Legend is loving life back in the dugout at Scunthorpe
European Championships for Scotland.
“I played for Bradford twice and managed them twice and to play for Rangers was unbelievable, as was the chance to manage the club. I played for Scotland and assisted with Gordon [Strachan], so I have been very fortunate and I only look back in a good way.
“I have been fortunate, I have loved it and I am loving being back in now.”
The exit from Bradford, a club where he had started both his playing and managerial careers, could have knocked McCall’s confidence.
If there was ever proof of how quickly things can change for a boss, this was it as he was shown the door just months after leading his side out at Wembley. Like at Rangers, the final play-off hurdle had proven too great to overcome.
The Bantams would ultimately finish in mid-table last term and they currently sit in the relegation zone after eight matches this season, with David Hopkin their fourth boss this year.
McCall has moved on. At 54, he remains as enthusiastic and passionate as ever as he and Black, his right-hand man at Motherwell and Rangers previously, embark on their latest endeavour together.
“We went into Bradford and had real highs and success and over-achievement and great memories,” McCall said.
“Even though they are a big club with the size of the support, I think budget wise we were 12th in the table and we ended up finishing fifth and getting the club to Wembley.
“If VAR had been about, Millwall’s goal wouldn’t have been allowed and you never know what would have happened. Little things can sway you and determine what way your career is going to go.
“I didn’t come away from Bradford with a bad taste or bitterness or anything like that. I just felt ‘I really enjoyed that’.
“It wasn’t a case of ‘do I want to go back into it?’. It was ‘let’s get back in and improve a club and be successful’.”
The game is littered with managers that have made