Derek Adams is pleased with the shape of his squad, with the Bantams into the second week of their pre-season training schedule.
The City boss grasped his first taste of training with his new side, as the first team trained at Bradford (Park Avenue) to get preparations for the 2021/22 campaign underway.
The squad have been put through their paces on the running track at the Horsfall Stadium, and Adams has been satisfied with what he has seen in the opening sessions.
He said: “I have been impressed. It is always difficult at the start of pre-season training. Everyone is worried about how much work they have to do and how much they will have to run.
“But, in the mornings, we have done a lot of ball work, and in the afternoons we focus more on getting metres in their legs.
“The warm weather at the running track would have felt like it has not helped them but, in the long term, it will - because the heat we had last week will enable them to be a lot fitter during the season.
“Bradford Park Avenue have welcomed us to their facility, and we have been using the running track to not only get minutes into the players’ legs, but to push them mentally. We want to see if they can get through tough sessions, and they have so far.
“That is why we have been using the facilities at Bradford Park Avenue. We also have a friendly fixture against them in a couple of weeks. It is always beneficial to have a strong relationship with your local teams.”
Pre-season has also given Adams the opportunity to have a first look at his eight summer signings, and the 46-year-old is content with the squad he has began to assemble.
“We have had 23 players training with us, and the players are looking good. They have really looked after themselves over the summer.
“We have added players to the squad, and it was important for me to do that. We need competition for places all over the pitch, and the new boys have certainly added to our depth.
“I am trying to get the right balance throughout the team, and it is pleasing to see they have fit in well with the rest of the group.
“We have a lot of pre-season games to play this year, and all the players will get minutes out of that. The objective is to get them as fit as they can be, without any injuries in this period.”
Derek Adams will be sponsored by The Good Estate Agency for the 2021/22 campaign.