Stuart McCall warns Bradford City against gung-ho approach

Bradford City manager Stuart McCall. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The Bantams host Fleetwood Town in the first instalment of a finely-balanced League One play-off double-header.

Both teams go into the Valley Parade tie with a 2-1 home win to their name from the two meetings earlier in the season, while just three points separated the clubs in the final league table.

For McCall, this will be his second tilt at the play-offs as a manager with Rangers missing out on promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 2015.

Bradford, meanwhile, were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Millwall a year ago and McCall believes there are clear parallels between those two exits.

The City chief said: “What we have to be aware of is that – as much as we know the fans’ backing will be fantastic and the atmosphere great – this isn’t like a normal home game in that with 15 minutes to go, it doesn’t have to be all-out attack.

“If we come off the park after the first leg level, that won’t be a massive disadvantage – not after how we played over there earlier in the season.

“From my own experience as a manager at Rangers, we got through two play-offs against Queen of the South and Hibs.

“Then, we played Motherwell (in the final). In the first half-hour, Motherwell didn’t get in our half.

“But then between the 30th and 47th minutes, we conceded three times. No-one saw that coming and the tie was gone.

“Last season was similar for Bradford. I watched it on TV, Tony McMahon got a penalty but then Millwall scored three quick goals. Who could have foreseen what would happen?

“We have to bear that in mind. Yes, we want to impact ourselves on the game and be attack-minded. But gung-ho is not the best approach, thinking we have to win at home.

“We have won nine times away and 11 at home. That isn’t a big difference. Our away form is arguably as good so we have to be mindful that this tie is over two legs.”

A bumper crowd is expected at Valley Parade as this season’s play-offs get under way and McCall admits to being excited.

“Four teams are trying to get to Wembley, it is a 50 per cent chance and then we try to get promoted,” he added.

“I don’t think there is any less pressure on any of the teams. You have got where you deserve to be and now you have got to go and perform. So, bring it on.”

Match preview: Page 22.