Latest signing Mark Yeates insists he is not taking a step back by dropping a division to join City.

The 28-year-old winger could have played it safe after leaving Watford and stayed in the Championship.

But he feels the switch to Valley Parade and reunion with his old Colchester boss Phil Parkinson will prove a forward-thinking move.

Yeates, who signed a two-year deal last week, said: “It was important to make the right decision and not just the sensible one because I know the gaffer.

“I spoke to a couple of other Championship clubs over the summer but felt it was best for me to come here. I want to be a big part of a club that want to push for something.

“Bradford are a club that potentially have everything there to be a Championship side – or even beyond.

“We’ll take one step at a time and League One’s going to be tough this year with some big clubs in there.

“But I definitely feel that, with the group here and a couple more additions I’m sure will happen over the next few weeks, then we’ll be in with a good shout if we play to our capabilities.”

Yeates can sense the positive vibes as City begin their second week of pre-season. They play the first friendly on Saturday at Guiseley.

He said: “There’s still a big high with the promotion and the cup run. I’ve come into a really good environment.

“Everyone who watched the games last season on the telly saw how brilliant the lads were. There was a lot of publicity around the club and rightly so.

“You just have to look round the squad and a lot of the boys have got the experience of playing at this level and in the Championship.

“I’m also looking forward to working with Nahki Wells. A lot of people know how well he did last season and it will be nice to play with someone like that and help him get goals.

“I really do feel this is going to work out well for me in the long run. It was a big decision to come here but I’ve got the intention to help the club kick on.

“I know what I can do at this level – I did it a few years ago at Colchester and it was my best (goal) return. I’ve played for some big clubs but this is up there with them.”

After leaving Colchester, Yeates had mixed fortunes at Middlesbrough and Sheffield United. But he played a large chunk in Watford’s play-off push last season.

Given the upheaval at his recent clubs, he is enjoying the prospect of working again with a familiar face in a settled environment.

Yeates said: “I signed for Middlesbrough and within three months the manager was gone. There were three or four different managers at Sheffield United as well and it was the same with Watford.

“I haven’t really been at a club where things have been settled and I’ve really got to play fully under one manager.

“That’s why this decision had to be the right one. I’m 28, I feel fit and strong and I’m going to be playing some of my best football. I don’t have to prove anything to the gaffer because he trusts me and knows me.”