TYLER French is confident he is tough enough to thrive at City after coping with a series of rejections.

The rookie centre half took part in his first day of pre-season in the full-time game yesterday following his arrival from non-league AFC Sudbury.

And the 20-year-old’s hunger to succeed as a pro has not been affected by a number of unsuccessful trials at other clubs.

French had been on the radar of various teams since being made available by the Suffolk part-timers midway through last season.

He maintained belief he would make the grade despite being knocked back elsewhere.

French, one of eight new signings as the Bantams returned to pre-season training at Apperley Bridge, said: “I’d had trials at Crystal Palace, Leicester, Ipswich, Barnsley and Charlton before coming to Bradford.

“I always hoped someone would take a chance on me. I felt that if I kept getting the opportunities something would come about eventually.

“I haven’t had the best of luck with past experiences. Things didn’t quite work out when I went to Crystal Palace.

“There was obviously interest from Barnsley and Charlton but then Bradford came in and it was ideal for me.”

“Sometimes you do doubt yourself but if it’s something you want to do, you’ve got to keep going at it.

“Even if things did get me down, I just knew I couldn’t give up and now I’ve got that chance.”

French spent three days training with City at the end of last season and convinced Bowyer with his performance in a practice game against Middlesbrough.

“I was just playing my game and hopefully the manager could tell what I was good at,” he added.

“I had a chat with him after the game and it was all positive.

“Valley Parade takes my breath away. I got chills the first time I walked in.

“It’s obviously like nothing I’ve played at before.

“I’ve had trials at some big clubs but to know this is my stadium and the team I play for, it’s incredible just thinking about it.

“It’s a great ground. I stood in the centre circle looking up at all the stands when I signed and it just felt surreal.

“Everyone comes up here and knows what a big club Bradford is. We’re expected to go straight back up this season and we’re going to need that fanbase.”