Bradford City's players won't see too much of the ball as they begin pre-season training.

Jim Jefferies was taking the squad for their first session today at Bradford University before they re-locate to Catterick army camp later in the week.

And the City boss warned: "It's going to be a week of graft for everyone.

"The first few days will be all about fitness before we get into conditioning and ball work.

"We've got a couple of days to get used to training again and then we are off to Catterick for the really strenuous stuff."

Midfielder Gary Locke is the only player with experience of a Jefferies pre-season when they were both at Hearts.

He said: "I can guarantee the boys will be getting plenty of sleep in the next couple of weeks! He really puts you through it and I remember always feeling absolutely shattered at the end of each session.

"But it's all about getting yourself fit, and we will feel the benefit come the start of the league. The gap between football seasons seems to get shorter and shorter so we all try to keep ourselves ticking over fitness-wise."

Former Bournemouth midfielder Claus Jorgensen was meeting his new team-mates for the first time after completing a Bosman move on Friday.

And City were hoping to see Dutch striker Michel Evans, who is on trial after his contract ran out with VVV Venlo.

Jefferies said: "It's going to be tough, but I think we are all looking forward to it. It's a terrific challenge for us this year to try to get back into the Premier League."

City will play five pre-season friendlies, starting with three later this month in Northern Ireland against Glentoran, Bangor and Portadown.

They return to Valley Parade to face Blackburn on August 4 before tackling neighbours Huddersfield at the McAlpine Stadium four days before Division One kicks off.