City see Phil Parkinson as the manager to take them forward – but are in no hurry to open contract talks.

The amazing cup form shown by the Bantams, highlighted by last week’s stunning win over Arsenal, has put the spotlight not just on the club but the man at the helm.

Parkinson’s success at balancing City’s push for promotion with a first League Cup semi-final appearance in their history has earned admiring glances from elsewhere.

His present deal runs out in June, along with number two Steve Parkin. City would like to get his future secured at Valley Parade but there are no immediate plans to start negotiations.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn admitted the punishing fixture schedule has put everything on hold.

He said: “Phil is yet to approach us or talk to us but we believe both parties will be talking in the near future.

“There are no plans at present because there’s too much to cope with and we’re concentrating on getting this season right.

“If we get into February and things are settling down, then I’m sure we will sit down and discuss the situation.”

Parkinson has transformed City’s fortunes since taking over 16 months ago following Peter Jackson’s resignation.

The former Colchester, Hull and Charlton chief stabilised the club’s position in League Two last season before embarking on a major revamp during the summer on and off the pitch.

The board have supported the 45-year-old’s ambitions and so far results have backed that up with City in a play-off position – and still in all three cup competitions. They face Brentford at Griffin Park tonight in an FA Cup second round replay.

Lawn added: “We are happy with what Phil is doing. He’s done a good job for the past two years and we certainly want him (to stay).

“If somebody wants to stay with us they will stay with us. If they don’t, they won’t.

“We don’t want to force people into anything because you know what can happen in football. But we are well satisfied with what Phil and his management team are achieving.

“If they are happy, I’m sure we will get something sorted.

“I’m not surprised people are talking about Phil because he is a good manager. If we have good players, other clubs will look at them. It’s the same with managers.”

City play their 33rd game of the season tonight – more than any other club – and are on course for a minimum of 60 matches.

Tomorrow they will find out the opposition for next month’s two-legged semi-final in the Capital One Cup. There is also a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area semi-final trip to Crewe in between those games as well as a possible FA Cup third-round tie at Southend.

Lawn said: “It’s going to be hectic again. You get the busy Christmas period out of the way and then we’ve got another lot of games to play in January.

“We want to be challenging in the league and we’re exactly where we want to be at present.

“The cups are a bonus to me but we’ve had a great run.

“It’s unbelievable Phil has been able to do that with such a small squad.

“That is down to good management from him, Steve, the physios and the fitness coach.

“What I’ve been impressed with is the way they have managed the players in terms of fitness, knowing exactly when they need to rest.

“We would never have got through all these matches without that. They all certainly deserve a big pat on the back.”