Colin Todd has warned City: Don't let our home form ruin another season.

The Bantams face Walsall at Valley Parade tonight on a run of four straight defeats.

They have won only seven of the 22 home games in 2005,

picking up 22 points from a

possible 66.

The last victory was over Gillingham in October.

Todd blames their Valley Parade shortcomings for missing out on a top-six

finish last term and is

desperate to avoid a repeat.

"It's imperative that we get back on the winning trail after our disappointing run," he said.

"We need to finish the year with a win at home.

"The home form has been poor at this

football club over a long period of time, even before I arrived.

"I can only look at the two seasons I've been in charge but I firmly believe our home form cost us the play-offs last season. That must not be allowed to happen again.

"It's something that has to be put right because on our day we are as good as any side in this division.

"At the moment little things aren't firing for us and this is an opportunity to hit back."

City's recent wobble, which has seen two cup exits as well as league losses to Rotherham and Oldham, has inevitably earned criticism.

But Todd said: "I'm not interested because it happens with any manager. People are just waiting for you to have an indifferent period so they can have a go.

"The ones who write in to moan never write in when we are having a good run. That's the sad thing about football.

"There are a lot of teams in this division who are struggling for consistency. You look at the top and the likes of Southend, Swansea, Huddersfield and Colchester, who are all finding it difficult.

"The good thing about football is that there is still everything to play for and the picture can change quickly. But we have to get that next win tonight."

Todd will hold a pre-match head count after his squad picked up a few knocks on Monday. But he is hoping that Andrew Taylor will have recovered from his illness.

Lee Crooks is still suspended and Owen Morrison is troubled once again by a hip problem.

The Valley Parade pitch, meanwhile, has been covered for the last few days to protect the surface from the cold snap.