Mark Trueman

Trueman was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire.{{cite web |url=https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/news/2021/february/trueman-and-sellars-take-permanent-charge/ |title=Trueman and Sellars take permanent charge |publisher=Bradford City A.F.C. |date=22 February 2021 |access-date=17 July 2021}}

Trueman played youth football for Bradford City, and in non-league football as a midfielder for Ossett Town, Guiseley, Ossett Albion, Harrogate Railway Athletic, Thackley, Brighouse Town and Eccleshill United.{{cite web|url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/eccleshillunitedfc/teams/112361/player/marktrueman-1517767|title=Mark Trueman - Eccleshill United Football Club First Team|website=www.pitchero.com}}

He played for Guiseley in 2007,{{cite web|title=Guiseley face another semi-final|url=https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/sport/1245853.guiseley-face-another-semi-final/|access-date=30 December 2020|website=Wharfedale Observer|language=en}} and Ossett Albion in 2013.{{cite web|title=Tracey turns to experienced trio - The Pitching In Northern Premier League|url=https://www.thenpl.co.uk/tracey-turns-to-experienced-trio-16864|access-date=30 December 2020|website=www.thenpl.co.uk|language=en}}

He later played for Silsden,{{cite web|url=https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/sport/15229273.trueman-on-the-mark-as-silsden-leave-it-late-yet-again/|title=Trueman on the Mark as Silsden leave it late yet again|website=Keighley News}} leaving the club in February 2018 to return to Thackley.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15916888.trio-leave-silsden-due-limited-first-team-action/|title=Trio leave Silsden due to limited first-team action|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} He later returned to Silsden, before again returning to Thackley in October 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18819376.bradford-city-coach-back-midfield-thackley/|title=Thackley boss glad to have Bantams coach and close pal back in midfield|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

Trueman worked as a youth coach at FC Halifax Town.{{cite web|url=https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/fc-halifax-town-trueman-praises-his-history-boys-after-title-win-1138379|title=FC Halifax Town: Trueman praises his history boys after title win|website=www.halifaxcourier.co.uk}} He later worked for Bradford City as under-18 team manager,{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2019/november/trueman-lauds-growing-relationship-with-first-team/|title=TRUEMAN LAUDS GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST TEAM|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}} before being appointed caretaker manager alongside Conor Sellars in December 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/stuart-mccall-sacked-lowly-bradford-city-3066307|title=Stuart McCall sacked by lowly Bradford City|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18943905.time-mccall-less-bantams-step-says-temporary-boss-trueman/|title=Time for McCall-less Bantams to step up, says temporary boss Trueman|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Their first match was a 1–1 draw away at Crawley Town on 15 December 2020, the club's first point in six games.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18946902.bantams-reaction-fighting-spirit-pleases-caretaker-boss/|title=BANTAMS REACTION: Fighting spirit in Crawley draw pleases caretaker boss Trueman|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18946859.match-report-happier-ending-trueman-show-bantams/|title=MATCH REPORT: Happier ending to Trueman show as Bantams stop the rot|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} The club's CEO Ryan Sparks said that Trueman and Sellars had the board's full support whilst the search for a permanent manager was ongoing.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18953120.academy-coaches-wont-make-radical-changes-bantams-helm/|title=Stand-in duo aiming to keep it simple for Bantams|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Their second match was a 1–0 victory at home against Cambridge United on 19 December 2020, the club's first league win in eight matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18957415.bantams-reaction-truemans-delight-city-earn-crucial-win/|title=BANTAMS REACTION: Trueman's delight as City get back to winning ways|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18957481.simon-parkers-verdict-dynamic-duo-lifting-bantam-spirits/|title=SIMON PARKER'S VERDICT: Dynamic duo put Bantams back on firmer footing|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} After the result, Truman and Sellars had a celebratory beer, and then spent seven to eight hours the next day planning for the next game.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18964300.trueman-sellars-transforming-mood-bradford-city/|title=Trueman and Sellars transforming Bradford City's mood|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Trueman later said he intended to move into management after his caretaker spell ended.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18957658.trueman-keen-step-management-reviving-bantams/|title=Bantams stand-in boss Trueman keen on step up to management|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} After leading the club to their third straight win, he downplayed his chances of being appointed permanent manager,{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18971117.bantams-reaction-trueman-happy-keep-going-third-win/|title=BANTAMS REACTION: Trueman happy to keep going after another win|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} but said he was keen to maintain his position as caretaker manager for as long as possible.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18971559.truemans-winning-run-gives-bantams-extra-time-make-call/|title=Bantams in no need to hurry as Trueman stakes claim|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/relaxed-bradford-city-caretaker-manager-mark-trueman-pleased-have-bought-bantams-more-time-3077556|title=Relaxed caretaker manager Mark Trueman pleased to have bought Bradford City more time|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}}

