Dean Windass is urging City's fans to turn out in force at Harrogate Town tonight.

Colin Todd's depleted side kick off their pre-season schedule with a low-key clash against the Conference North non-leaguers (7.30).

But after a summer when everyone close to Valley Parade has lived on their nerves, Windass sees it as the perfect chance to show that City are still on the football map.

The striker, who turned down a move to Darlington to stick with the club, said: "I'm really hoping that there will be plenty of support there.

"It's the first game and a sign that the club is going forward again and it would be great to see a lot of fans from Bradford cheering us on.

"David Wetherall's decision to stay was good news for everyone. That sends out the right signals after everything that has gone on.

"Sometimes it's not all about money, and the loyalty that David and I've shown has proved that we do care about the club. The morale among the lads has been high, and obviously with people staying that helps.

"Last week it looked like we were closing down but now we seem to be going the right way. Playing a match tonight will be another good sign and we're all really looking forward to it.

"The training has been hard and playing football again certainly beats the running."

With so many departures, Todd's first game in charge will feature a makeshift line-up including trialists Kieran Westwood, Steven Schumacher and Michael Symes.

Todd said: "Everyone is looking to get 45 minutes or so under their belt. This is the first stepping stone of pre-season and a matter of getting out on the pitch again.

"The result doesn't really matter, it's just about getting the feel of the ball and building up fitness.

"Obviously the nearer we get to the start of the season, I hope to be close enough to my starting line-up. But at this stage it is an opportunity for everyone to show what they can do.

"One of the first things I spoke about with the players was that this year would be a big chance for the youngsters. There are openings for players coming in to force themselves into the reckoning for the start of the season.

"Over the next few weeks we will have to see whether they can grasp that or not."

Danny Forrest is unlikely to be involved after reporting back for training with a bad back. But young hopefuls like Liam Flynn, John Swift and Craig Bentham - all regulars in the reserves last season - have been part of the senior squad so far and will see the outing at Wetherby Road as an early platform to push their claims.

Admission tonight is £6 for adults and £3 concessions.