Bradford season ‘one of most challenging’ in my career’, admits McCall

BRADFORD CITY manager Stuart McCall admits this season has been “one of the most challenging” he has had in football amid a big shift in philosophy at the club.

The Bantams missed out on promotion after being beaten by Millwall in Saturday’s League One play-off final.

McCall cut a forlorn figure at Wembley but he appreciates there is no time to dwell on that disappointment. Yesterday brought a summit meeting with co-owner Edin Rahic as the club looks to next season, the future of several soon to be out of contract players dominating the agenda along with a likely budget for 2017-18.

“It has probably been one of the most challenging seasons that I have had in football,” said McCall, brought back to Valley Parade by Rahic and co-owner Stefan Rupp last summer.

“But only because of new owners and things being done a little bit differently from what I have been used to as a coach, manager and player.

“Looking back through the whole season, there has been challenging times. I am sure Edin will say the same. Certain times things could have been a lot different.

“It is so, so tough trying to run a football club, especially when you come in from a different country with no football business management.

“As the season has gone on, I think we have found a balance. Naturally in football, you have differences of opinions but we are all here together.”

McCall has another year remaining on his contract, as does assistant Kenny Black. Others on the backroom staff, however, have deals that expire next month and McCall wants their futures resolving.

Asked if he was keen to lead City’s push to go one better next term McCall said: “Yes, of course. It has been probably the most challenging but I have loved the majority of the time.

“To work with the players and the staff has been brilliant, as has being able to put smiles on people’s faces and visit Wembley. The feelgood factor has been there, the willingness from the fans has been fantastic. We will regroup and get ready to go again.”

Meanwhile, the Football League plan to apologise to McCall and Bradford over the ugly scenes at the end of the playoff final that saw City players subjected to taunts from some among the few hundred Millwall fans who invaded the pitch. The League has called on the police and Millwall to identify those involved and “take the necessary and appropriate action”.