Ivor Powell became the first "tracksuit manager" at Bradford City. Born at Bargoed, Wales in July 1916. Powell lost most of his career to the Second World War. He signed for Queens Park Rangers from his local team in 1937. In December 1948 he was transferred to Aston Villa. Powell was a Welsh International and guested for City during the War.

He left Aston Villa in 1951 and became player manager at Port Vale. His time at Vale Park was short-lived, he was not very well liked by the players, who didn't like his management style apparently, and wasn't a favourite of the fans either. Following his departure he linked up with Barry Town for a short time before being appointed player manager at Valley Parade.

Whilst on paper Bradford City didn't fare too well under Ivor Powell he was responsible for bringing many good players to Valley Parade. His first season in charge 1952-53 saw the emergence of Brian Close better known in cricket circles. He also signed goalkeeper Geoff Smith from Rossendale, Smith held the record for clean sheets until broken by Paul Tomlinson.

The following season City finished fifth in the Northern Section of the Third Division. In July 1953 he signed George Mulholland from Stoke, making his debut at left back against Chesterfield in August 1953, he missed his first match in September 1958 having broken a leg. A good start to the 1954-55 campaign saw City in and around the top places until September, when during a 2-2 draw at home to Wrexham Ivor Powell was carried off the field with a serious knee injury. He never played again despite several comeback attempts.

Unfortunately he proved more of an influence on the field than off it. City's form suffered and the club teetered close to the re election zone, the club's financial situation was a hindrance also. The decision to sell the best players such as Derek Hawksworth to keep the club afloat didn't help. He departed his post in February 1955. Following his departure from City Ivor Powell worked at Leeds before becoming manager at Carlisle in May 1960.

The following year he led Carlisle to promotion from Division Four. An F A Cup defeat by Gravesend & Northfleet cost him another job. More recently in 2002 at the age of 86 he was assisting in the coaching of Team Bath who qualified for the F A Cup First Round before losing to Mansfield 4-2.