Stuart McCall has ruled himself out of the race to become Bradford City's next manager.

McCall, put in temporary charge after Chris Hutchings was axed, wants to continue as a player and has told chairman Geoffrey Richmond he can't do both.

But McCall will still be No 2 to whoever comes in and is keen to step up as a boss once he hangs up his boots.

He met Richmond this morning and emerged to say: "While I feel that I am having a positive influence on the park, I believe that this is the way that I can best assist Bradford City at this crucial time.

"I do not believe that I can do the manager's position justice while I am still playing at Premiership level."

McCall will continue as caretaker boss until a replacement is found, with goalkeeping coach Neville Southall assisting him during that time.

McCall has played in every game this season, although he was sent off for the first time in his career on Saturday at Charlton. He still believes he has a major role to perform on the field, and after talking to several "senior figures" in the game, he felt the job could not be combined.

He said: "As manager there is very much more pressure and responsibility, which I believe would affect my contribution at this time on the field.

"The time will come when I will hang up my boots and my ambition in the future is to become a manager should the opportunity arise.

"At this moment in time I am happy to take charge of the side on Saturday for the Everton game and until such time as an appointment is made."

Richmond said: "Stuart McCall personifies everything that is good about professional footballers.

"Stuart McCall has always been a perfect pro.

"I fully understand therefore his decision today to request that his name does not go forward as a candidate for the full time permanent position as manager."