Former Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald has been placed in temporary charge of Bradford City after the League Two club sacked Mark Hughes this evening.

The former Fulham manager, who left Craven Cottage in 2011 decrying the Whites’ lack of ambition under Mohamed Al-Fayed, has been dismissed after nineteen months in charge of City.

Bradford’s chief executive officer Ryan Sparks said in a club statement:

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark and Glyn for their efforts and services to our football club over the past 19 months. They made a great impact when they arrived at the club, both on and off the field, and last season came close to delivering on our aims. Unfortunately, since our defeat at Carlisle in the play-off semi-final, results have been disappointing, and after 11 league games we find ourselves a long way away from where we expect to be.

As a result, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction in an effort to get our season on track. On a personal level, I have very much enjoyed working alongside Mark and Glyn, and we go our separate ways on good terms. I would ask supporters to join me in wishing both them and their families the very best for the future, while reflecting on some of the memorable moments they brought us.”

The club’s statement concludes by confirming that McDonald, who joined Bradford on a free transfer from Exeter City in the summer, ‘will now take temporary charge of the men’s first team in a caretaker player-manager role, and will be assisted by Mark Trueman, commencing with this weekend’s visit of Swindon Town.’