DAVID Hopkin insists City must stay within touching distance of survival before the January transfer window.

The Bantams make the long haul to Gillingham tomorrow bottom of League One on the back of the worst start to a season in their history.

A first win for five games would lift them over the side currently hovering just above the drop zone and on an equally bad run.

But Hopkin admits City are “down to the bare bones” and, with George Miller and Ryan McGowan suspended and Alex Jones injured again, will travel with three under-18s to fill the numbers.

The head coach said: “I’ve never seen anything like the injuries we’ve had. I’ve never been in this situation before.

“I think it was 14-15 unavailable when I came in and we got it back down to a reasonable amount – now it’s back where it was again.

“It’s been difficult. We’ve had to change formation four or five times and I don’t think I’ve played the same team twice.

“A lot of people think I’m changing for the sake of it to try and get a result.

“Anybody will tell you it’s hard coming into a job when you’ve not got your full quota of players.”

City slipped to last place with Plymouth’s midweek victory against Gillingham, who have won just once in 12 league outings.

“There’s probably a wee bit more pressure on them being at home,” added Hopkin.

“Neither team is on a great run and we’re down to the bare bones now. But we might just have one or two players who come in relaxed and enjoy it because they are younger players playing with a bit of freedom.

“We’ve got to keep in touch (by January). There’s no point in me putting more pressure on people by saying I want to be out the bottom four by then.

“I want to obviously, but we know the players are finding it tough because we keep having to change.

“These are the things that hurt you most. Every time you come in on a Monday or Tuesday, you’re working towards playing a different team or shape.

“It’s hard for players to go back and forth all the time.

“Sometimes things go against you but they can make you stronger.

“I’m resolute and if anything happens, it gives somebody else the chance.”

Hopkin is actively looking to bring in a couple of free agents but does not expect any movement before Monday. He feels there is not enough flexibility in the current squad.

“We need one or two who can play a few different positions to help us, so that if we get injuries I’ve got a couple of utility players.

“Every club I’ve been at boasted three or four who could fill in at various positions at different times.

“These are things I’ll probably look at in January and if anybody becomes available just now.”

Winger Sean Scannell is back from suspension as Hopkin looks for City to face up to the “test of mental character” of dropping to the foot of the table.

“It’s a place where a lot of players haven’t been,” he said. “But these testing times make you what you’re going to be.

“It’s easy for anybody to say ‘it’s not my fault’. But you have to make sure your mindset changes.

“These games are massive now. The performances have dipped up and down since I’ve been here because of team selection.

“But that’s what we’ll get until we get a settled side.”