Parkinson accepts responsibility for solving City’s problems lies with him

The Bantams’ miserable run of form was extended to just one win in 21 games with the midweek defeat at Carlisle United.

With several of the teams in and around the relegation zone winning, it means City sit just five points clear of trouble going into today’s trip to Northampton’s Sixfields Stadium to take on Coventry City.

Parkinson said: “Results have been disappointing and our focus is totally on getting them right

“We would be foolish if we said we are still looking up the table.

“Of course, we have an eye over our shoulder at what is happening below us.

“After the run we have been on, that is only natural.

“We are in the middle of a very, very tough period and we need to snap out of it.

“We have to work with the players we have got.

“I have the responsibility of finding a solution to what has been going on, and to get us out of it.”

The home game against Coventry was a thriller as the two clubs shared six goals, the last of which came in stoppage time as Nahki Wells converted a penalty.

After the match, Parkinson clashed with Sky Blues manager Steven Pressley, who labelled City’s approach as “football from the dark ages”.

Leon Clarke and Callum Wilson caused City all manner of problems at Valley Parade. Since, though, Clarke has joined Wolves for £750,000 while Wilson is out with a shoulder injury.

Parkinson said: “It was a very exciting game at Valley Parade, but things have moved on for both clubs. Their form hasn’t been great, either. We have both lost games during the period since that draw in November.

“Coventry play the same way with two attack-minded full-backs and two holding midfielders. We will be preparing for that.

“But we are not playing against a Coventry with Callum Wilson or Leon Clarke up front. They were big, big threats at our place.”