Mark Hughes is proud of the progress the Bantams have made this season, despite defeat to Carlisle United in the play-off semi-final ending their 2022/23 Sky Bet League Two campaign.
The City boss knows his team can use the disappointment at Brunton Park as motivation for next season, as they will look to bounce back.
“We are a different club, now,” he said.
“We have not finished how we would have wanted to, but we have progressed. There is a lot of pride.
“We can use this disappointment for next season - we can be better.
“There is no reason why we cannot go up with the group we have, who will only get better.
“We can use this as motivation for next year.
“We did not get the ultimate prize, but we can build on this for next season.”
Hughes added how conceding in the second half of extra-time was a sucker punch to City - after they had worked hard to level the game on aggregate.
The Welshman is confident in the squad he has, and believes they know the task which faces them next season.
“It is difficult when you are a player and your body is tired, and it will not do what your mind wants it to do,” he continued.
“It could have been them that conceded again, but it was not.
“We did well to get back level, but we had to be stronger in those positions.
“It will not be easy. Just because we have got this far this time, we cannot be naive.
“We know what we have to do next season.”