NEW City boss Gary Bowyer today took charge for the first time and declared: “I’m so excited.”

The 47-year-old has succeeded David Hopkin on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

Bowyer, who previously managed at Blackpool and Blackburn, faces the task of trying to bridge a six-point gap to League One safety in the final 11 games.

But he cannot wait to get started as the Bantams build towards back-to-back home clashes with Peterborough and leaders Luton.

Bowyer will be assisted by Andy Todd, the son of former City boss Colin. The Manchester-born manager has been out of football since August when he walked away from Blackpool.

He was in charge for 115 games and steered the Tangerines to promotion back from League Two in 2017.

Bowyer said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here.

“It’s a massive club and the opportunity to manage Bradford City doesn’t come along that often – it was one that I had to take.

“I’ve been ready to get back into management for a while but it’s been about getting the right opportunity. This is a fantastic one for myself and for Andy.

“We’re totally aware of the challenge that lies ahead but if I didn’t believe we couldn’t get out of this, I wouldn’t be here.

“I’ve driven in and been so excited coming in, it’s incredible. The challenge is something you’ve got to embrace.

“We’ll outline our demands to the players and what is expected from them. They are going to have to work very hard, stick together and have a right good go.

“As long as they do that, we’ll see where that takes us.

“That’s the most important thing. We’ve got the belief in the players and we’re going to work very hard from now until the end of the season and concentrate on the games we have left.”

Bowyer is delighted to be starting off at Valley Parade and hopes he can lift the fans for two crucial encounters.

“I remember coming here with Blackpool a couple of years back,” he added. “It was the start of the season and the place was rocking.

“I speak to people that have managed here that know the supporters. They’ve said about what a good club this is and good fanbase and what an impact the crowd can have on the team when they get behind them.

“What I’m really looking forward to is getting the stadium full and bouncing again.”