Delighted Bradford City fans believe the return of their idol Stuart McCall will usher in a new era for the club.

McCall has been the talk of the city since the Telegraph & Argus revealed on our website that he had agreed to take over the reigns at the Intersonic Stadium.

Now passionate supporters are urging chairman Julian Rhodes to provide the funds for McCall to start building his own team.

The appointment has led to predictions of increased season ticket sales for the coming season, with McCall expected to start a resurrection.

Within hours of the story being uploaded onto the T&A website, more than 100 readers had posted their views, which were overwhelmingly positive.

Many said they were so delighted they could hardly believe the news was true, while others thanked Mr Rhodes for bringing back McCall, who left in 2002 to play for Sheffield United.

But some sounded a note of caution, pointing out that McCall, despite being a terrific player, had little managerial experience.

Minister backs move

A Government minister has given his backing to the return of Stuart McCall.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, a minister in the new department for justice, described the appointment as "brilliant news."

He said: "I'm delighted because I thought he was in line for the Sheffield United job. "It will bring excitement to the city because he is a very popular figure."

The appointment has also been welcomed by Bradford City season ticket holder, Councillor Martin Love, leader of Bradford Council's Green Group.

Coun Love said: "Hopefully the good times are back. It's absolutely fantastic because he has been the target since Colin Todd left.<>/p>

"He is one of us. He is a fan of the club who joined as a junior and worked his way up in the early 80s. I remember him playing as a teenager and coming to maturity in the team that won the Third Division Championship.

"He was also a big part of the team that nearly got us promoted in '88, then he went to Everton and Rangers, but he always said he would come back.

"He came back once already as a player in '98 and helped get us promoted and now he's back as a manager. After the last six years we have had, we needed some good news.

"I'm looking forward to next season now. The crowds will be high and he will be able to attract better players than before."

What the fans said:

It's fantastic, especially if there's some money available for players for him to build his own team. He's a City legend. After the slide we have had for the last five years, this is the best news we could have.

Glenn Walker, of Clayton

He is superb. They will get a full house every week for him because he's so popular. My son is a City fan and he will be delighted. It's what Bradford City need after the rough time they've been through.

Maxine Ryan, of Barkerend

It's fabulous. He is what every City fan has wanted for the last five years. We never wanted him to leave. He will bring a bit of stability. Everyone who was going to buy a season ticket will definitely buy one now.

Michael Kay, of Bolton Woods

I'm all for it. He was a class player and I hope he does well as a manager. I used to watch him play when it was quid a kid. I haven't been to watch City for a while, but I will go back now.

John Dyson, of Denholme

He's a really nice guy and he was always really popular when he used to play. He used to come in the pub where I worked and he was always very pleasant. He will do a really good job.

Brenda Ryan, of Barkerend

I reckon it will be very good. He is a City man through and through. He will get behind the boys. He's Stuart McCall - what more do you need to say? Legend.

Jay McLoughlin, of Holme Wood

  • McCall named new City manager

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