Nicky Law and Ian Banks are a dream team capable of hoisting Bradford City out of the doldrums.

Former Bantams defender Greg Abbott, a member of the 1984-5 Division Three championship-winning side, reckons the unheralded new management team will provide the perfect solution to the club's under-achieving position.

Abbott was a team-mate of Banks during the new No 2's brief playing spell at Valley Parade in 1989 and they have remained close friends since.

And Abbott, currently on the coaching staff at Leeds, believes City have landed the perfect men for the job of restoring sinking pride.

He said: "Bradford people expect commitment, hard work and effort and they will get that in abundance. These two have the mentality that fans will demand, they are full of enthusiasm and will be prepared to roll their sleeves up to get the job done.

"It's a big chance for both of them coming here and they will work their socks off and will not fail through want of trying.

"From their time with Chesterfield they will have built up a portfolio of players and know exactly where to search. There may not be a lot of money to spend but there are plenty of bargains about.

"In Bradford's position they need players who will die for the cause and these two will find them. They've shown that in their previous job.

"You say Bradford have financial problems but you want to hear some of the horror stories they had to put up with at Chesterfield. Remember, they are used to washing the kit and things like organising hotels and transport - this will seem an easy job compared to some of that."

Abbott rejects suggestions that City should have lured a bigger name to replace Jim Jefferies.

"Some people wondered whether Paul Jewell should have been given the job. But he turned out to be the most successful manager the club have had in the last 50 years.

"He had no previous experience but these two have done the job before and in circumstances far tougher.

"It's time the club got somebody who knows exactly the level they are working at. You wouldn't expect Kenny Dalglish to go to Southport or the Southport manager to take over Liverpool.

"You need people who can operate at the level of the club and I think in time these two will prove to be really popular with the fans."

The players met their new boss for the first time yesterday, although the icy conditions at Adel ruled out anything more strenuous than a jog around the artificial turf.

Law said: "It gave us a chance to sit everyone down and have a chat."

Walsall are keeping their fingers crossed for a thaw to save Saturday's FA Cup tie at the Bescot Stadium.

A club official said: "The forecast is to thaw out but we're not sure if it will come in time. At the moment the pitch is rock hard and covered in snow."