JAMES Meredith feels the shackles have been thrown off City – and is relishing the new philosophy.

The Bantams will try to build on impressive back-to-back away wins when they return to Valley Parade against Coventry tomorrow.

It has been a good start to Stuart McCall’s second reign and his side are also earning plaudits for their positive approach.

Left back Meredith said: “The style of play is really good. We’re playing nice football and then if there is too much pressure and the ball has to go (long), we will do that.

“But this season it’s not just ‘be really solid and don’t concede’. We’ll go and play our football and be a threat while at the same time trying not to concede.

“I guess the best form of defence in our situation is to attack. We’re very much on the front foot trying to control games and hopefully that will continue.”

As one of the old guard, Meredith admitted Phil Parkinson’s departure two months came as a bolt from the blue. But he has embraced the change at the top and the different outlook to the club.

“At first I didn’t believe it was true that the manager had gone,” added the Australian.

“We’d built something good up over the years and were so close to getting promoted to the Championship last season so why would he leave?

“But I guess he had his reasons and the chairmen have done a great job in bringing in players and staff since then to be in a position where we can have a real go.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen at first. I didn’t know if the new manager was going to like me – all those questions get raised.

“At Bradford we’re not used to having that sort of uncertainty. It was always usually so consistent and almost safe, if you like.

“But we’ve all just gone about our business and worked hard and I think it’s looking good for the team.”

Meredith has been pleased at how McCall’s revamped side have hit the ground running with four good performances so far. Wins at Peterborough and MK Dons have raised eyebrows throughout the division.

He said: “Usually it takes a new team a few weeks or months to work each other out and how we play. But it’s happened really naturally.

“We’ve got a good core and there are some new young lads who are developing and look full of talent.

“They’ve all got good attitudes. Usually in a team you’ll have one or two bad eggs but that’s not the case and I’m positive for the future.

“The team are just playing a certain style and it’s exciting. We all know what we’re doing and working well with each other.

“I’m hoping we can build on what we’re doing at the moment and not change too much. It would be nice for a few more goals to flow but things are looking pretty solid.”

Meredith’s own performances have also picked up as he regains sharpness after missing a chunk of pre-season through injury.

He is forging a new understanding with rejuvenated winger Mark Marshall – as City prepare to face his old partner-in-crime Kyel Reid in Coventry colours.

Meredith said: “We’ve got such good wingers with Fil (Morais), Marshy and Ando (Paul Anderson).

“It makes life a lot easier to get up there and support them or go round because you know you’re going to get the ball back.

“It’s a bit strange without Reidy in front of me but Marshy is doing a great job.

“I had a great understanding with Reidy but I feel I can build that again with him.

“Reidy and I played together for three seasons but Marshy is a good player. It will be really interesting to see how we go this year because we’ve got some real talent.

“Marshy’s almost like a different person this year. He’s got that confidence now and I think he’s going to keep building it week by week.”