REFEREE David Rock thought City’s game would still go ahead this morning.

The Hertfordshire official had an early check on the Valley Parade pitch and felt that it had a chance of holding on for Notts County’s visit.

But constant heavy rain from mid-morning meant there was never a realistic hope of that happening.

The decision to wait until 1.45pm to make the decision – just 75 minutes before kick-off – has come in for heavy criticism.

It is the second week in a row when the Bantams have seen a game called off by the official at such a late stage.

Notts County boss Stuart Maynard confirmed that Rock had contacted the visiting team earlier in the day with an optimistic view.

Maynard said: “The referee turned up and sent us a video link. He wasn’t far from the ground, so he popped down and had a look.

“Around 10.15 he felt it was playable. Obviously with the heavy rain we’ve had and the downpours since then that changed.

“Bradford, to be fair, have been in contact with us all week to let us know the situation with the weather and the forecast.

“It’s frustrating that it does get called off at this late stage.

“You want the game on, you’ve prepared to play all week but you have to look at the players’ safety. That was why the decision was made.

“We can only go off what the referee said and he thought it was playable this morning. But we’re seeing the worst of it.”

Graham Alexander rerouted his City squad to Apperley Bridge for a training session this afternoon.