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VIDEO: Legend McCall quits as Bradford City boss

7:00am Monday 8th February 2010 in


Bradford City legend Stuart McCall has confirmed exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus that he will step down as manager today.

The Bantams boss will officially walk away after meeting joint-chairman Julian Rhodes to finalise a compensation package with 17 months still left on his contract.

McCall decided to go after Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Bury at Valley Parade, ending a reign that began in May 2007.

City will not rush to replace him. The T&A understands the Bantams plan to bring in a short-term manager who will take charge for the rest of the season.

But they will take their time over a full-time appointment – and could well wait until the summer.

It was McCall's 133rd game in charge on Saturday, making him the 20th longest-serving current boss. He said: “I don’t regret coming back for a second. I’d have regretted it more if I hadn’t taken the job.

“It’s been fantastic in one way but ultra-hard in another because you’re carrying the hopes of everyone. You should see some of the letters I’ve had.

“Without being big-headed, I’m fortunate that I’ve never failed before in my career.

“I’ve always been successful as a player and when I went to Sheffield United as reserve manager we won the league first year. Then everything snowballed and the club got promoted to the Premier-ship when I was assistant to Neil Warnock.

“But the place where I really wanted to do well was here and it hasn’t happened for me.

“The pressure I’ve put on myself because I want to succeed here has been immense at times. I loved being manager of this club but it’s a results-based business and the results have not been good enough.

“I still believed that all things being equal this season we could have got in the play-offs. We’ve needed that bit of Lady Luck with injuries and certain games and just not had it. But it’s not about me, it’s the club that matters. Hopefully now with the squad back fit they can rally round and pick up some wins.”

The board are reluctant to say too much until McCall’s farewell is finalised. Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: “Obviously I’ve only heard this through the grapevine. Stuart hasn’t spoken to me.

“The club can’t make any comment until we’ve sat down and discussed the situation with him.”

Comments(46)

spleen ventor says...
7:20am Mon 8 Feb 10

"City will not rush to replace him. The T&A understands the Bantams plan to bring in a short-term manager who will take charge for the rest of the season.
But they will take their time over a full-time appointment – and could well wait until the summer"......
As long as it's not Whetherall!....we were 16th in the league last time he took over and we were relegated ....
What position are we in now? ......16th!....oh dear!

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tyker says...
7:49am Mon 8 Feb 10

agree with you spleen victor. However was he pushed or not.

The inference is, by his seaking a compenstion package, that he was sacked yet it seems from the "exclusive report" that he "McCall decided to go after Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Bury at Valley Parade, ending a reign that began in May 2007"

If he descides to walk out on a contract then the club itself could be lookimg for compensation from MCcall for breach of contract. If the club had sacked him then he would be entitled to full recompense for the remaining period of his contract.

So was he sacked or did he resign?

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thecitygent says...
8:17am Mon 8 Feb 10

'Mr' Lawn, was it constructive dismissal?

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Up with the partridge says...
8:25am Mon 8 Feb 10

thecitygent wrote:
'Mr' Lawn, was it constructive dismissal?
T&A Exclusive - I don't think so!

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tyker says...
8:26am Mon 8 Feb 10

only time will tell?

it may wel, turn very nasty and depend upon events which have been kept under wraps so far.

the inference from the sttaement GARTETH EVANS saved my job indicates SM had been given the 3 wins in four games from the diretcors.

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thecitygent says...
8:27am Mon 8 Feb 10

Up with the partridge wrote:
thecitygent wrote: 'Mr' Lawn, was it constructive dismissal?
T&A Exclusive - I don't think so!
Thanks for the input. Get back to the fountain, eh?

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howard naylor says...
8:45am Mon 8 Feb 10

Bring back Jimmy Jewell! LOL!!!!

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Old Peculiar says...
8:54am Mon 8 Feb 10

McCall may not have succeeded in getting City out of the mire, but he still epitomises everything that fans want from a Player / Manager ; never giving less than 100% in all aspects of his work.
What a contrast to that greasy nasty piece of work Mark Lawn. If the rumours are true, that Lawn / McCall haven't spoken for months - it just shows who had the clubs interests at heart. Despite the bad results, McCall still came in and put in the time and effort, never ever shying away from the responsibility. Whilst Greaseball Lawn goes and buries his head in the sand and stays out of the limelight till its all over.
Best of Luck Stuart, you are, and you always will be, a True City Gent.

