Bradford City v Coventry City: Fresh start removed threat of hangover

The Bantams’ hopes of promotion were ended last May by a two-legged semi-final defeat to Millwall.

Phil Parkinson’s departure a few weeks later plus the arrival of new owners meant it was a summer of upheaval at Valley Parade.

Not, however, that this is apparent in how the club has started this season with back-to-back away wins at Peterborough United and Milton Keynes Dons during the past eight days ensuring Stuart McCall’s men will host Coventry City occupying a play-off place in the fledgling league table.

“The start has been great,” said McMahon, who, due to captain Stephen Darby being injured, has been playing in his preferred role of right-back. “Nine points would have been nice, though maybe a bit greedy.

“We can’t really complain at having seven, especially as we have won a couple of games this week away from home. Plus, we did everything but score in the first game (a goalless draw at home to Port Vale) so we have to be satisfied.

“It is, though, just a start. We are only three games in and there is a long, long way to go. Coventry will be a tough, tough game.”

Beating two potential promotion rivals on the road has provided a major fillip to City’s season. “We have to be on it again and we have to prepare properly,” added McMahon. “The wins were big in that there is no talk outside the club of a play-off hangover or anything like that.

“Within the squad, it was gone on day one of pre-season. I felt that straight away, probably because it was a fresh start. Phil had moved to Bolton and the gaffer had come in.”