ALBION Sports boss John Francis believes his side are making steady progress ahead of their local derby at Thackley this weekend.

The former Burnley and Sheffield United player took over the helm at the Bradford club last July after the long reign of Kulwinder Sandhu, who had been in charge for an incredible 34 years.

The change has inevitably led to a period of transition but Sports are comfortably placed in mid-table in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division - and would go ahead of their eighth-placed hosts on goal difference if they win at Dennyfield today.

The former Burnley academy coach said: “There has been a few issues as you would expect and there's still a long way to go.

"We have picked up a few better results than expected and we have got physically stronger. Now we are looking more of a unit than what we did at the start of the season.”

The 56-year-old accepts that the change at the club, who play at Farsley Celtic's ground, will be a gradual process.

He admitted: “The club needed a change of direction to do things. It doesn't come over 90 minutes and it probably won't come for another couple of years as such.”

Albion did not start the new decade the way they would have wanted when they could only draw 1-1 with bottom of the table side Athersley Recreation.

The Lions’ manager admitted his side was not at their best, having shown what they are capable with a superb 5-1 win at high-flying Grimsby Borough in their last match of 2019.

Instilling consistency is key for Francis, who has had plenty of experience of coaching since retirement from his playing days back in 1997.

He was a coach at Leeds United academy for seven years and then worked for Burnley’s youth development for six years.

“It's just been my life and it's been my passion. When you’ve got a passion for it, it's good that I can keep being involved with what I do and getting paid for it, so yeah it's good to have,” said Francis.

Albion have no injury worries for today's derby but they are missing a key player.

Centre Back starlet Dan Hartley will not be playing this fixture as he has been recalled to play for Harrogate Town in the Vanarama National League.

“The kid has done ever so well and potentially, he has got all of the attributes to go onto the next level, so hopefully he does that,” said the Lions’ boss.

JORDAN BARRETT