PHIL Parkinson has declared himself happy with his lot after steering clear of the deadline-day frenzy.

Having snapped up 13 players during the summer transfer window, City were content to let last night's cut-off point pass without any further arrivals.

Alan Sheehan also remains at Valley Parade for now, although he is likely to go out on an emergency loan when that option becomes available from next week.

After Sheffield Wednesday, City have still been the busiest window shoppers in Yorkshire.

Parkinson has also had to react to serious injuries to key players Filipe Morais and Billy Clarke but reckons his new squad are showing signs of life after a sluggish start.

Striker Devante Cole, his latest capture, sealed the first win of the campaign last weekend as City also made it back-to-back clean sheets.

Parkinson said: "We've got some quality in and there's a bit more depth and more options from the bench.

"On paper the squad is looking stronger; we just have to make sure it's the same on grass."

With no midweek game again until the end of the month, Parkinson hopes City can cash in on that extra time on the training pitch. He saw evidence of their increasing staying power in the last-gasp win over Port Vale.

"It is an advantage for us and we need to use that to our benefit," said the Bantams boss.

"On Saturday we got stronger as the game went on and I think it was the same against Barnsley where we had just as many chances.

"At the start of the season that wasn't the case and we were disappointing in the second half.

"We understand the reasons for that – but we want to make sure that we are a team that goes right to the end and that showed on Saturday.

"You saw Man United do it so many times under Sir Alex Ferguson, having that drive to keep going to the final whistle and the mental toughness when people get fatigued to push for that win.

"We've also looked better defensively in recent weeks. It's not just about changing the system. We played 4-4-2 at York and still conceded goals and looked too open.

"There has been an improvement and we've got to continue that. There is more work to be done with individuals to get more out of them."

Parkinson has admitted it has been a "challenging" summer in a market place inflated by the TV riches filtering down from the Premier League and higher wages within the division being shelled out by the likes of Bury and Scunthorpe.

"Things have been distorted at times but we've tried to hold out for those players we wanted and get as many at the right ages as we can and the right quality who can develop with us," he said.

"It's just really getting to know the individuals as the season progresses and working with them to maximise their potential. That's what management is about."

Chris Routis and Tony McMahon both rejoined training yesterday. The Frenchman, who has recovered from a tight hamstring, is nearer to returning to the first-team picture after a week's running with physio Matt Barrass.

"Chris is ahead of Tony, who has been practically inactive since prior to the Barnsley game because of his virus," said Parkinson.

"But Tony got the all clear and we're going to ease him in. We'll have a look at how he's doing nearer the weekend."