Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond has urged the club's fans to back manager Paul Jewell ahead of Saturday's crucial home relegation showdown with Watford.

The Bantams know that victory is vital against the Hornets as they look to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.

And Richmond was angered when City supporters turned on Jewell at Hillsborough during the second half with chants of 'You don't know what you're doing' when he substituted skipper Stuart McCall.

Richmond said: "For the first time in recent years, I was very disappointed at the crowd's reaction on Saturday.

"I am not going to justify or comment on the substitutions but I think the fans have a huge part to play and their reaction was very disappointing."

Jewell has pledged to plunge into the transfer market to try and boost his side's survival hopes and Richmond says money is available.

Weekend speculation linked Leeds midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland with a move to Valley Parade but Richmond says there is no truth in the rumour.

The City chief will not reveal how much Jewell has to spend but said: "There has been a fighting fund in place to be used as and when the manager needed it.

"The fund has always been there. Paul has now identified certain players he would like to bring to the club and we will be moving as quickly as possible to do just that."

Jewell added: "I have players in mind. The papers link us with so many players but I am not going to comment until we have signed someone.

"I am trying to bring a player in this week but the important thing is not to panic.

"We have a blank weekend after the Watford game to try and sort something out."

Beating Watford is crucial because City have a testing February and March programme.

They face all of the current top three in the Premiership, Leeds United, Man-chester United and Liverpool at home during that spell.

The Bantams have enjoyed three consecutive sell-outs for recent home games and Richmond is hoping as many as possible attend the crunch clash with the Hornets.

He said: "There are plenty of tickets available at the moment."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.