Parkinson happy with squad

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson is confident he will have a squad capable of making an instant impact in npower League Two next season.

The Bantams kick-off the new campaign at Gillingham on August 18 and follow that with successive home games against Football League new-boys Fleetwood and AFC Wimbledon. Parkinson has so far signed Andrew Davies from Stoke on a permanent basis and fellow defender Rory McArdle following his release from Aberdeen, while 11 players were released at the end of the season. "It's a tough start for us," Parkinson told the club's official website. "We know Gillingham can be a strong side, but I'm extremely confident that we'll be well-equipped come the start of the season." He added: "We're all working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the new campaign. Everything is gearing up for the new season and the release of the fixtures really gives us something to aim for now."