Nicky Law feels City's out-of-contract players need to be sorted out "the sooner the better".

A dozen members of Law's squad are waiting on new deals, creating an air of uncertainty as they prepare for tomorrow's trip to Preston.

The Bantams boss went into this afternoon's board meeting keen for talks with all the players concerned - so that those who will not be staying have the chance to beat the "rat race". He said: "As yet we haven't spoken to them all and the sooner that's done, the better.

"We've got a lot of players in the same scenario who are looking to get themselves a secure living for next year and beyond. They are still unsure whether they are going to be here or not."

With First Division survival secure, City have three games to go starting with the cross-Pennine trip to Deepdale. Law was angry at Monday's loss against Gillingham but admitted: "Some players are maybe starting to think a little bit differently now that we've attained our goal.

"The ones out of contract have to look after themselves and cannot risk getting injured. They don't want to put their heads on the block if it could all be for nothing because there is going to be a rat race in the summer."

Peter Atherton, who City are keen to keep on, is ruled out after banging his knee against Watford and is currently in a brace.

l Danny Forrest came on as a substitute for England under-19s who lost 3-2 in Germany.