CHIB Chilaka was determined to report back from his summer break in good shape, so he put in extra training during the close season.

The former Bantams striker enjoyed his best season as a Bradford Park Avenue player last term and ended the campaign as their top scorer.

He notched the winning goal in the West Riding County Cup final as Avenue capped their season with a trophy.

Chilaka – who signed a new contract earlier this month – is keen to pick up where he left off, and said: “I was doing pre pre-season training. You have to come back in an acceptable condition and we’re starting early this time.

"It’s normally about July 5 or 6 when we come back but we’re in this Thursday.

“It has flown by this year – you go off on holiday when the season ends and, before you know it, you’re looking at getting yourself in shape.

"I’m looking forward to it though and we all want to hit the ground running, especially with the new players coming in adding to the competition for places.”

The new management team of Martin Drury and Jamie Price have been busy strengthening the squad they inherited from John Deacey.

Former Guiseley, FC Halifax Town and Darlington striker James Walshaw is one of the new recruits.

However, Chilaka welcomes the competition, adding: “I’ve not spoken to Martin and Jamie about their transfer targets or dealings but I know James has come in, though I’m not jealous or worried.

“Every time we step out onto a pitch we have got to give it our best.

"Football is a highly-pressurised game. You have to go into each game knowing that you have to perform because there is a hungry sub waiting to take your shirt.

“I’m sure James will also be looking forward to the challenge, as will the other players – new or old.

"The greater the competition for places, the better that is for bringing the best out of you.

“It’s good for the players and it’s good for the club. We want to build on what we did last season and push for promotion.

"All the players want to make the side worthy of the name Bradford Park Avenue, and we want the supporters to know that.

“The last three months of last season was really inspiring and proved what we’re capable of.

"We put the results together, and that’s an indication that the club is moving in the right direction.

“The amount of points we picked up from the last ten or 12 games would have put us up there if we’d done that throughout the season.

“If we can get off to a good start, then who’s to say we can’t win promotion?

"But we do need a good start, and that’s another reason for coming back in already in good shape.”