PHIL Parkinson must not have his position at the City helm undermined if the takeover goes ahead.

Bantams legend John Hendrie insists that Parkinson deserves to be left alone by potential new owner Gianni Paladini.

As previously revealed in the Telegraph & Argus, it is understood that the Italian's period of exclusivity runs until the end of the month.

The original agreement was believed to have requested a fortnight extension, which would have run out today, but both parties are prepared to let it run for the whole of May.

Hendrie warned that any buy-out should not "screw up" the progress made in Parkinson's four seasons as boss.

"Let the manager manage, let the coaches coach and let them get on with their own affairs and continue to bring their own players in," he said.

"We've seen the barren years at the club and it was shocking being stuck down there in League Two. It was tough for everybody.

"Phil's come in and everything he has done has improved the club. He has put down solid foundations.

"The more time he gets, he is just gradually building. It's not a rush job. If new owners do arrive, he's got to be allowed to maintain that.

"The club have been making a gradual improvement every year – they can't come in and screw all that up.

"You've got to let the staff do their jobs. Don't interfere and they will continue to take the club forward.

"Have faith in the manager to keep doing the right thing. If not, then there will be a lot of able suitors who will take Phil at the drop of a hat."

There have already been national reports linking former Leeds boss Neil Warnock with a move to Valley Parade if Paladini takes command after working under him at QPR.

T&A columnist Hendrie said: "I know a lot of City fans who think that if new owners come in, they will bring their own men.

"There will be people that Paladini is close to within the game as a former chairman and an agent.

"Some will put two and two together that they'll be ringing him up and asking if there's a chance of getting them in at the club.

"But he's got to see that this is a solid ship sailing in the right direction. All it needs is a bit more investment. There's no need to upset the applecart."

City's apparent willingness to give Paladini longer to seal the deal, rather than listening to other interested parties who have since made themselves known, shows that he is serious.

But it can be a time-consuming process. As well as providing proof of funds with the club, a takeover would also need the full approval of the Football League.

Hendrie said: "It's got to be right for the football club, first and foremost.

"We've seen how people have gone into clubs elsewhere, like the scenarios at Blackburn and before at Leeds, and it's been more about trying to make a quick buck.

"The most important thing is that they have the club's interests at heart to take it forward. It's not about going in for a quick kill and then selling on again.

"We've seen it at many clubs in the past and they can make the place look a laughing stock. I don't think it will be like that but you have to want to get involved for the right reasons."