Role model Gary Jones has been tipped to sweep the awards as City’s player of the year.

The veteran captain narrowly missed out after being shortlisted for League Two’s top individual accolade.

But John Hendrie expects him to scoop a landslide of prizes at the forthcoming club ceremony.

Jones may be given a breather for the final league game at Cheltenham today to recharge the batteries for the play-off assault. After 51 appearances so far, the 35-year-old midfield general has earned any break.

Hendrie said: “You’ve got to take your hat off to Gary Jones. Bearing in mind his tender years, he’s been absolutely phenomenal.

“His energy levels are incredible. I was watching the Burton game and it got to the 93rd minute and he’s still up and down the pitch.

“He is a driving force in midfield with that no-nonsense will to win. That shines through for the whole team.”

T&A columnist Hendrie believes that work ethic is a great inspiration for the rest of the Valley Parade squad, especially the younger players.

“All the best teams in the country have those types of role models. You look at Man U with Scholes and Giggs; Liverpool have Gerrard.

“They are all players that those around them will look up to. If you are a young player coming through at Bradford, you want to be like Gary Jones.

"You don’t cut corners when you have someone like that alongside. What a great ambassador for the game he is.

“Gary Jones has no frills. He comes in, he keeps his nose clean, works hard and has a brilliant attitude.

“He’s the sort of player the supporters love to see. They want players to give their all and Jones wears his heart on his sleeve.

“You can’t always play well, everyone has a bad day at the office. But as a minimum, you’re expected to give 100 per cent commitment and he’s the perfect example of that.”

The sell-out City awards night takes place on Tuesday, May 7. It was put back to avoid clashing with the build-up to this week’s play-off semi-finals.