Bradford may turn to old boy Jackson

Bradford City have put their old boy Peter Jackson at the top of their wanted list to take over from Jim Jefferies. The Bantams' chairman, Geoffrey Richmond, wants a quick appointment after telling Jefferies he could go immediately following the row over his assistant Bill Brown's departure.

Jackson has been out of work for a couple of years since being squeezed out of rivals Hudders-field Town when a new regime took over. However, he is a Bradford City legend, having been captain for years and fits the bill as Richmond looks for an available replacement.

If he accepts the challenge, Jackson may be tempted to bring in the veteran coach Peter Shreeves with him. The former Tottenham manager has been out of work since leaving Sheffield Wednesday.

Gerry Francis has resigned as the manager of Third Division Bristol Rovers. The former Tottenham manager, who took charge at the Memorial Stadium in June, has left his post for personal reasons.

The assistant manager, Garry Thompson, has been in charge for the last three weeks after Francis took compassionate leave and Thompson will continue to act as the caretaker manager for the clash with Leyton Orient today.

"It is with much regret that due to immediate family illness, I am leaving my position of manager and director of football at Bristol Rovers Football Club," Francis said.