JULIAN Rhodes believes boss Gary Bowyer can put the pride back into City.

News of the manager’s two-year deal has been welcomed by fans as a step towards restoring the club’s battered reputation.

With the Bantams staring at the drop into League Two, Bowyer is ready to roll up his sleeves for a much-needed summer overhaul.

READ MORE: Bowyer deal brings stability to Bantams

Chief executive Rhodes reckons they have got the right man to halt the decline after a miserable year at Valley Parade.

He said: “Not that long ago, we were a football club to be proud of. We’d built our way up with the fans’ support buying in to the cheap tickets.

“It started off with Phil Parkinson getting a squad out there that everybody could associate with. It was carried on by Stuart McCall.

“Okay we’ve had a setback this season but it’s time to get back to how we were a few years ago.

“We’ve got to rebuild again and I think Gary’s the man to do it.

“We wanted him signed up as soon as possible so that he can work on recruitment.

“As he said, regardless of division, he’s looking for the same type of player to add what we’ve been lacking in this year – physicality, pace and power.

“He’s got a hunger and desire about him that he will hopefully get from the players as well next season.”

City are six points adrift going into the last six games and have lost four on the bounce.

But Bowyer revived Blackpool’s fortunes when he took over after their relegation to League Two and Rhodes thinks he can have the same impact with City.

He added: “It was really difficult for him at Blackpool with no supporters at all. I’d like to think that’s not going to be the case here.

“We know we can have a fantastic atmosphere, especially at home, and I’m sure Gary will thrive off that.

“Even if we were to stay up this season, we’re not used to being down the wrong end of League One – and right now we stand bottom by some distance.

“But it’s not the end of the world. We can rebuild.

“I keep going back to how quickly things turned around with Phil. The brief in his first season was to keep us in the Football League and the second year, we went to Wembley twice.

“So yes, a lot can change and in Gary we’ve got somebody who will do everything he possibly can. You can’t ask for more than that.

“We are disappointed with the way things are going but are genuinely excited about the summer ahead.

“There’s going to be lots to do and if we work hard enough at it, we can come out the other side hopefully with a strong team for next season.”