City have been warned not to expect a holiday on their tour down south.

The Bantams today headed for the hotel base near Colchester where they will be camped for the four-game schedule in the next five days.

City will face Stambridge United tonight before playing further games at Canvey Island, Jamie Lawrence’s Ashford Town and Chelmsford City.

Taylor has taken his previous clubs to the same complex and believes the week will have a major benefit as the players tune up for the approaching campaign.

He said: “It won’t be a luxury hotel. The time will go so quick because they will be very busy.

“We are playing nearly one game every night as well as training in the daytime.

“But the players will enjoy it because there are lots of things to do in the hotel. It’s a really nice area and there’s a good training pitch.

“The atmosphere in the squad is very good anyway. They seem to be a good bunch who are trying to help each other and this week will be even better for that.”

Trialists Chris Simm and David Syers are among the 22-strong travelling party after featuring against North Ferriby. But Matt Tipton and Lee Morris – both with City from the start of pre-season – will not be making the trip.

Taylor said: “I’ve already got Michael Flynn in the building who is very like Matty Tipton and Lee Morris has got a concrete offer to go somewhere else. But I’ve asked Chris and David to come down with us.”

Striker Simm, 26, has been transfer-listed by Southport, where he is halfway through a two-year contract. He scored 19 goals last season as the Sandgrounders won the Blue Square North title.

Taylor said: “It happened quite quickly with him. I know somebody from that area who explained to me the type of player he is.

“I wanted to take a look and I quite like him. This gives us a chance to have another look this week.”

Neither Flynn nor Tommy Doherty have travelled as they continue to work off minor injuries at Valley Parade. Both are expected to rejoin full training next Monday.