Bradford City fans made to wait over Simon Grayson's successor

Simon Grayson left Bradford City earlier this month after turning down a new deal (Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe).

The Bantams parted company with Simon Grayson on May 8 after the former Leeds United chief decided to turn down the offer of a new two-year deal.

Since then co-owners Stefan Rupp and Edin Rahic have been undertaking an exhaustive search for who they believe can take the club forward following last season’s 11th place finish in League One.

It is understood the owners want someone with coaching rather than merely management experience and that a shortlist has been drawn up.

Several candidates have been spoken to as City look to bring someone in to fulfil their philosophy of developing young players, but no appointment is expected before the weekend.

Grant McCann, a former Peterborough United manager, is among those believed to be interested in the vacancy along with former Hearts chief Ian Cathro.

Supporters are understandably keen to learn the identity of their new head coach, and an insight into the board’s thinking over how best to take the club forward did come yesterday via the promotion of Martin Drury to development coach.

The former Bradford Park Avenue manager joined the Academy set-up at Valley Parade in 2016 and spent last season looking after the Under-18s.

Chairman Rahic said: “Martin is a top young coach who we believe can have a positive impact on the pathway for young players at the club.

“We want Bradford City to be a club which attracts talented young players and give them the best possible chance of making it in the professional game.

“Having Martin in this position means we will be able to monitor the progress of all our young players from the under-nine age group right up to the young professionals.”

The move is intended to smooth the pathway from the youth set-up to the first team.

Drury added: “In simple terms it is my responsibility, along with the coaching staff, to ensure the transition from the Under-18s to the first team is as seamless as possible. We want to make sure players are given the opportunity to progress as soon as they are ready.”