DAVID Hopkin insists he always felt Jack Payne and Lewis O’Brien would stay because they can see City’s fortunes changing.

The Huddersfield duo’s commitment to Valley Parade for the remainder of the season is a weight off the mind for fans.

There were growing fears that Payne, especially, would be heading back to his parent club as outside interest built in him.

But Hopkin claimed he never shared that anxiety and was confident the loans would be extended without an issue because the players wanted to stay put.

The City boss said: “I’ve always said that I was never worried about it. Jack is an intelligent young man, as is Lewis.

“They knew they were playing regular football in positions where they wanted to play.

“They are getting coached and enjoying the environment that we’ve created at the club.

“These are factors I thought would define what has happened.

“People are also starting to see the whole club change, behind the scenes as well. Everything at the training ground is changing for the better.

“All these players are looking and seeing that we’re trying to change the whole club.

“It’s going to take time but small changes are happening everywhere and the players are recognising that. It’s something they want to be part of.”

City have nearly doubled their previous contribution in the revised deal with Huddersfield for Payne and are now almost paying his full wages. Hopkin says the backing from owner Stefan Rupp has been crucial.

“Stefan reiterated when I took the job that come January, if we were still in among everything, he would make sure he’d do it.

“He’s backed the club and said what he’s going to do – and getting Jack and Lewis O’Brien staying at the club was fantastic.

“These things have been happening over the last few weeks and they take time. Stefan has supported us to keep both of them here.

“There is a short-term plan on the field. But if we are going to take players in permanently, they need to be right for us next season and maybe the one beyond.

“We’re trying to work on getting players in – but we need them out as well.

“That’s where we are now. But in the long-term project behind the scenes, we’re working really hard to get the training ground up to scratch to make it a better environment to come to work.”

Hopkin’s priority for this transfer window was retaining the four loan players that have featured regularly in his plans. He has also kept hold of David Ball and George Miller.

“It shows you how far we’ve come,” he said. “Those players could have left but have all decided they want to stay at Bradford.

“We’ve got a fantastic fanbase and players now realise how they can play a massive part in it.

“You’ve seen that over the last five or six weeks, even at Barnsley. They are enjoying playing in front of that support.

“It all comes with confidence, coaching and telling players you’ve got to embrace playing in these situations.

“Some players might not get to play in front of fans like that ever again. They must realise what a big club they are at and how we can all pull together.

“In the long term, I want players here who want to play for Bradford and can handle performing in front of the fans.”

Hopkin’s chase for further recruits goes on and he is waiting on answers.

He added: “I’d like to have one or two by the weekend. If not, then we just have to go with the players we have until maybe Monday.

“It’s about being patient and getting the right people in for the club.”