Ryan East was “buzzing” to have played his first game in a claret and amber shirt, following last night’s 2-0 pre-season victory over neighbours Bradford (Park Avenue).
East was also quick to praise the vocal City support, as the travelling Bantams watched their side retain the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy at the Horsfall Community Stadium.
The midfielder was happy with his individual performance, which saw him play the second 45 minutes, and lauded his team-mates’ dominance throughout the encounter.
He said: “It was unreal, to be fair. The support for such a local game was unbelievable, and I was just buzzing to put the shirt on for the first time.
“It is not a bad record - one game, one trophy! The main one is at the end of the season, of course, so we will aim for that. If all goes well, that is the one we want to be lifting.
“I thought first and second half we dominated the game. Individually, I felt I did well.
“There are always things to work on, but for the first game I am happy, and ready to kick on from here.”
East also explained how pre-season fixtures help the team to gel, and how he is looking forward to City’s warm-weather training camp in Spain next week.
“These games are important,” he added.
“I think next week will be massive as well, in terms of being away with each other 24 hours for six days.
“That will be the time when we really gel together, but games like this are important as well.
“I am buzzing for the trip away, to get away with the lads and to get to know them a bit more.
“I think the group has gelled well already, but the trip away will definitely do us better.”
East and his team-mates will fly to Alicante on Sunday for a six-day camp in Murcia, before returning for a friendly at home to Derby County. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.