Bradford City make a signing of intent as Mark Hughes is appointed as the Bantams’ new manager

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Following Derek Adams’ sacking, Bradford City have appointed Mark Hughes as the club’s new manager.

The news certainly came as a surprise to many Bantams fans, League Two and the whole EFL when it was announced that a manager who has spent his entire managerial career in the Premier League has stepped down to the Football League’s bottom tier.

Hughes, once of Manchester City, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton, is certainly a massive coup for the Bantams. 

It comes as a surprise after Steve Evans was seen watching the side take on Oldham Athletic away from home and Richie Wellens was spotted when the Bantams took on Harrogate Town at home, two of the favourites for the vacant position.

Speaking in his announcement to the Bradford City media, Hughes even admitted it would be a surprise to many.

“It is maybe a little bit of a surprise that I have come in but do not be put off by that.

“I am here for a reason, to make Bradford City a team people want to come and watch and are proud to watch.” 

This appointment comes at a time when the club has certainly come under scrutiny and there is a lot of negativity. 

Currently sat 15th in League Two, the West Yorkshire side were heavily tipped to gain promotion from the league. However, expectations have been lowered and the Bantams have not lived up to the hype this season. 

Nine wins, 13 draws and 11 losses have been recorded in a season labelled mediocre. This led to the sacking of Derek Adams, who has returned to manage Morecambe.

This is what Hughes is stepping into, a club with fans disconnected and fed up with the football being performed on the pitch. 

Hughes’s calibre and experience will hopefully help him in his way to transforming this struggling Bradford side. It will be a tough job as the club demands a team who works hard, shows passion and heart and has that never say die attitude, something that has been lacking in recent seasons.

This appointment seems like one to bring the connection back between the fans and the club. 

Chief Executive Ryan Sparks has had a lot of slack from the supporters but this has certainly taken many hats off and brought a lot of praise. 

So with 610 games under his belt and a 37.4% win percentage, can Hughes transform a struggling Bradford side and bring them back to the glory days?

Time will tell, but this is certainly a massive statement that Ryan Sparks and his Bradford City aren’t messing around.

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