GARY Bowyer reckons the hectic Christmas rush is a time to be enjoyed not endured.

City’s home clash with Salford this afternoon kicks off a run of four games in the next 11 days into the new year.

It is a crucial time for their promotion ambitions but you won’t hear Bowyer complaining about cramming in too much football.

He said: “You just get on with it. I hadn’t counted the days up but you can’t do anything about it anyway.

“I really love this time of year with the games coming thick and fast.

“Obviously with my dad playing, I knew no different when I grew up. We’re just really looking forward to it.”

Bowyer, who will give the players Christmas Day off, has been busy drawing up plans for the holiday schedule. He is boosted by the size of the squad as the recent injury worries continue to ease.

He added: “It takes some planning. You try and get as much done now so we can operate smoothly through that quick turnaround.

“The fact we’ve got so many players fit and available at this moment does give us great options.

“You’d rather have those options available should you want to freshen it up.

“Just because it’s four in 11 days doesn’t mean you have to do that just because you have those choices. But there are one or two that we’re certainly going to have to be sensible with.”

Three of City’s next four games are at Valley Parade where they have won seven out of 10 so far in League Two.

Bowyer continues to stress the role that the crowd are playing in maintaining that form.

“The passion and support for the club has gone on another level since I’ve been manager,” he said.

“You only have to look at our home record to see the impact they’ve made.

“It’s a long season and I’ve said from the beginning that there will be times when we need their help.

“There will also be times when we’ve got to get them going with what we do on the pitch.

“I’m delighted that so far the relationship has grown stronger, especially at home.”