Parkinson warning as Bantams’ freefall continues

The Bantams, with just two home wins to their credit since the end of September, were booed off the field after failing to register a single effort on target against the Saddlers.

Parkinson’s side find themselves in 15th spot, having triumphed in just three of their last 21 matches and face difficult trips to Leyton Orient, Rotherham and Swindon before season’s end.

Parkinson said: “I cannot blame the supporters for booing us off the pitch. We all deserved it, especially me because I pick the team and set us up. They have backed us so well and they have the right to criticise.

“We have eight games to go and we have got to make sure we get through them, but we will only do that if we scrap for it. We are in a scrap and we have got to play in that manner.

“We have got some tough away games starting with Leyton Orient on Saturday and have got to be ready for them, but we won’t win if we play like we did against Walsall.

“We have got to find some energy and drive and that rests with me.”

Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough says loan midfielder Conor Coady will be given extended licence to roam forward between now and the end of the season – after taking his tally to five in 2014 with a brace in the midweek win at Crawley.

The success, which saw United hit back at the first opportunity after their first defeat in 12 matches at the weekend, maintained their play-off hopes, with star billing going to Coady.

Clough said: “When you have Conor’s energy levels, it’s not enough to pass it around at times in front of the back four. We want him to get into the box and get goalscoring opportunities. They were two very good finishes.”

York boss Nigel Worthington admits he would love to sign loan keeper Nick Pope permanently after paying tribute to his input in the Minstermen’s magnificent New Year renaissance.

On Pope, who has let in just one goal in City’s last nine games and kept his fifth successive clean sheet on Tuesday, Worthington said: “He’s a player I would love to sign (permanently) because not only would he be playing first-team football, we can also add value to him and to the football club.”