Bradford City v Crewe Alexandra: Day of mixed emotions for Bantams at Valley Parade

The Bantams host Crewe Alexandra knowing that their Football League status is secure following last week’s draw at Hereford United.

As the season draws to a close, however, that seems to be the only certainty at Valley Parade with a summer move to Odsal still on the cards and the board yet to make a decision on who succeeds Peter Taylor on a permanent basis.

Jackson, who has been in charge for 13 games, wants the job but, as yet, no decision has been taken by joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn.

Speaking ahead of an afternoon when City will pay tribute to the 56 victims of the 1985 fire disaster with a pre-match minute’s silence, the 50-year-old said: “It will be an emotional day, I am certain of that.

“There will be all the memories of the fire, which is always marked on the final day of every season. The club might not even be here (at Valley Parade) next season so that will bring extra emotion.

“It may also be my last as manager of Bradford City so I am certain to feel emotional about that.

“As emotional as it is likely to be, though, we have to put those aside and ensure we finish the season with a win.”

This afternoon’s result will determine whether this season has been the worst in terms of league performance since City finished 15th in 1978-79, 17th three years earlier or second bottom in 1965-66.

Either way, it has been a desperately disappointing campaign and one that few in Bradford will care to remember with any fondness.

Jackson, who was given the remit of keeping City in the League when handed the reins in late February, said: “I did think we would be safe a couple of weeks before it happened (last Saturday with a draw at Hereford United).

“I do set myself high standards and, unfortunately, results didn’t match those. The Accrington game (when City lost 3-0 on Easter Saturday) was a bad one and I was left thinking where the points we needed to stay up were going to come from.

“I couldn’t let anyone see it but I was on the floor that night. I was genuinely worried because we had rolled over. But we bounced back to beat Aldershot just two days later and are now safe.”