Bradford confirm Stuart McCall will be staying on as manager
Tuesday 13 June 2017 20:53, UK
Bradford City say manager Stuart McCall is to remain at the club, contrary to rumours suggesting that he is on the brink of resignation.
McCall took charge of Bradford for the second time last summer and guided the Bantams to the League One play-off final, where they lost 1-0 to Millwall.
However, the departure of three players, with others possibly set to follow, prompted speculation that McCall was poised to depart.
But the club refuted the rumours in a joint statement, released on Tuesday night on behalf of McCall, owners Stefan Rupp and Edin Rahic, head of recruitment Greg Abbott, and chief operating officer James Mason.
The thinking behind the statement was to 'to speak to our fans directly in one common voice and cut through some incorrect speculation and rumour that has been across social media and in the press over recent days'.
The statement read: "In the wake of our disappointing defeat in the play-off final there has been a lot of discussion between us about how best we take the football club forward.
"It wasn't the outcome we wanted, however, we have taken some time to reflect and regroup. Recent speculation has been unfounded, hurtful and unhelpful.
"Stuart is our manager and will be staying as our manager.
"The money received from player transfers and our trip to Wembley will be re-invested in the squad, on the right players when the time is right. We have shown our commitment to investing money in players as recently as January with the £250,000 signing of Charlie Wyke.
"All the players that were out of contract have received what we believe to be competitive offers for them. In addition, we are prepared to compete with regards to wages for all new players but there also has to be a limit. Players will come and go. That's football. We proved this last summer.
"After constructive talks were held today we are now busy building a squad capable of challenging for promotion next year.
"This work has never stopped but we are not prepared to rush into any decisions. News will be released when the time is right.
"All we ask as supporters is that you give us your patience, as you have in the past, and trust us all to work together to act in the best interests of this great football club.
"Our season has not long ended and we've all needed to stop and have some family time and to recharge.
"We're now ready to go again. Don't underestimate what we can achieve together."
