CITY expect to announce their new head coach early next week.

It is understood the club are in the latter stages of negotiations with their chosen candidate, who is finally set to to be unveiled at Valley Parade after Simon Grayson departed on May 8.

Discovering the identity of his successor will doubtless come as a relief to fans following six weeks of speculation.

Darren Ferguson is the latest bookies favourite but there are no indications from the club that he is their preferred choice.

Son of Sir Alex, the former Peterborough boss resigned as Doncaster manager earlier this month after differences with the board about the level of finance required to challenge for promotion from League One.

He succeeds Paul Heckingbottom and David Hopkin among a host of others touted for the vacant Bantams post but chairman Edin Rahic remains tight-lipped on his choice.

The drawn-out wait for an appointment has not stopped City making four new signings but with players due back for training on June 28, the clock is ticking ahead of preparations for the forthcoming campaign.

Defender Matt Kilgallon is looking forward to a 'big pre-season' once the new head coach is on board.

He said: “I’m sure the lads will come back all fit and ready.

"It’s a big pre-season for us. We need to show we are serious about going up and will give everything."