CITY’S under-19s will be in pre-season action for the first time tonight.

Head of academy coaching Ryan Farrell will take charge of the youthful Bantams XI for the friendly at Northern Counties East opponents Pickering Town.

Meanwhile, Tom Calvert has been appointed interim head of the academy.

Calvert, who worked closely with the late Neil Matthews, takes over following the departure of Mark Litherland and will continue in the role for the foreseeable future.

He has been working as the academy head of player care and psychology.

Litherland resigned at the end of last season after nine months at the club. He had previously worked in the academies at Rochdale, Bolton and Bury.

City are looking for a new professional development phase lead coach after former player Neil Redfearn also stepped down.

The game at Mill Lane kicks off at 7.30pm.

The Bantams are looking for a replacement for Neil RedfearnThe Bantams are looking for a replacement for Neil Redfearn (Image: Bradford City FC)