too late for auto promotion?

Absolutely. Our previous couple of managers went through an interview process as well as lengthy trial periods and that didn't get us very far.

 

7 point gap to make up in 15 games isn't THAT huge. We still have to play 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th so I would not write automatics off just yet...

 

Out of interest, how many are out of contract in summer? Can’t be that many? Or do you mean in terms of big wages?

 

ODonnell, Henley, Mellor, Riley, Sykes-Kenworthy, Akpan, Reeves, Anderson, Devine, Ismail, McCartan, Gibson, Donaldson plus of course all the loanees.

 

Absolutely.

 

I think with 15 games left and Colchester just the 2 points in front of us and Cheltenham the 1 point, though with 2 games in hand, I strongly feel that failure to at minimum, just reach the play offs, would be bad on McCalls part.

In the thread, "next manager," 46.6% voted for Warnock, with the knowledge he would be here only until the end of the season thus must have been anticipating a crack at the play offs, at least.

So, IMO no free hit for McCall. Warnock would not have got a free hit.

 

Yes, cannot be a free hit if there's something realistic to play for - unlike with relegation last season, which nobody was going to prevent. That was a free hit for Bowyer.

 

Both. Including the loanees we can get rid of 20 players in total and that includes high earners such as Akpan, Riley, Mellor etc.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bradford-city/vertragsende/verein/1027

 

I don’t think it is a free hit, but on the other hand I do think fans need to be realistic, and I would say this no matter who was here. I had written off the playoffs a few games ago based on the way we were playing and looking at the squad. Stuart has a bit of a head start in that he knows the club and fans inside out, however he is not a magician and it might take 2/3 games to turn this around. They have given him an extra season which must mean in my mind they feel something similar.

 

I mention free hit in that too much damage has been done that has put us on a downward spiral. McCall may or may not get a playoff spot but i wouldn't be critical of him if he didn't and i would say that of any new manager with the position the club is in. Bowyer should have been sacked at least a week ago giving a new manager at least a bit of time in January. And make no mistake this teams morale had hit rock bottom after Saturdays result. Will take a few games for McCall and Black to assess the teams strengths and get them up to speed with their plans. And by then we will have used up precious games.

 

Yes I agree. We are fans and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can some how pull off a win on Saturday. However, if not I am sure it will be a much better match than I was expecting. The gray gloom is already lifting.

 

Didn’t actually realise it was that many. Gives McCall a clean slate almost

 

And Reeves

 

We're 7 points behind think these next 2 games at home are key.

Teams above have games in hand but if we can get back to back wins then take it from there.

No reason why we can't finish in the top 7 though.

 

Some ones hacked your account @banbrotam, never see you post anything so short .

 

Norman Corner mark 2, he's entitled to his view on all things Bradford City but he certainly has a problem with McCall the manager.
It might turn out to be correct that Stuart can't deliver but most fans saw our chance of promotion slowly sliding away with our dire performances and IMO the powers that be have made the correct call in bringing McCall back, time will tell, he certainly won't have given up on a top 7 finish.

 

Nothing is decided in Feb, a long long way to go. I went back four seasons season because i couldn't be bothered going further, to track how many keep the pace. No team that's ended up winning the play offs have even been in the play offs at this stage in the season. There's also always at least 1 club that have a clear cushion in the auto spots and drop. As long as you build from from now on wards, you tend to go up as long as you are in and around the mix like we are now.

2019 - 5 teams (play off winner was 10th at the time). Tranmere were 10th (8 points off PO's, Newport 14th (10 points off PO's) and they ended up in the final. Mansfield were 2nd with a 7 point gap on 4th, ended up 4th 3 points off autos.

2018 - 5 teams (play off winner was 8th at the time). Accrington were 5th, 2 points off autos and ended up winning the league with a 13 point gap from 4th place. Notts county dropped from 2nd to the play offs and 9 points off autos.

2017 - 6 teams (play off winner was 14th at the time). Portsmouth were 7th and 8 points off 3rd, ended up winning the league with a 10 point gap between 4th. Carlisle were 3rd, 4 points clear of the play off chasers and ended up 14 points off autos.

2016 - 6 teams (play off winner was 10th at the time). Wimbledon were 10th, 2 points off the play offs and ended up 7th with a 6 points cushion on 8th. Plymouth were 2nd with a 9 point gap from 4th. Ended up 5th 4 points off autos.

 

Thanks for posting this, just goes to prove it's all to play for.

 

Excellent post.

 

Facts! I like it.