The players reported back for pre-season training this week and manager Terry Dolan is looking forward to working them hard in the coming weeks.

There was a slight disappointment awaiting Dolan in that he has lost one of his squad from last season.

Versatile midfielder Scott McNiven, son of Dolan's former Bradford City team-mate David, has departed.

"Scott signed for Farsley Celtic but, on the bright side, Danny Ellis was wanted by them but he has re-signed for us for the coming season," said Dolan.

"The weather may have been bad for the height of summer but it has been great for our pitch after the re-seeding work.

"We have been staying off the playing surface but we have the artificial grass area for training."

The close-season work on the pitch has had a bearing on the club's schedule of friendly fixtures.

They have only been able to arrange away games for most weeks but will welcome Leeds United to Nethermoor on Monday, August 6.

"That game is the only one we have at home but we haven't ruled out playing Bradford City yet,"

continued Dolan.

"The trouble is that the dates are not falling into place so I just hope we don't run out of time.

"I spoke to Stuart (new Bantams boss McCall) and we are still working closely trying to get something fixed up.

"With Stuart coming in over the close season, Bradford City had already arranged several friendly matches before he got there.

"There are a couple of options regarding available dates but City start their league programme on August 11, so that isn't helping.

"Other than that it's all systems go. The players have had enough rest and I have played enough golf."