Stuart McCall forecast City’s FA Cup draw two months ago!

Mystic McCall predicted the Bantams would face another trip to Nottingham after they were beaten there twice in the opening week of the season.

So the prospect of a first-round clash at Notts County – a return to the scene of City’s 5-0 thrashing on opening day – should not come as a big surprise.

McCall said: “After we’d lost to Forest in the Carling Cup, one of the press asked me if I was glad to see the back of Nottingham. I agreed but told him we still had the FA Cup to come so we’ll probably have to go back again.

“I couldn’t believe it when the draw came out.

“It’s disappointing being away but I blame myself for making it happen! On the other side of things, you look at some of the big treks we could have got such as Yeovil, Gillingham and Bristol Rovers. At least we won’t have to stay overnight and we certainly know enough about each other.”

Notts County will have a new manager installed before the sides meet again the weekend after next. Swede Hans Backe is the favourite after working as a coach under Sven-Goran Eriksson at Man City.

McCall was sympathetic over Ian McParland’s recent sacking but felt it was always on the cards following County’s middle-eastern investment.

He added: “I think it was on the back off us knocking them out of the Johnstone’s Paint and then drawing 2-2 with the second-bottom side on TV after being 2-0 up.

“When you’ve owners like that, they want more high-profile people involved.

“I think it was unfortunately inevitable but very harsh without a doubt.

“We know from experience that Notts County are very strong at home but we’re confident of going anywhere and giving a good account of ourselves. Last year we had an even tougher draw at MK Dons and got a great result.”