LEE Novak can see daylight for City now that the air has been cleared.

The Bantams are looking to make it six unbeaten when they head for the striker’s former club Scunthorpe this weekend after an 11-day break from action.

They are yet to lose since Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars were handed the reins – and the players staged a team meeting to get everything out into the open about their previous poor form.

Novak, who will skipper City during Richard O'Donnell's absence, revealed that some frank discussions took place after last month’s loss at Oldham.

It was their sixth on the trot to leave the Bantams only above the relegation zone on goal difference and saw Stuart McCall sacked in the aftermath.

“There were a few home truths said,” admitted Novak. “But it was something that needed to happen.

“The floor was open. Anyone who wanted to say something, young or old, it didn’t matter.

“Obviously, the bad results cost Stuart and Kenny (Black) their jobs, which is never nice. Unfortunately, the manager is normally the one who pays the price when things aren’t going well.

“But things needed to be said and you’ve seen the improvement since.”

As one of the senior heads in the dressing room, City’s top scorer understands the importance of not allowing frustrations to bottle up when a team is struggling.

He added: “There wasn’t anyone shouting and screaming at people. We’re a team, not a bunch of individuals.

“Win, lose or draw together, whatever happens we are a team. We need that togetherness.

“It was just a case of what we can do better and how we can improve on and off the pitch.

“Some of the younger lads might be a bit shy and not want to speak in front of the group. But that was the chance for anyone who had some constructive criticism to say it.

“No-one could take it in a bad way, it was all for the good of the club and we’re seeing the benefits of that.

“Since Mark and Conor have come in, they’ve been unbelievable with the depth they go into and we’re reaping the rewards. Long may it continue.”

Novak left Scunthorpe for City last January after 106 appearances and 26 goals. The Iron have also had a tough time this season and currently sit one place behind their visitors in 20th.

“I was there two-and-half-years before I signed for Bradford and I’ve got friends who are still at the club. I enjoyed my time there.

“It was obviously a big disappointment when the club got relegated. That was the sour part of it.

“But I look back knowing I did my best for them and scored some goals. I’ve got good memories and made friends for life at the club.

“They’ve had a big turnover of managers and players as well. It’s another good club looking to do a lot better.

“They’ll be thinking they should be a lot higher than where they are in the league. It’s just like us.

“But, as I’ve said, we’re there for a reason. The table doesn’t lie and you can’t hide away from that.

“But results breed confidence and hopefully this is our turning point.”

Novak’s return from injury has coincided with City’s upturn in fortunes. With three goals in the last four games, he has kept up his record of never finishing on the losing side when he has scored.

But he believes the key difference has been at the other end of the pitch. They have let in only two under the interim bosses.

He said: “It’s a great stat. We haven’t been conceding as many as we had.

“We’re playing a different formation from the previous manager. Each manager has their own style and belief and it’s been working.

“We just needed to get results. It wasn’t about performances but just picking up some points.

“One result breeds confidence in the group and everyone starts to believe in themselves a little bit more.

“You get one good result and turn it into five. We just need to keep doing what Mark and Conor want and following their tactics and hopefully keep this run going.”