Bradford City have paid tribute following the death of former goalkeeping coach John Vaughan at the age of 62. The club posted a message of condolence on social media this week, expressing their thoughts for his family and loved ones.

Vaughan served as the Bantams' goalkeeping coach from 2019 until 2022, appointed by manager Gary Bowyer following the club's relegation to League Two. He replaced Maik Taylor in the role and was part of the coaching staff that helped stabilise the club, which now sits third in League One with 21 points from 11 games. His passing comes as the team prepares for an away fixture against Oxford United on Saturday, unbeaten in their last five matches.

Playing career highlights

Before moving into coaching, Vaughan enjoyed an 18-year playing career as a goalkeeper. His most notable spell was at Cambridge United, where he made 178 appearances between 1988 and 1993. He was part of the John Beck-managed side that achieved back-to-back promotions from Division Four to Division Two in the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons. Vaughan also won the Third Division title with Preston North End in the 1995-96 campaign, making 66 league appearances for the club. His career included further stops at Lincoln City, Fulham, Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City and a brief period with Bradford City itself.

Coaching legacy

After retiring as a player, Vaughan transitioned into coaching, beginning with a short stint at York City. He spent six years as a goalkeeping coach at Huddersfield Town from 2006 to 2012, later returning to Barnsley for a four-year period where he worked under managers including Lee Johnson and Daniel Stendel. He joined Bradford City in 2019, contributing to the club's recent rise. Huddersfield Town also expressed their sadness, describing Vaughan as a former Terrier. Bradford City's current strong position, just one point behind leaders Stockport County, is built on foundations that coaches like Vaughan helped establish. The club's recent fixtures show a resilient run of form, with a 2-0 win over Stevenage and a goalless draw at Burton Albion last weekend.

The Bantams confirmed the news on 22 October, stating their thoughts were with John's family at this devastating time. His coaching career, which also included a period in Sheffield United's academy after leaving Valley Parade, spanned multiple clubs across Yorkshire and beyond. Bradford City travel to face eighth-placed Oxford United this Saturday, 24 October.

More detail at yorkshirepost.co.uk