DAVID Sharpe has been unveiled as City’s head of football operations.

The 32-year-old’s appointment has been confirmed for the newly-created role after previously working at Wigan and Mansfield.

Sharpe, grandson of former Wigan owner Dave Whelan, left the Stags in July last year.

He had been appointed director of football in May 2020 before becoming chief executive five months later.

Sharpe began his career as a director at Wigan in December 2014 and was named chairman following Whelan’s resignation three months later. At 23, he was the youngest in the domestic game.

Sharpe is five months older than Bantams CEO Ryan Sparks and the pair have built up a close relationship in recent years.

“I am very happy to be here,” said Sharpe. “I have been speaking with Ryan and it was something that really appealed to me.

“I have always loved coming here and it is a place I have always looked at fondly from afar while at Mansfield.

“I have a bug for football, and it would have been hard to say no to this opportunity when it came about.”

Sharpe will work alongside City boss Graham Alexander, head of recruitment Stephen Gent and head of academy Mark Litherland in a move to expand and improve the club’s football operation.

He added: “I know the level quite well now, which will stand me in good stead, but every football club is different.

“I have held initial conversations with Graham Alexander and Stephen Gent, and our thoughts are very similar. It is clear to me we have some really good people here.

“I told Ryan what I think we can achieve and also where we need to be better, on and off the pitch, in having a long-term plan and project that we have to put in place.

“I would like to thank Ryan and Stefan Rupp for their support and for giving me the opportunity to come and hopefully be a part of something special at Bradford City.

“I cannot wait to get going and the hard work starts now.”

Sharpe’s appointment comes a week after Sparks held crunch talks with the owner in Germany about reviving the club’s fortunes.

Creating an extra role on the football side was one of the key points that Rupp has agreed to.

Sparks said: “This is a position I have been looking to add to our football department for some time and, following my conversation with Stefan last week, I now have the resources to be able to do so.

“I am always keen to bring the best talent to our organisation, and David represents another great addition to Bradford City.

“He will be working alongside our manager and head of recruitment, Graham and Stephen, as well as our head of academy, Mark Litherland. We are all really looking forward to what will be an important yet exciting summer period.

“I have known David for some time. Over the years, we have had several conversations - particularly when he was running one of our rivals, Mansfield Town - and we are very much aligned in our thinking.”