Simon Francis today jumped to the defence of under-fire City boss Nicky Law ahead of the critical home clash against Nottingham Forest.

Law has come in for flak after a wretched run of seven games without a win which has plunged the Bantams to one place off the bottom in Division One.

City have lost five of the last seven at home and the pressure on the manager will intensify if they fail again in front of their own fans.

Chairman Gordon Gibb refuses to discuss Law's future but said that getting a result was an "absolute priority".

Francis believes Law is handling the heat well and said: "The manager certainly doesn't come in to training and take it out on us. He doesn't seem affected by it.

"Some of our performances have been good and you can't knock him for that. It's just that results haven't been going our way.

"As soon as that happens then people look at the manager's position straight away. But hopefully we can turn things round for him.

"He's done a lot for us and brought in a lot of the young lads like Danny Forrest and myself. If we can get some results it will keep him safe."

Law, who has handed Dean Windass the captaincy in David Wetherall's absence, is urging the fans to get behind the team.

He said: "If they can get behind the players from the start and give great vocal support, they will be surprised by the difference.

"I understand the disappointment of the fans but if players are getting criticised they go into their shell. It doesn't matter who they are.

"If only we can recreate what it was like in the last 15 minutes of the Ipswich game, it's like a different place. The fans can make it an intimidating atmosphere."

Law was bitterly upset at City's flat display against Watford which dropped them into the relegation zone for the first time. But after a clear-the-air meeting with the players, he is convinced there is enough quality to pull clear.

Law added: "When we're at full strength we are a match for most teams in this league. Unfortunately when there are suspensions and injuries we find it hard to compete.

"But we're all in this together and must go out tomorrow with a positive attitude. We must not play with fear."