Graham Alexander knows how Bromley feel for visit to Bantams

City’s next opponents have kicked off their first campaign in League Two in perfect fashion with two victories.

Having won the National League play-offs to get promoted, the Ravens will be buzzing for their visit to BD8.

But Bantams boss Alexander can appreciate the confidence surging through the visitors at the start of their debut EFL season.

He experienced similar when he took Salford into league football for the first time in 2019.

“It was something we used as motivation the season before,” said Alexander.

“We obviously recruited ex-league players at the time as well but there were a lot of players when we went into the play-off final who had been in the Conference North the season before.

Graham Alexander, right, with Salford's promoted team (Image: PA)

“They hadn’t played in the league and we were constantly dangling that carrot in front of them.

“We said they would get their opportunities and I wanted to be true to my word with those players.

“There wasn’t a massive turnaround of the squad over that summer. I felt they deserved their chance in the league and had earned it.

“They certainly took that into the start of the season. You could sense the whole excitement around the club, the individuals and the players and how they were ready for the challenge.

“Obviously we’d won a lot of games that season to get promoted.

“So, I can understand it from (Bromley’s) perspective as well. I’ve been in their shoes and been around players in their shoes.

“We are well aware of the challenge that is coming.”

Alexander has done his homework and insists nobody will be underestimating the threat of Andy Woodman’s side.

“They are a good team. You don’t win a lot of games in succession and win promotion if you’re not decent.

“They have got momentum but I believe we have as well over the last nine league games, going back to last season.

“I don’t think they will come here inhibited or frightened. They will be confident in their own game because of what they’ve done.

“But I believe we feel like that as well.”

Playing a newly-promoted team so early in the season can present its challenges with the opposition still riding the wave from going up. But Alexander does not see that as an issue for the Bantams.

City began the season with an impressive win at MK Dons (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I think we had that on the first weekend of the season when people were saying MK Dons away was a tough one to start with and wouldn’t you have preferred a so-called easier game?

“It’s not in our make-up to think like that.

“I think you saw that from the result we got because we were fully confident going in.

“If we consider ourselves to be potentially one of the better teams in this league, why are we fearing anyone at any stage of the season?

“We have to take on all-comers at all times and be prepared to try and win a game of football.

“I don’t think there’s any benefit or hindrance playing them at this stage of the season.

“We’re going to have to play everybody so let’s just crack on.”

Bromley boss Woodman is determined to keep feet on the ground after their fast start.

He said: “We have had to graft in both games and be professional and workmanlike, which we are. We’re not getting carried away.

“It’s very early doors. We’re taking care of our business.”