“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I could keep this club in League One.”
Those are the words of City manager Gary Bowyer, who arrived at the Northern Commercials Stadium yesterday.
Bowyer has signed a short-term contract, with new assistant manager Andy Todd - a former Blackpool colleague - arriving alongside him.
With 11 games remaining, the former Blackburn boss is confident he can help the Bantams avoid relegation.
He said: “I am really enjoying being back in work. The last 24 hours have been hectic but also very exciting.
“Me and Andy (Todd) have received plenty of encouragement and support as we try our best to get the club out of the bottom four.
“I have worked closely with Andy and have known him very well for a number of years.
“He was a top-class defender in the Premier League and hopefully his knowledge and expertise will make us more difficult to beat.
“It all happened very quickly on Sunday afternoon and my main aim was to get in here as quickly as possible.
“I didn’t want to waste any time and was in here first thing Monday morning.
“It was the pull of the club and the supporters which brought me here.
“I know what it is like to experience a packed Valley Parade and we need their support. We have to give the supporters something to cheer about.”
Bowyer will take charge of the Bantams for the first time on Saturday - when City host Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough United at the Northern Commercials Stadium.
After taking his first two training sessions, Bowyer insists the squad has been granted a “clean slate”.
He added: “I look at the squad and believe we have some very talented footballers.
“We have to stick together, first and foremost, as staff, players and supporters.
“The players have to take some responsibility for their performances.
“Peterborough on Saturday will be a tough game. I know Darren Ferguson well and he will be doing his best to get the win.
“But we want the three points and will be gunning to get them.
“The players have trained well so far. I have told them of my excitement to be here but also the demands I ask of them, which has been well received
“I have worked with a few of them before which is always a benefit. I made sure to speak with them all individually and outlined what I expected from them.
“It is a clean slate for everybody, who have to earn their right to play on a Saturday. Once they have the shirt, it is up to them to keep it.”