Phil Parkinson has challenged Nathan Doyle to take his game to the next level as the pieces continue to fall into place for City’s assault on League One.

Former Watford winger Mark Yeates became the latest arrival after signing a two-year deal – while Doyle ended the “will he, won’t he” speculation by committing to Valley Parade for a further season.

The central midfielder looked a class act in City’s promotion campaign but Parkinson believes there is much more to come. He has promised a fitter and sharper Doyle will kick off the new term on August 3.

Parkinson said: “Last year we never had a pre-season with Nathan. The good thing is we’ve got four or five weeks to work with him this time.

“He’s a good player who knows he has got to improve his fitness levels all round and we’re determined to help him do that. He was back in yesterday and looks in good shape.

“You do need quality going up to that next level. Doyley’s got that as well as offering us versatility, which is important when we’re going to have a smaller squad again.

“It’s a big year for the club but he knows it’s also big for him personally. He wants to push on in his career and we will help him do that.”

Coventry were linked with Doyle during last season and there were rumours that former Sky Blues boss Mark Robins was keen to take him to Huddersfield.

Parkinson said: “You’ll always get players that interest other clubs when you do well. That comes with the territory from the success we’ve had.

"But we were always hopeful and Doyley wanted to stay. He was on holiday and then I went away but we were still speaking and I'm delighted we've finally got it done.”

Irishman Yeates played under Parkinson at Colchester and the bulk of his football has been in the second tier. City see the 28-year-old's capture as a real coup.

“We’ve worked hard behind the scenes to do the deal and it was important we kept it under wraps for so long,” said Parkinson.

“Yeatesy’s an intelligent footballer who was outstanding for me at Colchester. He’s got a lot of confidence in his own ability and loves to receive the ball.

“I played him behind the striker for Colchester as well as wide on the left and the right and he also played on the left of a three in midfield for Watford.

“There weren’t too many home-grown players kept on board there last season with the kind of revolution going on and all the loan signings coming in (from abroad). It was testament to Yeatesy and his ability that he still ended up playing 30 games – and he played well.”

Yeates scored 20 goals in 72 league appearances with Colchester and was a key figure in their promotion to the Championship in 2006.

He said: “I have taken a number of phone calls in the past few weeks from clubs but I just get a good feeling from Bradford. This seems to be a good fit for me.”

While players are coming in, Will Atkinson confirmed that he has left City. The midfielder, who played 55 games last season, said: “I have so many great memories. The fans made it so special.”