WE ARE READY

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson says his side can't wait to get their campaign underway this Saturday (9 August 2014) in front of the home supporters.

Over three months after their win at Tranmere Rovers on the last day of the previous season, Parkinson's men kick off their 2014/2015 campaign by entering Coventry City at the Coral Windows Stadium.

New boys Jordan Pickford, Billy Clarke, Billy Knott, Gary Liddle and Alan Sheehan are all expected to make their full debuts for the Bantams during the game, while fellow recent recruits Filipe Morais and Mo Shariff could feature from the bench.

With Coventry expected to bring around 1,300 fans with them to Valley Parade for the game and City enjoying another healthy summer in terms of Season Ticket sales, a bumper crowd could be on the cards for Saturday's season opener.

Parkinson is looking forward to kicking off the new season in front of a sizeable crowd and he expects City's new faces to revel in the expected excitable atmosphere around the Coral Windows Stadium.

Parkinson said: "We've had a good week of training, the lads look fit and sharp, and we are ready for the new season.

"It has been a long pre-season and a long summer break and we can't wait to kick things off now again. The lads are very much looking forward to Saturday.

"The core of the squad we have here is good - the quality is there - we just need to add to it. But the lads are raring to go for this weekend's game.

"I am looking forward to the atmosphere and being at home first up.

"I think the new lads in particular will be keen to get out there come Saturday. To sample the full sort of atmosphere we get here at our ground is going to be great for them.

"We've have played a couple of pre-season friendlies at home recently but obviously only one stand was open for those games.

"When I met with the new signings over the summer, we spoke about the potential of the club and the size of the support we have had, and how those supporters really get behind the players.

"They know now that our fans response well to honesty and endeavour. It (the Coral Windows Stadium) is a terrific place to play your football and I want the players - new and old - to go out there and express themselves and to enjoy playing."

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