Gary Locke today repeated the determination of Bradford City's players to halt their current slide and take the heat off boss Jim Jefferies.

The Bantams suffered their fifth league defeat on the trot at Millwall last night, going down 3-1 despite creating a hatful of chances.

The result will put more pressure on Jefferies but goalscorer Locke made it clear the dressing room was still firmly behind the manager.

He said: "All managers are judged on results and we're stuck in a bad run. But the boys are giving it 110 per cent for him.

"He's a class manager and we're just desperate to turn things round for him. Hopefully we can do that in the next two home games and take the pressure off everyone.

"Nobody is more disappointed than the players with the way things have gone but we will keep putting in more effort until we can get that one win.

"We're gutted that Millwall beat us. We played them off the park and are left wondering just what we've got to do to win, it's unbelievable.

"We hold up our hands for Saturday's performance at Birmingham when we let the fans down. But against Crystal Palace last week and again at Millwall we were by far the better team.

"If we keep playing like that and the fans stick behind us then we will definitely turn it round. But it has been a bad run and we need to do it sooner rather than later."

Winger Matthew Etherington played the last 26 minutes having joined on loan from Spurs earlier in the day.

He provided the cross for Locke's goal - City's first in outfield play for 432 minutes - and said: "I thought we played very well and was impressed with the number of chances created.

"It's just about putting the ball in the net but that will come if we keep creating like that."

City now face Valley Parade clashes with Watford on Saturday and Wimbledon three days later which could be crucial for the manager's future.

Locke, who misses the Watford game through suspension, added: "The boys have to put in a performance on Saturday because it's a massive game.

"It will be tough, Watford showed in the cup what a good team they are, but we've got to make sure we grab the first goal."