ECHOSPORT talks to the Bantams Banter podcast ahead of tomorrow’s game between Southend United and Bradford City.

What have you made of the season so far?

“Frankly we had an awful start. Bar the odd win, it couldn’t have been much worse.

“Thankfully, he who shall not be named (Edin Rahic) is gone and things are feeling much better around the club.

“Despite our terrible, in fact, horrific, start to the season, both on and off the pitch, I really feel like we’ve turned a corner.

“Our better form since November has shown that there is fight, passion and goals in the squad.”

Former Shrimper Jack Payne is currently on loan at Bradford. How has he been playing so far?

“Jack has been superb and the fact he’s just signed on for the rest of the season is a huge confidence boost.

“His goals have been vital for us and his presence on the pitch gives the whole team a boost.

“The best things come in small packages.”

Things don’t seem to have gone so well for another ex-Shrimper Josh Wright though?

“I had high hopes for Josh and I’m not sure what the issue has been.

“It’s just not worked out for him.

“He’s just not looked a League One standard player when we’ve seen him play.

“Bradford City just hasn’t been the right fit for him.”

Who would you say is Bradford’s main dangerman?

“Payne - his attacking play is superb.

“He’s nippy, gets into all the right places and loves a shot. Frankly he’s better than League One.

“We now have the makings of a great team, playing well as a unit, but we’d struggle without Payne’s goals.”

What’s the team news for Saturday?

“It’s up in the air at the moment. David Hopkin has had a huge clear out and shifted some of the deadwood.

“That said, we’ve brought in Jermaine Anderson from Peterborough (via a Doncaster loan spell) and he’s expected to start.”