Trialists invited to join Bradford City in Ireland (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Phil Parkinson will make sure Bradford City hopefuls have the right stuff

7:40am Monday 23rd July 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Phil Parkinson will run his eye over a couple more new faces during City’s week in Ireland.

The Bantams were training for the first time at their County Meath base this morning after flying in to Dublin yesterday.

But Parkinson has not ruled out adding to the squad that are already there.

“Some trialists have come with us and we’ll get one or two more to join us during the week,” he said.

“There are quite a lot of players still looking for clubs and we’ve got to make sure we get the balance in our squad right. That’s what we are working towards.

“It’s tough to go on trial because you’ve got to be better than what’s already there. It’s our job to make sure they are right, not just as a person but as a character.”

City fielded five trialists in Saturday’s 7-1 stroll at Tadcaster Albion – former Carlisle midfielder Tom Taiwo, winger Anthony McNamee and defenders Christophe Lowinsky, Michael Boateng and Javan Vidal.

“I can’t fault any of them and they all put themselves in the reckoning,” said Parkinson.

“But we’re assessing the players all the time in training as well. You want to see they can do the basics of the job first of all, but also how they fit in character-wise with the rest of the group.

“That’s very important and being in Ireland now gives us a great opportunity with everybody under the same roof.”

Parkinson was happy with the fitness of the players in the opening friendly.

He said: “Everything went to plan. It was a good exercise, they all played 45 minutes and did some running on the pitch at half-time.

“We’re in good shape at this stage and we’ve still got players who weren’t out there on Saturday as well as new signing Alan (Connell). There are good options starting to form.”

Connell has joined up with the squad after making his own way separately from the south.

“You’re always a little bit nervous joining a new club as you try to fit into the group,” he said.

“It’s important you get on with everyone as quickly as possible and this trip is a good chance to do that.”