McCall dismisses Moore talk

Bradford boss does not expect to sign defender

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 1st May 2008

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Bradford boss Stuart McCall has played down speculation linking Derby defender Darren Moore with a return to Valley Parade.

Moore was at Bradford when they won promotion to the Premier League nine years ago and there have been rumours that he could be on his way out of Derby this summer.

McCall, who played alongside Moore for The Bantams, admits he would love to bring in his former team-mate.

"If we could manage to get someone of the calibre of Darren Moore to our football club, it would be the biggest coup since I came back," McCall told the Telegraph & Argus.

"He would be the type of professional I would love to have at the club. He has matured since my time as a player with him and is the sort of character and leader that would be an absolute joy to have here.

Unbelievable

"It would be an unbelievable signing if that was ever to come about."

However, McCall does no believe he has much chance of landing a player who has stood out in Derby's otherwise disastrous campaign.

He explained: "I would rate it extremely unlikely and he has another year on his contract at Derby anyway, so that will quash that rumour.

"I don't know where the rumours have come from. The last time I spoke to Darren was a couple of months ago.

"I remember Paul Jewell saying that Darren has been one of their most consistent players during a horrible season and, if he was to become available, I'm sure there would be at least another 30 clubs higher than us in for him."

Released

Bradford have climbed steadily up the League Two table after a disappointing start to the season but McCall is already looking ahead to next term and has released 13 players.

Striker Eddie Johnson heads the list, while Darren Williams, Paul Evans, Tom Penford and Alex Rhodes have also been told they have no future with the club.

Craig Benham, Scott Phelan, David Brown, Damian Hopkins and Luke Morgan have also been let go, along with goalkeepers Donovan Ricketts, Ben Saynor and Jamie Waite.

Out-of-contract duo Barry Conlon and Kyle Nix have been offered new deals, but McCall admits it was difficult to wield the axe.

"I've only been here a year but you get to build up a rapport with people. It is tough when you know a lot of lads want to be here."