Bantams boss Graham Alexander accepts the heavy criticism

Four straight defeats for the Bantams, letting in 13 goals in the process, has provoked anger among the fans.

Chants against Ryan Sparks and Stefan Rupp boomed out during Saturday’s dismal 3-0 loss at Harrogate.

Alexander also came in for stick from the travelling support – and accepts that comes with the territory during this wretched run which has seen his team blown out of any play-off contention and drifting down the table.

Injuries have hit hard and he also suggested there are other factors behind the team’s current struggles.

Alexander said: “We’re always under pressure as managers.

“I’ve come in at a time when the team was struggling. We’ve shown periods when we’ve got it right and got it going.

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“We’ve lost too many players over the last three or four months. You can see that, it’s not my imagination.

“It’s hard to put your finger on it when it’s players who have done 20-30 games on the bounce.

“I’m not leaving them out. They are unfortunately getting injured.

“There are other issues but I’m not going to talk about them now.

“I’m not going to sit here and try and highlight other things that need doing just to protect my back.

“I’m big enough to take the responsibility but I know there are a lot of things that we have to do to improve to get this club winning.”

Supporters turned on the team and the club hierarchy as the season hit another low in front of Harrogate’s record home crowd.

“They are angry because we went close last year and this season hasn’t panned out as many would have hoped,” admitted Alexander.

“It’s really difficult for me to look at that scoreline and defend any of us really.

“You have to take the criticism that’s there because it was a terrible day.

“Scorelines are important and we haven’t been on the back of ones like the last three, certainly in the time I’ve been here.

“We’ve always been in games, competed and gone close or won them.

“But I think everything has been compounded at this stage of the season.

“There’s a desperation for us to cling on to that hope of a play-off spot. The team has been chasing all season long a position that it’s never had.

“As angry and frustrated as we are about the results and the performances, the supporters have every right to feel the same.”

City have let in 13 goals in their four successive defeats (Image: Thomas Gadd)

With seven games remaining, City are currently on course for their lowest finish in the fourth tier since 2012 when they were 18th in Phil Parkinson’s first season in charge.

Alexander is calling on the players to show some pride as they prepare for the Easter double-header – and potentially more fury from the fans.

The independent supporters’ group have called for a public protest outside Valley Parade ahead of the Tranmere game on Good Friday.

The City boss said: “I told the players after the game that they’ve got their personal and professional sense of pride and a responsibility to everyone who is part of Bradford City.

“I think that’s when we’ll see the characters and personalities who can take us forward next season.

“We’ll see who gives up, who hasn’t got the stomach for the fight and those who have the feeling to say, ‘no, I’m better than this. I want to be part of a successful Bradford City team.’

“We’ll see those people in the next five weeks.”