Colin Todd is hoping to lure Jamie Lawrence back to City.

Todd sees the former Bantam's whole-hearted approach in midfield as a key weapon in League One.

He had even hoped to sign Lawrence in time to face Peterborough at Valley Parade tonight but is waiting for a response from the Jamaican international.

Another club, believed to be Wigan where Lawrence spent a loan spell in December, are also understood to be tracking him.

Lawrence, who was a popular figure during his six years in West Yorkshire, returned in May to play in the T&A Save Our City appeal game. He is currently without a club after leaving Grimsby at the end of last season.

Todd wants to build up competition for places in his small squad as City look to get off the mark against the Posh in their first home game.

It is a poignant occasion after the club came so close to folding in the summer and they are hoping for plenty of support from the stands.

The Bantams were bowled over by the backing they got against Hartlepool - and are anticipating more of the same.

Jim Brown, head of the club's steering committee, said: "We need the supporters now more than ever.

"We are still skint and hanging on by a thread. But we're still here and six weeks ago we would be delighted with that.

"Colin's done a marvellous job getting some quality in and the lads did us proud at Hartlepool. It is going to be difficult against sides who've spent pre-season nicely preparing without any problems and we've got to compete the best we can.

"In the short term it's about supporting the team. It's not been an ideal time for the 25-yearers, the season-ticket holders and the players but let's put that behind us.

"Football results aren't everything, it's about supporting the team. The fans were superb on Saturday and made it a bit of a carnival and we need them to turn out in force again.

"Our message is to bite your lip and support the side for all it's worth."

On-loan Ross Turnbull will continue in goal although Todd is hopeful that at least one of his senior keepers will have clearance by the weekend.

City lost 14 times at home in Division One and Todd wants to set the record straight from the off.

He added: "I've told the boys we've got to take the initiative. I want this stadium to become a fortress so let's give the supporters something to shout about.

"Kicking off at all was a bonus and now in our opening home game we've got to show the fans that we mean business. We are alive and kicking and everyone wants to push on.

"It is our first home game and there might be a few nerves to start with. But we want to get the people right behind us and keep them behind us.

"Peterborough got an excellent result on Saturday, beating Tranmere, and will come here full of confidence. But it's up to us to control the game how we want to and keep to our gameplan."