Paudie O’Connor has so far enjoyed life under new manager Derek Adams, with the Bantams gearing up for a four-day pre-season training camp in Scotland.
City began their preparations for the 2021/22 campaign last week, as the first team squad got together for the first time under their new coaching team, before heading for Glasgow this morning.
Following an opening week training on Bradford (Park Avenue)’s running track at the Horsfall Stadium, the 23-year-old defender spoke highly of life under Adams to date.
O’Connor said: “It has been good to get back into training. Obviously, there are some new lads here - as well as the manager - so it has been good to meet everyone and get working on things.
“We have been focusing on our fitness, which we have done a lot on, and have had some sore legs.
“Everyone had a well-earned day off on Sunday after being out on the track in the afternoons and working on football sessions in the mornings.
“That is to be expected, though. Pre-season campaigns are never easy, no matter who is in charge. The new boss has put even more emphasis on our fitness levels.
“All that hard work is in the bank, now, and heading into the second week, we need to step it up again.
“I am sure over the next couple of weeks he will get his ideas across and explain how he wants us to play, which we are looking forward to.
“Whoever was coming in, our aim was going to be to achieve promotion. But for the gaffer to have that track record to his name, it gives us that extra bit of confidence heading into the season. We know his methods are proven and work.
“It will be up to us to put his methods into practice - and get three points on the pitch week in, week out.”
O’Connor feels the Scotland trip will allow the new players to settle into the squad after a promising opening week.
He is looking forward to welcoming the newcomers more into the frame, as the side continues to gel ahead of the coming campaign.
He added: “There is a good group here. It was easy to meet the new boys, and you could tell they were going to gel with the squad from the first day.
“It helps that they were all here from the first day in pre-season. It makes it easier for them to settle in. We are heading away to Scotland this week, so that gives us another good opportunity to gel.
“Then we start the friendlies. We will be slowly building the minutes up. It is important in pre-season to do that, because you want to be ready for the first league game of the season.
“We want to hit the ground running, and the pre-season games will play a big part in that.”
Paudie O’Connor will be sponsored by Russ Kenningham for the 2021/22 campaign.