Stalemate for McCall on Bradford Return

  • Bantams draw 0-0 with Port Vale on opening day
  • New boss McCall happy with performance
  • Former Motherwell manager in second spell in charge at Valley Parade

Stuart McCall

Sport Careers client Stuart McCall started his second spell as Bradford City manager with 0-0 draw at home to Port Vale on the first day of the League One season.

The result will be a familiar feeling for former Motherwell manager McCall- he has began each of his last three managerial jobs with a draw.

McCall, who left his coaching position with the Scotland national team to return to Valley Parade, will be encouraged with much of what he saw.

The Bantams dominated for long spells but couldn't find a breakthrough against a stubborn Vale side who were also under new management, after Portuguese coach Bruno Ribeiro took over from Rob Page in the summer.

City manager McCall was disappointed not to secure all three points, but declared himself happy with his side's performance:

"It was nailed on it was going to be a draw today. All my three previous games as a debut manager have been draws.

"I'm really pleased with the first hour. We did get a bit desperate and tired in the back-end of the game.

"We just needed the most important thing - a goal. We put crosses in, played some good football, the tempo and energy was all there.

"We had players missing but overall the positives were the first hour's performance and the clean sheet."

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Stalemate for McCall on Bradford Return

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