New City manager Mark Hughes is ready for a return to matchday action, and is craving the adrenaline Saturday will bring, ahead of his first game in charge against Mansfield Town.
A near-four-year absence from football drew to a close this morning as the former Premier League boss took the reins at the Utilita Energy Stadium, and will take to the dugout for the first time as City chief against the Stags.
Hughes is looking forward to getting started at City, and spoke of his delight at a press conference at Valley Parade this afternoon.
He said: “I am really looking forward to getting going.
“Matchdays are what I have missed the most, with the adrenaline of it. I am really looking forward to Saturday.
“I met the squad this morning, and got a good reaction. There is time to assess the squad.
“I am confident we can get the results we need to move us up the table.”
The Welshman was enthused by the size of City when the potential appointment arose, citing the fanbase and potential of the club as a motivating factor.
Hughes signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Bantams and described how he believes the job matched his aspirations.
He added: “I had opportunities arise, but they were not right for me.
“As the process developed, it made more and more sense to me and everything reinforced what I was feeling about the club.
“I have always worked with expectations. Some managers downplay it for whatever reason, but fans want to know if you wish to be successful.
“It is a one-city club with a great fanbase, a fanbase I want to get excited about the club. This feels right for me.”
To secure your place at Saturday's clash - and catch Mark Hughes in the dugout for the very first time as Bradford City manager, please CLICK HERE.