Jamie Lawrence today predicted a boring end to City’s first campaign back in League One and declared: That would be perfect.

The loss to Stevenage cut their advantage on the bottom four to six points and has rekindled nerves ahead of Saturday’s visit to third-placed Brentford.

But former Valley Parade crowd favourite Lawrence remains confident that City can ensure survival without the need for any late drama.

Lawrence said: “I know Bradford. I just hope they don’t do what normally happens and make it an exciting finish.

“We had enough excitement last year with the two trips to Wembley, Aston Villa, Arsenal and all that.

“Now we just want a nice and quiet end of the season. I’d take that all day long.

“I’m sure we will be all right. There’s enough in that dressing room to finish in mid-table.

“It just needs another couple of wins and that will take the pressure off. The more boring the end of the season, the better.”

Lawrence, now coaching with Conference South side Sutton United, admits it has been a tricky learning curve for his old club on their return to the third tier after a six-year absence.

They have had to adapt without Kyel Reid and Nahki Wells, while January capture Aaron Mclean is still looking to open his City scoring account.

Lawrence added: “Losing Reidy was a massive blow and with Nahki going the number of goals went down.

“I’m pleased (James) Hanson has stepped up to the plate. He doesn’t usually score loads but he’s turned that round and taken the responsibility without Nahki.

“But Mclean is struggling a bit. I’m surprised because I thought he’d be a good signing and would come in and score some goals.

“He just needs one to drop for him; a shot to go in off his backside. The longer it goes on without scoring, the more it will start playing on his mind.”

Lawrence finished his league career in 2005 with a season at Brentford, who are again pushing strongly for promotion after losing last season’s play-off final.

City will be unfancied to get anything from Griffin Park – but he believes that could work in their favour.

He said: “It can suit us because all the expectation will be on Brentford to win. We can go down there, relax and dig in.

“Brentford had that terrific unbeaten run but they are just starting to wobble a bit. That always happens at this time of the season when you get towards the business end.

“I just hope we have a real go. It’s not our natural game to be negative – let’s have a go and play on their nerves a little bit.

“It’s my birthday on Saturday and three points for the Bantams would be the best present.”