Colin Todd will demand a play-off place from City next season.

The Bantams boss is a frustrated spectator as Huddersfield, Barnsley, Swansea and Brentford battle it out for the one remaining promotion spot.

And before letting his squad disappear on their summer holidays, Todd made it clear he wants to be right up there in the mix this time next year.

Todd said: "I've said to the players that there's only one ultimatum and that is to finish in the top six. That's the target and for us to do that I need to get some players in to help with what we've got."

Todd aims to replace the six senior pros who were released this week. But his hands may be tied until Julian Rhodes and Peter Etherington have struck their investment deal.

That could mean little business actually taking place before the squad come back for pre-season training on June 29.

Todd added: "I'm convinced there will be more money to come but when that is I don't know. It might be the end of May or not until the end of June which leaves it very tight.

"If it's going to be June 29 when I get some assurances that there's going to be some kitty, then so be it. I'm going to be coming back for pre-season with ten of my top players and the rest will be youngsters.

"But I'm still a very positive man, very upbeat and I believe that I can get the players in to make us better than before."

Todd will again look to the Premiership to bring in youngsters on long-term loans, hoping to unearth another Andrew Taylor who was a huge hit when City borrowed him from Middlesbrough. And he has also not ruled out delving into League Two to scour for talent something he has not done before.

He said: "I will explore all avenues. If there is somebody who has played regularly in the division below us and he's on a Bosman then I will look at that."

SIMON PARKER