DAVID Hopkin is not thought to be a major contender to become City head coach as the club stay tight-lipped on the identity of their preferred choice.

Hopkin has been linked with the post for the last fortnight after resigning as Livingston boss, though the T&A understood initial reports were wide of the mark.

And despite the former Bantams midfielder being installed as favourite following speculation in Scotland over the weekend that he was due to have talks this week, he is still not believed to be a leading candidate.

The 47-year-old, who guided Livingston to the Scottish top flight in successive promotions, is thought to favour a traditional approach to management rather than the head coach role co-owner Edin Rahic and many other foreign owners are keen on.

The City chairman is hoping an appointment can finally be made this week as the process enters a sixth week.

While frustration grows among supporters as the wait continues, rumours have spread on social media casting doubt over James Mason’s future at Valley Parade.

The chief operating officer has become a popular figure with many fans since his appointment under previous owners Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes in November 2014, which saw him succeed Dave Baldwin.

He has been the club’s mouthpiece for much of that time and his recent low profile has been picked up on by some supporters.

The club insisted that Mason had not left and was in work yesterday.

But his future with the Bantams appears to remain uncertain at present.

Meanwhile, a friendly has been arranged at promoted Harrogate Town. City will visit the National League new boys on Saturday, July 21 (3pm).