Promotion rivals Bradford City sack boss Bowyer after poor run

The Bantams have been in poor form since the turn of the year, going seven games without victory to slide from third place to outside the play-off positions.

They currently lie eighth in Sky Bet League Two, five points behind the Cobblers having played a game more. Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic was the final nail in the coffin.

City also struggled in last month's transfer window, losing top scorer James Vaughan to Tranmere Rovers while Eoin Doyle returned to Swindon Town.

Bowyer was appointed by Bradford last March following the resignation of David Hopkin.

City’s interim chief executive Julian Rhodes said: "I would like to thank Gary for his efforts over the past year.

"He came to the club at a difficult time and inherited a team heading for relegation, which we were unable to avoid.

"Gary built a squad over the summer that has proven it is capable of competing at the right end of Sky Bet League Two.

"However, over the course of the last few months, results have undoubtedly declined.

"In view of recent events, we felt a change was necessary in order to compete for a play-off place.

"We would like to take this opportunity to wish Gary the very best for the future."

Bradford will now look to appoint a new manager and further announcements will be made in due course.