Taylor on the verge of pledging his future to Bradford

The Bantams are desperate to keep hold of the 57-year-old after an encouraging start to his reign at Valley Parade.

Joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn have been in discussions with Taylor for several weeks with the former England Under-21 chief wanting certain assurances over training facilities, next season's player budget and the standard of the Bradford pitch.

Taylor promised to deliver his answer before tomorrow's final home game of the season against Northampton Town and it seems he is ready to commit.

Last night, he told the Yorkshire Post: "I think it will be done before Saturday's game, and possibly even as soon as Friday afternoon.

"I have enjoyed it at Bradford and sense a certain feeling around the place that the club can start to go places again.

"It is a challenge to get Bradford back to where they should be and I do enjoy a challenge."

The City board, who recently secured a deal to rent new training facilities at Leeds University from next season, have been keen to tie down Taylor beyond the end of this season for several weeks.

Supporters had also become concerned at the wait for the former Hull City manager to make up his mind.

Asked if there had been a reason behind the delay, Taylor replied: "I told the two chairmen from the start that I was going to take a bit longer to make sure everyone is happy.

"Making sure my wife is happy is important. There would be no point me being selfish and signing a contract, only for it to leave her unhappy."