A BLAST from the Bantams' past has backed the club for success next season.

Chris Kamara, a former Bradford City player and manager, says the club can look forward to an upturn in their fortunes ahead.

There is an optimistic buzz around Valley Parade following the appointment of former Morecambe and Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams and several new signings already through the door.

Striker Lee Angol, defender or midfielder Oscar Threlkeld and fellow forward Abo Eisa are just some of the names who have joined the club. Goalkeeper Sam Hornby is among those who have signed extended deals at City.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chris Kamara during his spell in charge of Bradford City in the 1990sChris Kamara during his spell in charge of Bradford City in the 1990s

Kamara, nicknamed Kammy, believes City have a good new manager at the helm who can lead his new side to success, and possible promotion from League Two, next term.

The 63-year-old believes the good times are on their way back for City and understands why they were keen to appoint Adams as successor to managerial duo Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars.

The City faithful will get their first chance to see Adams' new side in action against neighbours Bradford (Park Avenue) at Horsfall Stadium on July 13. City will then play their first friendly at Valley Parade against League One outfit Doncaster Rovers four days later.

Kamara said: "Derek Adams has a good record.

Bradford City have had a few bleak years but it will start turning around

"That fanbase is the envy of every other club in that division. They deserve success there."

Kamara has become a cult figure among football fans since he went from the Bantams' dugout to the gantry at league grounds every week as a reporter on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday programme.

But he looks back fondly on his time as both a player and manager at the Bantams, as he sees Bradford as a big sporting city.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: New Bradford City manager Derek Adams New Bradford City manager Derek Adams

He is also still well loved by Bantams fans for his time in claret and amber.

The midfielder scored three goals in 23 appearances for City during the 1994-95 season, before then chairman Geoffrey Richmond appointed him as the successor to Lennie Lawrence in November 1995 after he had previously worked as his assistant manager.

Kamara also remembers the huge support the Bantams fans gave his side when more than 20,000 fans gathered around Bradford's City Hall after he led the side to a 2-0 victory over Notts County in the Second Division play-off final at Wembley in May 1996.

His signings during his spell at City included centre-back and current Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore, Robbie Blake, Jamie Lawrence, Peter Beagrie and former England winger Chris Waddle.

He left City in January 1998 before a brief spell in charge of Stoke City, followed by his successful on-screen presenting career including on Sky Sports and other shows such as ITV game show Ninja Warrior.

Kamara added: "Bradford Bulls were the bigger team when I was there at first, than the football side of things.

"Thankfully, by getting promotion, Paul Jewell carried the club through to the Premier League.

"The demise of Odsal made the football team the one shining light in the city. Bradford is a sporting place."

Kamara returned to Valley Parade in April this year while on broadcasting duty for Sky Sports.

He reported on the Bantams' 1-0 defeat to Salford City in League Two.

Before kick-off, Kamara was presented with a framed picture marking the Bantams' 1996 play-off win.