Bradford City have appointed Michael Duff as their new manager until June 2030.
Duff’s appointment as manager on a four-year contract came just a week after Graham Alexander departed the Bantams to take charge of Championship’s Preston North End.
The 48-year-old’s arrival at Valley Parade also marks his return to the dugout just under a month after he was sacked by fellow League One club, Wycombe Wanderers following a year in charge at Adams Park.
Upon his arrival, Duff spoke of his happiness at his new managerial role and sharing the vision of Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Sparks, Head of Football Operations – David Sharpe and Head of Recruitment – Stephen Gent to build on Alexander’s work.
“It is exciting to be here. The move has happened quite quickly and with where the club is sitting now and taking over from someone who I know and respect a lot, this is a great opportunity.
“After the interviews with Ryan, David and Stephen, it was clear we have similar visions on how football should be played and what style of play we want for Bradford City.
“The style of play has already been built here. Continuity is incredibly important, and I do not want to change too much without being a copycat. It has been a whirlwind week, but when you see the environment you are going to be working in, it gets the juices flowing.
“It is about getting the balance right of putting your own stamp on things without ripping up the blueprint.”
Michael’s brother, Shane played for Bradford in the 2010-11 season whilst he was playing at Burnley, and his own testimonial was against the Bantams so is aware of the club’s meaning to fans as he addressed the passion of supporters.
“My brother played here while I was down the road at Burnley, so I came to quite a few games back then. Randomly, my testimonial match for Burnley was against Bradford City, so there are a few things intertwined already.
“I know the fabric of the club, and the attraction is the support base. When it is rocking here, it is properly rocking! You see the pictures from afar when you see the promotion and Graham lofted on supporters’ shoulders; there are not many clubs at this level who can do that.
“You cannot pass opportunities like this up; the chance to join a club as big as Bradford City does not happen very often. It did not take much persuading; after the initial conversations, there was a synergy and alignment so it moved quickly from there.
“Coming down here and putting the tracksuit on, it just gets you excited. I cannot wait to get going. The contract is signed, and now it is down to work.”
Duff will serve a pre-existing touchline ban in tonight’s Jersey Mike’s Trophy Group Stage match at Rotherham, meaning that he can make his debut in the dugout against Leyton Orient in a League One clash at Valley Parade on Saturday 10 October at 3pm BST.
Sparks added that the club “are delighted” to appoint Duff as manager and believes that he will be the ideal person to succeed Alexander.
“We believe Michael is an excellent fit for our football club, and everyone is looking forward to working with him.
“Michael impressed greatly during discussions with me, David Sharpe and Stephen Gent. His knowledge of the game, his passion, his standards and his determination to succeed were clear throughout the process.
“Michael brings considerable experience and a proven record of success, having guided Cheltenham Town to the League Two title and Barnsley to a League One Play-Off Final. He has managed close to 400 games across the EFL, which highlights his knowledge.
“We have made significant progress in recent years, both on and off the pitch, and it was important we appointed someone who shares our ambition and has the experience, character and ability to build on what we have achieved.
“Michael understands the expectations here, the size of our club and the responsibility that comes with managing Bradford City. He is incredibly passionate about the game, has a real hunger to be successful and is determined to play his part in taking us forward.
“I know how much Michael is looking forward to stepping into the home dugout for the first time in front of our supporters at Mbanq Valley Parade on Saturday, and beginning his journey with us.”
Sparks also thanked Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle for taking up interim managerial roles for Bradford’s 1-1 draw at Reading last weekend.
“Finally, I would like to thank Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle for their hard work, professionalism and dedication throughout the interim period. Both have supported the club superbly, along with our captain, Antoni Sarcevic, who has continued to lead by example.”
As a former player who spent his playing career with Cheltenham and Burnley across which he scored 23 goals in 720 total appearances combined, Duff’s first managerial role at Cheltenham saw him guide the club to promotion in the 2020-21 season as League Two champions.
Spells at Barnsley, Swansea and Huddersfield followed before he recently spent a year at Wycombe Wanderers.
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