Ryan Duckett has called on the Bulls supporters to play their part in a positive end to 2010 - and a bold new era in 2011.

Fans have voted with their feet during a wretched run of form that has seen Bradford lose eight in a row, less than 9,000 making their way through the Odsal turnstiles in each of the past four games.

But, at the end of a busy week that saw Steve McNamara’s reign as head coach come to a premature end before Mick Potter was unveiled as his successor for 2011, Duckett has called for unity.

Assistant coach Lee St Hilaire has taken temporary charge for the final six games of the season and with Bradford currently playing catch-up in the race for the play-offs, Sunday's visit of Salford (3pm) has become a must-win.

Duckett said: “The players and staff realise there’s been disappointing results and some unacceptable performances.

“Under Lee St Hilaire, the team are fully focused on putting that right and making a run towards the top eight.

“The senior players have got together with the coaching staff to assess where we are and where we need to be.

“It’s a chance to refocus, see where we need to improve, and look at how we can get into the top eight.

“I know some fans have decided to stay away during the bad run of results but I hope they will come back to provide their support in trying to provide a strong finish to the season.”

Only one point currently separates the Bulls from the top eight, although as many as five teams seem to stand a genuine chance of clinching the final play-off spot.

But, having watched the current Bradford side crack the top four earlier in the season, Duckett is confident they can be the ones to win the battle.

He said: “A couple of months ago we were in the top four and the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup so we’re not a million miles away from being a good side.

“We want to go as far as we can this year and then look to make a massive step forward again next year.”

As much as the Bulls need the supporters to boost their play-off bid, larger turnout on the terraces will also have a knock-on effect on their chances of glory next year.

The appointment of Potter represents a statement of intent from the board but the club are desperate to back the Aussie with the finances needed to challenge Super League’s best.

This year, Bradford have operated significantly below the salary cap and that can only change with the help of the supporters.

Duckett said: “It was Mick’s intention to go back home at the end of the season but the lure of the Bradford job swayed him.

“It was the one job he would have stayed in this country for and he was our number one target during the process.

“Now we need to make sure we give him the support he needs to do the job.

“It’s well documented we don’t have a big-money backer so we are reliant on the supporters coming through the turnstiles to make sure we are competitive as we can be.”

The Bulls know they need to act quickly in order to begin moulding a squad for 2011.

“That was one of the reasons we wanted to get the coach in as soon as possible,” said Duckett.

“We need to get going with recruitment and retention and although Mick is fully focused on his job at St Helens, he will be assessing our squad, looking where we need to strengthen and change.”