David Wetherall dismissed any play-off ambitions as "crazy" talk during City's turbulent summer.

But the skipper now feels they have every chance of making the top six at the end of the season.

"We aren't up there by accident and the play-offs are a very realistic aim," he said.

"At the start of the season it would have been crazy to think we would be doing this well. But now, early in the new year, we find ourselves in a great position."

The Bantams are back in action at fifth-placed Bristol City on Saturday and Wetherall has warned about the tough tests ahead: "We've had a very good season so far but we've got no divine right to finish up there.

"I keep saying it but we cannot get carried away because there are another 20 games to go. If we are in a play-off position come May then it will be fantastic."

Andy Cooke is preparing for his debut at Ashton Gate, the third new face to arrive since the club came out of administration last month.

Wetherall added: "It maintains the momentum. You wait so long for the good news that we're clear of administration and then to have that backed up by a few new faces coming in is great. We are on a more even playing field now. If we do have an injury crisis or suspensions there might be an opportunity for the manager to cover that with one or two signings, as we've already seen."

City's good form was jolted by Swindon's victory at Valley Parade last week - a setback that could act as a timely warning.

"Once they scored both their goals it seemed to wake us up as an attacking force. But we need to be starting games with that tempo and attacking verve and not giving the opposition the upper hand."