MARK Marshall sees no reason why new-look City cannot go one better than last season and win promotion to the Championship.

The Bantams host the winger's former club Port Vale in tomorrow’s League One opener and Marshall is in buoyant mood.

A summer of transition at Valley Parade has seen a change of ownership and manager and a raft of new players arrive.

The bookies rate Stuart McCall’s men among the favourites to go up from League One this season.

City finished fifth last term and Marshall said: “It's a new environment but with all the change comes an opportunity and I'm aiming to grab it with both hands.

“Can we challenge for promotion? Definitely.

“We know it's going to be a tough league and some big teams will push hard.

“But if we can make a good start then I don't see why we can't gain some momentum, get into the play-offs and possibly go even further.

“You've seen with the likes of Burton what can happen, so no team can be written off.

“We've just got to hope that the boys gel quickly and get some momentum, which can take you anywhere.

“The gaffer has had us training hard and everyone is getting along together - and you need that cohesion and spirit.

“I've never won promotion before but Bradford is a massive club with a great fanbase, not only in terms of the numbers but the way they get behind you.

“That's a big boost because they almost become the 12th man, urging you to do well.

“This season we want to go one better than last year – for ourselves and for the fans.”

McCall will take charge of his first league game since returning to the club as Phil Parkinson’s successor.

The legendary former City captain is still seeking to bolster his squad with another midfielder and striker before the transfer window closes.

He will hand debuts to a number of new recruits tomorrow but is urging caution with some players doubtful with injury and others lacking match fitness.

McCall said: “You don't bring in eight new players, and hopefully a couple more, and expect to gel right away.

“It would be nice to hit the ground running but we're aware of the areas we still need to strengthen.

“We've got a couple of injuries as well, so some of the young lads might have to play tomorrow.

“I don't think any manager is ever satisfied with his squad going into the first game of the season.

“There will surely be some movement between now and the end of the transfer window.

“We're happy with the business we have done but we would still like another midfielder and a striker.

“I think the majority of the teams will think they can get into the top six.

“Bolton signed a couple of players who we could get nowhere near financially.

“MK Dons and Charlton will be strong, as will Sheffield United, while Scunthorpe finished last season flying.

“We want to win. Yes, it's nice to do it an entertaining fashion, but it's all about winning.

“We would like to do both, but if you tell me at 5pm on Saturday that we have won 1-0, I'll be a happy man.”

Tomorrow’s opponents have signed over a dozen new players since new boss Bruno Ribeiro took over at Vale Park during the summer.

Former Vale star Marshall said: “They’re a good club and I enjoyed my time there, but I'm fully focused on helping us make a good start to the season.

“I wish them well, but I'm at Bradford now and I want us to do better.

“I've had a lot of game-time so far during pre-season, so I can't complain and am raring to go now.”