MARK Trueman is staying at Valley Parade after being appointed City’s first-team link coach.

The former joint boss has signed a three-year deal in a role concentrated on ensuring a smooth transition between the academy and senior ranks.

Talks continue with Conor Sellars who has been offered the chance of an academy position.

Trueman, who took charge alongside Sellars for the final 30 games of last season, will identify the best performers in the under-18s and work closely with the younger professionals.

The 33-year-old will offer back-up to Derek Adams and the first team when required, delivering extra sessions and overseeing behind-closed-doors friendlies.

Trueman said: “Although there is still disappointment that it did not work out in the managerial role for myself, I am delighted to be staying at the club.

“I have had time to reflect and held positive discussions with Ryan Sparks and Derek Adams, and am looking forward to moving into a new, different role.

“It was always my intention to stay here and I was always keen to do so, so am pleased to have been able to agree on a long-term contract in an exciting role.

“This is a great club with bags of talent in the academy and first team, and is a place where I hold a lot of memories and intend to be a part of its continued growth going forward.

“With the knowledge I have gained from working in both the academy and first team, I feel I have more of an idea on what it takes for the younger players to break into the senior set-up.”

Trueman and Sellars were removed from the hot-seat at the end of the season after a poor run saw City pick up only one point from the last seven games.

Ironically, their final game in charge was against Adams at Morecambe where the Bantams lost 2-0.

Trueman added: “As someone who grew up in Bradford, I want the club to succeed, and will be there to support Derek and his staff with whatever they need.

“It is firstly about me working out what Derek wants, and where he sees the younger players - who my focus will mainly be on - fitting in.

“I will be the link for him between the academy and the first team, having had experience in both areas of the club.

“I am very much looking forward to next three years and beyond, and hopefully helping take the club further forward.”

City chief executive Ryan Sparks was delighted to keep Trueman at the club.

Sparks said: “He is hugely talented and I believe he has a great future ahead of him, following a valuable spell in charge of our first team.

“What he and Conor Sellars achieved while in post was enough to help us stave off the threat of an unthinkable relegation, and we look forward to seeing how Mark progresses in the years ahead.

“It was important for us to provide a promising future for Mark, and it remains our hope that Conor will also choose to continue his journey with us.”