RORY McArdle reckons Stuart McCall will help City to keep calm and carry on through the play-offs.

McCall’s men need a point at home to Wimbledon on Saturday to rubber-stamp their place in the end-of-season promotion showdown.

But McArdle insists there is no tension around the squad – thanks to the manager’s sunny demeanour.

The defender believes McCall’s positive attitude has made sure that City have maintained a happy camp right through the season.

McArdle said: “Everyone is quite relaxed and that comes from the manager.

“At the minute it doesn’t feel like the pressured end to the season. Hopefully that’s a good thing and that will bode well for us.

“You know when the manager expects you to increase performance levels or if training is sloppy. But ultimately everyone is quite calm.

“You speak to Kenny (Black) and the gaffer and they want us to enjoy ourselves and I think that’s worked this year. That’s got the best out of everyone.”

City head into the penultimate weekend of League One with a six-point advantage over Southend, the side immediately below the top six.

The Shrimpers travel to relegation-threatened Shrewsbury on Saturday and Millwall, who currently occupy the final play-off spot a point ahead, host Oxford.

Both have to win to have any chance of catching the Bantams, who will erase any doubts if they successfully avoid a first league defeat at Valley Parade.

McArdle, closing in on his fifth play-off campaign, added: “There’s no need to put pressure on ourselves unless it’s really called for.

“We don’t want to put ourselves in that situation where we need a kick up the backside. It’s been nice and relaxed all season.

“We’ve had the odd game when performances have needed a bit of a lift, whether it’s come from the gaffer, Kenny or ourselves.

“But we’ve got enough experienced lads in there who everyone respects.

“It’s not like someone will say something and all of a sudden there’s a full-blown argument going off. It’s all taken on board and you move on.

“Everyone has their own way of getting through tricky situations.”

City have been a fixture in the top six since the early weeks of the season – proof in McArdle’s eyes at how well McCall has managed the mood among the players.

“The gaffer will have a laugh with someone and all of a sudden makes them relax and forget about whatever they were worrying over,” he said.

“At times like now when you’re looking towards the business end of the season, teams will start feeling the pressure.

“If you can get that extra per cent or two in confidence because you are relaxed, then it can make a difference.”