STUART McCall has urged football’s top brass to protect the pyramid by saving the lower divisions.

After Project Big Picture was shot down, the EFL then rejected the Premier League’s offer of a £50 million bail-out for clubs in Leagues One and Two because it did not consider the Championship.

It has left clubs in the lower divisions in limbo while the governing body push the top flight for a more acceptable rescue package.

City stress they are currently in a more secure position than many others at that level but the financial problems will only increase across the board the longer that grounds remain closed to fans.

There are genuine fears that some clubs could soon disappear without an urgent cash injection.

McCall said: “I’ve seen some comments. You don’t know if it’s scaremongering or if it’s true.

“But it’s down to common sense. Our only real source of revenue is through the turnstiles and other money you get from people coming back in to watch.

“We don’t get big bucks from the TV companies that maybe the Championship do and every penny counts.

“We know the money that the Premier League pay out, the fees and the weekly wages. The income they get in from TV revenue and sponsorship is obviously massive compared to where we are.

“But just like us and teams at our level they are also losing money on a monthly basis.

“Everyone initially wants to look after their own house and get the best players they can. You obviously want the best for your own club, although you've got to live within your means.

“But I think there is a feeling towards keeping the pyramid strong and hopefully that’s going to be the case in helping out the lower leagues.”

Former City joint-owner Mark Lawn reckons that six clubs if not more could go to the wall because of the game’s financial meltdown.

He said: “If nothing happens pretty soon, and you’d have to go through votes and so on, then I’d be stunned if we didn’t lost at least half a dozen straight away.

“We are lucky to have Stefan Rupp. If I was him, I’d be thinking, ‘get out of it now’.

“It’s a bit of a double whammy for these rich owners because it’s not only the revenue you’re not getting in with the club, you’re also not making any money from investments or the company you might run.

“So where are you getting the money from to help put into the football club?”

McCall did not do any business on deadline day as the transfer window shut without incident at Valley Parade.

City still have room in the salary cap for January after making seven signings.

They were knocked back over a Premier League midfielder earlier in the week after his club changed their mind and decided not to let him go out on loan.

Two Bantams loanees from last season were on the move in League Two.

Jamie Devitt could line up against McCall's men next weekend after joining Michael Flynn’s Newport from Blackpool, while QPR striker Aramide Oteh, who scored five City goals, has signed for Stevenage.