MICHAEL Collins says Bradford City can be a force to be reckoned with in League One this season but is only focused on the first game.

After a busy summer of managerial changes and 15 signings at Valley Parade, the Bantams kick off their league campaign with a tough trip to Shrewsbury Town tomorrow.

One of City's many debutants for the trip to Shropshire will be its head coach, with Collins ready to face the challenge head-on.

City face a tricky test to compete for promotion this season, against the likes of Sunderland, Barnsley and Portsmouth.

Collins said: "I think we can be a force to be reckoned with but without getting carried away, or overstating anything, I am well of the expectations of the club. That is only natural due to the size of the club.

"I understand what everybody is viewing as the end goal.

"All we have said from minute one when we came into the club, is that we will split it up into short stages. Try to break the season down and hit little markers along the way and eventually finish where we expect to finish.

"Some struggle, some do well, some surprise, some don't.

"I am quietly confident in how we have gone about things in pre-season. I have every trust in these players. I don't want to shout and get ahead of ourselves too early. The only focus at the moment is that first game at Shrewsbury.

"I want to give a team that reflects the city; 100 per cent committed and hard working.

"We are a group that will rely on each other. Everyone will have an impact in how this season goes."

But he kept his cards close to his chest about his debut league starting 11.

He added: "There is a lot for me to think about on the starting 11 against Shrewsbury, as everybody has put their case forward. I will assess it.

Collins added he was looking forward to finally getting the campaign up and running and excited for the big kick off.

He said pre-season form is not always a good barometer for the forthcoming league campaign.

But he did not commit to any further signings but said he would assess the squad to see whether any new additions would be necessary.

Collins added he was happy with the Bantams' mix of youth and experience among his squad.

He said: "You do need experience around. I think we have got a good blend now.

"We have a mix of no-fear youthfulness and we have experience of how to approach games.

"You need to be able to trust the players that if there is something on the pitch that needs to change, they can deal with it."