Bradford City AFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Derek Adams - as the club’s new first-team manager.
Adams has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Utilita Energy Stadium, after the Bantams satisfied the compensation clause in his Morecambe contract.
Having taken over at the Mazuma Stadium in November 2019, the 45-year-old Scot guided the Lancashire club to victory in the Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final over Newport County earlier this week.
A 1-0 triumph - after extra-time at Wembley Stadium - saw Morecambe reach the third tier of English football for the first time in their history, under Adams.
He also led Plymouth Argyle to promotion from Sky Bet League Two in 2017, having won both Scottish Second Division (2008) and First Division (2012) titles while with Ross County - where he began his managerial career.
Adams said: “Today is a great day for me. This a fantastic football club to come to and we have a big opportunity to try and earn promotion.
“Next season, my aim is to take us beyond this division and into Sky Bet League One. That is the pressure I put on myself, wherever I go, and I try to handle that pressure as well as I can.
“We have passionate supporters. The Bradford City fanbase is fantastic and was a big pull for me to come here. They want their manager to share the same passion, which is what I am here to do.
“We want to be a team that plays on the front foot and excites people when they come here. Hopefully, next season, we can get the supporters back to Valley Parade and have the place bouncing.
“Throughout my managerial career, it has always been important to win, gain promotions and find yourselves in a higher position than you were the previous season.
“We all know Bradford City finished in the bottom half of the table last year. Now, we will aim to be in the promotion picture. That is what I am here to do.”
City’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “We are delighted to have secured Derek’s services, on the back of another promotion success for him.
“After we decided to make a managerial change last month, it was always our intention to bring Derek Adams to Valley Parade, and we are thrilled to have done so.
“Derek’s track record speaks for itself. He is a winner, works extremely hard, understands what it takes to build and sustain a successful side and has proven his ability to help teams at this level progress at an impressive rate.
“To claim his signature - given what he has achieved this season, and the interest in him from elsewhere - emphasises how special our football club is, and how attractive of a proposition it remains.
“Derek understands our vision, and fits into the culture we are trying to build, as we work towards achieving our on-field ambitions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Graham Howse and Rod Taylor, Morecambe’s co-chairmen, for their understanding and cooperation over the past few days.
“They were aware of our interest in Derek for some time, though we mutually agreed to converse on the matter following their play-off campaign - which resulted in a remarkable and memorable moment for Morecambe Football Club.
“Derek’s achievements at Morecambe are unrivalled. He has left a lasting legacy, and we wish his former club the very best - ahead of their first campaign in English football’s third tier.
“We believe Derek’s appointment is a clear statement of our intent, and look forward to continuing to build a better Bradford City - with him in our dugout.”
Derek Adams will be sponsored by The Good Estate Agency for the 2021/22 campaign.