MICHAEL Collins admits his first transfer window as City boss went easier than expected.

The Bantams completed one deal before yesterday’s loan deadline as they added teenage Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O’Brien for the season.

But having already made 15 signings through the summer, Collins was happy to avoid the late panic of some other clubs.

He said: “It’s been relatively relaxed. The bulk of the recruitment was done in the summer, which always helps.

“Not everybody is always fortunate enough to be in that situation, so that was pleasing for the club.

“For me, it’s been interesting and there’s been a lot to learn from it.

“It’s been one of the easy ones. I imagine they’re not all going to be like this.

“But it’s been good that we can get those bodies in the building.

“There will be times during the season when you pick up a couple of injuries and you’d love to be able to tap into certain resources.

“But it is what it is now. Everybody understands – you get plenty of time to get the recruitment done. We’re quite happy with what we have.”

Collins felt the crucial deal was replacing Charlie Wyke instantly with Eoin Doyle, although the former Preston striker is still looking to get off the mark as City head for Fleetwood this afternoon.

The head coach added: “It was a big moment and an important one.

“When you lose a player of Charlie’s stature, you’ve got to be careful to make sure you bring in the right one. You give yourself time.

“We were pleased with that one. Charlie’s a very good player who’s hard to replace – but I think we did a very good job in doing that.”

O’Brien, 19, is well thought-of at Huddersfield and signed a new deal in the summer after being named the Premier League club’s academy player of the year.

He is yet to play a senior game but could be involved at Highbury.

“I am looking to make an impact straight from the off,” said O’Brien. “It is important I get off to a good start and I want to help the team kick on.

“I will bring a great deal of enthusiasm. I’ll be looking to get on the ball as often as possible and supply the forwards with the service they need.

“I am a box-to-box player. I want to make chances and help the team keep clean sheets.”