Leeds United’s Bryce Hosannah embraces positive approach of Bradford City manager Stuart McCall

The Leeds United youngster, on loan at Valley Parade for the rest of the season, has got what he wanted from McCall in the form of competitive football and belief in his ability.

Tonight the Bantams will take on Oldham Athletic, who themselves have a Leeds loanee in the ranks in Alfie McCalmont, in the EFL Trophy.

Hosannah, whose fitness will be assessed ahead of the game after he was withdrawn with just over an hour of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Tonbridge Angels played, says McCall’s management style was what he hoped to find in a loan move.

“He’s different to what I’m used to, he’s a lot more involved with the players, he’s really bubbly,” said the right-back.

“As a coach he’s shown a lot of confidence in me, always encouraging me on the training ground to be positive in everything I do.

“He’s the sort of coach I was hoping I’d get, someone to try and push me on and not hold me back. I’ve been enjoying playing under him so far.”

Hosannah was one of a number of Leeds youngsters who knew that the club’s promotion to the Premier League would make match minutes even rarer and wanted to get out and experience men’s football on loan. His decision to switch to Bradford has paid off handsomely, thus far.

“Going from 23s, I was in and around the first team at Leeds and knew what it was like but I wasn’t playing,” he said.

“Now, to be playing, to have something riding on every game we play is exactly what I was looking for. It’s been a good experience, I’ve been enjoying it.

“On Saturday, I had my first experience of the FA Cup, it was on TV as well, it’s all been good so far.”

It hasn’t been perfect, though. Bradford had lost three straight before victories over Southend and, in the Cup, Tonbridge.

Hosannah says 15th place in the table is not a reflection of how good McCall’s squad can be. He’s hopeful they rectify the situation.

“There wasn’t a set target but I know that we understand from the quality we have in our team the position we’re in in the table doesn’t do us justice. We want to keep pushing, getting results and see where it takes us.”

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