BRADFORD City Women boss Chris Hames has welcomed the news that his team could return to action this season but warns it must not damage the integrity of the competition.

On Thursday, the FA told clubs that their fingers are crossed for an April resumption of the National League, tiers 3 and 4.

Although City, who ply their trade in the latter's Division One North, would like that to be the case, Hames is concerned to whether there will be enough time to fit in all the remaining games.

His side were only four matches into their 2020-21 campaign before the suspension hit, meaning they would have to play 18 fixtures before the end of June.

He said: "Obviously we are desperate to get back, but we are also realistic, and we want to play football in the right way and we don’t want things to be done rushed or half hearted.

"We want to make sure it is a fair competition for everybody so when it comes back, we are able to show the best version of ourselves like every other club wants too.

"Even if we did start-up it wouldn’t happen the first weekend of April because we are not allowed to train until the end of March.

"So, it would be the second week in April, and it would be then two games a week. You also must consider the weather.

"Travelling to Durham or Liverpool on a Tuesday night is not doable when people are finishing work at five.

"When we do play midweek games in usual times, they tend to limit it to only a few per season.

"We would love to get those games on, but it is a lot of matches to be played in not nearly enough time."

Hames thought his team's fate would follow that of clubs in the men's' grassroots leagues from Step two to six.

He added: "I was very surprised when I saw them say a return in April. I did think it was a little bit premature but again exciting.

"I was excepting something around null and void would be announced. How we would again solve that was for the league to sort out.

"I would love to see an organised friendly tournament with your local teams or play each team once, something along those lines would be lovely.

"I don’t want to see teams play one another once then use points-per-game. I don’t think that is a fair reflection on any team.

"If we can’t complete all 22 games, I don’t think we can fairly complete a league season."

The Bantams boss was also keen to praise a couple of his star players for what they are doing off the pitch.

Captain Katy Woodcock and veteran midfielder Charlotte Stuart are running 5K every day for 22 days, starting on March 1, to raise money for charities One In A Million and Young Minds.

Hames said: "They are brilliant people and so selfless in everything they do anyway so it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. We are fully behind them as a club and as individuals.

"It is fantastic what they are doing so let’s hope they can smash their targets."