BEN ROME has been appointed as the Bantams’ new fitness coach.

The former Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United man arrives on an initial one-year contract.

Rome is no stranger to success at this level, having achieved promotion to League One, with Doncaster in 2017.

The 39-year-old - who replaces Ben Nicholson - is impressed by what he has seen at the club and cannot wait to get going ahead of the start of pre-season tomorrow.

He said: “I have known Gary Bowyer for quite a few years. I am delighted to be here and am looking forward to working with him.

“I am really impressed by the training ground at Woodhouse Grove, it is unbelievable to have everything in one place.

“There are not many clubs outside the Premier League with a swimming pool, running track and state-of-the-art gym - on top of some fantastic football pitches - within walking distance.

“We are really lucky to have this facility at our disposal and will be ensuring we make the most of it.

“Pre-season will be very tough and challenging and is already shaping up really well.

"The players will be tested physically and mentally, we have a few team-building exercises planned, too.

“I would like to drill a good work ethic into the players, getting them fit, strong and robust ahead of what will be a hard season."

Bowyer is delighted to have Rome in his corner ahead of the coming campaign, as his backroom team continues to take shape following the arrival of John Vaughan as goalkeeper coach to replace Maik Taylor.

The Bantams boss added: "We are delighted to have Ben involved; he is a great man to have around the football club and I am looking forward to working with him.

“He has been promoted from this league before - as fitness coach at Doncaster Rovers - so his experience will be of great value to us.

“I know he has a fantastic work ethic and will go above and beyond in his role this season.”

Meanwhile, physios Chris Royston, Dayle Avison and Jack Lindsey and recruitment analyst Robbie Bloodworth have all been handed new contracts by the club.