GREG Abbott likens signing players to scoring goals.

And City’s head of recruitment is hopeful they have hit the target with the latest batch of new boys.

Abbott admits the business of doing business is a non-stop exercise, not just limited to the two transfer windows. The last few months have been typically frantic.

“Every summer is difficult because expectation and enthusiasm from the supporters grows to a bigger level,” he said.

“It’s trying to get the good players that are out there into the building. It’s not always as easy as people think.

“You’ve got to do things right. By taking too much time you can lose players, by rushing in you can pay too much.

“By waiting too long your hands are forced and they could go elsewhere.

“But from the club’s point of view, we’re okay with what’s in front of us.

“It’s like creating chances on a match day – you’ve got to put them away.

“If you snatch at a chance, you miss it. If you’re calm and cool, you generally score.”

As well as the headline captures of the likes of Jake Reeves and Shay McCartan, there are the younger talents that City are looking to develop.

Omari Patrick and Dan Pybus are two who have already made a positive impression through pre-season along with trialist Jordan Gibson, who boss Stuart McCall was hoping to sign up early this week, though a deal has yet to be confirmed.

Abbott insists City, who are still in the hunt for a centre half, will give the youngsters every chance to make the breakthrough into McCall’s senior plans.

Abbott added: “If we don’t think they are anywhere near we will look at our options. But I think two or three have already showed they will be around the 18.

“There has got to be that pathway there and you’ve seen a couple have already come in and done really well.”

Value for money remains the biggest challenge with any prospective deal. Big sums being thrown around by others can quickly distort the market.

“I think the money is spreading,” admitted Abbott. “There’s a lot of clubs playing decent dough – silly dough for me sometimes.

“People look upon Bradford as a big club and I’d like to think we are in a lot of ways. But being run properly is key.”