Stuart McCall is seeing encouraging signs after his side began pre-season training yesterday.
The Bantams returned to their Woodhouse Grove base for the first time since March, on a non-contact basis.
McCall was pleased to have commenced pre-season and is looking forward to seeing developments over the coming weeks.
The City manager said: “It has been great to be back out on the grass and interacting, even at a social distance.
“For the first five days, we can only train in small groups. We had half of the squad in the morning, then the other half in the afternoon.
“At the moment, it is just about letting the lads get touches of the ball, movement, injury prevention and the usual fitness work.
“Although we can only train in small groups, the signs were encouraging. Even if we were just making a 10-yard pass, I was impressed with the effort levels from the full squad.
“Next Thursday, we can get the lads back in and amongst it and start playing big-sided games.”
The Bantams boss is looking for him and his coaching staff to set standards for the players, as training progresses.
He believes pre-season is a key time to create a positive working environment and hopes his players can follow suit.
The former Scotland international added: “We want to get around them, let them know certain things we require and what kind of a standard we are setting.
“Everyone is in this together which is what we have to build a culture and environment around, from the first day of pre-season.
“It is too early, at this stage, to say where we are at, but it is nice to see a smile on the lads’ faces. They have enjoyed it as much as us, even though it is going to be hard work.
“We have started to set the standard early, even if we are just playing a 10-yard pass.
“If we are going to try and be a possession-based team this season, then we have to be able to pass the ball over a short distance.
“We have mentioned little things, just to clarify what we are after in certain areas, and are looking forward to seeing how the players react.”
McCall’s men were back at Woodhouse Grove today and are set to begin contact training from next week.