Soccer: Xmas manager search on at Bradford

Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond will spend today and tomorrow mulling over applications for the manager’s job at Valley Parade following the resignation of Jim Jefferies.

Richmond has already had phone calls from prospective candidates following Jefferies’ decision to leave the Nationwide First Division club.

Former Bantams player Stan Collymore is among the candidates but Richmond stressed that the ex-player, who finished his on-field career in Spain with Real Oviedo, is not the only person to put his name forward.

Bradford fans are not impressed by news of Collymore’s interest in the job, with experienced bosses like ex-Manchester City manager Joe Royle and former Liverpool boss Roy Evans, who recently left Swindon Town, being suggested as possible replacements for Jefferies.

Mark Neil, chairman of the Bradford City supporters club, said none of the fellow supporters he had spoken to were taking Collymore’s interest seriously.

‘‘He’s serious about the application but I think that’s as far as it will go,’’ he said.

‘‘We need some experience in there.’’

‘‘It must be unique looking for a manager on Christmas Day and Boxing Day,’’ Geoffrey Richmond said.

‘‘When something like this does happen the phone does ring. There are already names in the hat.’’

Richmond said that he would be doing what was best for the club over the appointment of a new manager.

‘‘We have to take one step at a time,’’ he added.

The Bantams are 16th in Division One and level on points with Sheffield United who visit Valley Parade for the Boxing Day fixture.