Leyton Orient v Bradford City: City put recruitment drive on back-burner

The Bantams head to East London today sitting 15th in the table, effectively seven points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a goal difference that is far superior to those sides near the bottom.

However, following disappointing back-to-back defeats against Shrewsbury Town and Walsall in the last eight days and with today bringing a trip to third-placed Leyton Orient, there is a slight sense of unease among supporters.

Getting to the 50-point tally that usually guarantees safety cannot, therefore, come soon enough as all other matters are put on the back-burner.

Parkinson said: “My focus is on getting the wins we need to make sure we are in League One next season. So, in that respect, recruitment will have to wait.

“But, equally, we do have people out there keeping us abreast of what is happening. They are speaking to agents and obviously I speak to them, about that.

“My focus has to be on now and getting the points we need. If I take my eye off the ball then that is when things can become dangerous.”

Jon Stead, a loan arrival from Huddersfield on deadline day, is likely to lead the attack with Aaron Mclean at Brisbane Road.

The striker, match-fit after a recent spell at Oldham Athletic, is the seventh loanee in the Bradford squad.

Parkinson added: “The team has evolved this season. We started with most of the promotion-winning side and that helped with stability.

“But, in recent weeks, we have brought in several new faces and they have made a positive impact.”