Recently-appointed boss Mark Bower issued an apology to the club’s supporters after last weekend’s game, blaming himself for a perceived snub.

Following the Lions’ 4-1 defeat at third-placed Altrincham, the players did not acknowledge their travelling contingent in the stands at Moss Lane. It was a break from the usual routine of the team.

Bower said: “I have to say that was all down to me and what I can only say is my inexperience as a manager. It had been a very bad second half from our point of view and I told the players to get into the dressing room straight away because I wanted to go through it with them all while it was still fresh in the memory.

“I was wrong to do that and didn’t mean to upset the fans. We have a lot of very loyal and passionate supporters and we get good number going to away games and it is only right to show them our appreciation, as we normally do at the end of every game.”

The former Bantams skipper was club captain at Nethermoor before his appointment so he knows what is expected. He rushed into his demand that the players return to the dressing room early without considering the implications.

The rookie boss was frustrated ater watching his side – who had suffered four defeats in his first four games in charge – dominate the first half against high- flying Altrincham.

They then capitulated meekly as Alty turned the game in the space of 16 second-half minutes.

What made it worse for the travelling fans was that former Lions strikers Jamie Walshaw (hat-trick) and Damian Reeves shared the goals that sank their old club.