Connor Wood is enjoying the competitiveness in training, as the Bantams continue to progress through their pre-season preparations.
Stuart McCall’s men stepped up training ahead of the 2020/21 season, after returning - on full-contact terms - last Thursday, for the first time since March.
The full-back has been pleased by the competitive nature which has been so far demonstrated throughout the camp.
He said: “We finally got into contact training last week. The first week had all been non-contact, getting touches on the ball and a lot of running.
“It is always good to get back into the competitive football and it is great to be doing sessions with all the lads.
“Fitness is a massive part of the game but you also have to think about that competitive edge we will need throughout the season.
“The lads have shown their competitiveness right from the first day back. Even on the fitness tests, you want to do the best you can and in the small-sided matches you want to be on the winning team.
“The competitiveness has really shone through during the in-house games we have been playing.
“There is competition throughout the side to be named in the starting 11 for the first game of the season.”
Wood has been impressed by the standards and fitness levels of McCall’s side since the return to training last month.
He added: “It has all been positive and enjoyable so far. The start of pre-season is always tough but we have all got through it in top condition, considering the amount of time we have had off.
“It is a challenge to come back into it all and get up to speed again, especially when considering the four-month layoff we had.
“Since we have started the ball work, the standard has been good, but it is certainly something we can work on ahead of the first game of the season.
“There are going to be mistakes here and there from everyone, which is a given in football. Everyone has come back looking fit and sharp.
“The boys have been putting the work in during the time we have had off and it has shown during the sessions we have had, since returning back to training.
“There is always a buzz about the place, especially when you return at the beginning of the season, coming in and seeing new faces.
“Everyone is putting the hard work in ahead of the start date and will continue to do so.”