Improve or I will replace you, Taylor warns City

PETER TAYLOR has warned his mis-firing Bradford City players they have one last chance to impress tonight – or risk being replaced by new signings.

The Bantams sit third bottom of the Football League after a shocking start that has yielded just two wins and seven points from eight games.

Taylor's patience ran out on Saturday as Northampton Town took advantage of a lame City display to coast to a 2-0 win.

It prompted the Bradford manager to sit his squad down yesterday before training and stress that any repeat against Rotherham United could spell the end of their Valley Parade careers.

Taylor said: "I have told the players that I am not waiting any longer. They have to perform at Rotherham or there will be changes. I said, 'You are playing for a good football club and should respect it a lot more'.

"Either they show something (at Rotherham) or that could be it. We have tried everything. We have played with a big centre-forward, a little centre-forward. We have tried this shape and that shape. But none of it has worked.

"So maybe it is time to look at the personnel. I have not lined anything concrete up yet but the players know what is at stake.

"To be fair to the players, they know it. They understand what I am saying because they know things have not been good enough.

"They are honest professionals so didn't look at me as if to say, 'what is he on about?' They appreciate performances have to improve."

Taylor attempted to freshen up his squad a couple of weeks ago by signing a striker only for his target – which the Yorkshire Post understands was Leeds United's Mike Grella – to turn down a move to League Two. Another name to have been linked with the Bantams in the past few days is Barnsley's Liam Dickinson.

Millers manager Ronnie Moore has told his players to ignore Bradford's recent results and reproduce the form that secured a 1-0 victory over local rivals Chesterfield at the weekend.

He said: "There are no easy games no matter who you play. If you think you've just got to turn up then that's when you get beat.

Millers midfielder Nicky Law is doubtful against his former club after picking up a knee injury at the weekend, while Michael Flynn and Simon Ramsden will again both be missing for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Last six games: Rotherham WWLDWW, Bradford LLLDWL.

Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne and Wear).

Last time: Rotherham 1 Bradford 2; March 6, 2010; League Two.