Stuart McCall leaves Bradford after five consecutive defeats

Bradford City v Millwall – Sky Bet League One – Play Off – Final – Wembley Stadium
(Image credit: Nigel French)

Stuart McCall has left his post as manager of Bradford, the Sky Bet League Two club have announced.

The 56-year-old, who had been in his third spell in permanent charge at Valley Parade, leaves with the club 22nd in the division after a run of five successive defeats.

McCall’s final match was Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Oldham.

The former Scotland and Everton midfielder won just seven of 29 matches after succeeding Gary Bowyer in February. Assistant boss Kenny Black has also departed the club.

McCall, who also had a brief spell as caretaker manager at Bradford 20 years ago as well taking charge from 2007-10 and 2016-18, said: “I am obviously disappointed it has ended like this for everyone concerned but am thankful for the opportunity we were given and the support we have received throughout.

“Kenny and I were excited to return to the club and were desperate to bring success, though results have not been good enough.

“I would like to wish everyone at Bradford City nothing but the very best for the future.”

Academy coaches Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars will take temporary charge of the first-team squad ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Crawley.

Bantams chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart and Kenny for their efforts over the past 10 months.

“This decision was not taken lightly and we have done everything in our power to support them during their time at the club.

“Unfortunately, we have taken only four points from our last 10 games, and find ourselves in a battle at the wrong end of the table.

“And, with a host of important fixtures, and the January transfer window, on the horizon, we felt now was the right time to move in a different direction.”

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