On 28 December 2020 it was announced that Trueman and Sellars had been promoted to 'interim' managers and would remain in charge of the team for at least January 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55467012|title=Bantams duo in charge 'until further notice'|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18972169.trueman-sellars-stay-bantams-helm-transfer-window/|title=Bradford City promote Trueman and Sellars to interim bosses|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11745/12174112/bradford-city-mark-trueman-and-conor-sellars-will-remain-in-interim-charge-until-further-notice|title=Bradford City: Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars will remain in interim charge until further notice|website=Sky Sports}} In January 2021 he spoke of his confidence that the club could maintain their good form, even though a number of games had been postponed due to COVID-19 and adverse weather,{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19002579.interim-boss-trueman-expects-bantams-keep-momentum/|title=Unplanned 'winter break' won't affect Bantams, says Trueman|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} and later that month he spoke about a 'busy' transfer window for the club,{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19025893.trueman-pleased-busy-window-bantams-secure-rowe/|title=Trueman pleased with busy window as Bantams secure Rowe | Bradford Telegraph and Argus |publisher=Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk |accessdate=21 January 2021}} as well as about how well the club's players had coped with nearly a month without a competitive match.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19024754.trueman-praises-bantams-adapting-month-without-game/ |title=Trueman praises Bantams for adapting to month without a game | Bradford Telegraph and Argus |publisher=Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk|accessdate=21 January 2021}}

In February 2021 Sparks said that Trueman and Sellars were happy with their 'interim' status and were not pushing to be made permanent managers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19061083.bradford-city-interim-bosses-not-thinking-job-titles/|title=Bradford City management duo remain comfortable with interim position|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Later that month, after suffering their first defeat in 9 games under Trueman and Sellars, Trueman said that he was sure the players would bounce back.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19071813.trueman-confident-bradford-city-reaction-exeter-loss/|title=Team 'leaders' can inspire quick response from beaten Bantams, says Trueman|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Later that month Trueman and Sellars were nominated for the January 2021 EFL League Two Manager of the Month award, after 2 wins and 1 draw in their 3 league games that month.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2021/february/trueman-and-sellars-in-manager-of-month-nomination/|title=TRUEMAN AND SELLARS IN MANAGER OF MONTH NOMINATION|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}} Trueman and Sellars were also praised by player Connor Wood for their maturity and detail.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19102598.wood-praises-best-ever-analysis-bradford-city-bosses/|title="It's as if they've been managing a first team for years"|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

On 22 February 2021 Trueman and Sellars were announced as Bradford City's joint permanent managers, on a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19107342.breaking-trueman-sellars-named-bantams-joint-managers/|title=Bradford City name Trueman and Sellars as permanent joint managers|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} They were the youngest managers in the English Football League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/the-joint-managers-ready-to-end-bradfords-toxic-era-of-struggle-mnnv3v20v|title=The joint managers ready to end Bradford's 'toxic' era of struggle|first=Gregor|last=Robertson|via=www.thetimes.co.uk}}

By 8 March 2021, Trueman and Sellars had won 10 out of 15 league games, only losing once, and guided Bradford City from 22nd to 10th in the division. That same day the duo were nominated for the February 2021 EFL League Two Manager of the Month award, after one loss and four successive victories.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19144537.bradford-city-duo-shortlisted-league-two-manager-award/|title=Bradford City management duo nominated for monthly award again|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

In May 2021, after a dip in the team's form which saw them lose 5 matches in a row, Sellars said that he and Trueman would get out of their slump and that they had done their job in guiding the club away from relegation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19283983.bantams-duo-will-learn-sticky-patch-says-sellars/|title="Our aim was to avoid relegation and we did that really early on. Anything from that was a bonus"|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} On 10 May 2021 however, the two managers had their management contracts terminated by the club, having finished the season with a run of just one point from a possible 21 that ended in a mid-table finish.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city-axe-mark-trueman-and-conor-sellars-after-just-78-days-as-permanent-bosses-3231437|title=Bradford City axe Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars after just 78 days as permanent bosses|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}} The two were offered alternative roles at the club,{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/news/2021/may/club-statement-mark-trueman-and-conor-sellars/|title=CLUB STATEMENT: MARK TRUEMAN AND CONOR SELLARS|website=www.bradfordcityafc.com|date=10 May 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/19291952.bradford-city-relieve-trueman-sellars-first-team-roles/|title=Trueman and Sellars SACKED as City look to rebuild|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} who were hopeful that the duo would remain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19332907.trueman-sellars-close-bradford-city-decision/|title=Bradford City future of former managerial duo to be decided "in coming days"|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} It was later announced that Trueman would stay with the club as a first-team link coach, although Sellars had yet to make a decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19366967.trueman-gets-new-bradford-city-job-sellars-talks-continue/|title=Trueman signs three-year deal to stay at Bradford City in new link role|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/mark-trueman-goes-from-bradford-citys-main-man-to-link-man-with-new-coaching-role-3270512|title=Mark Trueman goes from Bradford City's main man to link man with new coaching role|website=www.yorkshirepost.co.uk}} Sellars left Bradford City on 18 June 2021, after 7 years with the club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19382762.bradford-city-sellars-part-ways-uefa-support-offered/|title=Sellars says farewell as he leaves City after seven years|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

