New Bradford City first team coach Malcolm Shotton is determined to help the Bantams cement their place among the Premiership elite.

The former Oxford United boss will work alongside Chris Hutchings and replace Terry Yorath, who resigned yesterday.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Telegraph & Argus, the former Wales boss is expected to link up with Paul Jewell at Sheffield Wednesday.

Shotton took his first training session today and is looking to maintain the huge progress that City have made in recent years.

He said: "This has all happened very quickly and I am very, very excited about the opportunity. Being involved in the Premiership is what football is all about.

"I was with Barnsley when they won promotion and everyone knows what a huge achievement staying in the Premiership was for Bradford City last season.

"The important thing is now to build on that and keep the club moving forward."

Hutchings and Shotton played together at Huddersfield and the City boss is certain he has found a superb replacement for Yorath.

He said: "We had to move quickly following Terry's resignation and I feel the club has made a first class appointment.

"We have an important game on Sunday in the Intertoto Cup and Malcolm joining us is a very positive step for the club.

"We have known each other since playing together at Huddersfield. I have kicked him and he has kicked me.

"Seriously, he is a good organiser and will kick a few bums when they have to be kicked."

Hutchings is also hoping skipper Stuart McCall will agree to become City's new assistant boss and complete his first team coaching set-up.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "When I asked Chris who he wanted, his first choice was Malcolm so we are delighted this has been resolved so quickly.

"Malcolm has tremendous fighting qualities which is exactly what Bradford City is all about. he is vastly experienced and is also very highly respected."

Bradford City are offering supporters the chance to travel with the team to Lithuania this weekend for the club's debut in Europe.

Chris Hutchings' men will face FK Atlantas at the Zalgiris Stadium in Klaipeda with the game kicking off at 5pm local time (4pm BST).

The flight is direct from Leeds-Bradford Airport to Palanga leaving at approximately 9.30am on Saturday.

The package costs £528 and includes return flights, all internal transfers in Lithuania and hotel accommodation on a shared room basis. Breakfast will also be included.

For further information contact the marketing department on (01274) 778778 between 10am and 5pm each day.

City also warn fans they must have a passport which has at least six months before it expires.