THE “special” bond between City and the local community will act as the spur behind Gary Bowyer’s Valley Parade rebuild.

The Bantams boss is ready to start moulding his own team for the return to League Two.

Bowyer has scheduled meetings with every member of the current squad tomorrow to inform them of who he wants to keep.

He will then step up his recruitment as he gets his teeth into restoring the relegated club’s fortunes.

Bowyer admits he is inspired by the strong relationship with the city forged by the fire tragedy in 1985.

He watched a documentary about the disaster with wife Claire before Saturday’s final-day draw against Wimbledon and was deeply moved.

“I knew about the connection between the community and the club,” he said. “But watching that it really hit home.

“To be involved in the minute’s silence and again next weekend (at the memorial service) is incredible.

“It does really hit you. I hope that the way everybody conducted themselves was the respect those people deserved and the respect for the heroes that they were on that day.

“The way that everybody went about it prior to the game just makes you realise the special relationship there is between the city and the club.

“We then have an obligation to provide a happiness to them by our performances out on the pitch.

“I know how special it was before and even more so now.

“It will be my motivation and determination throughout the summer to bring people in, educate them on that and then make them realise if we get it right, this place is rocking.

“That’s what I want to try and do – bring happy times back to this club.”

Bowyer singled out midfielder Lewis O’Brien for praise after City finished their season in low-key fashion.

He also stressed that he will restrict the number of loan players next term to avoid the situation again of having to leave one out because they were over the limit for a match-day squad.

Bowyer added: “It will definitely not happen again. It’s not right.

“You supplement your squad with loans and pick up ones that can add value. There’s no point in bringing in loan players who are just ‘stocking-fillers’.

“In my opinion, loan players have got to enhance your team and make them better.

“You look at the value of Lewis O’Brien as an example.

“I thought it was only fitting that I brought him off with a couple of minutes to go to have the standing ovation I believe he’s deserved for his energy and efforts this season.

“My heart goes out a little bit to him in terms of him being that age and it’s his first loan and the experiences he’s had to go through.

“But that will put him in good stead for the rest of his career going forward.”