Bowyer shoulders fans disappointment

BRADFORD CITY manager Gary Bowyer says he will never “duck responsibility” as he aims to reignite Bradford City’s bid for an immediate return to League One.

The Bantams’ run of five games without a win has seen them slip to seventh, with a game against promotion-chasing Cheltenham Town looming this evening.

Saturday’s defeat at Mansfield Town saw supporters aim their anger at Bowyer as City failed to register a shot on target at Field Mill.

He said: “I have been involved in football all my life and you understand it is the manager’s responsibility and it [frustration] gets levelled at the manager. “I will never duck a fight and I will never duck responsibility. People can see the amount of work that is going in and what we have tried to do.

“We are still sat in the play-off positions. The group that we have got, bar Saturday, they have been honest and are fighting for us.”

Bowyer insists he still has the backing of club chairman Stefan Rupp and interim chief executive Julian Rhodes, adding: “We all need to stick together and there will be times when we need the supporters to help the players.

“I understand venting at me, I have no problem with that but help those players out.”

He added: “The support I have received from Stefan and Julian has been superb, ever since I have been here. And that has continued over the weekend.

Last six games: Bradford City LDDLDW; Cheltenham Town LWWDDL.

Referee: S Stockbridge (Tyne)

Last time: Cheltenham Town 3 Bradford City 2, September 17, 2019, League Two.