Phil Parkinson is urging the City crowd to “bounce” Burton out of the play-offs with another Valley Parade wall of noise tomorrow.

Tickets go on general sale this morning as the club brace themselves for a bumper turn-out for the first leg.

Whether or not the attendance can come close to the fourth-tier semi-final record of 19,467 set by Huddersfield against Lincoln nine years ago, Parkinson knows the fans have a crucial role to play.

“If you read managers’ comments when they come and play us, they all mention the crowd, the atmosphere and the intensity of the ground,” he said.

“My message to all our supporters is to get a ticket if they haven’t done so. We’ve asked a lot of our supporters financially this season and they’ve come out in numbers home and away in the cup and the league.

“We’re asking for one big effort because they all understand this is such a big game. The fuller the place is tomorrow, the better it is for our players.

“This is massive and we’ve got to make sure the ground is absolutely bouncing.”

Parkinson believes there is a strong bond between the fans and the players which has spurred them on through this marathon campaign.

The Bantams boss said: “The city of Bradford has really got behind this team. It’s gradually been built up and the lads are thriving on it.”

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes is due to meet the League Managers’ Association this afternoon to go over Parkinson’s new contract. They are representing him and assistant Steve Parkin after agent Barry Nevill fell seriously ill.

The drawn-out negotiations have been further delayed while Rhodes is in the process of selling his private company.

Parkinson said: “It’s been progressing for a while but people have to understand that Julian, who is dealing with the contract, doesn’t get paid by the club. He’s got his own business.

“It’s a very important deal for him and his family and I’ve got to respect that. Every day he’s had his foot flat to the floor but he’s hoping it will come to a conclusion this week.

“He has got a copy of my contract and just wants to go through it and finalise it and that will be done. But I’m really enjoying it here.

“I remember how good the supporters were to me last year when times were tough. They clearly understood the challenge which I was facing.

“They were great then and have continued to be and I’m determined to give them success – hopefully this season.”

Kyel Reid trained yesterday with physio Matt Barrass and Parkinson is hopeful on the winger’s groin injury.

He said: “It’s not serious but something that has niggled him for a while. He had an injection in it last week to speed up the recovery.

“If he’s right he’ll be included tomorrow but if not we’ll leave him until Sunday.”