GRAHAM Alexander had to teach himself about dealing with Valley Parade before working on the players.

City are looking to make it 10 games unbeaten in BD8 when they face Doncaster in tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated Yorkshire derby.

The Bantams are one of only three clubs in the division unbeaten on their own soil.

Wimbledon have won all five games at Plough Lane and Chesterfield are also yet to lose at home since winning promotion – although six of their seven outings have been drawn.

It has been a long time coming for City’s home form to pick up again but Alexander is quick to stress that there remain plenty of challenges ahead.

No Valley Parade defeats since March has strengthened the bond with the fans.

The Bantams chief admitted it took him a while to get to grips with the expectations and different pressures that come with playing in front of League Two’s biggest crowds.

“If I’m being honest, I was learning about Valley Parade and the challenge of playing here and what the opponents brought,” said Alexander.

“I wouldn’t just put the emphasis on the players. It was a learning process for me as well.

“I gradually understood what was happening both from the opponents coming to Valley Parade and how we were reacting to that and preparing for games.

“I wouldn’t say we were a little bit too gung-ho but we were trying to win the game in the first 15 minutes.

“I had to correct my own behaviour and messaging first and then it was down to the players to respond to that.”

Alexander, who is coming up to his one-year anniversary at the City helm, lost his opening home game to Barrow – conceding inside the first minute.

He won just one of his first seven league home games before beating former club MK Dons 4-0 in his 100th day in charge.

City are one of three League Two teams still unbeaten at homeCity are one of three League Two teams still unbeaten at home (Image: Tom Pearson)

There was that calamitous week in March when City lost three in a row at Valley Parade to Forest Green, Mansfield and Notts County. But the response since that lowest point has seen them claim 23 home points from a possible 27.

Alexander senses a different feeling in the home dressing room now – and not just with the players.

“There has been a definite difference but that’s for me as well.

“We go hand-in-hand. I like to believe the team is a reflection of the guy who’s managing it.

“I had to make the improvements myself first before the players could.

“They took it on board and we’ve made steady progress. But there are still things that we can do better all the time.

“But I’ve been delighted with how the players have managed that change.”