RORY McArdle has stressed that City have no room for carrying any passengers.

The centre half has begun the season in good form and scored their goal in last week’s 3-1 loss to Yeovil.

The home defeat came as a nasty jolt after a promising first month which has established the Bantams in fifth spot in League One.

City are back at Valley Parade on Saturday when they aim to put that right against Swindon. McArdle has made it clear that it needs a real team effort to maintain the early impetus.

He said: “Everyone has to contribute. If there are players who take their places for granted, they’ll soon find themselves out of the team.

“We have to set high standards and then it’s up to us to maintain those levels.

“We’ve got to keep trying to improve and push on. There is no point in standing still in life.

“That’s not me – and I’m sure it’s the same with all the lads, Parky (Steve Parkin) and the gaffer. If you feel like that, you wouldn’t be at a club like Bradford.”

McArdle signed a new deal in the summer to keep him at Valley Parade until 2017. Now into his third season, the defender admits there is still room for improvement.

He added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my two years here so far. We’ve progressed as a team and I certainly feel that I’ve done that as an individual.

“You always want to try to progress and work to the best possible standard.

“Last year was like a new chapter for me being in League One for the first time. It sounds strange because it feels as though I’ve been around for ages but I’m still learning.

“Even someone like Jonah (Gary Jones), who was 36, was picking up new things last season. It’s important that you take bits from everyone you play with.

“Look at the quality we’ve got here. There are players who have played in the Premier League and Championship already.

“It’s important that someone like me can learn off players like that. Take that into a Saturday and look to push on.

“Hopefully I’ve got at least another three years here and I’d like to keep improving and push on into the Championship. I don’t see why that can’t be with Bradford.”