Jamie Walker senses change of fortunes for Bradford City

With nearly three years at the club, the Scot knows how to judge the Valley Parade mood.

And he senses Monday’s win over Newport could prove a turning point to get their season going again.

Their first win for five games coincided with a return to the 3-5-2 that has served Graham Alexander so well during his reign.

Having chipped in with his opening goal of the campaign, Walker can see an upturn in fortunes after a “tough” recent spell.

“I think the team looked more comfortable and myself personally,” he said. “I feel a lot better playing in that position, higher up and a little bit more inside.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks with injuries and results and you could see with the 3-5-2 which we have worked at throughout the whole pre-season, we deserved the victory by a country mile.

“The context of the victory meant it was a big one.

“I have been here a long time now and you try and not get too high or low.

“When we lose a few games, it’s the end of the world and when we win a few, we’re going to get promoted.

“I try and keep a level head on myself. I’m getting a bit older now and have seen a lot of stuff in football.

“I think if we find a little bit of consistency in our game - myself included - then we could really kick on this season.

“We know it’s good to be back on track and we’re looking forward to the Tranmere game now.”

Walker’s goal, which put City back in front after Newport had equalised, was his first since scoring against the same opponent on the final day of last season.

But he insisted it was not something that had been playing on his mind.

“Usually, by this stage of the season, it would be. But I wasn’t in the team at the start of the season and didn’t start for maybe four or five matches.

“The gaffer is big on the number eights getting into that position when the ball is coming down the opposite side.

“Thankfully, I was in there and it fell to me and I just concentrated on getting a decent contact on the ball.

“I am delighted to get off the mark. But as long as the team is winning, that’s the most important thing.

“If I can contribute with goals and assists along the way, then I’m really happy.

“It was more relief after the goal as we dominated the first half and I thought we played very well, the best we’ve played in a long time.”

Jamie Walker roars in delight after his first goal of the season (Image: Thomas Gadd)

City’s resolve was tested after Newport had punished a slow start to the second half by going level.

Walker admitted it was the sort of situation where the home side could have crumbled.

“It shows the mentality we have in the group,” he added.

“We dominated for large parts of the game and then they get a goal.

“We’ve probably seen that a lot where we go a bit under and they score a winner. But we came again and scored two good goals and everyone is looking forward.”

City have collected 11 points from their unbeaten start at Valley Parade but now need to pick it up again on their travels. They have not won away since the first game at MK Dons.

Walker said: “I think it’s the catalyst for most successful seasons in picking up most of your points at home and then when you go away, pick up any points as a bonus.

“Everyone knows our away form has been tough over the past couple of weeks. It will be a different test at Tranmere, another hard game.

“Hopefully, we can really kick on and get another three points.”