Bradford City v Aldershot Town: Jackson now calling the shots

The 50-year-old was confirmed as the Bantams’ permanent manager during the summer after spending 14 games in temporary charge at the end of last season.

During those final two-and-a-half months of 2010-11, Jackson was operating with players that had largely been brought in by his predecessor, Peter Taylor.

Now, however, after a summer of transfer dealing that has brought in a double-figure number of additions, Jackson admits the team is his own.

He said: “There is no hiding place for me now, I have to stand up and be counted this season. Now I am the manager, I am judged on my team, no-one else’s team.”

Aldershot Town are the visitors to Valley Parade for Jackson’s first game in permanent charge of Bradford and he is anticipating a stiff test.

Jackson added: “We know it is a tough game and a big ask. But the players are up for it, I am up for it and when the supporters turn up at 3pm, they will be up for it, too.

“We have to make Valley Parade a fortress this season. This is our castle, our home and we have to make it hard for any team to come away with much from it.”

Aldershot were one of the four teams beaten by Jackson’s City in the final weeks of last season.