Jamie Lawrence was back with City today after turning down an offer from Sheffield United.

Lawrence joined up with the Bantams at Golden Acres in Adel after sitting out the first two days of pre-season training.

It means 15 of the 16 sacked players are now back at work after Aidan Davison returned from a coaching course yesterday. Benito Carbone is the only stay-away as he finalises a move to Como.

Lawrence, who has been linked with Crystal Palace, also revealed he rejected the chance of a move to Bramall Lane.

He said: "As long as I'm getting paid then I'm happy to go back to Bradford. I'm looking forward to seeing the boys again after everything that's gone on.Sheffield United got in touch with me but I might as well stick at Bradford for the last year of my contract.

"I'm sort of relieved to be going back but also a little bit angry. It's been a joke not getting paid for a couple of months.

"I've just bought a new house and with the young baby as well it has been very difficult. We had to cancel the summer holiday because you've got to be careful and watch what money's going out.

"We're not all fortunate enough to be Beni Carbone on £40,000 a week."

Jamaican international Lawrence, City's second-longest serving player after Wayne Jacobs, believes the turmoil of the summer could bring the dressing room closer.

He said: "It could work in our favour because we feel it's been us against the world. We've all been in it together and that might make for a stronger team spirit. We need that this year after last season which wasn't the best. There was too much happening with the manager changing and things need to settle down.

"I've been training right through the summer and it will be good to get back to the day-to-day routine of playing football again. I just need an injury-free season. We have to forget what's happened and just get on with it. At the end of the day we are fortunate to still be in the job."

Assistant boss Ian Banks said: "The players know they have to do it for themselves and the effort so far has been spot on."

l As first revealed in the Telegraph & Argus, Stuart McCall has joined Sheffield United as player-coach on a year's contract.

Another former City midfielder, Gareth Whalley, last night held talks with Lennie Lawrence about joining Second Division Cardiff.