With both sides already condemned to relegation the game was effectively a warm-up for life in Division One next season.

But any desire for either team to end their top-flight existence with a bang must have been kept under wraps.

Even given the visiting fans’ celebratory congo on the terraces throughout the second half, nothing could disguise a match that was devoid of excitement and passion.

Perhaps Gordon Strachan’s men were still subdued after their heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Aston Villa two weeks ago, a defeat that ended their 34-year long association with the top-flight.

But whatever the reason, Strachan will be delighted to have seen the back of a dark season for the Sky Blues, and eager no doubt to the task of building towards an immediate return next season.

Bradford for the most part looked ineffective, although somewhat more sprightly than their hosts no doubt as their fate had been pending for some months.

The contest had begun in a low-key fashion, but a chance fell to Bradford as early as the second minute.

Ashley Ward, twisting in and out on the right flank, found himself free on goal but his low 10-yard strike was blocked by Chris Kirkland.

The hosts lined up without Paul Telfer, who had suffered a leg fracture in their 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa, replaced by Marc Edworthy.

The Bantams continued with veteran goalkeeper Aidan Davidson, with Gary Walsh still troubled by a knee injury, and Stuart McCall and Andy Myers, whose brief sparring match in the drubbing at Leeds last weekend brought them hefty club fines, both started.

Indeed Bradford were enjoying a substantial amount of possession in the early stages.

Robbie Blake tested Kirkland with a powerful drive and Benito Carbone was as ever employing his penetrating array of dribbling skills on the right.

Coventry were forced to wait until the 21st minute before Davison was seriously called into action, with Ysrael Zuniga stinging his fingertips with a high drive from 25 yards, although John Hartson was perhaps better placed in the centre to genuinely threaten the opener.

The beginnings of a Mexican wave in the stands after half an hour provided confirmation, not that any were needed, that any entertainment at Highfield Road was not to be found on the pitch.

Carbone briefly retrieved the crowd’s attention with a clever turn and shot that soared harmlessly high.

But even the presence of boss Gordon Strachan on the touchline, notepad and pen in hand, failed to provide much incentive for the hosts, some of whom were perhaps playing for their futures at the club.

Even Hartson, so nearly the saviour of the Sky Blues’ season, looked sluggish and fluffed a point-blank chance that three weeks ago he would have gobbled up in a flash.

Seconds into the second half Coventry were presented with a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock. But after Moustapha Hadji’s inswinging free-kick, Hartson was again unusually slack as he prodded a free header straight into the arms of Davison.

After 57 minutes it was Youssef Chippo’s turn to waste a good opportunity as he found the goalkeeper’s legs when clear through on the left.

A minute later Zuniga, who to his credit was charging around with much enthusiasm, broke down the centre right and unleashed a decent shot that flew just high of Davison’s left post.

Coventry were seemingly beginning to pick up the pace and after 66 minutes should have established a lead through Hartson. Yet again however the big Welshman failed to hit the target after Zuniga’s pass, dragging a low shot wide.

But as the game dragged to a near halt at the finish, the boos from the home support reminded the Coventry players that this season has patently not been good enough.

‘‘We’ll be back’’, ran a banner in the home end, but for both clubs on show today it might take a few goes.