IF BRADFORD City require further inspiration in their quest to go all the way in the League One promotion stakes, last year's runaway champions Lincoln City provide a perfect example.

And it is certainly not lost upon manager Michael Duff, whose Bantams side were in action at Burton Albion on Tuesday.

Despite lacking the financial resources of several 'big-hitters' at third-tier level, the Imps made light of that and showed what can be achieved.

Asked about Lincoln being a good template to follow, Duff said: “Again, that's been built over time at Lincoln in terms of that ethic.

Bradford City manager Michael Duff. Picture courtesy of BCAFC

placeholder image — Bradford City manager Michael Duff. Picture courtesy of BCAFC

"What doesn't cost money? Togetherness, spirit and attitude don't cost any money.

"But getting that in football is difficult because everyone's got an opinion. That's what Graham (Alexander) did over the last two and a half years here.

"It was a difficult time when he first came in (back in November 2023) and it took a bit of time to get it where you need to get it to. But once you can get that, it can be a real positive.”

Duff arrived in West Yorkshire following relatively short-lived spells at Wycombe Wanderers and Huddersfield Town.

Former Huddersfield Town and Barnsley boss Michael Duff - now manager of Bradford City (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

On both occasions, he was sacked, with many football pundits commenting that both decisions were harsh at the time.

For his part, Duff, 48, who has also previously managed Barnsley, Swansea City and Cheltenham Town, is steadfastly focused on the future rather than the past - which he can do nothing about in the final analysis.

He added: "I'm looking forward. Don't look back.

"But my career has been based on proving people wrong a lot of the time anyway.

"But that's not the reason why I get out of bed. It's how can I improve?

"How can I make this team even better than what it already is? How can I move it forward?"