IF THE bookies had offered odds on the first manager to be banned through the new disciplinary card system, one name would have stood out as clear favourite.

Steve Evans took that dubious “honour” after collecting four yellow cards and few would have been surprised – except the man himself.

“Some of the things I’ve been cautioned for have been ridiculous,” said the Peterborough boss. “None have been for swearing.

“At Coventry I was shown a yellow card for throwing my arms in the air and shouting ‘my ball’.”

Evans served his dug-out suspension in the directors’ box for Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Wimbledon – a welcome result on home turf where Posh had won only one of the previous seven.

It took fourth-placed Peterborough’s points tally to 38 from the opening 20 games – their highest since coming back down from the Championship in 2013.

Evans added: “It’s certainly surprised a few people. Even members of my own family were telling me in the summer that I’d signed too many players and that we’d finish mid-table.

“Others were telling me we’d signed too many League Two players and too many players with no experience of League One so of course I’m delighted with what they’ve done so far.

“We will get better and we will need to get better, especially at home, because we are battling against some big clubs with big resources.”

Evans will be back on the touchline against the Bantams to renew acquaintances with David Hopkin.

The pair got quite animated in the 1-1 draw, particularly following Peterborough’s contentious equaliser which City were adamant was offside.

Evans accused his players afterwards of thinking the game would be easy – and expects to see them make amends in the FA Cup.

“It’s a quick chance for us to make up for not beating them.”