Chris Hutchings believes the huge strides taken by Bradford City in recent months will be evident when they return to the scene of one of last season's biggest humiliations.

The Bantams travel to Gresty Road keen to put the memory of their 5-0 thrashing by Crewe last April firmly behind them.

City have invested £3.3 million on new players since that debacle and with inspirational skipper Stuart McCall back in the squad, Paul Jewell's side will travel hopeful of chalking up their first victory.

Bantams' assistant boss Hutchings said: "We have come a long way since the 5-0 defeat. It was a low point of our season but we should not need that as an incentive. We should be able to motivate ourselves for this game regardless of that.

"We have spent a lot of money and now have something like 27 professionals at the club, although we do have one or two players still out injured."

Stuart McCall has successfully come through training this week and returns to the squad for the first time since suffering ankle ligament damage in the opening game against Stockport.

Nigel Pepper has also been added to the travelling party after recovering from a fractured rib and playing the full 90 minutes against Newcastle United reserves in midweek.

Edinho and John McGinlay will, however, miss out after picking up slight strains but Robbie Blake is rewarded for a lively performance in midweek with a recall.

Two City players keen to do well will be Gareth Whalley and Ashley Westwood, who moved to Valley Parade from Crewe in a joint £750,000 deal during the summer.

Hutchings said: "Gareth is a very good footballer and has done very well in the last two games while Ashley will also be keen to make an impression against his former club."

Meanwhile, City fans are being strongly advised to purchase tickets in advance for the first leg of the West Yorkshire derby clash with Halifax Town in the Worthington Cup.

The first leg will take place at the Shay on Tuesday, September 15 and the Bantams have been handed an allocation of 3,389 uncovered terrace tickets costing £8 (conc £4). A limited number of 150 seat tickets are also available for £9 (conc £5). Coaches leave Valley Parade at 6.30pm and will cost £4 (conc £3).

The return leg is at Valley Parade seven days later and normal league prices will apply. Season ticket holders have until 5pm on Thursday, September 3 to reserve their seats.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.