Bradford City keeper Lewis has become big hit with fans

The City keeper has quickly won over the supporters with his performances and starred in the win over Walsall.

He is just as popular for his enthusiasm during and after games and the way he has settled into the lifestyle.

Lewis has been spotted at Headingley watching the Hundred cricket and took in the Bradford Bulls’ game at Dewsbury last weekend.

The 24-year-old said: “People aren’t shy to stop you in the street and say hello and I’m realising that side of things and being made to feel a part of this club.

“They didn’t have to welcome me like that but for whatever reason people seem to have taken to me. I’m really enjoying that relationship.

“It’s really fun and the crowds here are great, particularly in the league.

“You think we’re in League Two and you see the crowds we are getting. That’s been one of the best parts.”

Lewis had limited experience of playing in front of big audiences before arriving in West Yorkshire from Southampton in the summer. He admits there are challenges with so much noise around you.

“I’ve lost my voice a couple of times,” he added. “It can be hard to be heard when there’s that many people in the crowd.

Harry Lewis is congratulated after saving a Walsall penalty. Image: Tom Pearson (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“Sometimes I communicate with the team just to keep me in the game.

“There have been games where I haven’t been that active and it keeps my concentration in case there is that one moment when I’m called upon to do something.

“There’s the other side where fans want the ball to go forward all the time.

“I understand that because who hasn’t been sat in the crowd saying the same thing.

“But so far credit to them, they’ve been really patient. I’ve probably played out a couple of times when maybe I shouldn’t and there hasn’t been any abuse!

“They’ve been right behind us and credit to them.”

Lewis is the only player to have featured in every minute of City’s season so far and a settled back four in the league has helped him to build up an understanding with his defensive team-mates.

“Having the pre-season and getting used to how these lads play has been really beneficial.

“They get to know what I do. Every now and then I might drop them a short one that they weren’t really expecting.

“Now over a bit of time, we’ve started to come together.

“The main thing I absolutely love is that they are mad for clean sheets. We’re like a little team and we’ve done this together.

“It’s a great feeling to share that with the other lads in the back four.”

Saturday’s opponents Mansfield are directly above eighth-placed City in the early table and have won all three home games. It presents a decent test for Lewis, who admits his own team are yet to hit their stride.

“It would be great to stand here having won every game in the league. But really we’ve been a bit up and down so far.

“We’re settling in and it’s taken us time to gel. It’s early days in the season and the fans recognise that.

“We’ve signed a load of new players but just trust the gaffer knows what he’s doing. That’s what we do.”