Tyler Smith on job Kevin McDonald has done as Bantams boss

And that affection has only increased from the past few weeks of the big Scot’s reign as City caretaker boss.

McDonald returned to the playing ranks today as Mark Trueman took charge ahead of the appointment of a new permanent boss.

That meant the midfielder faced some good-natured stick being back in the dressing room full-time.

But McDonald’s team-mates have been impressed with the job he has done – none more so than long-term supporter Smith.

“There’s going to be a bit of banter but we’ll all welcome Kev back in,” said the striker.

“Manager or player, we see him as the same and are happy for him to be back.

“It’s been good because everyone loves him. I love him.

“We play for him, we work hard for him, everyone respects him.

“I watched a lot of Kev when he was at Sheffield United. I was a ball boy when he was playing so I saw all the games.

“I’ve known him for a long time watching him. Now playing under him or with him on the pitch is really good.”

Smith has credited McDonald with lifting spirits around the place since Mark Hughes was sacked a month ago.

“Kev’s a player so of course he’s been put in a difficult situation, everyone knows that.

“It is what it is and that’s what was needed. We’ve got results and it’s only helped us as a team and club moving forward.

“Even in training, the mood has been bang on. Everyone’s loved it, everyone’s loved working with him.

“He’s believed in everyone and brought a bit of confidence back into all of us to go and play. That’s why we’ve got results.

“That’s what needed. Confidence is a massive thing and we’ve had that since he took over.

“Kev’s back in with us in the changing room now but it’s been good in the last four weeks working under him. But whoever comes in, we’ll crack on for them as well.

“We know we can’t slack and none of us will. It’s about putting in performances on the pitch and getting results.”

Tyler Smith converts his hat-trick goal against Man City under-21s (Image: Thomas Gadd)

The former Hull striker hopes his own season is up and running at last after his hat-trick against Manchester City under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

McDonald revealed Smith had been getting annoyed at himself with his lack of opportunities so far.

Smith added: “I’m always looking to improve myself and if I’m not scoring or not playing, it’s going to affect me in some way. That’s me just trying to be the best I can be.

“It’s been a bit stop-start but hopefully I can kick on now. I’m always ready to play, whenever the chance is there I’m always going to be keeping fit and sharp and waiting for my moment.

“It’s a clean slate. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen but we all need to be ready and looking forward to the new challenge ahead.

“Everyone knows what’s needed this season. We know where we are isn’t good enough.

“We need to be at the top end of the table but there are still a lot of games to play and a lot of time. I’m pretty sure we’ll be up there come May.

“It’s just getting the rhythm and flow of the season. Once we start winning games, I’m sure the results will keep coming.

“There’s a lot of work to do. We’re under-achieving at the moment and we need to keep working hard to see where it takes us.”