Gary Bowyer has joined Bradford as manager until the end of the season in a last ditch attempt by Bradford to remain in League One. Bowyer goes into another tough manager's position at Bradford, a side that currently sit in 23rd position and 7 points from safety.
The Manchester born 47 year old spent two years at Blackpool, in that time achieving promotion from League 2 and then stabilising the ship and leading Pool to a top half finish last term. He did all this within a limited budget and under much scrutiny and no doubt it will be similar at Bradford. He brought in the likes of Kyle Vassell, Jay Spearing and Kelvin Mellor, with the latter joining back up with Bowyer at Bradford. His 115 matches and 796 days by the seaside were a real success, winning 45 matches out of the 115 and having a points average of 1.47. His record is the best since Ian Holloway and that, having had next to no support, is something really quite brilliant.
Bowyer spoke to the club website saying,
“I am absolutely delighted to be here. This is a massive club and the opportunity to manage Bradford City doesn’t come along that often. It was one I had to take.
"I have been ready to get back into management for a while but it’s been about getting the right opportunity. This is a fantastic one for myself and for Andy (Todd).
“I remember coming here with Blackpool a couple of years back. It was the start of the season and the place was rocking.
“I speak to people who have managed here and know the supporters. They have said what a good club this is and the great fanbase it has - and what an impact they can have on the team when they get behind them.
Read more here: https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2019/march/bowyer-takes-bantams-reins/
I spoke to a couple of Bradford fans on twitter on what to expect from Bowyer,
The best Blackpool manager since Holloway, maybe even better than Holloway, and that's some statement. I think he will almost definitely guide you to safety. He is one of the best at stabling the ship. Great appointment!
Well organised at the back and protective of any advantage. He is quite adaptive, but never really commits too many numbers forward. He gets results and can do it under considerable pressure.
(He plays) 4-3-3 normally. As I say though, he is adaptable. Looking at your squad, he might think twice about deploying this formation.
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