Monday 4 March 2019 11:42, UK
Gary Bowyer has been named as manager of League One side Bradford City on an initial deal until the end of the season.
The former Blackburn and Blackpool boss is the replacement for David Hopkin, who resigned last week after less than six months in charge, and he will be assisted by Andy Todd.
Bowyer is Bradford's third manager of the season, with Michael Collins having been sacked only six games into the 2018-19 campaign.
"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," Bowyer said.
"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.
"We are totally aware of the challenge that lies ahead but if I didn't believe we couldn't get out of this, I wouldn't be here.
"We will outline our demands to the players and what is expected from them. They are going to have to work very hard, stick together and have a right good go. As long as they do that, we will see where that takes us."
Hopkin registered only seven wins in his 28 games in charge, Bradford having dropped all the way to 23rd spot in the table.
Martin Drury took caretaker charge against Portsmouth on Saturday but Bradford were soundly beaten 5-1 at Fratton Park.
The Bantams currently sit six points adrift of safety with 11 games remaining and have not won since the end of January.
Bowyer had been without a club since resigning as Blackpool manager in August, stepping down after just one game because of behind-the-scenes turmoil at Bloomfield Road.
The 47-year-old had more than two seasons in charge of Blackburn, after a pair of spells in caretaker charge, and his two seasons at Blackpool included overseeing their promotion back to League One.
