Bradford City have sacked joint managers Mark Trueman and Connor Sellars. The duo initially took over on a caretaker basis until being given the job permanently after an excellent run of form.
However, a poor finish to the season has seen the club make a change and the Bantams are now chasing their third permanent manager in the space of 12 months.
The club have offered Trueman and Sellars alternative roles at the club after deciding to remove them from the manager’s position.
Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars Sacked by Bradford City
A Poor Finish to the Season Cost the Joint Managers Their Jobs
Trueman and Sellars sparked Bradford into life when they first took over, guiding them to ten wins in 14 games. That run stormed the Bantams into promotion contention but a poor finish to the campaign ended any hopes of a late promotion charge.
Bradford finished the season with six defeats in seven matches and just one point in that time. A disappointing finish has prompted a change as the club try to find the right person to lead the club forward.
Speaking to the Bradford website, chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark and Conor for their endeavour and commitment over the past six months.
“Both men were fearless in taking on a formidable task in December and faced the challenge with everything they had.
“After saving us from potentially dropping out of the division, we wanted a strong finish to the season to give us momentum, heading into next.
“This has not transpired and one point from a possible 21, in the end, has ultimately seen us settle for mid-table – which is far away from where this club wants and needs to be.
“We feel, at this point, we need more experience to take us forward into the summer and next season which, for us, is a hugely significant one. We have a crucial few months in front of us, and it is important we are in the best-possible position to be able to prepare for them.”
Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars Thank Club for the Opportunity
Trueman said: “It is obviously disappointing to have been stood down as manager, but I respect the board’s decision and am incredibly thankful for the opportunity.
“In December, Conor and I took on quite a daunting task which we approached with everything we had.
“We were given the objective of staying in the division at first, which we made sure of with seven games to go. I know football is ultimately a results-based business, though, and recently they had not been good enough.
“I have learnt an awful lot over the past six months and am incredibly grateful to have had the chance to lead a good group of people.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported myself and Conor in the role, and Ryan for trusting, believing and showing faith in us.
Sellars added: “I would like to give a massive thanks to the football club, supporters, players and staff for what has been a fantastic experience over the past six months.
“I have loved every minute of the job and, despite my confidence in our ability to help take the club forward, I of course respect the decision made – following a disappointing end to the season – and my time as joint manager has taught me a lot.
“I will always look back at my spell in charge alongside Mark as an honour and a brilliant opportunity to further develop, using the experience moving forward.
“I would like to give my thanks, once again, for the brilliant support, and hope this club can get moving in the right direction.”
The Club Appear to Have Someone Lined Up to Take Over
As well as announcing the dismissal of Trueman and Sellars, the statement also confirmed the club are not seeking applicants for the role.
They say plans are already in place and an announcement will be made in due course. Whoever that is will need to build a team capable of competing for promotion.
The Bantams have struggled to sustain a serious promotion bid since their relegation back to League Two. There is plenty of talent in that squad but they need get this appointment right with the club making far too many changes off the pitch.
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