PHIL Parkinson refuses to be ruffled by the pressure building over City’s poor run.

The Bantams have won only once in nine games, losing four of the last five as they head into Sunday’s televised derby clash with non-league neighbours Halifax.

Parkinson knows the nation will be looking out for a giant-killing – and his own position could be called into question with another defeat. One national newspaper even printed a groundless rumour linking another manager with the Valley Parade helm.

But the City boss has faith that the current slump can be averted.

Parkinson said: “Results haven’t been good but I’m confident they will turn – very confident.

“It’s always tough when you aren’t winning as a manager. But we’ll keep working hard, doing what we think is right and doing everything in our power to turn this run round.

“TV picked the FA Cup game where they think there is the potential of an upset. We’ve got to go there at the weekend and disappoint everybody, apart from our own fans.

“If we can play as well as we did on Saturday, then that will give us a very good chance.”

Parkinson was encouraged by City’s display in their latest loss against Doncaster but admitted they ultimately paid the price for not adding to Jon Stead’s first-half goal.

“We put 40-odd crosses, including set-plays, into the opposition penalty box. That is plenty of pressure.

“But you need to get more than one goal when you are on top like that.

“Getting that second would have been crucial for us and I’m sure we would have pushed on to win the game.

“But that didn’t happen and instead we got punished. But that’s football.

“Results haven’t gone our way but we’ll be keep concentrating on what we do. Keep focusing on performance levels and they will come.”

Parkinson will make another appeal to Huddersfield boss Chris Powell to allow City to use on-loan striker Stead at The Shay.

Meanwhile, he plans to have another look at free agent striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake today during an in-house game in training.

But Parkinson is not anticipating any definite movement with Aaron Mclean over the next few days. The striker, who he wants to send out on loan, is believed to be considering his options.

Portsmouth and Luton are among those thought to have made inquiries but Mclean is reluctant to drop down a level.

Parkinson said: “There were a couple of clubs who agreed to take him last week but Aaron’s agent is still looking to see if others come in.

“I think the likelihood now is that it will be next week before something happens with him.”