"We have to put it in the bin" - Graham Alexander drops clear Bradford City claim | OneFootball

Graham Alexander is looking to bring the joy back to Valley Parade.

Graham Alexander has admitted that it is now becoming "enjoyable" for his players to step out at Valley Parade in front of one of the biggest fan bases in League Two.

The Bantams have languished in the fourth tier for several seasons now, ever since their relegation from League One in 2018-19.

Just seven years ago, they were competing at the top of the third tier, securing memorable victories, including their famous FA Cup win over Chelsea.

However, recent seasons have been a far cry from those glory days, with Bradford City struggling to regain a place higher up the football pyramid.

Graham Alexander glad to be walking out at Valley Parade

This season, Alexander's side are pushing for promotion and have won six of their last nine games to keep them firmly in the battle for the top three.

This Saturday, they welcome an under-performing Milton Keynes Dons to Valley Parade chasing their ninth straight win at home.

Speaking about the importance of their home form, the head coach said: "The support base are excited when they come to Valley Parade and hopeful.

"There’s always been an expectancy, and there should be, but I think there’s a patience with the team and the players at the moment. If it’s not going our way for 20 minutes or to half-time, they are still with us and understand the challenges.

"I think we’ve earned that and the players enjoy playing at Valley Parade.

"I don’t know how much they enjoyed it when we first came in. It felt like a potential burden more than an enjoyment, but we just reframed their minds.

"Part of the reason you came here was to play in front of this great crowd and at this venue.

"I think there’s a confidence from our performances. It’s not an overconfidence that we just turn up and win, that’s definitely not the case.

"We will put ourselves down massively if we ever let that seep into our psyche."

Bradford City have leaders now

"But we’ve got experienced players in there. I hear Richie (Smallwood) talking, Sam Walker, Brad Halliday, Antoni Sarcevic – these boys are saying the right things in the changing room before the games.

"I don’t have to step forward to do that. I’ve got leaders in there who understand what the challenge is and make sure the players are on board with what we’re doing.

"We’ll go into the game confident. But we’ve also gone into Valley Parade not confident and still won.

"That’s the key for us. Whatever our mood is, we have to put it in the bin and go and perform and I think that is what the players have done exceptionally well."

Graham Alexander will be keen to extend run in tight promotion race

The League Two promotion race has become incredibly intense this season, and if Bradford City are to secure a place in League One next year, they will need to maintain their impressive form.

At present, five teams are separated by just four points, and with a favourable run of fixtures ahead, the head coach will expect his team to continue collecting points.

MK Dons would be the perfect starting point, but it’s a daunting challenge for Scott Lindsey’s side, who have failed to win away since New Year’s Day.

The head coach will undoubtedly be urging the Valley Parade faithful to make it a difficult place for visitors to play. Come 17:00 on Saturday, he’ll be hoping his side are back in those automatic promotion spots.