Nicky Law today came out fighting and laid into the knockers who want to see City squirm.

The Bantams tonight kick their first ball since going into administration when they face Law's old club Chesterfield.

And the City boss returns to Saltergate determined not to let the doom merchants win.

Law said: "We're sitting ducks at the moment. We are in a position of vulnerability and people are going to jump on it.

"If someone wants to spread a rumour or create speculation, we can't do anything about it. But we haven't come this far to fall flat on our faces now.

"It's inevitable after what's gone at the club that people will want to have a go. People want to see doom and gloom, that's unfortunately the nature of life not just football.

"For some bizarre reason there are a lot who take pleasure in stirring things up and making bad situations worse than they are.

"But we can't let it concern us and have an effect, however difficult that can be."

Law endured some torrid times with the Spireites and steered them to promotion against all the odds. He could still face a hot reception at the club he left for City on New Year's Eve.

Law added: "You always get the minority who'll have a go. But there's no reason for it and it doesn't bother me.

"It will feel a bit strange going back but I've not really thought about it. I'm at Bradford now and Chesterfield is history."

Ashley Ward (knee) and Robert Molenaar (groin) are the big doubts as City kick off their pre-season following the late cancellation of Saturday's trip to Telford. But free agents Paul Evans and Andy Gray are set to appear having played a half each in the closed-doors friendly win over Halifax.

It will be a major test of the players' mental resolve as they still wait for the first pay cheque since April.

Law said: "The players need to get 90 minutes under their belt and take it on from there. Results don't matter in pre-season - obviously it's nice if you can win them all but ultimately these matches don't count for anything.

"It's all about building up match fitness and getting sharper for when the real season begins."