JULIAN Rhodes insists City are braced for the battle ahead of getting back on an even keel.

Rhodes has warned to expect a difficult summer as the club, currently six points off safety, look to right the wrongs from the over-spending under Edin Rahic.

Owner Stefan Rupp has already committed to covering a loss thought to be around the £2 million mark for this season.

And he is willing to dig deep again next year as the repercussions of the Rahic reign continue to be felt.

Rupp made it clear in a club statement last night that he would not be walking away as the Bantams head towards a likely relegation to League Two.

Read more: Stefan Rupp remains 100 per cent committed to Bantams

Rhodes, too, intends to stay and fight having delayed his initial plan to finish his short-term return at the end of the season.

He told the T&A: “I’ve never walked away from problems before and I don’t intend to do it now. Stefan is also committed to backing us.

“We’re not in a great position. We’ve spoken about the financial situation this season and we want to get back to how the club was before.

“Mistakes were made last summer but we’ve been in these situations in the past and have always found a way to get through them.

“When I agreed to come back, I didn’t realise until I looked at the figures how bad it was.

“I was originally just here until May 4 but we’ve got a big job this summer and I’m not going to run away from it. I want to help.

“When you have experienced these things, second time round it’s normally a little bit easier.”

Having allayed supporter fears about the position off the field, City will be looking to secure manager Gary Bowyer on a longer deal.

When he agreed to succeed David Hopkin three weeks ago, it was only for the rest of the current campaign.

But it is believed that initial talks have already been held about extending his contract.

“It’s key because we need to start working on recruiting for next season,” added Rhodes.

“My view may sound old-fashioned but I want a manager who is in charge of recruitment and is not just a coach.

“Even if we stay up, the summer will be difficult. But Stefan’s going to back the club.

“We will be able to have a competitive budget for whichever division we are in.

“He’s committed to funding this year’s loss and provide funding for next season as well.”

Rhodes will oversee changes behind the scenes as well as City look to restore a proper infrastructure within the club.

“Over the next few weeks and months, we’ll be making a few appointments in key areas,” he said. “There are areas away from the football side that need addressing as well with people coming into the club.”