BOLTON did not even have 15 points at Christmas last season.

So to be on that tally so soon in League One should put any disappointment from last week’s opening loss at Walsall into perspective.

Phil Parkinson’s side began their bid for an instant return to the Championship with a bang by winning the first four games.

Three draws and a defeat to the ten-man Saddlers later have knocked a bit of gloss off ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash with City.

But Bolton go into it still in second spot and chairman Ken Anderson insists there is plenty to cheer about.

“When this season’s fixtures were announced a few months ago, I was very apprehensive when I saw our opening games,” he said.

“Despite dropping points recently, if someone had told me that we would be in the top two after eight games, l would have bitten both his hands off.

“It is six months since we completed the takeover and enormous credit should go to Phil Parkinson and his staff for creating the positivity the town, and myself, are enjoying at the moment.

“We have made giant strides but we need absolutely everyone to play their part if we are to get where we want to be as a football club.”

Bolton expect tomorrow’s home crowd to top the 17,050 that watched them beat Sheffield United on opening day.

On-loan Wolves winger James Henry, one of five Parkinson captures on deadline day, says they must use the Macron to their advantage.

Henry (pictured) said: “It’s going to be a big game against Bradford for a lot of reasons – obviously there is the rivalry with it being the manager’s old team, along with them being just behind us in the league table too.

“You’ve got your own crowd behind you and you’ve got to make it a fortress, which we’ve done so far this season.”

Midfielder Jay Spearing returns from suspension.