Julian Rhodes believes Phil Parkinson can nail down the City hot-seat for years because of his strong mutual attraction with the club.

Rhodes never doubted that Parkinson would sign a new deal despite rumoured interest from other clubs. Wolves, Sheffield United and Millwall were all thought to be eyeing the Bantams boss before he signed a new contract tying him to Valley Parade until 2016.

Joint-chairman Rhodes said: “I’m sure Phil was flattered that he was linked with so many top jobs. But one of the things that attracted him here in the first place – as it has done for so many managers and players – was the potential.

“He’s had the best season you could imagine and he’s desperate to stay and build on that again.

“People talk about Wolves and Sheffield United. But we’re in the same division as them next season and they are on a downer.

“They are going through what we went through over ten years ago, whereas I’d like to think we are on our way back up.”

Parkinson is already building for League One and City have taken up options with Garry Thompson and Jon Mc-Laughlin to keep them for another year.

The T&A reported earlier this week that they have done the same with Kyel Reid, while promotion triggered a further season for skipper Gary Jones.

Parkinson has become hugely popular with supporters after leading City to two Wembley appearances and ultimate play-off success. Having established that bond by resurrecting the club’s fortunes, Rhodes could not see him walking away.

“All of us knew the contract was going to get done. It dragged on and the fans were getting concerned but we didn’t think there was a need for that.

“In a nutshell, Phil loves us and we love him.

“Phil’s made a massive connection with these fans and they are going to be right behind him for a long time. That’s great because if we go through sticky periods they will all remember what he’s done.

“That gives you the opportunity to have stability and allow the manager to carry on.

“He’s created a team that fans can associate with because they really work hard. And what a season they’ve given.

“You saw the pictures from the parade and it left a lump in your throat.

“Whenever we’ve scored important goals, the first thing I do is look at the fans and see the thrill on their faces.

“As the season went on, the look of disbelief has grown more and more and the way it ended on Saturday was perfect.

“Look back at all the magic moments we’ve had and it’s been an absolute sensation.”

Parkinson’s contract is the longest for a City boss since Colin Todd was appointed in 2004. It was bumped up another year to three at the manager’s request on Tuesday night.

Rhodes said: “We’d have probably been happy with an even longer-term contract. It was just felt that three years was the right balance.

“We don’t want the worry of changing managers. We want to build that stability in the club and for Phil to take us forward.”