Young head Knott settles in quickly thanks to wiser pros

The former Sunderland player has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Valley Parade, with last weekend’s 3-1 loss to visiting Yeovil a bump in the road which few expected. All things considered, it has still been an encouraging opening to the campaign for the Bantams, who play host to Swindon Town this afternoon, particularly given the new-look nature of Phil Parkinson’s side.

Knott is one of several who have been prominent in the first month of the campaign, cajoled by a few senior hands in the middle who are helping Parkinson’s switch to a midfield diamond a relatively smooth one.

Knott said: “There have been a few ups and downs already, but more ups. It has been really enjoyable.

“I think it is one of the best group environments I have been in by far.

“Bringing in so many different players from different clubs this season has been strange and it will take time to gel.

“But it was good to get off to a good start and we needed that.

“We are all giving 100 per cent and the gaffer is picking teams and resting players because we have not got a big squad and he is doing it really well.

“In the midfield, it is a joy playing with Lidds and JK.

“They both work hard and get onto me when I am not doing that and when we get on the ball, there’s an understanding as well, so it’s enjoyable.

“JK is quiet, but you know when he wants more out of you and Lidds will get onto you a little bit more. They both quietly go about their business.

“But you know if they want more out of you, you have got to give more.”

Bradford head into today’s clash in fifth spot after six games, but Knott believes supporters need to be realistic regarding seasonal aims.

With several leading sides having higher budgets than Bradford, Knott feels the club have it all on to end the season in the play-offs, with a top-10 finish a more achievable aim in the circumstances.

He said: “There are a lot of good teams in there and personally I think we should be in the top 10 and anything above that is a bonus.

“At the moment, we are such a new team.

“But if we get more wins than losses we will be in the top 10 and next season, we will see where it goes from there.”