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bantam82 says...
9:23am Mon 8 Feb 10

Old Peculiar wrote:
McCall may not have succeeded in getting City out of the mire, but he still epitomises everything that fans want from a Player / Manager ; never giving less than 100% in all aspects of his work.
What a contrast to that greasy nasty piece of work Mark Lawn. If the rumours are true, that Lawn / McCall haven't spoken for months - it just shows who had the clubs interests at heart. Despite the bad results, McCall still came in and put in the time and effort, never ever shying away from the responsibility. Whilst Greaseball Lawn goes and buries his head in the sand and stays out of the limelight till its all over.
Best of Luck Stuart, you are, and you always will be, a True City Gent.
Thats a bit harsh towards a man who put his money into the club. I cannot believe he has already taken all his money out as the Rhodes family would simply not allow this.

Stuart all the best, it was quite emotional after the game on Saturday. Almost like losing a member of the family, i hope this isn't the end of your association with the club.

Onwards and upwards; with one or two more players we could have been right up there.

I know one or two of his comments whilst in charge of Town didn't go too well however putting Jacko in charge till the end of the season seems like a sensible option. Just to make sure the nightmare situation of relegation doesn't get any closer.

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Bierley says...
9:30am Mon 8 Feb 10

Great, so whoever comes in in the summer has no games until the friendlies to decide just what is needed player wise and so loses the best part of a month and half to sound out new players who will more than likely have been snapped up by other clubs.

great forward thinking City, I think not!!

better to get someone long term now, who has lots of games left to judge what he needs come the summer for next season.

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Old Dave says...
9:38am Mon 8 Feb 10

We must seek to employ a long term manager asap. Jackson would be my choice. or Ternant or even Terry Dolan. Managers with lower league experience and an allegance to Bradford. jewell is a pipe dream - he can earn more in a week doing after dinner and media work than city could pay him a year!

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skyblogger says...
9:46am Mon 8 Feb 10

lawn constantly, sat drunk telling players, fans, mccalls friends he had no faith in him. undermined him at every opportunity. wanted to be seen as the controller or the investor as he likes to call himself.

is this how a chairman is supposed to operate? mcall even asked julian to make sure the fat controller was not in the same room when he resigned today.

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East_Bowling_Bantam says...
9:47am Mon 8 Feb 10

LAWN OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CTID

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nowt fresh says...
9:54am Mon 8 Feb 10

skyblogger wrote:
lawn constantly, sat drunk telling players, fans, mccalls friends he had no faith in him. undermined him at every opportunity. wanted to be seen as the controller or the investor as he likes to call himself. is this how a chairman is supposed to operate? mcall even asked julian to make sure the fat controller was not in the same room when he resigned today.
Were you there when he slagged of players, fans, McCall ETC or have you heard it from "some one close to the club".

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CheltCityFan says...
10:00am Mon 8 Feb 10

This is one of the saddest days in City’s history. A man who will always be a true legend in Bradford has decided, in his usual selfless way, that a change is needed to try to take City forward. Let’s not underestimate how massive a decision this must have been to take for someone who desperately wanted City to succeed, who is a fan himself and who has given so much of himself to try to make that happen. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but it was never for lack of effort or commitment. This man is not only – and always will be – a City legend, but here is a man who is also thoroughly decent, honest and openly committed to Bradford City and who can hold his head high with great integrity. Not only a great footballer, but also a great man. On a sad day like this, I think we need to remember Stuart for the legend and person he is, rather than some of the comments I’ve seen from so-called fans. We’ve all been frustrated that it has not worked out as it was supposed to, but there’s no reason for some of the insulting and pernicious comments. Nor do I believe we should bring other people in and turn this into an internal battle. I don’t know Mark Lawn or what he is like, but I do believe that he is a true supporter who, like other genuine supporters, wants the best for City. This may not always come out in the way we would want it to but both he and Julian Rhodes have put their money on the line to help save City. For this alone, they deserve great credit and respect. They have also openly stated that they will run the club in a stable manner without running up debts, which is also the right thing to do. If we want a villain, we should look at the man who is really strangling City and that is Gordon Gibbs. Again, you could argue that he helped save City and deserves credit for that, and I can agree with this view, credit to him. However, it is an indisputable fact that City cannot move forward financially whilst having to pay a rent that is totally disproportionate to our status and income. In this economic climate, it should not be unreasonable for Mr Gibbs to renegotiate the rent, as happens in the general market. I was brought up at the old Valley Parade (when it was actually an appalling stadium), and have great affection for the place. However, I don’t see the point of staying there when it is crippling the club. If it were not possible to either buy the ground back or substantially reduce the annual rent, I would have no qualms about moving to another venue with a manageable rent. Putting aside the emotional ties, and not wishing to be disrespectful to those who died at Valley Parade, it should not become the millstone that grinds the club down. However, today, I think we should forget these other issues and focus on a great legend and a great man, who must be hurting badly and feeling that he has let down his club. Stuart, in the same way that you have had the guts to make this decision, you also had the guts to put your reputation on the line and take on this massive challenge. It didn’t work out as we would all want it to, especially you, but you gave it everything. I’m sorry it didn’t happen, but thank you sincerely for trying for us. You are a great man and a true City legend and this will chapter will not diminish in any way my respect and esteem for you. I wish you all the best and happiness for the future. Thank you.

