BRADFORD City Women will begin their 2018-19 FA Women’s National League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, August 19.

It will be manager Mark Brier’s first competitive fixture in charge of the Bantams, after he took over earlier this summer following the departure of player-manager Charlotte Stuart.

While the new boss recognises the coming campaign will be tough after mass player exits, he admits his new-look side are looking forward to it.

“We’re all buzzing to get started now,” said Brier. “It’s going to be a challenging season and, although we’re on the back foot a little after losing players, that also creates opportunity to step in and step up.”

City’s first home game in the newly-formed National League then comes seven days later, as they host a Sunderland side dropping into the third tier from the FA Women’s Super League.

The Lady Black Cats had appealed the FA’s decision to demote them, hoping to secure a place in the new second tier, the FA Women’s Championship.

However, they – along with fellow National League side Blackburn Rovers – saw their appeal rejected, meaning they will remain in what is a very Yorkshire-heavy North division.

Bradford will play local rivals Guiseley Vixens and Huddersfield Town again, while welcoming three more derbies to their schedule.

Doncaster Rovers Belles and Sheffield FC have both dropped into the division from the second tier, while Hull City won promotion from last year’s FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division One.

“Obviously, we’re not on our own with player losses as Sheffield and Doncaster are smarting from them too,” Brier added.

“That has probably sharpened the focus of everyone so, to coin the usual phrase, there will not be any easy games, but we’re going to be ready.

“We’re look forward to competing with our local rivals too and relish the chance to prove who we are now and where we intend to be in the future."