For Bradford City supporters, the mention of the name Queens Park Rangers will invariably lead to minds being cast back to May 1997.

The Bantams entertained the Londoners on the final day of a difficult season knowing that only victory would ensure First Division survival just 12 months after winning promotion via the play-offs.

Two goals from Nigel Pepper and another from Tommy Wright sealed the points but such has been the rate of change since, that only one player from the starting line-up is still at Valley Parade.

Wayne Jacobs has been an ever-present at left back this season since coming into the side which beat Birmingham 2-1 back in August.

And he travels to Loftus Road knowing that victory against Queens Park Rangers is again paramount, although for very different reasons.

Jacobs said: "It was an important day in my career because we had to win to stay up. With it being the last game of the season, we always knew it would be tense. As important as it was for my career, it was doubly important for Bradford City.

"We certainly would not be sat here today thinking of promotion to the top flight if we had not won that day. Its importance cannot be overstated.

"Personally, I was always confident we would win that day. I remember Tommy wheeling away after the first and then Nigel Pepper smashed one in. It was a good day.

"This is another very important game and despite last week's defeat against Huddersfield, we are confident of getting the right result.

"The club has come a long way since that game against QPR. But I think it is a similar feeling for me because there is a lot of expectation surrounding us.

"What I have noticed is that when you need to stay up, the fans give you a bit more leeway in games. That has been the biggest difference between the two seasons."

Jacobs joined City from Rotherham on a free transfer in the summer of 1994 under Lennie Lawrence and has played a major part in the club's progress over the last five seasons.

His form dipped markedly last season and many, myself included I must admit, believed his days were numbered as Paul Jewell splashed out on several new players during the summer.

Lee Todd was brought in from Southampton in a £250,000 deal and looked certain to be first choice at left back.

However Jewell's squad was hit badly by injuries in the first month of the season and Jacobs was given a chance - something he has taken with both hands.

Jacobs said: "I have always wanted to be part of a football club that is progressing so I am really enjoying my time with Bradford City.

"Circumstances have dictated that the staff has changed a lot. I think there was only me, the chairman, the manager and Mary the coffee lady who were here when I started! It is nice and I am really enjoying it."

Jacobs is as determined as anyone at Valley Parade that City clinch second position and automatic promotion to the Premiership.

However he added: "At the beginning of the season, the fans, press and players said we wanted to finish in the top six. A lot of people raised their eyebrows at that but we have proved them wrong. We have to be pleased with the progress we are making.

"Hopefully people won't be disappointed if we do finish in the play-offs. It is not a case of being condemned to the play-offs. It is certainly not a failure. "I count myself as being blessed to be part of the team that won promotion in 1996. I am very fortunate to be going through that again."

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