For those who have followed Stuart McCall’s career from 1982, when he made his debut for Bradford City at the age of 18, it is sometimes hard to believe that the 44-year-old, twice-married man is now manager of the team.

It took him 969 first-class games (84 goals) for four different clubs and Scotland over a playing career of 23 years to make his way, via a coaching role at Sheffield United, back to Valley Parade.

Even when he was playing for Everton in the late 1980s, he always made plain that his first football love was and probably always would be Bradford City.

It was City that gave him his break and for six seasons he mostly enjoyed himself in a side that played attacking football and won the old Third Division Championship in 1984/85 in style.

His passion for the club has endeared Stuart McCall to the majority of City fans. In spite of those who criticise his tactics or team selections now that he is the gaffer, few doubt his commitment to the club that gave him his break in the early 1980s.

Then, like now, the country was in the grip of economic recession with Bradford being particularly badly hit. For many, Bradford City were the difference between hope and despair.

Now in his second season in charge, with Wayne Jacobs as his assistant, Stuart McCall is trying to build a team capable of gaining promotion and sustaining a campaign in League One. Not one to look for a comfort zone, he has said that he wants to achieve his goal within three seasons. Injuries to key players this season have not helped, nevertheless City have topped League Two briefly and have rarely been out of the top five.

TEN QUESTIONS

1. Describe you best moment of 2008.

“It happened just before that, on Boxing Day, when Lincoln City were our visitors – the first time they had been to Valley Parade since the fire disaster on May 11, 1985. Our captain on that day was Peter Jackson. He was in charge of Lincoln that day. The emotion that gripped the ground as we walked on to the pitch to lay wreaths prior to the game was unforgettable. To win the game 2-1 seemed such a fitting way to end an emotionally-charged afternoon. The big man upstairs was smiling down on us.”

2. What was your worst?

“Standing on the touchline 4-0 down at Huddersfield with 15 minutes to go in a cup competition. We had 3,500 fans there in a crowd of 9,000; they had given us magnificent support and I had let them down.”

3. Who helped you most in 2008 and how?

“My wife, kids and family give me great support and encouragement, as have the fans in difficult times. But without doubt the greatest help has been from my good friend and assistant Wayne Jacobs. He has given me and the club everything and more.”

4. Did the year have any surprises for you?

“In my job you learn to expect the unexpected. The pleasant surprise has been the way the fans are rallying round to help the club gain promotion; the away following has been fantastic. The downside is how many managers and friends have lost their jobs.”

5. Was there a stand-out funny moment?

“When I took our staff go-karting for Christmas, our club ambassador Malcolm Scott, who is probably a bit old to be haring around a track, was too scared to join in with everyone, so he had the track to himself for three laps. Half-an-hour later he came into the pits!”

6. Any regrets about the year?

“Life’s too short for regrets; what’s gone has gone and you can only affect the future.”

7. What have you learned from 2008?

“The job of football management has taught me that not everyone means what they say or says what they mean. 2008 has taught me not to be naïve.”

8. What would you like to see happen personally, professionally or on wider plane in 2009?

“Personally and professionally, my dream is to see Bradford City’s name on a League One fixture list and give thousands of Bantams a reason to be happy. The health and happiness of family and friend is my wish.”

9. Any New Year resolutions?

“I aim to make time to do things that are important away from managing a football club – if that’s possible.”

10. Who would be your person of the year and why?

“This would be my dad who suffers from Alzheimer’s. He never fails to lift my spirits.”