Bradford City manager Gary Bowyer is rueing the absence of two key players this weekend as their futile attempt to remain in League One could come to an end.

The Bantams are nine points adrift of safety with four matches left to play, meaning relegation could be confirmed tomorrow as they travel to Coventry City in the day's early kick off.

Manager Bowyer, the third permanent boss of the season, will be without two key players for the encounter; Calum Woods and Kelvin Mellor. The former Blackpool boss believes the duo could have been key in an unlikely survival bid.

“They both have experience and both offer physicality, which I have to say we have been lacking at times," he told the Telegraph and Argus.

“They would have been a key part of my plans but for the injuries. It has been a big blow to be without them due to the fact they both have the ability to play in a number of positions."

Between them, Mellor and Woods have 17 starts for Bradford. Woods joined on a free transfer from Preston in January, whilst Mellor was a summer capture from Bowyer's previous employers, Blackpool.

The Verdict

Superman and Batman couldn't have kept Bradford up after their recent form, let alone a player with three starts and another with 14.

Gary Bowyer has to say the right things, but he's been on a hiding to nothing ever since walking through the door. It's all about damage limitation now and getting some momentum up over the summer without the poisonous influence of Edin Rahic hanging over the club.