NATHAN Clarke is relieved to be spared a duel with James Hanson on his reunion with City tomorrow.

The Coventry centre half faces the Bantams for the first time since making his Valley Parade exit at the start of the January transfer window.

And while Clarke is looking forward to facing some familiar figures, he is delighted that Hanson will not be one of them.

“At least there should be no black eyes or stitches needed,” he laughed.

“It was a bit of a sigh of relief to see he’d left.

“Hans was one of the good mates that I made during my time at Bradford.

“But he is such a physical customer to play against – even in training he was a real handful.

“We play Sheffield United in a few weeks, so I’ve still got him to come on the fixture list. But at least it won’t be tomorrow.”

Clarke made 35 appearances in 18 months with City but hardly got a look-in this season, playing only four times and none of them in the league.

Yet he was a popular character for his professionalism around the club and is pleased to see the Bantams still going strong in the top six.

Clarke said: “It’s no surprise but it’s good to see. I only spent a short time there but made some good friends around the club.

“They got off to a flying start and have kept that pace going.

“It’s a fantastic record to only lose four games. Once you get on that sort of run, you’re hard to stop.

“They are obviously a team full of confidence with some fantastic players and made some good signings in the window.

“They have not just replaced Hans but enhanced the squad and all the new players have started well.

“Bradford will still be trying to sneak into the automatics, or at least cement their place in the play-offs.

“We’ll need to be on our mettle but hopefully we can put on a performance for the new manager and the fans as well.”

Mark Robins returns to take charge of a Sky Blues side who have won only once in 19 league outings and sit cut adrift at the bottom. Russell Slade, who signed Clarke, paid the price last week.

Clarke had previously been Slade’s captain at Leyton Orient and admitted it was a big blow to see him depart.

“It’s heart-breaking to see someone I’d worked well with in the past lose his job,” admitted Clarke.

“That was a big personal disappointment that we couldn’t get the points we needed for him.

“When I signed after Christmas, I was hoping to go in and help the team improve and get some wins under our belts. But it’s been tough.

“You’ve no given right just because you’re a big club with a fantastic fan base. You’ve still got to play the football and get the wins.

“But there are still 11 games left and we’ll be fighting all the way.

“We’ve got a new manager in now. Everyone’s fighting for their place, training has been bright and it’s good to see.

“There are players playing for contracts and players playing for their future at the club.

“You’re playing to impress the new manager who has come in and also prove in these 11 games that you are more than worthy of another contract.”