As the sun smiles on Woodhouse Grove School, Peter Horne looks like a homeowner proudly showing off his swanky abode.

Bradford City’s head of youth operations is entitled to be pleased.

The academy set-up that he has championed since David Bosomworth first got him on board at the club 12 years ago has come to fruition.

Horne jokes that he should be known as Caesar as his “empire” continues to expand. But a visit to their Apperley Bridge base at the back of the school shows that City’s progress is not just limited to the first team.

The improvements in the training facilities for Phil Parkinson’s squad are mirrored at the lower levels. While Horne talks, there are groups of youngsters doing shuttle runs up and down an impressive new gym.

“This is how I always hoped it would pan out,” he said. “We haven’t stopped either, this is a work in progress.

“My dream has always been for Bradford City to have a top class academy and I believe we are knocking on that door right now.

“Everything is based here, from the development centre for the six and seven-year-olds right through to the first team. It’s a one-stop shop.

“I’ve got the gaffer next door and Parky (Steve Parkin) and the academy office down here. It’s a fantastic environment to come and work in.”

The attraction for prospective young talents is obvious. City now have a training base to show off to their parents that is every bit as grand as Valley Parade – and that has never been the case.

With better surroundings to offer, Horne believes the quality of player coming up through the system is already improving.

Youth-team striker Oliver McBurnie enjoyed a fantastic week with Manchester United in Northern Ireland, finishing with the golden boot with five goals as they won the prestigious Milk Cup.

Horne is confident there are other such talents bubbling beneath the surface.

He added: “Clubs are aware of good players that you’ve got and that goes to show with the number of Premier League scouts that book in to watch our academy games week in, week out.

"There’s a procedure now that you have to book in by Thursday night. So I know exactly who is coming to our Sunday games and the list is growing all the time.

“In all my time at the club, we are probably the strongest in depth right through the age groups that we ever have been. Everything is at a higher level.”

Selling their most promising youngsters has become an established income stream. George Green, who continues to catch the eye at Everton, is the latest in a long line including the likes of Tom Cleverley, Fabian Delph and Andre Wisdom.

Horne hopes that will be less of the case as City continue to expand as a club. Going back up the divisions will certainly help.

“Oli McBurnie is testament to the fact you don’t always have to be selling players. What he has achieved in that week at Manchester United will only do him and the club good.

“At the end of the day, the relationship the academy have with the two chairmen is fantastic.

“They always get involved and advise the right things, as was proved with the players we’ve sold in the past.

“We’re confident that any decision that they make or Phil Parkinson will be the right one for any other players who fall into that remit. And believe you me, there will be more.”