If London-born Jamie Lawrence needs any more incentive to help City beat West Ham tomorrow then the stick he will receive off Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand if the Bantams lose should do just that.

The 29-year-old City midfielder has been mates with the Hammers' pair for several years and knows that both men will be a big danger at Valley Parade.

Lawrence missed most of pre-season through injury but has started City's last three games and feels his fitness is improving all the time.

The midfielder with the never-say-die attitude is relishing being back in the Premier-ship after leaving Leicester City two years ago and is determined to help the Bantams prove the doubters wrong - starting at home to the east London side.

"These are the sort of games that we worked so hard for last season. When I left Leicester I was determined to get back to the Premiership as soon as possible and everything worked out well for us.

"Arsenal, West Ham and Spurs are three of the biggest clubs around and we are playing them in successive games which shows just what standard of football we are playing in.

"I know a few of the lads at West Ham with Rio and Frank being my two best mates there. I have been on holiday with them and see them out quite a lot in London.

"There are a few of us who go round together and we had 16 of the boys out just a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday night. There are a few of the Chelsea boys who come out although Michael Duberry has just moved up here and Wimbledon's Jason Euell is another.

"I will be out Saturday night in London after the West Ham game if the gaffer gives us Sunday off.

"They are a good set of lads but I know Rio and Frank will absolutely hammer me if they win. I'm determined that won't happen so if selected I will give them a bit of a kick out on the pitch, win the game and then I can be the one dishing out the stick back down in London after the game.

"This is the second of three consecutive games against London opposition and it is costing me a fortune in tickets.

"I had to get 15 for my family and friends at Arsenal and I know a few will be coming up tomorrow. I just hope they can see us win."

Lawrence has been restricted to playing the first hour of City's last three games as he tried to build his fitness and admits that this is a huge season both for him and the club.

He said: "I am determined to enjoy it and do well. I am still frustrated because I am not fully fit and that means I can't do the things I am good at. My whole game is based on fitness with me getting up and down the line."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.