THE buzz is back at Bradford City, according to one of Gary Bowyer's former players who hails from Keighley.

Matty Pearson, who is about to kick off his new season with promoted Luton Town in the Championship on Friday night against Middlesbrough, says the Bantams can also be considered one of the favourites for the League Two title this season after a busy summer of signings.

He says keys to City's success this season could be keeping their new signings fit, including strikers James Vaughan and Manningham-born Clayton Donaldson. The Bantams kick off their new campaign with a home date against Cambridge United on Saturday.

Pearson added the pre-season friendly at Valley Parade, in aid of the Darby Rimmer Foundation, where City lost to Liverpool, also proves that everyone at the club are now united.

Pearson, whom City were linked with during the summer of 2017, said: "They have been busy, they have signed a few.

"The players they have brought in have been good signings by the manager. They should be in and around come May.

"But you never know, football is one of the weirdest games. As long as they keep them fit, they should be OK.

"They needed a good summer after last season.

"The Stephen Darby game has brought a real buzz back. It looks good for them and they're moving in the right way."

Pearson previously predicted the Bantams boss will take the club back in the right direction following their relegation to League Two last season.

The 25-year-old centre-back worked under Bowyer in the youth and reserve teams at Blackburn Rovers during his spell at Ewood Park. He joined them aged 10, progressing through the academy to sign his first professional contract in the summer of 2011.

After a spell at Lincoln City, he joined League Two club Rochdale on a one-year contract after his release by Blackburn in 2012.