Jim Magilton would get City playing the way the fans want if he got the job.

Peter Taylor and Peter Jackson are thought to be the leading candidates for the Valley Parade vacancy. Steve Cotterill, Martin Allen, Russell Slade, Lawrie Sanchez and Dean Windass are also in the running.

But as City prepare to make their decision, Jamie Lawrence backed former Ips-wich boss Magilton for the post.

City favourite Lawrence reckons the Northern Ireland international has the credentials to be a success, despite never having played or managed in the bottom division.

Lawrence said: “I don’t think that matters. If you’re a good manager, you can manage at any level.

“He’s the sort of character Bradford need and would get everyone playing for him. He was a good player, always very committed and played his football the right way.

“He plays football the way the fans appreciate in a free-flowing manner. He’ll have learned that from playing and managing Ipswich.

“Obviously it didn’t work out for Magilton at QPR but not many people last long there. That shouldn’t be held against him.”

Lawrence, who is taking his first steps in management with non-league Ashford Town (Middlesex), admitted he was gutted to see Stuart McCall go.

“Nobody loves Bradford City more than Stuart and he spent so many happy years there. It was so sad to see it end like that.

“But Bradford fans will always be fond of him, that won’t change.

“And in the long run he’ll be better for the experience. I’ve no doubt he will come back as a manager again and be stronger for it.”