PAUL Jewell believes Stuart McCall's relationship with City owners Edin Rahic and Stefan Rupp is crucial to achieving success.

The former Valley Parade boss led the Bantams to arguably their finest hour back in 1999 when they were promoted to the Premier League before pulling off a great escape the following year to stay up.

But he then sensationally quit in the summer of 2000 after falling out with chairman Geoffrey Richmond.

Jewell has been impressed by McCall's first season back in charge at City and expressed surprise at mounting speculation, which has now been put to bed, over his position halfway into a two-year contract.

"I'd have been amazed had he gone – but when I walked out of here, people were probably shocked at that," said Jewell.

"You don't know what goes on behind closed doors between the owners and the manager because that relationship has to work. It is key to a successful team.

"I don't know the owners but they seem decent guys. I know Stuart is a decent guy and (head of recruitment) Greg Abbott is. I would have been disappointed and deeply shocked if Stuart was not here next season."

A mood of uncertainty had developed following City's 1-0 play-off final defeat to Millwall.

But that was quelled by a lengthy statement from the club last week in which they pledged to invest in a squad capable of challenging for promotion again, Abbott also reporting that City had put two six-figure bids in for players on Friday.

Former Wigan, Derby and Ipswich boss Jewell believes McCall, who was captain during his reign at City, can go one better in his second season, given the right backing.

Jewell said: "There is no doubt about it. He did a terrific job last season.

"They went unbeaten at home in the league all season and I thought they would beat Millwall in the final but it just wasn't to be on the day.

"A few players have left, which is a bit of a blow. Now is the time to kick on, try and keep your better players to try and improve the team.

"I'm sure that's Stuart's idea and hopefully, even though he has lost players, he will be able to replace them with equal or better ones and go again next year.

"He's a great guy and he loves this club. He has got Greg and (assistant) Kenny Black working with him and I'm sure they will do the business next season, as they have done this season."

Jewell was speaking to the T&A following his participation in Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling's Prostate Cancer UK March for Men.

He had completed a marathon walking from Barnsley's Oakwell ground to Valley Parade, with fellow former City boss Chris Kamara also among the group.

Jewell said: "It's a great cause and something I wasn't really aware of. Men of my age and younger are affected by the disease, so I was happy for the chance to help raise awareness and money. It's a great effort, not just from Jeff but all the people involved.

"Me and 'Kammy' had some happy times here at Valley Parade. I only live eight miles away but it's always lovely to come here, especially when you feel like you have achieved something like we did on the walk."