Mark Lawn believes the acquisition of just “two or three players” would leave City well equipped to challenge for a second promotion in 12 months next season.

The Bantams joint-chairman revealed efforts to sign new recruits are underway as boss Phil Parkinson looks to assemble his squad for the 2013-14 campaign.

Lawn expects the majority of the players who led the club to their first promotion since 1999 to stay at Valley Parade and reckons a small number of key additions could see City pushing for the play-offs.

“When I said that we may realistically have a chance in the play-offs, I meant it,” he said.

“Promotion can have a snowball effect and if we can keep the bulk of the squad together then I think it bodes well.

“The vast majority of our players are League One players and if we can keep them at the club then I reckon we can do all right next season.

“I would expect our lads to flourish at a higher level. They looked very good before we embarked on the Capital One Cup run and very good afterwards.

“It’s a tight squad which is adequate for League One and if we added a bit more quality I’m sure that we can be pushing for the play-offs. How many new faces do we need? I think just two or three to be fair, if we can keep everybody together.

“As soon as the season finishes, the agents are getting in touch with Phil and the process begins. It’s only early days yet, though.”

Lawn insists the club are confident of keeping their top players, such as Nahki Wells and James Hanson.

The lifelong Bantams supporter, who revealed they are likely to make another pre-season trip to Ireland, said: “Wells and Hanson are signed up, so unless we get a stupid bid they’ll be here next season.

“But they would have to be stupid bids. Otherwise, what’s the point in getting rid of them?”

Meanwhile, Parkinson has paid tribute to Adam Baker following the rookie striker’s departure from Valley Parade.

The Leeds-born forward, 19, made just four City appearances during the past campaign and spent time on loan with Harrogate Town and Bradford Park Avenue.

Parkinson decided not to offer the youngster a new contract and said: “Adam is at a stage in his career where he needs to be playing regular first-team football.

“We don’t feel that we can offer that to him here at Bradford, especially given our recent promotion into League One.

“He has displayed an excellent attitude throughout this season, though, and he certainly has the potential to kick on his career again.

“We certainly hope that he does just that. We wish Adam all the best for the future.”