Leeds United's Paudie O'Connor has offered relegated Bradford City words of consolation as they face up to a season in League Two.

The defender is on loan at Valley Parade and has seen first hand as the club have slipped out of League One with a whimper. Going into the final day they're the only club in the division whose fate is decided after a horrible run of results.

O'Connor, who also had a spell with Blackpool earlier in the season, has drawn on his own experiences with Limerick in Ireland when looking to give his current employers some crumbs of comfort.

He saw them drop out of the top flight in Ireland as a youngster, only to play a key role in helping them bounce back at the first opportunity, something he believes the Bantams can learn from.

“I was only 16 or 17 at the time but I ended up playing 25-30 games that season," he told the Telegraph and Argus.

“A big factor was how many players committed themselves to bringing the club back up. That was important. We did go back up, winning the league by 20-odd points and then reaching the League Cup final against St Pats. A lot of players felt they owed the club.”

The 21-year-old believes there's a lesson there for Gary Bowyer's demoralised side.

“I can see the same happening here, if we can hang on to the majority of our players and add a bit of experience. That should help us, regardless of what division we are in now.”

O'Connor is due back at Elland Road in the summer, but Gary Bowyer has already spoken of his desire to make another move for him next season.

The Verdict

I think the opposite is needed at Bradford, rather than players sticking around they need a huge clear out and a fresh start.

They've been let down badly by their squad this season and the fractious nature of the relationship between some players and fans has not helped at all.

If everyone is to pull in the same direction, they need fresh blood and new attitudes.