BRADFORD City Women’s manager Stephen Winterburn has committed his future to the club - and will remain at the helm next season.

The 53-year-old returned to the role during the second half of last season, having separated his two spells at the club with a stint with West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.

The City boss is anticipating a rebuilding process next season and is delighted to have secured his future within the ladies’ ranks.

Winterburn said: “I was encouraged to be welcomed back to the club and am looking forward to it.

“We are going to try and start from scratch, which will be quite difficult.

“But the rebranding is exciting for me and will be exciting for the players as well.

“The memories I have from my first spell here will never fade. We grew as a club and were thriving in every area.

“Since pitching our ambitions for next season, I have received lots of positive feedback from players keen to join us.”

Winterburn was also encouraged by support from men’s first-team manager Gary Bowyer, who will be sponsoring the women’s boss over the course of next season.

He added: “In my previous experience at Bradford, the link between the male and female teams has been quite small.

“If Gary is happy to work with us and show support where he can then, hopefully, both teams will grow together. I could not ask for any more than that.”

Recently-appointed women’s chairman Mark Hird has spoken of his delight following Winterburn’s decision to remain in place.

And he and is determined to build a strong working relationship with his new manager over the course of next season.

Hird said: “Steve is back on board to add some stability.

“He knows the club inside out, having been here for a solid 10 years previously.

“Steve is the captain in terms of the ideas we are coming up with - and is steering the ship with regards to our plans for next season.”

City Women are looking to bounce back from a poor season which saw them lose all 24 matches in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division, scoring just 12 goals and conceding 140. This included an 11-0 defeat in their final game of the season against Huddersfield Town.

City Women are holding trial dates for next season. The sessions, starting on June 25, will be held every Tuesday and Thursday night between 6.45pm and 8.30pm and Sundays from 10am to noon at Rawdon Meadows Playing Fields, Bradford.

To register your interest, send the following details to Winterburn: full name, date of birth, previous clubs (if applicable), preferred playing position, preferred trial/training start date, at: steve@bcwfc.co.uk or call 07962 39122.