Kevin McDonald calls for a united front to end Bantams slump

The divide off the pitch is growing as discontent builds against the club hierarchy following the four-match losing run that has torpedoed their season.

McDonald accepts the current form is “unacceptable” but insists the players must stick together “more than ever” now.

“I know it’s a cliché but it’s true,” said the experienced Scot. “What else can you do?

“If you go against each other within the place, then it’s a recipe for disaster.”

City were five points behind the play-offs with two games in hand after winning at Accrington earlier this month.

But four straight defeats, and letting in 13 goals in the process, has created a black mood over Valley Parade.

McDonald added: “The goals we are conceding are just unbelievable, considering we’d previously kept five or six clean sheets in a row. It is unacceptable.

“We need to find a way to get back to being solid and hard to beat. We’ve not been like that in the last few games and it’s now two games where we haven’t scored a goal.

“It’s been a tough few games and a little wake-up call from the position we’d put ourselves in.

“No one is more disappointed than us in there, but from a fans’ point of view, we can only apologise because our performances and results have been unacceptable at the end of the season.”

Away fans turned against the team and shouted for owner Stefan Rupp and chief executive Ryan Sparks to go during Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Harrogate.

McDonald can understand the volatile mood in the stands after the way City’s chances of creating something from their season have suddenly collapsed.

“The fans were there in their numbers again and backing us all the way. They have got a right to say what they have said.

“These are huge setbacks. Even before Accrington, the team went on a great run and the last few games haven’t been great.

“The fans are angry, rightly so. They pay good money to spend the weekend supporting their team and ultimately we are letting them down.

“We’re always in the games and you lose a goal suddenly and then heads go down and things like that.

“We have to dust ourselves and continue to keep going as no one is going to feel sorry for us. We’ve a few games left and it’s up to us with where we want to finish.”

City have conceded 13 goals in their four straight defeats (Image: Thomas Gadd)

The Bradford City Fans Independent Group have called a protest at Valley Parade ahead of Friday’s home clash with Tranmere.

The final seven games of the season could be played out in front of an increasingly difficult atmosphere.

McDonald admits there will be no hiding place on the pitch during this sticky period.

“You could not turn up and lose seven games in a row and that’s what no one wants. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and have to keep going.

“We’ve been in bad spells - individually and as a team and as a club. No one is going to lie down to you now, we’ve got the Easter weekend to get points from and get the fans behind us.

“At the end of the day, we are footballers out on the pitch and doing it for a reason. We’ve got to perform, try and put on a show and win games.

“If it’s attitude, desire and grinding out a game and being hard to beat, we’ve got to do whatever it is to do that and not be in the same position on Friday.

“We’ve got to look ourselves in the eye and it’s about getting out of that rut. As a senior pro, I am more than happy to take it upon myself and I am sure the others are.

“First of all, we look at ourselves individually and then as a unit, team and club to do better. That’s what we have to look at this week.”