Mark Bower has a warning for the doom merchants ready to write off City's chances.

Pundits have predicted another tough campaign ahead following relegation to Coca-Cola League One.

But centre back Bower vowed: "We're all up for the challenge."

Darren Holloway and Lee Crooks underwent medical checks yesterday as they prepared to become Colin Todd's first signings as

manager.

With Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts waiting for his work permit to come through and Todd assessing his other trialists, City are ready to bulk up the numbers.

Bower can understand why other players are prepared to take the risk and try their luck with City despite the continuous financial problems.

He said: "You look around this place and it is a big club with some good players and a very experienced manager in charge. We want to do well this year and that's the reason why people want to play for us.

"They are taking a gamble because the money situation is obviously pretty dire but it looks like there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

"Playing games again and training has helped everyone forget what's been going on off the pitch. It's when you come away from the ground and read what's happening that it really hits home.

"But I believe we've got a decent chance if things can get sorted out and we have that flexibility to bring new faces in. We've got the bare bones of a good squad and with a few additions can probably do quite well."

Former Wimbledon right back Holloway is set to make his City debut at Darlington tomorrow in the first pre-season friendly against full-time opponents.

And with only 18 days to go until the big kick-off against Hartlepool, City fans will be hoping there are more arrivals to come to cover the gap left by the nine players who quit the club.

But Bower remains upbeat about City's prospects for next term.

He said: "You look at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Bristol City, Hull and Barnsley to do well because they have been in the position to bring players in. But as we saw last season, when you get a lot of new people it can be hard for them to gel at the same time.

"We do have a small squad and if we suffer a few injuries it will be difficult. But you forget that there are other clubs in this division who are in the same boat.

"We've got to learn to walk before we run and cannot afford to get carried away. But there is a solid base here and if we can get points on the board early then I think we can push on."