(Image: Thomas Gadd)
MICHAEL DUFF insisted he won’t “rip up the blueprint” after being confirmed as City’s new boss.
The former Northern Ireland international has signed a deal at Mbanq Valley Parade until the summer of 2030.
Duff succeeds Graham Alexander with the Bantams currently second in League One and comes a month after he was sacked by Wycombe.
“It is exciting to be here,” he said.
“The move has happened quite quickly and with where the club is sitting now and taking over from someone who I know and respect a lot, this is a great opportunity.
“After the interviews with Ryan [Sparks], David [Sharpe] and Stephen [Gent], it was clear we have similar visions on how football should be played and what style of play we want for Bradford City.
“The style of play has already been built here. Continuity is incredibly important, and I do not want to change too much without being a copycat.
“It has been a whirlwind week, but when you see the environment you are going to be working in, it gets the juices flowing.
“It is about getting the balance right of putting your own stamp on things without ripping up the blueprint.”
Duff has an overall win record of nearly 43 per cent in management since his first job at Cheltenham in 2018. Ironically, Alexander arrived in BD8 with a similar ratio.
Duff added: “My brother (Shane) played here while I was down the road at Burnley, so I came to quite a few games back then. Randomly, my testimonial match for Burnley was against Bradford City, so there are a few things intertwined already.
“I know the fabric of the club, and the attraction is the support base. When it is rocking here, it is properly rocking!
“You see the pictures from afar when you see the promotion and Graham [Alexander] lofted on supporters’ shoulders. There are not many clubs at this level who can do that.
“You cannot pass opportunities like this up; the chance to join a club as big as Bradford City does not happen very often.
“Coming down here and putting the tracksuit on, it just gets you excited. I cannot wait to get going. The contract is signed and now it is down to work.”
Duff will serve his one-match touchline ban tonight for the Jersey Mike’s Trophy tie at Rotherham. He will take charge of his first training session later this week.
City CEO Sparks said: “We believe Michael is an excellent fit for our football club, and everyone is looking forward to working with him.
“Michael impressed greatly during discussions with me, David Sharpe and Stephen Gent. His knowledge of the game, his passion, his standards and his determination to succeed were clear throughout the process.
“Michael brings considerable experience and a proven record of success, having guided Cheltenham Town to the League Two title and Barnsley to a League One Play-Off Final. He has managed close to 400 games across the EFL, which highlights his knowledge.
“We have made significant progress in recent years, both on and off the pitch, and it was important we appointed someone who shares our ambition and has the experience, character and ability to build on what we have achieved.
“Michael understands the expectations here, the size of our club and the responsibility that comes with managing Bradford City. He is incredibly passionate about the game, has a real hunger to be successful and is determined to play his part in taking us forward.
“I know how much Michael is looking forward to stepping into the home dugout for the first time in front of our supporters at Mbanq Valley Parade on Saturday and beginning his journey with us.
“Finally, I would like to thank Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle for their hard work, professionalism and dedication throughout the interim period. Both have supported the club superbly, along with our captain, Antoni Sarcevic, who has continued to lead by example.”