City plan to act fast following Taylor’s departure

The 58-year-old has come to an agreement with the Bantams that will see him leave after tomorrow’s crucial relegation battle with Stockport County.

City, among the pre-season favourites to win promotion from League Two, are embroiled in a scrap for survival in the Football League after collecting just 34 points from 31 games.

Only six points separate Bradford from second-bottom Stockport, leading joint-chairman Julian Rhodes to label the game “one of the most important in our history”.

Taylor, who just seven weeks ago turned down the chance to become Alan Pardew’s assistant at Newcastle United, will be in the dugout for the final time before handing over the reins.

City are next in action after that at Gillingham tomorrow week, by which time City want the new man in place.

Rhodes said last night: “We have to make an appointment as soon as possible. The decision for Peter to leave has only just been taken so we don’t have anyone lined up.

“Of course, as a club you always get approaches on behalf of out of work managers who want to register their interest if a vacancy arises sometime in the future.

“But because the club has been committed to supporting Peter, we have never shown anyone encouragement.

“Now we will see who comes forward. The aim is to have someone in place for the Gillingham game. We are fighting for our Football League survival so time is not on our side.

“Sometimes, you make a change (of manager) and get a boost. Hopefully that will be the case for Bradford City as we are entering one of the most important periods in the history of the club.”

The Yorkshire Post understands former Hull City manager Phil Parkinson, who despite having recently spent two years in charge of Charlton Athletic still lives in the Wetherby area, is among those interested in the post.

Former City captain Peter Jackson is also expected to apply as is another Valley Parade old boy Dean Windass.

Explaining the thinking behind his decision to go, Taylor said: “I made my mind up on Tuesday night (after City’s 1-0 defeat to Chesterfield) and rang Julian to ask if we could have a meeting the following morning.

“I gave him my reasons and said this was right for the football club. Not for me, not for Julian and not for the supporters, but the football club.

“I feel there has been quite a bit of negativity surrounding me among the supporters and it has started to affect the players.

“Don’t get me wrong; I understand the criticism because, quite frankly, it hasn’t been good enough. We are 21st in League Two with Burton having five games in hand on us, meaning we are effectively third bottom.

“I still believe I could have brought success here eventually but something had to be done now.

“I am just so sorry it has not worked out and I will leave with a heavy heart. I so wanted to be the manager to bring success and fill this stadium. But it wasn’t meant to be.”

On his taking charge of City for the last time at Valley Parade tomorrow, Taylor added: “When I told Julian I felt it was time for me to step down, I also said that I was not convinced it was the right thing to step down straight away.

“I told the players before training (yesterday) and they are fully behind me. We are all desperate to get the three points against Stockport.”

The magnitude of tomorrow’s game has led to the City board offering stayaway fans the chance to attend for just £1.

Rhodes added: “I, personally, can’t remember a more important game than this – even going back to the Premier League days.

“The significance of the next 15 games cannot be over-stated. It isn’t just Saturday, every single point matters between now and the end of the season.

“Bradford City dropping out of the Football League is unthinkable and everyone needs to pull together to make sure this doesn’t happen.

“I am hoping all supporters can put aside any grievances they have with how the season has gone or with Peter to get fully behind the players.

“If we can get some fantastic backing from the stands, I would hope this can spur the team on to get the result we need.”

Tickets must be bought from the Valley Parade ticket office and not at the turnstiles. They will be on sale until noon tomorrow.