Boss linked with promotion hunter job fined four figures after foul-mouthed Sheffield Wednesday protest
Michael Duff is a manager who has history with Sheffield Wednesday.
Former Barnsley manager Michael Duff is reportedly among the front-runners for the vacant Bradford City job - though it has been confirmed he would have to sit out the first match of his tenure should he be chosen as the man to take them forward.
The 48-year-old boss, who was sacked by Wycombe Wanderers a week on from home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month, is said to be battling former Owls player and Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom for the role, with Matt Bloomfield also believed to be of consideration to the table-topping Bantams.
Duff was sent off following words with the officials after the final whistle of a bad-tempered clash with the Owls at Adams Park - during which Wednesday were awarded a penalty the Chairboys camp felt was fortuitous. Players clashed on their way off the field at half-time following Jamal Lowe’s resultant spot kick - which proved to be the winner.
Duff assistant Alex Morris took post-match media duties following Duff’s dismissal, which was subject to an FA hearing for misconduct. On Tuesday the FA confirmed that Duff would be punished by way of a fine and a one-match touchline ban.
A statement read in part: “Regulation and Discipline Update: Michael Duff has been sanctioned for misconduct following Wycombe Wanderer's EFL League One match against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday 1 September.
“It was alleged that the former manager used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official at full-time, leading to his dismissal. Michael Duff subsequently admitted the charge, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a one-match touchline ban and a £1,000 fine following a hearing.”
Duff was the Barnsley boss that led them to a dramatic League One play-off final against Wednesday in 2023, in which Josh Windass headed the Owls to the Championship in the 123rd minute. Highly-rated from his time with Cheltenham Town and with the Tykes, he has since managed Swansea City and Huddersfield Town as well as Wycombe.
Bradford lead the League One table by a point over Wednesday having achieved five wins from their seven league matches. The Bantams job was made available after Graham Alexander moved on to Preston North End. It is reported that an appointment ahead of the next round of league fixtures is not guaranteed.