DOMINIC Poleon admits heavy criticism from the fans is part of the “test of character” facing City in their shocking run.

The striker is at a loss with how the season has fallen away so dramatically since the turn of the year.

And he accepts the flak that has been directed towards the team as supporters vent their frustration.

Poleon said: “That’s just part of it. I’m sure there were people complaining when we were doing well about other things that we needed.

“There’s going to be loads more when we’re in the form that we’re in.

“But as a player, you just have to take it on the chin.

“If you’re a professional footballer and you can’t take people slagging you off, then you better change sports and do something else.

“But social media is banter and you can’t take it too personally.

“The same people who are saying that you’re rubbish will see you and ask if they can have a picture or for you to sign their shirt. You just take it with a pinch of salt.”

City go to Blackpool today eight points behind the play-offs, although they do have games in hand on all their rivals for the fifth and sixth spots.

But with only one win in 13 games, the odds are stacked against them compiling the strong run needed to stay in contention.

Poleon, who scored the winner against Gillingham a fortnight ago, cannot believe how their fortunes have tumbled.

He added: “I’ve never experienced a run like this before and I’m sure none of the boys have.

“I can’t put my finger on it. It’s just happening.

“I was at Oldham and we went 13-14 games unbeaten under Lee Johnson. We had our Christmas do and then lost in the whole of January.

“We were thinking ‘oh my gosh’, how have we gone unbeaten for so long to suddenly start losing like that? But we then got a win and it felt all right again.

“We’re the ones who have to get ourselves out of it – we’ve got to go out there, score, defend, get clean sheets.

“There’s no point in getting lost in it all and thinking ‘this is so crazy’. We have to make the difference to change it.

“We’re the same team as before, the same players who did so well at the start of the season. It’s a test of character for us as a group.”

Poleon’s recent goal was one of only two that City have scored in the six games since Simon Grayson took charge.

The Bantams boss accused his team of lacking intensity and looking to take the safe option after they were convincingly beaten at Blackburn last time.

Poleon said: “Without risks, there is no reward. We have to try and be more positive.

“But that’s easier said than done. Blackburn was a tough game and I don’t think anyone really performed.

“Rather than going with the safe option, maybe try something else that can take us up the field and make a positive impact on the game.

“You definitely learn more about players in times of adversity.

“It’s easy to play when you’re 2-0 down. The pressure is off because everyone expects you to lose anyway.

“But when it’s still 0-0 and the game is going one way or the other, that’s when it become a bit more gritty. You find what your team is about when the chips are down.”