When a football club covets an employed manager and makes an official approach to his club for his services, then it is highly likely that the manager is question is very high on the list of candidates for the vacancy. So news that Bradford City have made an approach for Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman is something to take seriously.
Many names have been banded about to be Peter Taylor's successor, but of them all, John Coleman is one of the most interesting. Of course, we've been here before - Coleman's name was mentioned before Taylor took over from Stuart McCall. And Coleman could quite easily turn down the job - Accrington Stanley are outperforming us (again), he is revered at Accrington and his 13 years in charge put him only behind Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger on the long-term rankings list. Loyalty is still sometimes enough in football. Above all, many fans both side of the Pennines could argue why he would leave a well-run club where he has done a great job, to take over a poisoned chalice.
At first glance, Coleman could easily be overlooked. He had a playing career entirely in non-league, before he managed Ashton United and then Accrington Stanley. But delve into that tenure at Accrington, where he took over in August 1999, and you see why he would be an ideal candidate. In the time he has managed Accrington, City have enjoyed a two-year Premier League experience and sojourn into Europe, but three relegations and countless false dawns.
Coleman meanwhile has won three promotions, a good win record and countless plaudits. He has continued to steer Accrington in an upward direction and his admirable record against City includes one of McCall's most disappointing evenings as manager.
Coleman has been given time, shown huge loyalty despite admiring glances and established a great club on solid foundations. If this time Coleman wants to move, those three qualities are ones that can mutually benefit Bradford City and John Coleman.
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