KEVIN McDonald has helped buy City time in their search for the next permanent boss.

The club will continue to monitor the interest in the Valley Parade vacancy as they look to whittle down the applications into a short-list for interviews.

But the short-term lift that McDonald’s appointment in the caretaker role has given the team and fans means the Bantams hierarchy feel there is no immediate rush to bring in a new man.

The Scot was handed the extra responsibility after Mark Hughes was sacked on Wednesday – and became only the second temporary manager this century to win his first City game.

McDonald got the right reaction as the Bantams recorded a 1-0 victory over Swindon - their first in four home outings.

“It’s one game and we’re not going to get too carried away,” he said. “But hopefully it helps the club (looking for a new manager).

“The process will carry on looking into that.

“It could have been so different. I’m just glad to win the game.

“It was such a good day out for us all. I loved the experience but at the same time I know these things can change.

“From my own behalf, we won’t allow our standards to drop.”

Match-winner Bobby Pointon confirmed that the players are right behind McDonald while their team-mate takes charge.

He said: “We’ve all dealt with it really quickly. Kev has come in and been really professional about it.

“We were a bit surprised but we all respect him and his professionalism. He’s a bit scary as well!”

McDonald admitted it was a very different experience being on the touchline for the first time.

“Even from the side it’s hard to get on messages,” he added. “But I did enjoy it.

“It is stressful, especially the last 10-15 minutes when you’re that close.

“You know they are a good team and any mistakes or anyone switching off and they can create and score goals.

READ MORE: McDonald gets City Pointon the right way again

“That’s probably the same for every single manager who’s involved in football. But for me to witness it first hand was a good experience.

“I didn’t know how to react after we scored. I thought it was an own goal at first.

“I was caught up in that but the reaction from the staff themselves was proper active. We were all delighted, but it probably didn’t hit home at the time.”

Matt Derbyshire is also helping McDonald in the dug-out. The veteran striker has not played since the Grimsby game.

McDonald said: “The coaching side of things is probably a longer-term goal for Derbs as well. It was good to have him alongside.

“As I’ve said, everyone needs to chip in because there are going to be things that we miss out or make mistakes. Derbs was good to be fair.

“All the days have been long so far, the longest I’ve ever had. But it’s worth it when you’re winning.”