CITY have been urged to go down fighting even if the worst happens today.

The Bantams could be relegated if they fail to win at Coventry – and a couple of other scores at the bottom of League One do not go their way.

With a nine-point gap to safety going into the final four games, Gary Bowyer’s side are realistically heading for a return to the basement division for the first time since 2013.

Even a win at the Ricoh Arena could be seen as only delaying the inevitable until they host Gillingham on Easter Monday.

But Bowyer is asking his players for a show of pride as they contemplate the grim scenario.

He said: “We are not stupid. If the results go against us, it could happen.

“But the focus has to be on how we go about the game.

“Provide some pride, that has to be the aim for me, the players and the supporters.

“I am in new territory, the coaching staff the same - and I do not like it.

“To have lost the games we have lost and in the manner we have lost them. It does not sit right with me at all.

“The players are aware of that. They have to go out and do something about it.

“I am still hurting and I do not like it.”

Last week’s 3-2 loss at Bristol Rovers, which effectively shut the door on any survival hopes, highlighted City’s weaknesses in both penalty areas.

Bowyer has called for his players to be braver and more ruthless in those situations.

It is a message he has been trying to ram home throughout the week – but knows the answer will only come against Coventry.

“The proof will be in what happens today,” he added. “That is when the players do their talking.

“We encourage them to contribute, of course. Communication is important.

“You need to know they understand. Ultimately, though, players do their talking on the pitch.

“That is where the answers come from.

“It is fine being a training ground player or being good in the video room. But there is no point being the best there and then not doing it on a match day.”

If City lose, they will be relegated if two out of Scunthorpe, Rochdale, Southend and Wimbledon win – or Scunthorpe and Rochdale get draws.

Should the game at the Ricoh finish in a stalemate, the Bantams would still go down if Wimbledon and either Scunthorpe or Rochdale win.