MICHAEL Collins has shrugged off accusations that he is the chairman’s puppet and declared: “People can say what they want.”

The Bantams boss heads into tonight’s home clash with Burton convinced his side can end their three-game losing streak.

And his focus will not be affected by the constant rumours that his actions are being governed by Edin Rahic.

Collins said: “People love to make stories, especially in an environment like this when it was a left-field kind of appointment.

“People will say there were ulterior motives behind it. But I will continue to do my job.

“I focus on what I’m doing and the staff I’m with. I don’t listen to all the stories and whispers from the outside, whether it be Matt Kilgallon or the chairman telling us what to do.

“It’s the industry we’re in and happens all the way up. Premier League managers field questions that they are probably thinking have the same sort of logic behind.

“I’m well aware of it, I’m not getting caught out by anything that’s being said because it was to be expected.

“For me, nothing has changed. I’ve got the full support of the chairman and the staff around me.

“As long as I can do my job, I’ll never look for excuses. I’m happy I’ve got control of what I need to and outside of that I’ll let people talk.”

Collins braced himself for the public scrutiny after his summer appointment came out of the blue. It is a part of the job he is happy to put up with.

“I’ve got a tough enough mentality to deal with that sort of stuff,” he told the T&A.

“The only person you need to worry about is yourself and what’s going on inside your own mind. My mindset is clear.

“People will always try to make something that’s not there. It’s not patronising because it’s the industry we’re in – if it wasn’t me, then it might be somebody else.

“I look at the work I did at the club before I was appointed. I must have been good at what I did to start with the 14s, work my way up to the 18s and get my opportunity with the first team.

“People can say it was for this or that reason but I believe in myself. I’ve been working towards this a long time.”

Collins was fuming after City’s defeat at Southend – their third loss in a week – but insists he has no regrets about taking the Valley Parade helm.

“I’m loving every second of it. I love setbacks sometimes because they allow you to develop.

“I’m ready for the fight and that’s what we’ll have to do.”