David Hopkin was only signed on as Bradford City manager in early September, joining the Bantams from Scottish side Livingston. However, his tenure at Valley Parade is at an end.
Just shy of six months in the job, former £3.3m Bantams buy Hopkin has resigned his running of the West Yorkshire club having been in charge for just 35 games.
It’s been 35 games that have seen just SEVEN City victories, a situation that has left them next-to-bottom in the league, three points and six goals from safety.
Hopkin’s final game in command saw City lose 3-2 at 10-man Walsall. It was a result that continued to leave the Bantams staring down the barrel of the relegation gun, and something that caused Hopkin to reassess his place at the club.
In a statement carried on the club website, Hopkin said the following:
“I have given my all over the past six months. I took on a tough job and have left no stone unturned in my efforts to help us climb the table. The club means a great deal to me, as a former player, and that is why I have made this decision – with a quarter of the season remaining. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible Bradford City fans. This has been a hugely difficult season for everyone involved and they have shown me a great deal of support. I wish the club the very best for the future.” David Hopkin – Bradford City website
It is something that has come out of the blue in terms of the announcement, although many City fans will have seen this situation as being on the cards. Here’s how some Bantams fans have reacted on Twitter.
Hopkin resigns – Bradford City fan reactions and comments
Who next then?
Has to be someone out of work as nobody is going to leave a job to fill a seat that gets vacated so frequently.
Get Jagger in with Jones as assistant for me. Short term they'd take it surely? #bcafc
— Duncan Winn (@duncan_winn) February 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/Mr_Stozza/status/1099974616435568640?s=20
Rebuild required. Just need the right man and experience to get us back up #bcafc
— chris potter (@cjpoot) February 25, 2019
Hopkin has left Bradford. Our takeover could be completed this week. Parky to re-join Bradford once Warburton/new manager come in. We stay up and Parky keeps them up? Ideal situation all round? #bwfc #bcafc
— Chris Merrills (@CMerrillsBWFC) February 25, 2019
#bcafc
No manager
8 out of 11 starters don't have a contract beyond the end of the season
The operational manager likely to leave at the end of the season.
Questions about the owner's long term commitment
Almost certain relegation to League 2— Ben Travers (@Travers2002) February 25, 2019
Chaos, complete chaos#BCAFC
— BantamJo (@jegolton) February 25, 2019
He tried hard but not getting the players to fulfil their potential. And all that hoof ball with all those small number 10s. What an utter shambolic season unfortunately never to be forgotten #BCAFC
— Bantam Exile (@mahartle) February 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/Ryan_Kanie/status/1099975129239564289?s=20