Stuart McCall is itching to get out of the office and on to the training pitch after spending his first month as Bantams manager searching for new players.

His squad reported back for training today but outdoor work is not due to start until Monday.

McCall, who is hoping to make his first signing early next week, said: "It can't come a second too soon. It seems like every hour of the day I've had the phone stuck to my ear or I've been on the internet finding out about players.

"I'm not an office type of person but I know its part and parcel of the job. I am missing the football and missing being able to watch games.

"I'm looking forward to getting out on the pitch and working with the boys."

McCall welcomed his players back today expecting them to already be in reasonable shape.

He said: "Gone are the days when players turn up a stone over weight. That was in my day!

"All the players were given fitness programmes to work on."

Meanwhile, three of City's fixtures have been changed.

Their Carling Cup trip to Wolves has been put back a day to Wednesday, August 15 (7.45pm) so as not to clash with neighbours West Brom's cup tie at home to Bournemouth.

City's first league meeting against Lincoln since the Valley Parade fire in 1985 has been brought forward a day to avoid clashing with England's home game against Israel. They will now visit Sincil Bank on Friday, September 7 (7.45pm).

City's visit to Chester has also been moved back 24 hours to Wednesday, March 12. This is because Chester's game against local rivals Wrexham has been moved to Sunday, March 9.