priority and following detailed conversations with the relevant authorities we have also decided to close our training ground for 10 days as well.

"On behalf of the club, I wish all those affected a swift and speedy recovery.’’

It means that City's first scheduled game of the new year will be at Scunthorpe United on January 9, with their first home match being against Crawley seven days later.

Meanwhile, City have appointed Lee Turnbull as the club’s new recruitment director.

Turnbull has been working with the club for a number of weeks, as the Bantams look to further strengthen their off-field structure.

The 53-year-old has notably enjoyed spells in similar roles at Sheffield United, Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic, after managing Barrow between 2003 and 2005.

Having started at Middlesbrough, Turnbull’s playing career saw him turn out for the likes of Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield - during the 1980s, 90s and 2000s.