PETER JACKSON is in the frame to become the new boss of Bradford City.
The 48-year-old – out of management since leaving the Bantams’ League II rivals Lincoln City in September – has had two spells at the Galpharm helm.
Now the former Bradford player, pictured, who watched Town’s clash with Carlisle United on Saturday, is being linked with a return to succeed his old teammate Stuart McCall, who departed Valley Parade yesterday.
Jackson, also a former Town player, bossed the club between October 1997 and May 1999, piloting the ‘great escape’ from relegation to what is now League I.
He returned in the wake of administration in 2003, leading the way to promotion via the League II play-offs.
He took Town to the League I play-offs in 2006 before parting company with the club for a second time in March 2007.
Dean Windass, another former Bradford player, and ex-Yeovil Town and Brighton boss Russell Slade have also been linked with the vacancy.
Bradford, 16th in the table and next in action at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday, have hinted that any appointment could be initially on a short-term basis.
McCall, in charge since May 2007, had 17 months remaining on his contract. Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Bury was his 133rd game in charge.
He said: “I don’t regret coming back for a second. I’d have regretted it more if I hadn’t taken the job.
“It’s been fantastic in one way but ultra-hard in another because you’re carrying the hopes of everyone. You should see some of the letters I’ve had.
“Without being big-headed, I’m fortunate that I’ve never failed before in my career.
“I’ve always been successful as a player and when I went to Sheffield United as reserve manager we won the league in the first year.
“Then everything snowballed and the club got promoted to the Premier League when I was assistant to Neil Warnock.
“But the place where I really wanted to do well was here and it hasn’t happened for me.
“The pressure I’ve put on myself because I want to succeed here has been immense at times. I loved being manager of this club but it’s a results-based business and the results have not been good enough.
“I still believed that all things being equal this season we could have got in the play-offs.
“We’ve needed that bit of lady luck with injuries and certain games and just not had it.
“Hopefully now with the squad back fit they can rally round and pick up some wins.”
City’s squad includes former Town players Matt Glennon, Chris Brandon and Michael Flynn.
On-loan Town left-back Joe Skarz is set for a fourth Shrewsbury Town outing at home to Barnet tonight.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed wins in two of his three games so far, with the Shrews sixth in the table.
