Bradford City will be 'even better' in 2023-24 insists Mark Hughes as Bantams chief makes recruitment pledge

The Bantams would eventually wilt in Cumbria as their season ended one game short after losing their play-off semi-final 3-2 on aggregate against Carlisle United.

But once the disappointment subsides, City will start to turn their thoughts to the new season and Hughes is positive on that count - while admitting that players will move on and key signings brought in to strategically improve certain areas.

He said: “The lads have put in a hell of a shift all year and credit to them. They’ve got us in this position.

“Some will leave because that’s what happens at the end of a season. But the core of the squad is strong and we’ll add good quality and what we feel we need to strengthen areas we need to.

“We’ll be even better next year, so there’s still a lot to look forward to. We’re having conversations (on recruitment) as we speak. We’ve got a lot of time and a lot of thinking to do. But we’ll be in good shape next year.”

A pitch invasion followed the end of the game and despite referee Simon Mather not seeming to call time by blowing his whistle - with hordes of home supporters around the pitch's perimeter, Hughes did not take him to task. He added: “It got a bit messy at the end and could have developed into something a bit more significant and dangerous. Thankfully that didn’t happen.

“We had a few players that were still on the pitch but nothing untoward, so everybody was okay. It was probably the right decision.”