Slade targets a City return
The Bantams have begun the search for a new manager after Stuart McCall resigned yesterday.
And the Telegraph understands former Mariners manager Russell Slade is interested in stepping into the Coral Windows Stadium hot seat.
Saturday's League Two clash may come too soon for any appointment at Bradford, however.
McCall's assistant Wayne Jacobs has been placed in temporary charge and is likely be at the helm for the visit of the Mariners this weekend.
But it would be a real quirk of fate if the man who made the final two on Town's own managerial short-list in October – and was many fans' tip to get the jobs ahead of Neil Woods – lined up in the opposition dugout to try to extend the Mariners' winless run to 21 games.
Slade has been out of work since leaving Brighton early in November and was tipped for a return to Blundell Park when Mike Newell was sacked.
That didn't happen, despite attending an interview for his old post at Blundell Park, and the 49-year-old is still out of the game.
But the lure of a big basement division club like Bradford will tempt him and he is expected to apply.
There is likely to be stiff competition from several other names who expressed an interest in the Town vacancy last year as well with former Bantam Dean Windass mentioned, as well as ex-Lincoln boss Peter Jackson.
Sources in West Yorkshire anticipate a short-term appointment until the end of the campaign rather than a longer commitment – and that would suit Slade who is naturally keen to return to football.
Whoever steps in has a big task on to step into McCall's shoes after time as both a player and manager with the Bantams.
The 45-year-old announced his imminent departure on Saturday after witnessing his side's 1-0 home defeat to Bury.
That parting of the ways was confirmed yesterday with the club 16th in the table and 10 points adrift of the play-off positions.
The fans' favourite nearly quit the club last summer after missing out on the play-offs, only for supporters to convince him to stay on.
Now, he has quit the club for good.
A statement on the club's website said: "Stuart McCall has today left his post as manager of Bradford City.
"The decision was felt to be in the best interests of all parties following a run of disappointing results that have left the club in 16th place in the League Two table.
"The club would like to place on record its appreciation for Stuart's efforts as manager over the past two years and seven months."
McCall added: "I loved being manager of this club but it's a results-based business and the results have not been good enough.
"I just think it's time now to get a lucky manager in. He might not be the best manager but if he can be lucky that would be good for the club.
"I'm hurt because I wanted to be a success here and the bottom line is I haven't been."
Despite the poor form, Bradford are unlikely to go down and the board can expect plenty of applicants.
If no appointment is made before Town's weekend visit, however, Woods' team will face a side without a full-time boss for the second Saturday in succession.
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