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In a bizarre turn of events, Robbie Stockdale - according to Rob Dorsett of Skysports News - is set to take over as manager of fellow League One side Bradford City.
Redcar native Stockdale, who was brought to the club as a youth coach from Grimsby Town when Martin O’Neill was manager, had a six-year stint as part of the backroom team on Wearside until he was eventually relieved of his duties on Monday.
Robbie Stockdale close to taking his first job as a manager. Ex #safc assistant has had 2 interviews with #Bradford. Negotiations ongoing.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) June 6, 2018
Jack Ross looks set to build his own coaching and recruitment structure, and as such many of the staff remaining from the old era have been allowed to leave the club.
Bradford have been without a permanent manager since Simon Grayson - who Stockdale was assistant to last season at Sunderland - left the Yorkshire club at the end of the last campaign, and they’re understood to have interviewed a large number of candidates for the role as they aim to finally achieve promotion from the third tier this coming season.
Two days after leaving Sunderland, Robbie Stockdale is in the frame to become Bradford City manager. We’re told he’s had two interviews for the post.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) June 6, 2018
Stockdale was well-liked during his time at the club, and actually managed us on the final day of the season as we defeated Champions Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.
It’ll be interesting seeing how things transpire, and how the former Middlesbrough defender fares when going up against us home and away in the third tier next season.