Bantams caretaker manager Martin Drury has spoken of his determination ahead of City’s crucial Sky Bet League One battle with Portsmouth.
Drury took over the reins on Monday, following the resignation of David Hopkin, and is looking to guide the 23rd-placed Bantams past their promotion-chasing opponents tomorrow (kick-off 3.00pm).
Victory could be enough to help City out of the division’s bottom four, with Portsmouth seeking their first league victory since New Year’s Day.
Drury said: “The players are ready for the game and are looking forward to the challenge.
“I want the lads to all look each other in the eye at 5.00pm on Saturday, knowing they have given everything they can to try and beat a very good Portsmouth side.
“Portsmouth are in a great position - in the top six - and are chasing promotion. We are going there, into the lion’s den, as massive underdogs.
“We respect them as opponents but will go there with the intention of getting the three points we desperately need. We certainly will not be setting up for a point.”
Drury has paid tribute to outgoing Bantams boss Hopkin, who stood down as manager on Monday morning.
The former Livingston chief spent six months at the City helm and tenured his resignation following last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Walsall.
“I did not see it coming and I was disappointed to hear the news,” added Drury.
“I understand his reasons for leaving and it is testament to him as a man that he made a decision to walk away, in order to give the club a chance to go in another direction for the last 12 games of the season.
“Julian Rhodes asked me to take temporary charge and I wasn't going to turn my back on this group of players.
“My focus is on this weekend and Portsmouth and I won’t look any further down the track.
“I am extremely passionate about this club and will do everything I can to help us get the results we desperately need.”