CITY are once again looking for a new manager after David Hopkin announced his resignation.

The Scot has left Valley Parade this morning, ending a reign that lasted just 175 days.

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Hopkin took over when Michael Collins was sacked at the start of September. He was in charge for 28 league games, winning seven with six draws and 15 defeats.

He was short-listed for League One manager of the month for December, after a run of four wins out of five boosted hopes of beating the drop.

But City remain deep in trouble and Saturday's 3-2 loss at Walsall, who played virtually the whole game down to 10 men, proved the final straw for him.

Hopkin admitted it was a tough decision to walk away but felt it was the right time to go with 12 games left to avoid relegation.

He said: “I am disappointed but feel the time is right for me to step aside and allow someone to come in and attempt to keep the club in League One.

“I have given my all over the past six months. I took on a tough job and have left no stone unturned in my efforts to help us climb the table.

“The club means a great deal to me, as a former player, and that is why I have made this decision – with a quarter of the season remaining.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible Bradford City fans.

“This has been a hugely difficult season for everyone involved and they have shown me a great deal of support. I wish the club the very best for the future.”

Coach Martin Drury will step up to take temporary charge for next weekend’s game at Portsmouth, assisted by Anton McElhone, while the hunt begins for a fifth boss in 385 days since Stuart McCall's exit last February.

Interim chief executive Julian Rhodes said: “Our thanks must go to David, who has put in a great deal of effort since taking over the reins last year.

“I know just how hard he has worked in extremely difficult circumstances and he leaves with a great amount of respect.”