Andy Tod is set to remain in limbo for next week's home game with Crystal Palace.

City's Scottish utility player could be out of Nicky Law's plans until the club receive the financial lifeline that is heading the Nationwide League's way from the Football Trust.

Tod (pictured) had to be pulled from the squad for Saturday's FA Cup defeat at West Brom to save money. It would have been his 25th starting appearance for the Bantams - which would have meant a further £25,000 to Dunfermline as part of his £150,000 transfer deal 14 months ago.

Unless Dun-fermline agree to hang on for the payment, Tod must continue to sit it out.

City chief executive Julian Rhodes said: "There is nothing sinister about the situation, it is just very sensitive with our cash flows. January is traditionally an awkward month.

"Andy knows the situation and has been very good about it. Obviously he was disappointed not to play in the FA Cup but he understands the situation regarding money.

"We hope to sort something out but maybe not in time for Saturday."

City have already held talks with the Scottish Premier League club but until a compromise is struck Tod - who had played the three previous games after a long-term injury absence - will be unavailable.

It is yet another obstacle Law must overcome. He is still without Ashley Ward and Danny Cadamarteri, the only senior strikers on the books, although teenager Mark Danks pushed his claims with a late goal at the Hawthorns.

Assistant manager Ian Banks had his contract terminated on Friday morning as another cost-cutting measure. Youth coach Chris Dowhan is likely to take over.