Derek Adams has left Morecambe to join Bradford City as their new manager. The 45-year-old Scotsman, who previously managed Ross County and Plymouth, leaves Morecambe after 20 months in charge of the Shrimps.
Derek Adams rejoins League Two With Bradford City
The new Bantams Boss Has Four Promotions to His Name as a Manager
Adams succeeds Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars in becoming Bradford’s new manager. Bradford City relieved Trueman and Sellars of their roles earlier this year. As reported in the Telegraph and Argus, Adams had sidestepped questions regarding the links to the City job: “My future lies in celebrating tonight. Morecambe Football Club are in League One, and they haven’t been there before”. However, just a few days since then, Bradford City announced the signing.”
Derek Adams attended an interview for the position back in December 2020 and had remained in the Bantams’ plans since. Ultimately, Adams’ success with Morecambe drew heavy interest from Bradford City. This move leaves Morecambe to search for a new manager to oversee their first-ever season in League One. Morecambe were 5/1 favourites to be relegated to the National League before the season began.
The Man to Overturn Bradford City’s Struggles
Chief executive Ryan Sparks has satisfied many fans with Adams’ appointment. After years of mismanagement, Sparks is trying to make up for past mistakes, and finding a manager capable of promotion is one step in the right direction.
The recent playoff final victory is Adam’s fourth promotion in management and the second time he has taken a club to League One. As manager of Plymouth Argyle, Adams guided them to an unsuccessful playoff final in 2015, and the following year gained automatic promotion. Adams has other impressive accolades alongside his knack for promotion success. In his second stint as Ross County manager, Adams oversaw an incredible 40-match unbeaten streak.
Adams seems to thrive with underdogs. With Ross County, Adams took them to the top flight of Scottish football. He then guided Plymouth to League One. And Morecambe were transformed from perennial relegation battlers to promotion candidates in a short space of time.
Adams is Working on a Budget
Frugality is part of Bradford City’s culture ever since financial difficulties almost saw the club disappear. Therefore, it is no surprise to see that Derek Adams can work within a budget but still produce results. In the post-match interview of his recent playoff final victory, reported by the T&A, Adams stated: “We’ve got the lowest wage bill in 92 clubs in English football so that tells you it’s not all about finance”. While Bradford undoubtedly has a larger budget than Morecambe, the club likes to work within its means. Adams should feel right at home with the Bantam’s financial structure.”
Adams will have the summer to rebuild Bradford City and prepare his attempt at a fifth managerial promotion.
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