PETER Jackson believes City have kept their “kingpin” in Jack Payne after a deal was struck with Huddersfield.

The news that top scorer Payne and Lewis O’Brien will be staying on loan for the rest of the season has come as a huge boost in the relegation fight.

Owner Stefan Rupp agreed to finance new terms with Huddersfield to hang on to Payne, who has been attracting interest from other clubs including Millwall and Barnsley.

It is understood that City have upped their contribution in Payne’s contract significantly and are now paying close to his full wages.

“A lot of credit needs to be given to Stefan (Rupp) for his financial support to ensure the deal got done,” said Julian Rhodes.

Former City boss and skipper Jackson views it as a good move for both of his old clubs that Payne is staying at Valley Parade.

“Payne’s the real kingpin of the team at the moment,” he said. “He’s well thought of at Huddersfield but this will only do his career good playing at a big club like Bradford City in front of big crowds.

“I know they are under a little bit of pressure now being where they are but it’s a really good experience for him.

“It will give everyone a lift at Bradford being able to keep both of them.

“They could have been down two big players with the unrest at Huddersfield. With the manager (David Wagner) going there, the club could have decided to bring their loan players back.

“But Huddersfield have done well by loaning them out for the rest of the season and hopefully they can steer Bradford away from relegation.”

Jackson will be at Valley Parade on Saturday to see if City can make it five home wins on the bounce when they face Southend.

“If Bradford are going to stop up this season, the home form has to be really good,” he added. “That’s key for them.

“Bradford were struggling early doors but the run of form all coincides with Edin (Rahic) leaving the club and Julian coming back in to steady the ship.

“Since then, they’ve never really looked back and the form has been good.

“Looking from the outside, there was unrest behind the scenes in terms of the staff, players and supporters.

“I think Bradford City had lost its spirit. Now it’s all back in abundance.

“Bradford have got a real hardcore of supporters who stick with the club through thick and thin and they had started getting disillusioned.

“But that has all turned round since Julian returned and Edin went. The manager has been allowed to get on with what he is good at and that’s running his football team.”