Stuart McCall today urged City's fans to stick with the club through the crisis as he plotted to add to their misery.

McCall makes an emotional return tomorrow in Sheffield United colours, acutely aware that another bad result will plunge his old club deeper into trouble.

City have lost four in a row to drop to fifth-from-bottom in Division One as the injuries continue to pile up, with Stephen Warnock the latest casualty.

But McCall, who is still idolised by the supporters, is convinced his old club will ride the storm with 100 per cent backing.

McCall said: "I really feel for Nicky Law and everybody at the club. What they are going through at the moment is horrendous.

"But supporters have to look at the bigger picture. I'm the most optimistic person in the world but after the fall-out from the summer, ambitions couldn't be too high.

"At the beginning of the season we were all just grateful there was still a Bradford City. It's important for the club that everyone remembers that.

"I would say that survival in the First Division is all that matters this year and that's not knocking them."

City have ten players injured for tomorrow as well as Robert Molenaar suspended. They have won only once in 12 games and face a side unbeaten in their last six visits to West Yorkshire.

McCall added: "I'm not making excuses for Bradford, and I'm sure Nicky Law wouldn't, but the amount of injuries is incredible.

"The team they had to put out against Nottingham Forest shows the seriousness of the situation. And they are all key players out."

City assistant manager Ian Banks wants the home side to make their mark early on the special occasion.

Banks said: "Stuart has been a fantastic player especially for City and he will quite rightly get a great reception. But once the first whistle goes everybody will forget about that.

"We will be telling our players to dump him on his behind and rattle him."

McCall added: "It's going to be strange and I don't know how I will feel. I had a great send-off last season against West Brom and then the testimonial game capped it all.

"I didn't expect to be coming back again and there will be real mixed emotions.

"I'll probably be glad when it's over."