Stuart McCall wants City to wreck the Shrewsbury party on Saturday.

The Shropshire side are gunning for victory to mark the debut league game at their new home. But McCall has other ideas as he eyes his first win as a manager.

Less than 4,000 watched Shrewsbury shock Colchester in the Carling Cup in midweek though the crowd is expected to be double that for the visit of the Bantams.

And McCall believes it is the perfect stage for City to show their own credentials against the side beaten in last season's play-off final.

He said: "There's going to be a real carnival atmosphere but let's go down and spoil the party. It's a nice new stadium, the pitch is in superb nick and it's a great place to play football.

"Shrewsbury have carried on where they left off last season and made a great start. To go away and win 4-0 on the opening day is a fantastic result even if the score may have slightly flattered them.

"But they will be full of confidence and moving into the new stadium will give everyone a lift. There's no doubt it will be a tough game but it's also a great challenge for us and we're very positive."

McCall, who was at the New Meadow on Tuesday, was delighted with City's midweek efforts at Wolves. But he admitted his focus switched to the weekend as soon as the final whistle sounded.

"We had a long journey home from Molineux and I spent the whole time preparing for Saturday.

"We gave a good account of ourselves and I was delighted with the way the lads went about it against a side two divisions up.

"Now we're looking to build on that again and hopefully get our first win on the board. That's what we will be aiming for on Saturday.

"I keep saying it but the spirit within the squad is very good. It takes a little time to build but there is a nice blend of good senior pros and young lads and you can see that everyone wants to do well."

McCall also had words of encouragement for winger Joe Colbeck - and held up his appetite for hard work as an example for the whole team.

"I know Joe gets a little frustrated about his end product which lets him down a bit but his work ethic is a real credit. It's absolutely outstanding and he's one to follow in that regard.

"Even when things aren't going right for him he's still looking for the ball and I've never seen a wideman with his desire to keep going right to the end.

"The quality of crossing needs improving but that can be worked on. He has certainly shown the stomach and appetite for putting the shirt on."

Colbeck could make way for Alex Rhodes to return if McCall decides to shift Omar Daley back on to the right. Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu is also pressing for a second start up front with Wolves goalscorer Kyle Nix making way.

Donovan Ricketts did not look 100 per cent comfortable as he shrugged off the pain of a foot injury to play at Molineux. But McCall has no worries about him missing out on Saturday.

He said: "It was typical Donovan on Wednesday. He didn't take one goal kick, then he took another, then he didn't take the next one and when he had the chance to throw the ball, he rolled it out and kicked it!

"But as I told the boys in the dressing room, we don't know where his kicks are going never mind his throws.

"He will be okay for Saturday. You know the big man tends to have the physio on nearly every week but, touch wood, he never misses a game.

"He was a little bit sore with the foot but he played through the pain. He's a lovely lad, a nice character and he will be fine."

With former Bantam Andy Cooke facing a lengthy injury lay-off, Shrews boss Gary Peters was today hoping to land a new striker.

Derek Asamoah has joined French club Nice for £50,000 while Michael Symes is yet to discover last season's form following his move from Valley Parade.

Shrewsbury are marking the occasional with a special commemorative "new era" 132-page programme.

But it does not come cheap at £6 - or £10 for a 1,000 gold-finished limited edition signed by Town chairman Roland Wycherley.

Away fans are reminded there is no parking at the ground and they must use the park and ride system.