Bradford City will choose from a magnificent seven for their next manager.

Chairman Geoffrey Rich-mond today revealed he had received a top-quality list of applicants to succeed Chris Hutchings. And he did not rule out making a foreign choice.

Richmond said: "Putting the usual letters from fans and fantasy football managers to one side, we've had seven or eight seriously interesting applications.

"The English Premier League is a very attractive place to manage and I'm well satisfied with the response we have had. The problem is not who to choose but the nicer one of who to leave off."

Jim Jefferies, Neil Warn-ock, Steve Coppell, David Pleat and Joe Kinnear have all been linked with the job but Richmond's enthusiasm could suggest City have set their sights higher - at the likes of Terry Venables or Kevin Keegan.

A shortlist will be drawn up by the end of the week but interviews will not begin until after City's visit to Derby. The new man is likely to be at the helm in time for the following match against Middles-brough at the Riverside.

Caretaker-boss Stuart McCall has offered to give up his post as number two if the next manager wants to bring in his own men.

McCall wants to keep up his coaching for the day his playing career is over. But he will not insist on hanging on to the assistant's title at all costs.

He said: "The chairman has said he wants me to stay as number two but if we get a manager in who's got his own coaching staff then so be it. I will be happy to remain as a player.

"But I would love to be a number two under an experienced manager learning the ropes and just enjoying the football.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed being assistant manager. People say you shouldn't have taken it but I've enjoyed the experience, seeing behind the scenes. Everything has been great apart from the results."

McCall is not involved in the king-making talks and said: "That's down to the chairman and board of directors but obviously I can help with any questions about people in the game.

"You don't want to rush in to this because it's so important we pick the right person. I hope it's soon although the only saving grace for me is that I'm suspended for Derby next week."

Ron Atkinson, rumoured to be in the running, said: "I've had no contact with Bradford at all and if there was an approach, I would say I'm not interested. I've retired from club football."