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bantam82 says...
10:09am Mon 8 Feb 10

Cheltcityfan....bril
liant post.

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giveover says...
10:12am Mon 8 Feb 10

Billy Pearce should be manager,hes always in Bradford and hes good in a pantomime.

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tjm5 says...
10:24am Mon 8 Feb 10

Once a legend always a legend, I think ultimately Stuarts reputation has not been tarnished by his run as manager. He gave it his best but things were just not meant to be in the end, and it wasn't through lack of effort on his part. I think the board are correct not to rush in to things and wait to appoint. I also hope whoever it is will be given a chance to shine and we all get behind them.

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albion says...
10:29am Mon 8 Feb 10

"The Bantams boss will officially walk away after meeting joint-chairman Julian Rhodes to finalise a compensation package with 17 months still left on his contract."
Who pays to whom?

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albion says...
10:30am Mon 8 Feb 10

giveover wrote:
Billy Pearce should be manager,hes always in Bradford and hes good in a pantomime.
Oh no he shouldnt!

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tyker says...
10:51am Mon 8 Feb 10

albion wrote:
"The Bantams boss will officially walk away after meeting joint-chairman Julian Rhodes to finalise a compensation package with 17 months still left on his contract." Who pays to whom?
PRECISELY: a fact missed by many.

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spleen ventor says...
10:52am Mon 8 Feb 10

spleen ventor wrote:
"City will not rush to replace him. The T&A understands the Bantams plan to bring in a short-term manager who will take charge for the rest of the season. But they will take their time over a full-time appointment – and could well wait until the summer"...... As long as it's not Whetherall!....we were 16th in the league last time he took over and we were relegated .... What position are we in now? ......16th!....oh dear!
Christ it's worse than I thought.....
Wayne Jacobs has been put in charge!.....we're doomed.

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bingbrad says...
11:33am Mon 8 Feb 10

We must go for Stan Ternant, even short term. Experienced manager & top class coach I am told when he was here before, no-nonsense approach, local and available.

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spleen ventor says...
11:52am Mon 8 Feb 10

bingbrad wrote:
We must go for Stan Ternant, even short term. Experienced manager & top class coach I am told when he was here before, no-nonsense approach, local and available.
Hates Neil Warnock too....so can't be all bad...lol

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Flabbermouth says...
12:01pm Mon 8 Feb 10

I don't believe it McCall is a Bradford version of Jesus who laid down his life to redeem a sinning club from Hell.
Give it a rest get a manager in who knows what he's doing gets you into the play offs and it will be Stuart who? get over yourselves, I have never heard such emotional rubbish in all my life

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windasboy says...
12:49pm Mon 8 Feb 10

skyblogger wrote:
lawn constantly, sat drunk telling players, fans, mccalls friends he had no faith in him. undermined him at every opportunity. wanted to be seen as the controller or the investor as he likes to call himself. is this how a chairman is supposed to operate? mcall even asked julian to make sure the fat controller was not in the same room when he resigned today.
you are so bothered about lawn, why dont you get your money out so he can go, oh sorry you havent got any as you sit on hear all day claiming your benefits,FACT - both chairmen were in this mornings meeting

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DCarbz says...
1:16pm Mon 8 Feb 10

As per Oxford dictionary a legend is

"an extremely famous or notorious person"

Sorry folks I dont think McCall fits the definition. A 100% BCFC player, manager and fan yes. But please not a legend.

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alas poor bradford I new it well says...
1:40pm Mon 8 Feb 10

City might just about survive relegation now.
Nice lad Mcall but clearly the worst Manager in the history of the game.

Bar-none

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its johnny says...
1:53pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Jose Maurinho for Bradford City?

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basil fawlty says...
2:06pm Mon 8 Feb 10

It would be a major mistake to postpone the appointment of the new permanent manager until the summer, especially with so many of our players reaching the end of their contracts. We need the new man to be able to build on what we already have, not to start again from scratch.

