Wayne Jacobs reckons Halifax can count on a large Bradford backing as they bid to return to the Football League.

City supporters are expected to swell the crowd for the Shaymen's Conference play-off final against Hereford at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester tomorrow.

With on-loan Danny Forrest and Peter Atherton both playing, there is also a significant Bantams connection on the pitch for Halifax's biggest game since dropping out of the league four years ago.

"I know quite a few Bradford fans who are going to the game and I'm sure we've got plenty of support from the city," said Jacobs, who has been number two to boss Chris Wilder for ten months.

"A lot of people in Bradford have always had a soft spot for Halifax. Stuart McCall always watched out for their results because his dad played for them and the association has been there for a long time.

"It's probably even stronger now, with Chris being ex-Bradford as well as myself and the other players. Danny is still a big favourite down there and I'm sure us reaching the final has caused a bit of a stir.

"It's been a fantastic achievement to get this far and it would be great for the region if we could go on and win it."

City legend Jacobs, who left Valley Parade last year after a decade at the club, has enjoyed a dream first season in the dugout. But fans are unlikely to see him kicking a ball again.

He added: "My boots are not just hung up but nailed down! But I've been blessed in a way to get this far in my first year as a coach.

"Chris has been here for four years and has put in so much hard work. I know what he's had to deal with and I've come in right at the end."

Jacobs was a play-off winner with City at Wembley in 1996 and played his part in promotion to the Premiership and the dramatic survival against Liverpool.

He admits a Halifax victory tomorrow would rival any of those great memories.

"It's ten years since I played at Wembley and this will be right up there with all of those special days but in a different way. Working alongside the staff at the club, you see all the effort put in behind the scenes and how much it will mean to people. To be part of that has been fantastic."

Hereford, who have made the play-offs for the third year running, are clear favourites with the bookies. But Jacobs insists the Shaymen are not heading for Leicester just to enjoy the day.

He added: "Everybody thought Grays would beat us in the semi-finals and our lads showed great character to go through over two legs.

"People can call us underdogs and stick whatever labels they want on us. We'll keep going quietly about our business.

"We've had a successful season whatever happens tomorrow. But now we are in the final against all odds we want to finish the job."

Forrest, whose City contract is up next month, will discover whether he has a future at the club after the game. The 21-year-old striker has been at Halifax all season, scoring five goals.

Colin Todd said he would not talk to Forrest until the Shaymen's season was over.