SIMON Grayson is demanding City show some “inner desire” to prove they can escape their season-destroying rut.

Tomorrow night’s TV encounter with Shrewsbury is the first of five home games in the next three weeks.

It could become an increasingly uncomfortable ride for the sinking Bantams, who were abused by angry away supporters during the 5-0 thrashing at Blackpool.

Grayson, who is threatening a major shake-up to his starting line-up, conceded the players have to dig deep.

He said: “The only way to change things is to work a lot harder. That comes from an inner desire and personal pride.

“It’s not been an easy run for the players or the fans at Valley Parade. But let’s hope our home form turns round and we get some positivity back.

“We saw the Gillingham game when we put in a good, whole-hearted performance. We won that game because we worked hard, we chased, we blocked things and tackled.

“It showed what you can achieve by doing that.

“Look at the top sides. Liverpool beat Man City last week because they worked and closed and stopped the opposition from playing.

“If the top teams can do it, so can League One players. There are no excuses.”

The much-maligned Valley Parade pitch faces a pounding from such an intense schedule after the three recent postponements.

Striker Dominic Poleon admits City have to banish any mental demons about the challenging playing surface as they try to restore a bit of belief in the crowd.

“We need to give them something to shout about and then hopefully they’ll get behind us,” he said.

“I’d rather have those games at home regardless of the pitch instead of having to go elsewhere.

“There’s no point moaning about the pitch. We can all see what condition it’s in and we just have to make the best of it until we get a new one or something changes.

“It is difficult but we’re professional footballers playing on a bit of grass or mud.

“The pitch issues at home have played a part in our performances and chances. But in terms of it making much difference, we’ve got to go out there and put a performance on regardless of its condition.”

Owners Edin Rahic and Stefan Rupp last week announced plans for an expensive revamp of the drainage system once the season is over. Grayson admits that cannot come soon enough for the club.

The City boss added: “I’ve spoken to Edin about the pitch but I’m sure every manager who has been here over a number of years will have said the same.

“It isn’t a problem that’s just happened in the last 18 months since Edin and Stefan have been in charge.

“It goes back a number of years and probably should have been done during that time.

“Fortunately, it will happen in the summer and hopefully the team will have a better pitch to play on next year.

“Everyone wants that to happen. It’s not easy for players to play on but I think there are a lot of difficult pitches at the minute due to the heavy weather that’s been around the country for some time now.”