Stuart McCall's 'hunger' to be part of long-term Bradford City rebuild after signing contract extension

Stuart McCall says he has the hunger to make his third spell as Bradford City manager a long one after signing a contract extension.
FAITH: Bradford City have given their backing to manager Stuart McCallFAITH: Bradford City have given their backing to manager Stuart McCall
FAITH: Bradford City have given their backing to manager Stuart McCall

McCall and his assistant Kenny Black were on deals which were due to expire at the end of the season, but both have been extended by 12 months.

The news came hours after it was announced that 29-year-old Ryan Sparks had been promoted to chief executive, and former midfielder McCall says he wants to be part of the long-term planning at Valley Parade.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Bantams have shown their backing for the club legend despite being 20th in League Two, two points above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand on many teams. Sparks hinted there will be squad changes in the January transfer window.

“When I first came back last season it was always a long-term vision I had laid out, and I am really looking forward to further building the project,” he said.

“Nobody is happy with where we currently are in the league table, and the determination and drive comes from trying to rectify that.

“To have the backing and longevity is encouraging, because it gives us time to look at things and plan on changing the fortunes of the club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have the hunger and desire to be here for a long time and get this club turned around. That is my ambition and aim.

“We have an opportunity to get out of the difficult position in which we are currently, in the short term, but also kick on over the long term.”

McCall has tried to bring a better brand of football to his beloved club after the turgid fare of predecessor Gary Bowyer which supporters rebelled against. Results, though, have been mixed.

When his appointment was announced, Sparks spoke of the need to build a long-term identity, and recognised the need for managerial stability in that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When Stuart returned to the club, we wanted him to come back and help us rebuild, following the collapse which followed his departure in 2018,” he said. “Building an identity is crucial, and this cannot be achieved with a short-term approach.

“Stuart McCall understands the true meaning of Bradford City and everyone knows how much this club means to him. With our full support, we believe he can drive us forward.

“We have made a disappointing start to the season. Injuries have affected our progress and stretched the squad. With this in mind, planning for January will prove essential in terms of the overall outcome of this season. There are areas in which we aim to improve.”

McCall is pleased to continue working with Sparks, who started the year as the club's press officer and was promoted to director of commercial and communications in the summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Ryan has been here nearly three years and has stood up to the plate,” said McCall. “He, like all of us, has Bradford City in his best interests ­ and I have a strong relationship with him.

“It is not about what has gone by, or what is in the past. It is about having a core belief about what we are trying to now achieve, and what lies ahead.”

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.