Rehman says City still team to beat (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Rehman says City still team to beat

7:30am Monday 6th July 2009 in

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Zesh Rehman reckons City are still there to be shot at next season despite slashing their budget.

Rehman was one of several players to take a pay cut when he signed a two-year deal at Valley Parade.

But despite the more realistic approach being adopted within the club, the Bantams will still be viewed by the rest of League Two as the team to beat.

Rehman said: “I agree with the manager that the expectation level won’t be as high. We haven’t got the biggest budget in the league.

“But people will still see Bradford as a scalp. They will be desperate to put one over us, so we’ll have to be bang on our game every week.

“We are the biggest club in the division by a country mile. I associate Bradford City with the Premiership days and a lot of other clubs probably do as well.

“You just have to look at the size of the stadium and the crowds that we get every week. Of course teams are going to raise their game playing in front of crowds of 12,000-13,000 when they are used to only 2,000.

“But that’s the challenge that we face. This is a big club and we’re desperate to give the fans some success. That takes time but my ambition is to help Bradford back up the leagues.”

Rehman is one of the four summer signings that Stuart McCall has made but, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the club, he already felt at home.

Having missed out on the play-offs by two points, he sees no reason why City cannot be in contention again.

Rehman said: “We were not a million miles away from it. We’ve just got to make our home a fortress again and look to be a bit more solid away.

“But last season has gone now. We need to learn what we can and try to take it on board.

“Pre-season is coming up and I can’t wait to get going again. I’m looking to knuckle down in the area and then do my best for the team.

“I thought it went well in the three months here on loan despite not going up. I really enjoyed it and that’s why I threw my hat into the ring to come back here.

“I’m confident in my own ability and I believe my experience of playing at every level will help. But what happens with Bradford is about the team and not individuals.”