Bradford City: Thompson champing at the bit (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City: Garry Thompson champing at the bit

8:00am Friday 20th July 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

City's new recruit Garry Thompson during his

Garry Thompson is jumping at the chance to finally get on a football pitch with City tomorrow. Thompson will be among the cluster of new boys making their Bantams bow in the opening friendly at Tadcaster Albion. Former Macclesfield winger Matt Hamshaw could also feature as he looks to earn a contract while on trial. After a fortnight back in pre-season training, Thompson admitted the squad are busting for a game. He said: “Tadcaster cannot come soon enough. Nobody likes pre-season but the boys are looking fit and strong and we can’t wait for the games to start. “I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen so far. It’s been tough but you expect that and the set-up is very good. “It’s about making us stronger as a unit. That’s what you’ve got to be. “I think the week in Ireland can only help us because that will bring us all closer together.” Phil Parkinson is looking to give the whole squad a run-out against the Northern Counties East League opponents before they jet off to Dublin 24 hours later. The City chief said: “Everybody’s looking forward to it. We’ll probably have two teams playing 45 minutes each and that sets us up nicely for Ireland. “We’ve been playing football in training and had a full-scale practice match yesterday. We’re starting to build up and having this game will be the next part of that. “It’s important that your bodies are ready for it and we’ll look to play at a good tempo.” Free agent Hamshaw is currently training with City after leaving relegated Macc when his contract expired. The 30-year-old right winger, who can also play central midfield, has plenty of experience with Sheffield Wednesday, Stockport, Mansfield and Notts County and is known for his set-piece expertise. Parkinson is usually coy about trialists but confirmed that Hamshaw was on board. “Matt’s been training with us,” he said. “We’re having a look at a number of players and he is one of them. “It’s possible that some of the trialists might play tomorrow. “It’s a good game for us because we’re up against a local team and we haven’t been there before. “Tadcaster have been very accommodating and trying to make it a good day-out for the supporters as well. “I’m sure the fans will be there in numbers and it’s also a chance for them to see the new signings for the first time.” Parkinson is still pushing to bring another face in before City go on tour but it is looking more likely that any new capture will have to join up with them there. He added: “We are working hard on it. But whether we will have someone for the weekend or not is looking doubtful.”