IT WAS Iain Dowie who invented the phrase “bouncebackability”.

His description for the best way of responding to a defeat may have gone out of football fashion in the last few years.

But the basic premise remains the same – and it’s a blueprint that City have been following to the letter.

Since Stuart McCall returned to the Valley Parade helm, the Bantams have yet to lose two games on the trot. They have always picked themselves straight back up.

It’s an impressive trait that City hope to continue by getting the Bury loss out the system when they host Oldham tonight.

“You are obviously disappointed when you lose,” said Colin Doyle.

“But I’d rather lose a game and then win three or four, like we have done, than keep drawing three or four games in a row.

“That’s what we did last year, when we kept drawing too many games.”

Two of City’s three losses so far have come at Valley Parade – a shock to the system after going all last season without a blemish on home soil.

But half of those were draws, which meant four other sides still picked up more home points.

Doyle said: “It was sort of a big thing last year when we were unbeaten at home all season but we drew 12 of those.

“I wouldn’t say it is a good thing that we have lost a game like Blackburn at home. But look at the way we have responded to a defeat – we’ve gone away and picked up two or three wins on the bounce, which gets you a long way in this league.”

Centre halves Matt Kilgallon and Nathaniel Knight-Percival have been a corner stone of City’s solid start to the season. Their form earned both a year’s contract extension last week.

Doyle has witnessed at close hand how well the defensive double act has gelled – although as another player whose current deal is up in the summer, the keeper may start making a few hints in the board’s direction.

“I think I might have to knock on the door later on to see what is happening!” he said.

“Obviously, the two lads have been fantastic. It was a situation where we lost Rory (McArdle) and didn’t have a right-footer, so Nat is playing out of position on the right side.

“Killa didn’t have a lot to do last year because he had a long-term injury and to come in this season and play like they have, the two of them in front of me have been fantastic.

“It just shows how well they are doing in that we have brought in Thommo (Adam Thompson) and he can’t get into the team.”

The back four remains without Tony McMahon’s presence and Luke Hendrie will continue to deputise.

Doyle said: “It’s disappointing for Macca as he’s another one who has started really well. He’s a big miss – but it’s part and parcel of football.”