Walsall v Bradford City: Parkinson plans to build on bright start

The Bantams kicked off 2014-15 with a thrilling stoppage-time victory over Coventry before securing a safe passage to the Capital One Cup second round by seeing off League Two Morecambe.

City then being handed a plum tie at home to Leeds United in the next stage merely confirmed that fate was smiling on Valley Parade, especially with the League One club expecting to bank between £200,000 and £250,000 from the West Yorkshire derby.

Parkinson was delighted with the manner in which his side approached the Coventry and Morecambe victories and wants to see more of the same.

The Bantams’ chief said: “It has been a good week and one that the players can be happy about. But that is all it is – one week.

“We have to build on that, starting with what will be a tough away game against a Walsall side who are an established League One team.

“They started really well last season, only to tail off a little at the end. I am sure Dean (Smith, Saddlers’ manager) will be hoping his side can challenge again this time. We know it will be tough but, equally, we are looking forward to it.”

City, sporting several new faces, were hugely impressive a week ago when beating Coventry. Parkinson added: “We are still learning about each other, in terms of the new signings, but that process can be made that little bit easier when you are winning.

“What the first couple of games have done is give everyone a lift.

“We worked hard in both games and deserved our reward. I was particularly pleased with how we played at Morecambe. They are a decent side but we kept going and got our reward. Obviously, that was added to when we then drew Leeds out of the hat in the cup.”