Bantams aim for mental strength

BRADFORD City boss Phil Parkinson is hopeful his much-changed squad can start getting better results in the second month of the season.

Last season’s FA Cup surprise package saw several players leave and arrive during the close — including two heroes of the Chelsea victory, striker Jon Stead and winger Mark Yeates (now with Athletic).

Thirteen players arrived during the transfer window, leaving the Bantams second only to Sheffield Wednesday as the leading shoppers in Yorkshire.

Without a midweek game — Bradford were handed a bye to the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy — Parkinson has been toughening his squad for better end-of-game performance.

"On Saturday we got stronger as the game went on, and it was the same against Barnsley; we had just as many chances. At the start of the season that wasn't the case; we were disappointing in the second half. We understand the reasons, but we want to make sure we go right to the end, and that showed on Saturday.

"We've also looked better defensively in recent weeks and we've got to continue that. There is more work to be done with individuals to get more out of them."