HOPE Akpan expressed his pride at becoming City’s new captain but insisted: “It’s just a title.”

The skipper’s armband became a major talking point in the wake of the Portsmouth defeat before Gary Bowyer's appointment.

But the new boss immediately installed Akpan as his on-field leader for the much-needed weekend win over Peterborough.

Bantams opposition: Harford keeps leaders Luton ticking

Akpan has become the club’s fifth captain of the campaign after Josh Wright, Anthony O’Connor, Eoin Doyle and Paul Caddis.

“It’s been a funny one this season with captains,” he said. “It’s not the be all and end all because everyone’s got to do their job out on the pitch.

“I had an inkling through conversations during the week but, on the day it was made official, it was a bit of a surprise.

“It meant a lot and it was a proud moment for myself to lead the team out in front of such passionate fans.

“But it’s just a title and I wouldn’t say I felt any different on Saturday. You put pressure on yourself to do well all the time and lead by example.”

Akpan played previously for Bowyer at Blackburn and the City chief feels the central midfielder is in the best position to have a say on pitch matters.

Bowyer said: “I wanted someone in the middle of the park that could influence all units.

“Each manager will have their personal preference in terms of position, some go for goalkeepers, but I wanted someone in the middle.

“I thought he did very well with it. He grew into the responsibility.”

Akpan noticed the difference in mood within the team as the shackles were lifted with City’s first win in six games, reducing the gap to fifth-from-bottom to four points.

He added: “The gaffer has instilled some confidence and told the players to do what they are good at. He gave us a specific game-plan and I thought we handled that quite well.

“It was a good performance and hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.

“Confidence is massive. You saw that from when we scored the first goal, we started playing and got two more quite quickly afterwards.

“We’ve got a lot of good footballers. We’re not the biggest or most aggressive team but when we’re confident we run hard and create chances.”

Akpan reckons City can now give leaders Luton a run for their money at Valley Parade if they can replicate the second-half showing that saw off Peterborough.

The high-flying Hatters have not lost since October 13 but that impressive run doesn’t frighten him.

“I wouldn’t say it was daunting. We’re going out there to go toe-to-toe and try to get something out the game.

“Saturday has definitely given us belief but we’ve got to back it up now.

“Everyone will be looking at Luton, see they are top of the league and think that it’s going to be a hard game.

“But it’s League One and any results can happen every week. If we can perform like we did, especially in the second half, then we can give anyone a game.

"The noise and support is something special. If we can recreate that, it will be even better.”

Kelvin Mellor and Calum Woods both went for scans today – the former Blackpool man is thought to be the more serious with his calf problem.