Manager Paul Jewell believes Stuart McCall is doing the same job for Bradford City that his fellow Scottish international midfield player Gordon Strachan did for Leeds United in the early 1990s.

Strachan inspired Leeds to their 1992 championship triumph under Howard Wilkinson and Jewell believes McCall is having a similar influence at Valley Parade.

Jewell who was presented with his Nationwide Manager of the Month Award for December at a Bradford restaurant yesterday said: "When Stuart joined us last June I asked him to do the job for us that Strachan did for Leeds.

"I believe Stuart has kick-started us. He is obviously a smashing player and leads by example.

"There are also similarities between him and Strachan. Both are fine players and both played for Scotland and have similar infectious personalities. They also have red hair.

"Both are keen and enthusiastic and Stuart has certainly brought all those qualities and a bit more to our team. As soon as he became available I said I wanted to sign him.

"But although I am delighted with the contribution that Stuart has made we are not a one man team and there are a lot of unsung heroes in our squad.

"It isn't just about 11 players - it is other players who might only play a few matches for us and everyone has a vital part to play."

Jewell who took over as caretaker manager with City 12 months ago today following the sacking of Chris Kamara said: "Obviously it is an honour to be named manager of the month, not just for me personally but for the club as a whole and all the people who work with me, players, chairman, staff and supporters.

"My progress goes from one Saturday to the next and even one day to the next, but I think we have improved as a team in the last 12 months.

"We have had money to spend and that certainly helps and the work ethos of the players has improved.

"We work very hard in training and you have to take that work into every game. People compare us with Bradford City's team of 1988 and I think there are similarities, not least team spirit."

Former World Cup referee Jack Taylor, who made the manager of the month presentation to the City boss, said: "Paul Jewell has done tremendously well at Bradford. You look around the football world and it is the same old merry-go-round so it is nice to see one of the younger managers coming through. I have been very impressed with what he has done.

"I have seen Bradford play twice this season, once in a 2-2 home draw against Bolton and the other time in their 1-0 win at Tranmere. They show a very positive approach with a nice pattern of play and all the players work hard for each other.

"It is always dangerous to talk about records but four wins and a draw in the league during December followed by the cup win over Grimsby last week is very impressive. I feel sure they will at least be on the fringe of the play-offs."

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