Peter Taylor has left the players in no doubt about the consequences of the next couple of weeks.

With five games in the space of 16 days, the frantic fixture schedule over the holiday period can shape the League Two table.

It could also become a clear indicator of which way City’s season is likely to be heading.

Taylor remains confident that the Bantams can get it right and force their way into the mix by the business end of the campaign.

Their actions in the transfer window next month will be crucial towards any push into the division’s higher reaches.

But the amount of activity open to Taylor could well hinge on the outcome of the batch of upcoming games.

With seven players either reaching their loan deadline or out of contract in the first week of the new year, there are some key decisions approaching.

But Taylor knows the strength of his negotiating hand will be governed by City’s points tally between now and January 3. The more they can achieve, the more he hopes can get done once 2011 kicks in.

He said: “It’s really (based on) how we are doing. I had a good meeting with the players last Friday and let them know just how important the next few weeks are for the football club.

“We’ve got to be staying there or thereabouts in regards to the play-offs and it’s also important for the club that we get results in terms of selling season tickets.

“It’s exactly the same situation with the loans and anything I might try to do.

“If we are in a good position in January, I’m hopeful that Julian (Rhodes) and Mark (Lawn) wouldn’t argue too much if I go to them about looking to strengthen the squad.

“But obviously if we have fallen away, then the two chairmen might think why should they bother to dip into their pockets – and it would be hard to disagree with them.

“So that is why this is such an important time for everyone.”

After the stodgy win over Hereford, Taylor will be looking to up the momentum against free-scoring Crewe. The gap to the top seven has been trimmed to four points and the City chief does not want to see it stretch again.

He said: “That’s why this is another big test. Saturday is a very important day again.

“If we can get something out of the Crewe match then we would stay in there. We don’t want to be more than four or five points away.

“Picking up three points can make such a difference these days and we are capable of doing that.

“I still genuinely believe that we will have a good season and I’ve said that to the chairmen.

“If we are there or thereabouts and you get Michael Flynn, Simon Ramsden and Lewis Hunt fit, then it puts you in a strong position.

“I also think James Hanson is going to have a big second half of the season and if some of the players can improve on their performance levels then I will be looking for us to kick on and get a lot nearer to where we want to be.”