BRADFORD City Women manager Steve Winterburn is pleased with the club's summer recruitment as they look to bounce back from a tough last campaign.

The new season kicks off on Sunday, August 18 with the visit of Durham Cestria to the Mitton Group Stadium, followed by a trip to Chester-le-Street, and then the small matter of a midweek home game against local rivals Leeds United.

Last season’s relegation to the FA Women's National League Northern Division One means some tantalising local derbies, with Barnsley and Brighouse Town facing the Bantams along with Leeds.

And Winterburn feels positive about the coming season, with the club keen to start a new chapter.

He said: “Our ‘New Beginning’ campaign was launched to attract players within the area to help us build and strengthen our squad, and to start a fresh team to look forward to a new and exciting season.

“With the pitfalls experienced last season, it’s not been easy to attract players of the ilk that we feel this club needs, but after a list of 76 players had expressed their interest in the trials, we’re pleased to announce that we are now a strong unified squad of 36 and growing.

"We have a set of players that are eager to get the season under way and, as manager, I’m extremely upbeat and looking forward to preparing them for the challenge ahead.

“As well as a strong talented first team we’re also pleased with the strength in depth of the overall squad.

"With a strong reserve team keeping the first team players on their toes, competition for a place in the first XI will be fierce."

City kicked off pre-season with a solid 7-0 victory against Bradford (Park Avenue) at Field Sports Club. Still to come on the friendly calendar are trips to Farsley Celtic on Sunday, August 4 and Sheffield FC seven days later.

Jordan Hartley has arrived to take up the role of reserve team manager.

Off the field, the club are still on the look-out for sponsors for the new season. For more details, email matthew@bcwfc.co.uk