Bradford sack boss Michael Collins after just six games of League One season
Bantams decided to swing the axe following a 2-1 defeat at 10-man Fleetwood and are now set for their FOURTH manager of 2018
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BRADFORD have axed boss Michael Collins just six games into the season and are set to appoint their FOURTH manager of 2018 tomorrow.
The Bantams decided to act after a 2-1 defeat at 10-man Fleetwood made it six points from six League One matches.
Collins' replacement will be announced tomorrow and he will put on a press conference alongside chairman Edin Rahic on Thursday.
The bigwig said: “Stefan (Rupp) and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael for the work he has done for the club.
“The decision is based on an unsatisfactory start to the season and performances not being good enough. We anticipated a much better start and the results have not matched expectations.
“We have acted swiftly to appoint a new head coach who we believe will take us towards achieving our goals this season and beyond.
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“We care massively about this football club and believe this decision has been made at the right time, with everything very much to play for.
“We are now looking forward to naming our new head coach and moving forward, together, in a positive manner.”
Collins, 32, was appointed to a three-year deal in June after working with the club's Under-18s - and was the youngest boss in the top four divisions at the time.
His dismissal means Stuart McCall, caretaker Greg Abbott, Simon Grayson and Collins - who was playing part-time for AFC Halifax last season - have all came and gone this year.
The former Huddersfield midfielder was part of chairman Rahic’s “new European model” of management and led a team including Abbott and youth coach Martin Drury.
Bradford's decision comes hours after David Ball joined on a season-long loan from Rotherham.
Ball, 28, signed just before Friday’s loan deadline and vowed to help fire the Bantams back into contention.
The former Manchester City academy star : “There were a number of clubs interested in me and as soon as I heard Bradford had made an approach, I wanted to make it happen.
“I have played here on numerous occasions and am looking forward to doing so as a Bradford player.
“I will bring goals, I will bring assists and I will do all I can to help the club challenge.
“I have done it over the past few seasons in League One and I have been a part of teams who have played play-off football.
“In December, last season, Rotherham were close to the bottom of the table and we turned it around and earned promotion.
“I know the division very well and I hope to add to the great deal of quality we already have here.”