IT WAS RIGHT TO STEP DOWN – HOPKIN

DAVID Hopkin says it was the right time to resign as Bradford boss.

The former Bantams midfielder only succeeded Michael Collins at Valley Parade in September.

But Hopkin, 48, decided to step down following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to relegation rivals Walsall, which left City second bottom and three points from safety.

Hopkin said: “I am disappointed, but feel the time is right for me to step aside and allow someone to come in and attempt to keep the club in League One.

“I have given my all over the past six months. I took on a tough job and have left no stone unturned in my efforts to help us climb the table.

“The club means a great deal to me, as a former player, and that is why I have made this decision – with a quarter of the season remaining.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible Bradford City fans.

“This has been a hugely difficult season for everyone involved and they have shown me a great deal of support. I wish the club the very best for the future.”

Martin Drury, assisted by Anton McElhone, took caretaker charge of the Bantams for the trip to promotion-chasing Portsmouth.

Former Bradford boss Phil Parkinson, currently at Bolton, has played down links to a return.

“There’s no truth in that,” he said. “I’ve got a big job to do here and I’m concentrating on that.”