Julian Rhodes is convinced that Stuart McCall is the "winner" to turn City into genuine promotion contenders for next season.

Saturday's draw at Brentford meant that the Bantams cannot make the play-offs. Realistically, the current ninth spot is the highest they can finish in McCall's debut at the helm.

But despite contemplating another year in the basement division, joint-chairman Rhodes believes McCall has made big strides as a manager.

And he views City's dramatic improvement over the second half of the season as proof of the progress the club legend has made in charge.

Rhodes said: "I've been impressed with Stuart this year.

"It's not been the season we all hoped for because we're not going to win promotion but he has certainly shown signs that he will achieve what we want to achieve as a club.

"We all know that Stuart McCall is a winner and will work hard until he gets it right, which I'm sure he will."

McCall concedes he was a novice to League Two when he took the job. He had to assemble a squad for this season as he went along; taking recommendations on available players before he was fully aware of what was required.

"That was the problem last year," admitted Rhodes. "At the end of June, Stuart only had about six players - it won't be like that next time. We want the nucleus of the squad in before pre-season and I'm sure that will be the case.

"We've already got one or two targets that hopefully we will be in a position to bring in a lot earlier than last year.

"Stuart has done his homework and I think he knows some of the best players in this division. I'm sure he will be using his persuasive charms to get them to sign for Bradford."

Morecambe's tricky winger Garry Thompson, who injured his cheek bone at Valley Parade ten days ago, is understood to be one of McCall's top targets.

Thompson has been offered the biggest deal in the Shrimps' history to stay but has not put pen to paper so far, suggesting he is ready to move on.

Huddersfield's Bradford-born midfielder Chris Brandon has also been mentioned, along with prolific Mansfield striker Michael Boulding. But McCall is also still making up his mind about several members of the current squad.

Rhodes said: "At this time of year, signings come to the forefront and Stuart has been talking about players who are out of contract.

"Stuart will be given his budget and he has to operate within it. We all talk about players but ultimately it's Stuart's decision and his budget and he needs to spend it as he sees fit."

McCall has acknowledged City's chances this term were wrecked by an autumn slump which saw them claim only two points out of a possible 24.

Some managers would have been under pressure after a run like that but Rhodes dismisses any suggestions that City had any doubts.

"That kind of attitude gets you nowhere. Whatever way you look at it, we suffered this season from a bad eight games in October and November.

"Stuart has had to learn and I have to say, he's learned very quickly, especially since December time. I've been very impressed with him.

"You look at our record in that time (35 points in 21 games since New Year's Day) and he's definitely getting there. All we can do is carry on off the pitch making sure that we don't slip back into losing money, in such a way as it allows Stuart to have a real chance.

"I don't want to put undue pressure on anyone but next season we have to do well. With Stuart in charge and now a year wiser, I know that we will."

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