McCall: I am no quitter (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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McCall admits next four games have ‘big significance’ for him and the club
7:00am Saturday 23rd January 2010 in Bantams
Exclusive By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
Stuart McCall is fully aware that football is a results-driven business and that his job could be on the line if the current slide continues
Stuart McCall today pledged to fight his way out of City’s current rut but admitted: I’m not blind to the consequences if I don’t.
The Valley Parade chief has challenged his faltering side to win at least three of the next four games, starting at Lincoln this afternoon.
McCall is also well aware that the spotlight is on him – and he will carry the can if the Bantams continue to slide. But he has no intention of slinking away.
In a candid interview, he underlined his backing for the players and stressed his determination to see the job through.
McCall revealed: “If I was a quitter I would have gone in the summer. I’m going to fight because I still believe there’s enough in that dressing room.
“I’ve got to lead from the front and I’m not frightened of doing that.
“I don’t feel under any more pressure than I put on myself already. I know what’s needed.
“That’s the big significance of these next four games because I know there are opportunities for us.
“If we can take them and maximise the points we can get, then it could look a lot healthier. Likewise it might look bad and things might need to be done – I’m not blind to that fact.
“But I’m not here to feel sorry for myself whatever. It’s not about me.
“I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done from day one, working as hard and as diligently as I can to try to get the best out of the players.”
McCall’s confidence in the squad has not dipped despite losing five of the last seven games – and he dismisses any suggestions of “losing the dressing room”.
He said: “I’ve been at clubs where you hear that players aren’t playing for the manager. There’s been no indication whatsoever that’s been the case here. Morale is obviously not as it would be if we were winning games but the spirit and belief is still there.
“I spoke to Mark (Lawn) and Julian (Rhodes) about the way things have gone and I know we need to pick up results quickly.
“I didn’t sleep the other night after the Bury game and my guts were churning. I know at the moment we’re not getting what we deserve. That goes for all of us – supporters, the board and the players.
“Ultimately it’s down to me to get results and I’ve not been getting those results. That’s what I’m working hard to do.”
Comments(18)
y25ajb
says...
7:53am Sat 23 Jan 10
City til i die!
kazza4city
says...
9:44am Sat 23 Jan 10
BigWookie
says...
10:29am Sat 23 Jan 10
pudsey.bantam
says...
11:30am Sat 23 Jan 10
You are a true City fan to travel to Lincoln,with the team results not in our favour.....I too ,used to travel to all away matches before age caught up with me....I too ,would like to see Mc C pull us through this crisis,but IMO ,he does need more experienced assistants than he has at present moment,to help
and advise him when things go wrong,and change things round.....I do hope you have a nice day at Lincoln and come back smiling with three points...CTID.
KnightMcCall
says...
11:55am Sat 23 Jan 10
pudsey.bantam wrote:I chuckled when i read that. Five hours to get to Lincoln?
Re: kazza4city Grimsby at 9-44 am sat. You are a true City fan to travel to Lincoln,with the team results not in our favour.....I too ,used to travel to all away matches before age caught up with me....I too ,would like to see Mc C pull us through this crisis,but IMO ,he does need more experienced assistants than he has at present moment,to help and advise him when things go wrong,and change things round.....I do hope you have a nice day at Lincoln and come back smiling with three points...CTID.
There's still plenty of time for you to get going too Pudsey; go on you know you want to. It's better than listening to the radio, watching teletext or getting no coverage on TV because they've gone live to the game to hear about a Premier League player changing their bootlaces. CTID
pudsey.bantam
says...
12:21pm Sat 23 Jan 10
I am a season ticket holder,and go to home matches,and as you can appreciate at 86yrs of age, itbecomes rather to much for me nowto travel to away matches....although I do follow it on the radio and watch the goals on my Lap Top on BBC Football the following day....Keep The faith.
KnightMcCall
says...
12:23pm Sat 23 Jan 10
pudsey.bantam wrote:Hey, if you can handle a laptop then age is clearly no barrier.
Re: KazzaMcCall. I am a season ticket holder,and go to home matches,and as you can appreciate at 86yrs of age, itbecomes rather to much for me nowto travel to away matches....although I do follow it on the radio and watch the goals on my Lap Top on BBC Football the following day....Keep The faith.
Nah, I hope I've still got your faith when I get to 86 - we need more like you. Hope your laptop brings you good news!! I'll sing for you.
pudsey.bantam
says...
12:49pm Sat 23 Jan 10
I am a season ticket holder and attend all home matches...yes I would love to go to Lincoln,but as you will appreciate at 86yrs of age, it becomes rather to much for me.....I do listen to all away matches on the wireless ,even though it drives me crazy at times.....I then watch the goals the following day on my Lap Top ,on BBC Football so I do alright..no grumbles...Keep The Faith.
pudsey.bantam
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12:57pm Sat 23 Jan 10
pudsey.bantam
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1:06pm Sat 23 Jan 10
I am now going to watch Chelsea and Preston on my 42" TV so I will ring off for now ....Have a Nice Day K.M
Fancydan
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2:02pm Sat 23 Jan 10
Me: You're no manager neither.
shoesman1
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2:06pm Sat 23 Jan 10
city for ever
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3:48pm Sat 23 Jan 10
thebrownsauceman
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3:50pm Sat 23 Jan 10
pudsey.bantam
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4:12pm Sat 23 Jan 10
nowt fresh
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5:21pm Sat 23 Jan 10
cheelvis
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6:51pm Sat 23 Jan 10
bradfordmark says...
7:32am Sat 23 Jan 10