New assistant manager Chris Hutchings is relishing the chance of working with senior players again after a 20-month spell as Bradford City's Youth Development Officer.

Hutchings, who was former manager Chris Kamara's No 2 when City gained promotion in play-off final at Wembley in May, 1996, today began work as new manager Paul Jewell's assistant.

When former Danish international and Liverpool midfield player Jan Molby gave backword to them a week ago, it was thought City would pursue another so-called big-name player from outside the club as Jewell's No 2.

They had talks at the end of last week with another former Liverpool player Ronnie Whelan, but Jewell said: "When the chairman asked me to take over, Chris Hutchings was foremost in my thoughts.

"He has been in the game a long time and he has played at the top level and I know him as a very good coach. He did a good job for us as Chris Kamara's No 2 two years ago.

"The post isn't about big names. It is all about ability to do the job and I know what I am getting with Chris Hutchings. I have got full confidence in him - that is the important thing.

"I have worked with him before and his appointment also maintains continuity in the backroom staff.

"There are no fancy titles here. It is just important that everyone pulls the same way for the good of Bradford City."

Hutchings was reserve team coach when Gary Megson was Kamara's No 2 after Lennie Lawrence was sacked at the end of November, 1995.

He was promoted to first team coach when Megson left after just three weeks at the club to take over as Norwich manager. But after City's Wembley triumph, Kamara made him Youth Development Officer and brought in Martin Hunter as first team coach.

Now Kamara and Hunter have gone, and 40-year-old Hutchings has got his old job back under Jewell.

His appointment means that City's coaching staff have been reduced from five a month ago to three - Jewell, Hutchings and youth team manager Steve Smith.

Hutchings, who helped Jewell with the first team at Ipswich on Saturday, said: "I have enjoyed working at youth level, but obviously you are ambitious and want to go on to higher things.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Steve Smith and I feel we have got things going in the right direction with the youth team, but I am still ambitious to work at senior level, although I will still take a big interest in the youth side.

"It is vital we maintain what we have on the youth side because that is the future of the club and we are doing very well in the Northern Intermediate League and are through to the final of the League Cup."

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "Paul Jewell has got the man he wanted at his side and I wish them every success and hope all supporters get behind the new management team."

Midfielder Hutchings played for five clubs - Chelsea, Brighton, Huddersfield Town, Walsall and Rotherham.

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