Good luck and thanks Stuart.

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paul64 says...
2:23pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Great player. Poor manager.

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pudsey.bantam says...
3:10pm Mon 8 Feb 10

What puzzles me, is that Stuart is sorting a compensation deal out with JR,I was always of the opinion that a Manager could only claim if he was sacked....so if he has walked,surely he cannot claim anything ???....As football fans,it does not realy matter who the manager is ,as long as he gives us the results and a decent team to cheer....IT IS THE CITY TEAM WE FOLLOW irrespective of who the manager is...I hope they do not stick Jacobs or Wetherall in for the rest of the season. I would prefer a permanent manager, so he could work with the present squad and sort out the deadwood ( which we all know ) instead of starting from scratch again in the summer,as I feel one or two additions ,could just be what we need for this division.

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Oakenshaw white says...
3:16pm Mon 8 Feb 10

A very sad day for football, this could even mean city get saved from relegation please reconsider Stuart as i thought you were doing a great job, to throw the towel in now when so close to achieving non league football is truly shocking and will never be forgotten by Leeds fans everywhere, you should hang your head in shame, to come so close to being a hero amongst us and to throw it away like this is beyond belief. Lets just hope Mark Lawn has the good sense to give Jacobs the job and hope he succeeds in fulfilling all Leeds fans dreams.Best of luck Stuart in whatever you do next and lets hope its the Huddersfield job.

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Maxpowers83 says...
3:18pm Mon 8 Feb 10

I think it's quite clear that Mark Lawn and Stuart McCall didn't get on. He referred to Julian Rhodes as the Chairman on more than one occasion during the interview on Radio Leeds after the game on Saturday.

The BBC website states that Jacobs will be in charge on Saturday.

I hope all the so called fans who called for head are happy now. I wonder who's head it will be they are calling for in 2 and a half years when we aren't flying high in a league they expect us to be in?

You could put anyone as the manager of that team and this season we'd still be mid-table. It's time the so called fans lowered their expectations to something a little more realistic.

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allannicho says...
3:55pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Jacko for remainder of season?

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Iona Cortina says...
4:04pm Mon 8 Feb 10

allannicho wrote:
Jacko for remainder of season?
He's been dead since last June. Where have you been ?

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finemess says...
4:54pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Peter Jackson will be taking over until the end of the season. Wayne Jacobs is in temprary charge for the weekends game!
Its a shame it all went pear shaped but at least he did his best but it was not to be.
Good luck in whatever you do in the future because you certainly haven't had any at Valley Parade!

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bantamsfm says...
7:44pm Mon 8 Feb 10

We're all wise after the event. Setting incredibly optimistic 'targets' have served no-one associated with the club. Surely what we need is a realistic appreciation of where exactly we are - and to build a team from there. to that end, Paul Hart has a reputation for bringing young players through...could we not bring in someone like that to nurture the young players at the club ? He was even nearly successful in Beessston - and that is saying something !What we do not need are the inane opinions of numptys from other football teams peddling their myopic views of the world.

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lanzaman says...
7:45pm Mon 8 Feb 10

BRING BACK MARK BOWER. IT ALL FELL APART WHEN MCCALL GOT RID AND REPLACED HIM WITH REHMAN LOL. BRING BACK MARK BOWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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philgrogan says...
8:01pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Wrong IT ALL WENT WRONG WHEN HE GOT SHUT OF CONLON

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philgrogan says...
8:10pm Mon 8 Feb 10

By the way hope you guys give Sinnott some support :-)

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howard.naylor says...
8:23pm Mon 8 Feb 10

Will all you idiots get over it. He hadn't a clue and wasn't much better as a player. I know what I am talking about!

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philgrogan says...
8:41pm Mon 8 Feb 10

You really are * ******* ******

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howard.naylor says...
9:22pm Mon 8 Feb 10

This site and the Bulls site are full of clueless plonkers who know nothing. I wonder if I am the only one who has brains in bradford.

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finemess says...
9:52pm Mon 8 Feb 10

howard.naylor wrote:
This site and the Bulls site are full of clueless plonkers who know nothing. I wonder if I am the only one who has brains in bradford.
Of course you are Howard!
Can one of you ring a doctor while I keep him talking!

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Joey91076 says...
1:32pm Tue 9 Feb 10

Stuart was a fantastic player and we all loved him, it just hasnt worked at city for him, He will always have a place in a true city fans heart!!!!!

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