Bantams last played at Valley Parade on Boxing Day in 2017

The Bantams host Morecambe tomorrow aiming for a fifth straight league win to continue their charge up the table.

Valley Parade has not seen any Boxing Day action since Peterborough beat Stuart McCall’s team in League One in 2017.

Boss Alexander feels these type of memorable contests make the festive sacrifices worthwhile for any player.

"You have to show that self-control not to get involved in what everyone else is doing on their Christmas Day as much as possible and be prepared to commit to the games,” he said.

“But it’s worth it when you get the massive crowd on Boxing Day.

“We talk about occasions. Everyone in football wants to experience the big crowds and the big games.

“We’re privileged to have the opportunity to do that, particularly at Bradford City with the amount of support we get.

“We have to look forward to playing at Valley Parade and getting that backing behind us.”

City are anticipating a huge turn-out for the first of two home games this week. Leaders Stockport provide the tasty opposition on Friday.

Alexander added: “I can count the amount of free Christmases I’ve had in the last 30 years on one hand. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s a special time of year for everyone involved in the game. It’s a holiday period for the supporters but they still want their football fix.

“Many years ago, they used to play Christmas Day and Boxing Day. I was never part of those days but it’s a brilliant tradition.

“It’s a busy period and a time that really tests the discipline of your players and what they do in between games.”

Having played Friday, City have been training over the long weekend but Alexander is making sure they get to spend time with their families to celebrate Christmas.

Peterborough won 3-1 at Valley Parade on Boxing Day 2017 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I want to trust my players and give them a plan,” he said. “I know they are going to be focused, work hard and do the right things.

“I like to treat them like adults, let them plan ahead and understand when they are going to be working, when they are going to be at home with their families, when they are going to be having GPS sessions.

“With trust comes responsibility and if they’re responsible enough, they’ll take it on to the pitch.

“Whether we are in training or not, the focus and the sacrifices we have to make over the holiday period are still there.

“What we do at the training ground can’t be exclusive to what we do at home.

“You don’t get consistent results if you’re going home and not living right.

“What I’ve seen and hope continues is players who live right and do the right things.”