Jamie Walker hoping to earn a new contract with Bantams

The Scot is one of several players in Graham Alexander’s squad who are out of contract in the summer.

City have an option on all of them, except for Matty Platt and Harry Chapman, and Walker has to convince the club to trigger that.

He has put down roots in the area and wants to extend a stay that began when Derek Adams first signed him on loan in January 2022.

“When people ask about my time here, I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “When I left Hearts at that time when I was on loan, I wasn’t really enjoying my footy and kind of at a dead end.

“Over the last two-and-a-bit years, I’ve really enjoyed playing for this football club. I’ve given everything every time I’ve been on the pitch.

“Even last season in the way it ended in disappointment, I enjoyed that season a lot. That goal against Carlisle in the play-offs will live with me a long time.

“My son and daughter have settled in the area and if (a new deal) was something that was to be discussed, I’d be happy to.

“But between now and the end of the season, I want to get back to my best like I showed before my injury and hopefully I can contribute a bit.”

Walker came back from his injury lay-off earlier this month. But he is still getting up to speed as City’s form plunges on the back of four straight defeats.

He added: “I think there’s no getting away from it, it’s been a tough few weeks. Individually and collectively, we have been nowhere near the standards we want to reach as a team and individuals.

“It’s been disappointing, we’ve lost a lot of games in a not very good fashion.

“Personally, it’s been tough coming back from injury. I’ve got back into the groove as quickly as I’d have liked.

“People take it for granted a little when you are injured, it’s tough mentally and tough on the body. It’s similar to last year when I came back from the injury, I took a bit of time to get going.

“We need to keep going and keep our heads up. We’ve a job to do to restore a bit of personal pride between now and the end of the season.

“I’ve been in football a long time and it’s part and parcel of being a footballer, you probably go through more disappointments than highs in your career.”

Jamie Walker roars with delight after scoring against Carlisle (Image: Thomas Gadd)

The crowd have turned on City during a run that has seen them drop out of the race of realistic play-off contenders.

Walker appreciates the anger from the stands ahead of the two Easter games against Tranmere and Grimsby.

“The lads understand where the frustration is coming from. We are 17th in League Two and the last few results have been unacceptable really, myself included in that.

“Individually and collectively, we’ve been nowhere near good enough.

“Last season, fans showed what a positive that they can make. They need to stick with us between now and the end of the season and see where we end up.

“Football changes quickly. We went on a six-match winning streak, although it’s not wonderful now.

“We’ve got two games coming up and if we can pick up two wins, it lifts the mood a little and around the changing room where we’re looking forward. Hopefully that’s something we can do.

“We need to restore some pride and start winning matches and see where the end of the season takes us.”