GARY Bowyer is determined to heal any rift between his new City team and the fans.

Anthony O’Connor came in for criticism during the Portsmouth game as frustrations in the relegation battle boil over.

The defender took flak in some quarters for throwing off the captain’s armband – and later had to issue a statement to explain his actions.

With tensions running high, Bowyer appreciates the supporters need to be won over again if the Bantams are to beat the drop in the final 11 games off the season.

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He said: “The only way we can mend the relationship is on the pitch.

“We have spoken to the players about that and said, ‘You have to give everything for the shirt’.

“As long as they leave everything on the pitch, the supporters will recognise that and the effort being put in.

“First and foremost as a supporter, and I have been a supporter, that is what you want to see from your home-town team.

“It is a simple formula. You have to run hard and the players have been told that.”

Bowyer’s reign kicks off with a Valley Parade double-header against Peterborough and Luton – and knows from previous experience the part that he feels the home crowd can play.

He still recalls the atmosphere generated at the opening game of last season when his Blackpool side were beaten 2-1 by City.

“I walked down the touchline and heard the noise. Stuart McCall was here and the reception he got made me think, ‘wow, this is unbelievable’.

“We have to give the fans something to cheer. The players have to be aware they have to run and chase every ball.

“We have to run for every minute, from the first whistle to the last. We have to get the fans onside.

“My message to supporters is to understand the impact and influence they can have. Keep backing the players and keep cheering them on.”

Bowyer has also discussed City’s weakness at responding to going behind. The 1-1 draw at Burton in January remains the only time they have taken a point from a losing position this season.

“We’ve spoken about the mentality and how we have to become difficult to beat very, very quickly,” he added.

“Between now and Saturday, the only place we can see that is training but I have been delighted with the response.

“We put them into scenarios and challenged them on that. They reacted well but the big test comes on Saturday.”

Sean Scannell has been able to take part in some training this week as he continues to step up his recovery from a long-term absence.

The winger has not played since the beginning of October after fracturing his lower back.

Bowyer added: “Sean Scannell is doing all right. He is joining in a little but, as I said to him, we do not want him fit for one game, we need him for as many as possible.

“If it takes another week or two, that is something I am prepared to do. We cannot afford for him to break down.

“He can be a big player for us.”