CITY have got a wretched record against Gillingham.

They have been regular opponents in recent years but results have been uneven.

The Bantams have to go back to September 2013 for a victory – and that is their only success in the last 13 meetings.

So they are wise to take any predictions that the Kent side are doomed for the drop this season with a large pinch of salt.

Gills boss Ady Pennock is certainly confident that his squad can dumbfound the doom-mongers.

They only stayed up on the final day of last term but he is backing his rebuilt charges to keep their heads well above water.

Pennock, pictured above, said: “Everyone has their own opinion, that’s football.

“We are favourites to go down, I am favourite to get the sack, blah, blah, blah.

“I get told that every time I walk down the street but it is what it is.

“With the players we have got in, I can’t see why we would be favourites to go down. There are some good players here, hungry and talented.

“I would love to prove people wrong, definitely. It’s what gets me going.”

Gillingham made eight signings during the summer – with former Bantams midfielder Billy Knott among the departures when he made his loan to Lincoln a permanent move.

The Gills were unbeaten through pre-season, for what that’s worth, and kicked off the campaign last week with a hard-earned goalless draw at Doncaster.

Pennock added: “There is a good feel about the whole place and behind the scenes it seems everyone is together, singing off the same hymn sheet.

“That’s what I wanted when I first came here.”

Pennock, who is still missing left back Bradley Garmston with a calf injury, made four changes for the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Reading. But he is likely to revert back tomorrow.