Wayne Jacobs has warned City’s players there will be no easing off without Stuart McCall – and admits he has been “blown away” by the response.

Jacobs has been placed in command for now, even though he is not in the running for the Valley Parade vacancy.

With interviews kicking off tomorrow, he is likely to keep the reins against Grimsby on Saturday.

And McCall’s former number two will not let the temporary nature of the position water down his approach.

He said: “I only know how to do it one way. It’s not in my character to pussy-foot around.

“Sometimes people get the impression that I’m a bit meek and mild because of my Christian faith but it’s more a case that I’m a Christian because I need to be a bit more that way and I know I’m not. I should bite my lip more.

“I spoke to Mark Lawn and told him that he needs to know I will do the job full-blooded.

“If I think any players lose focus, I will tell them. I can only be that way.”

Jacobs called a meeting before training yesterday to thank the players for the way they handled McCall’s departure on Monday – and their reaction to him taking over.

With his contract up in the summer, his own role is uncertain. But Jacobs was delighted at the way the players got down to business.

He added: “I was blown away, not just by the respect they showed Stuart but also the way they have treated me. They are all right behind me.

“It’s been a fantastic response and I couldn’t have asked for better.”

Jacobs admitted that it has been strange taking training without McCall alongside him.

“Even sat in the office with no Stuart there is a funny one. I almost made him a cup of coffee!

“Obviously he’s a great friend and Monday was a very difficult day for everyone. It was very emotional for me personally but I’m proud that it was handled in such a respectful way. I’m absolutely delighted that even though it’s not worked out for us as a management couple, it ended like that. It meant a lot to me.

“John Hendrie’s piece in the T&A last week was right. Stuart is a legend and always will be.”

Meanwhile, Accrington have told City to forget their long-serving boss John Cole-man.

The Bantams board have been alerted by the way Coleman has steered Stanley to the edge of the play-offs on a shoestring budget.

Accrington chief executive Robert Heys said: “We are on a fantastic run so it comes as no surprise to us that he is being linked with a possible move away from the club.

“However, I would like to think that John would like to continue and bring to fruition Stanley’s promotion hopes this season. It would be a devastating blow to us if he were to leave.”