City must strike in the summer market – by signing “at least one” new frontman for next season.

John Hendrie believes they cannot rely exclusively on James Hanson and Aaron Mclean to lead the line.

The Bantams have released Garry Thompson and Andy Gray to leave teenager Oliver McBurnie as the chief back-up to the front two.

Club legend Hendrie said: “Phil Par-kinson would ideally like three or four strikers to choose from but of course it’s down to the budget.

“James Hanson and Nahki Wells were the perfect combination but now the onus is on these two. But you still need that competition for places.

“With the amount of games you have, there will be suspensions, loss of form and injuries, especially bearing in mind the situation with James. You can’t just be relying on the same two strikers every week.

“Olly McBurnie is still a kid in the grand scheme of things. When you are expected to be scoring goals and creating problems, it’s a massive step up between youth team and senior football.

“The more firepower you can have the better. If you need to change things, you want to see a couple of strikers on the bench, not centre backs.

“I think Phil needs to bring in at least one, money permitting.”

City were only 14th in League One for goals scored last season with 57 – 32 less than champions Wolves. Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes has already stressed that there will be more emphasis on attack for their second season back in the division.

T&A columnist Hendrie added: “Obviously it comes down to money but the club have released the money from players like Thompson, Gary Jones and Matthew Bates to create space.

“They are trying to bring in players in attacking positions and creative ones.

“But I’m not surprised that the club are staying quiet on any targets. You’ve got to keep your counsel.

“Every team goes in for the same players and once one club declares an interest publicly, there’s nothing to stop another coming in and offering more money.”

* City have organised a friendly at League Two side Morecambe on Saturday, August 2 (2pm).