Stuart McCall will always deserve the full respect of City and their fans, a former Valley Parade team-mate today insisted.

John Hendrie believes McCall’s place in the club’s hearts should not be affected despite the growing uncertainty over his position as manager.

The last-gasp victory at Torquay snapped a run of six games without a win. City now need to follow that up at home, where they have not claimed maximum points since October.

The focus remains on McCall ahead of Saturday’s clash with third-placed Bury but Hendrie has urged the critics not to let their disappointment cloud what he has achieved for the club down the years.

He said: “The only sure-fire guarantee in management is the bullet. I’m not saying that will happen to Stuart but he’s not daft – he knows the score.

“But people shouldn’t forget what he has done for the club, whatever happens.

“Just show him some respect whether he stays or goes.”

T&A columnist Hendrie, a former player-boss at Barnsley, can appreciate the pressure that McCall is under. He is also in no doubt how much the frustration of seeing City stuck in the bottom half will hurt the club legend.

“I’ve known Stuart for about 26 years since we came through as players and the biggest compliment I can pay is that he has never changed one bit. He is still the most affable and amiable person you could meet. And he will always have Bradford City’s interests at heart.

“This isn’t an old pals’ act – I’m not saying this as his mate. I just believe Stuart deserves proper respect.

“Don’t let the events and disappointments of the past year destroy everything that he has brought to the club.

“For years and years, everyone wanted Stuart as the manager and their wish was granted.

“But Stuart won’t be at the club forever. The time will come when he moves on, whether it’s in one week, one month, one year, who knows.

“He is a logical fella and knows exactly how this game works.

“If anything, he was too honest last year when he said he would go because Bradford hadn’t gone up. Then the reaction of the supporters changed his mind and kept him there.

“But Stuart’s not daft enough to think that if it’s not working out, he won’t sit down and look at the big picture.

“He’s not the sort of character who would hold the club to ransom. He’s got too much feeling for Bradford City to do that.”

* Don't forget to read On Parade with John Hendrie in Tuesday's Telegraph & Argus.