Steve Evans today taunted City by claiming: You won’t make the play-offs.

The outspoken Rotherham boss also believes that Phil Parkinson will not be at Valley Parade next season.

The controversial Evans maintained his stranglehold on the Bantams with Tuesday’s 2-0 triumph in front of League Two’s largest crowd of the season. He has won all four games against them as a league boss.

But he could not resist the opportunity to stir things up ahead of this weekend’s crucial home game against Burton with a spot of gamesmanship.

Evans said: “This is a big club and they had a great cup run. But I think this might not be their year.

“From all the hype before the game that Bradford might go up automatically, I am not even so sure they will make the play-offs.

“I don’t think they can beat Burton – and I don’t think they can beat Cheltenham.”

Rotherham lead Burton on goal difference in the fight for the third promotion spot and a City victory would do the Millers a massive favour. Cheltenham, where City go on the last day, are also in the mix two points behind.

So the jibe from Evans could be seen as a way of provoking a reaction after the midweek result.

He said: “I’ve got no malice against Bradford City. Their fans gave me stick but some came and asked me to sign their programme before the game.

“I think people at Bradford City know what went on here last year. I held my head high last year and can hold it here this year.

“It is a Bradford side I think highly of and Phil Parkinson has made some great signings – but I don’t think he will be at Bradford City next year.”

Parkinson refused to be drawn on these provocative comments. But he thought that the past events with Evans could have been behind referee Mark Haywood’s decision to send Steve Parkin to the stands.

The City number two was dismissed just before half-time after an exchange with fourth official Alf Greenwood.

Parkinson said: “It was just a very slight altercation and nothing more than you get in any other game.

“I asked the fourth official afterwards if he had come here with predetermined thoughts that there might be some trouble on the touchlines.

“When you hear what gets said throughout the course of the season, it was minimal to say the least.”

Meanwhile, defender Michael Nelson is still protesting his innocence over the controversial penalty that broke the deadlock.

Nelson said: “I got hit in the back and was falling down. I put my arm out to try and save myself and the ball hit me on the way down – if anything, it was a foul.”

City head into the penultimate weekend with a point advantage on Exeter in the final play-off spot. Chesterfield, Southend and even Fleetwood have an outside chance of overhauling them.

Nelson said: “Things are still in our hands. We have a massive home game on Saturday and hopefully we will get a fair crack of the whip in that.

“Tuesday has got to be one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen at a League Two game. It was unbelievable and hopefully it will be the same.”

Andrew Davies was due to have a scan yesterday on his back and both calves, while James Meredith is aiming to recover from his sore hip.

Parkinson said: “Mezza will be desperate to play but we’ve got a good replacement in Carl (McHugh) anyway.”

* Valley Parade will stage the customary minute’s silence to remember the fire victims before City’s game against Burton on Saturday – their last at home in the regular season.

A collection will take place at the ground on behalf of the Bradford University Burns Research Unit. Donations can also be made via the City Supporters’ Trust website at www.bcst.co.uk/donations.