Lee Crooks aims to prove a real steal for City.

The 26-year-old midfielder is one of five players currently on trial at the cash-hit club.

And he was happy to take the gamble at Valley Parade after turning down an offer to stay with Barnsley.

Crooks said: "The problems are well-documented but it was the same at my old club who were in administration for at least 12 months. They ended up sorting things out and hopefully that will also happen here.

"I got a call a couple of weeks ago from Colin Todd while I was on holiday. I went back to Barnsley to find out the situation there and then went straight down to Bradford.

"It's a good set-up, the training has been fantastic and the lads are great.

"They have really kept together despite all that has gone on and the spirits are high.

"It's just how the game has gone with clubs going into administration. It is difficult but you've just got to keep your head down, work hard and hope that things come right."

Crooks, who hails from Wakefield, spent seven years at Manchester City before heading back to Yorkshire in March 2001.

Todd said: "Lee has the experience we're looking for. We're trying to do something with him but he knows the situation and there is nothing concrete at the moment."

Crooks played the first half in the opening friendly at Harrogate and is likely to feature against Farsley Celtic at Throstle Nest on Saturday.

He added: "It's nice to get back into the swing of things.

"I would like to see what comes of it and hopefully this week we will find out."