On 22 June 2021 Trueman was promoted to assistant manager at Bradford City,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2021/june/trueman-appointed-assistant-manager/|title=TRUEMAN APPOINTED ASSISTANT MANAGER|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19390854.bradford-city-appoint-trueman-assistant-manager/|title=Trueman back on show as City make him assistant manager|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} following a conversation with new manager Derek Adams.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19414624.trueman-important-part-play-bantams-boss-adams/|title=Adams: Why it was important to make Trueman part of my Bradford City team|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Player Callum Cooke said Trueman staying with the club was the right decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19460456.cooke-trueman-deserves-cheers-bradford-city-fans/|title="I want to be coached by people like that, who know the game and want to do the right things"|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

After Adams was sacked as manager in February 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19924489.bradford-city-sack-derek-adams-37-games-charge/|title=Adams sacked by Bradford City after eight months in charge|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Trueman was appointed caretaker manager,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19926716.sparks-caretaker-trueman-can-win-back-bradford-city-fans/|title=Trueman can heal the Bradford City divide in latest caretaker role|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} his second time in the temporary role.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19932413.caretaker-boss-trueman-wiser-bradford-city-return/|title=Trueman learns from mistakes as he prepares for second crack at City hot-seat|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} The appointment was supported by Cooke.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19934070.cooke-pleased-see-trueman-back-bradford-city-helm/|title=Cooke backs Trueman to revive the enjoyment factor at City|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} The club lost Trueman's first game in charge a 2–0 defeat away at Oldham Athletic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19937751.trueman-unhappy-goals-bantams-lose-oldham/|title=BANTAMS REACTION: Confidence dips as Trueman second stint starts with poor defeat|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} He remained in charge for a second game, at home against Harrogate Town,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19937922.trueman-remains-charge-bradford-city-derby-game/|title=Trueman remains at Bradford City helm as Evans watches on|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} saying he would have to "think outside the box" due to player absences,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19940386.bradford-city-forced-changes-harrogate-derby/|title=Team news: Foulds back but City face defensive dilemma for Yorkshire derby|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} and that he wanted his players to be more aggressive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19940620.trueman-wants-aggressive-bradford-city-harrogate-derby/|title=True grit needed as suffering Bantams kick off home run|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Mark Hughes was appointed Bradford City's new manager on 24 February 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2022/february/mark-hughes-unveiled-as-new-city-manager/|title=MARK HUGHES UNVEILED AS NEW CITY MANAGER|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}} with Trueman remaining as assistant manager alongside incoming Glyn Hodges.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19953959.hodges-back-hughes-bradford-city-assistant-manager/|title=Bradford City announce Hodges as new assistant manager|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} Hughes stated that Trueman was a welcome presence in the backroom staff.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19959341.trueman-invaluable-help-bradford-city-boss-hughes/|title=Hughes gives his views on Trueman's position at Bradford City|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

After Hughes and his assistant Glyn Hodges were sacked on 4 October 2023, Trueman remained as assistant manager to caretaker manager Kevin McDonald.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2023/october/bantams-part-company-with-hughes/|title=BANTAMS PART COMPANY WITH HUGHES|website=www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk}} On 31 October, Trueman replaced McDonald as caretaker manager.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/23892839.bantams-issue-caretaker-manager-update-fa-cup-tie/|title=City manager update: Trueman put in charge for FA Cup|date=31 October 2023|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} He "promised a smooth transition",{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/23897797.mark-trueman-discusses-switch-bantams-caretaker-boss/|title='The dynamic hasn't really changed': Trueman on change of City caretaker boss|date=2 November 2023|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} and his first game was an FA Cup game against Wycombe Wanderers,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/23898640.mark-trueman-hopes-bantams-can-bridge-gap-wycombe-cup-tie/|title=Trueman confident Bantams will be up for the cup as he eyes short-term boost|date=3 November 2023|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} which ended in a 2–1 defeat.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/23902343.mark-trueman-reaction-bantams-fa-cup-loss-wycombe/|title="If they perform at that level, they will win more games than they lose"|date=4 November 2023|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

Trueman is close friends with Pat McGuire and Danny Forrest,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19299925.former-bradford-city-prospect-best-mates-sacking/|title=Former City prospect says criticism of best mate "hurt" ahead of his sacking|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} both of whom he has worked with.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18976877.bradford-city-interim-boss-trueman-backed-close-friend/|title=Silsden boss and close friend loving Trueman show at City so far|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}

{{reflist}}

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{{Bradford City A.F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Trueman, Mark}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Bradford

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players

Category:Ossett Town A.F.C. players

Category:Guiseley A.F.C. players

Category:Ossett Albion A.F.C. players

Category:Harrogate Railway Athletic F.C. players

Category:Thackley A.F.C. players

Category:Brighouse Town F.C. players

Category:Eccleshill United F.C. players

Category:Silsden A.F.C. players

Category:English football managers

Category:Bradford City A.F.C. managers

Category:English Football League managers

Category:English football coaches

Category:FC Halifax Town non-playing staff

Category:Bradford City A.F.C. non-playing staff

Category:21st-century English sportsmen