Nationwide League: Lee set for Sharpe exit from Bradford

Bradford City will not be renewing the contracts of six of their players, including club skipper Stuart McCall and former England and Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe.

With First Division safety assured, manager Nicky Law has moved quickly to trim his squad in preparation for making signings of his own in the summer.

The six, who also include former Ireland B international Gareth Whalley, currently on loan at Crewe, Gunnar Halle, who is on loan with Wolves, Gareth Grant and Jon Worsnop, are all out of contract at the end of June and will now be looking for new employers.

McCall’s is the most high-profile name on the list, although the Bantams captain has been increasingly overlooked by Law in recent months.

The 37-year-old, who has made over 400 appearances for Bradford during two spells at Valley Parade that span a 20-year period, has a testimonial against Rangers at the end of this month.

Sharpe has also struggled to force his way into the first team this season, although he did make a brief eight-minute substitute appearance in the win at Wimbledon last Saturday.

A club spokesman said: ‘‘These players haven’t featured in Nicky’s plans in the last few weeks.

‘‘He wants to bring in a certain type of player younger players. This has been proved by what he’s been doing with the team in recent weeks and it should continue over the summer.

‘‘By letting these players go it frees up a sizeable chunk of the wage bill which can then be used to pay for new players that Nicky is interested in.

‘‘He’s made the decision now to give these lads every chance of making contingency plans and getting a head start in looking for new clubs.’’