WAYNE Jacobs is relishing the return of West Yorkshire’s “friendly” derby on Sunday – as long as City win.

The FA Cup visit to Halifax will be the first time the Bantams have played competitively at The Shay for 16 years.

Jacobs, who played left back for City in that League Cup win, is one of the many with a foot in both camps. He spent two years there as Chris Wilder’s assistant and helped to steer them to a Conference play-off final defeat.

The multiple connections highlight the good-natured rivalry between the two neighbours and City have traditionally viewed the Shaymen as their “second team”.

Jacobs said: “There has always been a good relationship between the two clubs and sets of supporters in my experience over the last 20 years.

“I know lots of City fans that always want Halifax to do well. They will have a lot of support from this side wishing them well to get back into the Football League.

“(Chairman) David Bosomworth has done an excellent job with Bobby Ham since they’ve been over there.

“It will be a very proud moment for him because we all know his connections to Bradford. He’s also a great guy and you want him to succeed – but hopefully not on this occasion.

"It makes for a very interesting tie and a great occasion for West Yorkshire and one where I hope claret and amber come out on top.”

After more than 350 games for City, Jacobs left Valley Parade to join Wilder at Halifax in 2005. Present Bantams goalkeeping coach Lee Butler was also part of the coaching staff.

Despite having one of the smallest budgets in the Conference, the Shaymen made it to the promotion play-off, where they were eventually beaten by Hereford.

Jacobs added: “We were leading with ten minutes to go and ended up losing in extra-time. That was the high point but obviously beyond that came the period when they’ve been through some really difficult times.

“I’m delighted to see them back and challenging right up there. They’ve had a fantastic start to the season so I’m sure they are looking forward to this tie and it’s a lovely pitch to play on.

“When I was assistant there, we were stood in front of the scaffolding where the stand hadn’t been finished, so when it rained we got very wet.

“But the stadium looks great now. That’s been developed just as well as the team.”

Jacobs admits Halifax can approach the game with a “nothing to lose” philosophy, with City in the unusual position of favourites.

He said: “The boot’s on the other foot and you have to approach the game with a very different psychology.

“Managers often talk about how they are in changing rooms, how they dress and things like whether they try to calm people down by sitting down or undoing their top button to appear more relaxed.

“For Halifax, they won’t need any building up or extra motivation to play us.

“But one thing I’ve got to say about this staff is that they always have the lads prepared for any cup tie, whether they are underdogs or favourites, as is the case on Sunday.

“Halifax will think there’s a chance of winning and rightly so. But we go there confident in our ability.”