LEE Angol is determined to show that City’s “gamble” on him will hit the jackpot this season.

The striker understands his one-year deal at Valley Parade has raised eyebrows after an injury-ruined year with Leyton Orient.

But Angol will use any doubts about his arrival to spur him on to get his career fully back on track.

He said: “I know Bradford fans were thinking, ‘who is this guy?’ They probably wanted to sign someone like (Erling) Haaland!

“I know I’ve got a lot to prove to myself and to Bradford fans but I like that sort of challenge.

“I enjoy it, it drives me on and gives me that vibe to go out there and prove to everyone what I can do and hopefully be successful.”

The 26-year-old, who opened his City goal account with two in the Guiseley friendly, made an impression on City boss Derek Adams last season.

Despite spending most of it on the sidelines, he featured twice against Morecambe and caught the eye of his future manager with a goal in Leyton Orient's 2-0 win.

“It’s weird how things work,” admitted Angol. “I was out for about six or seven months but I played against the gaffer’s Morecambe side twice.

“I spoke to the gaffer before I signed and I felt the support from him. That’s what you need and I knew it was the right move.

“You need that good relationship to work together and obviously he can improve me as well.”

Angol scored twice in last night’s game after being switched to a wider role on the left but he is equally comfortable in either position.

“The gaffer put me out there and told me to do what I did against him last season.

“But I’ve spoken to him a few times about it. If it comes to the point where I play on the wing then I’ll do that but I’ve no problem playing up front as well.

“There’s a lot of talent in this team and a lot of versatile players. It’s a good little mix.

“I’m a striker and obviously you want to score goals.

“I hadn’t scored in the two previous games in pre-season so, for me, it gets the ball rolling.

“I’m always confident in myself. I know I’m going to score if I get a chance.

“You score now and then the next game you want more and more.”

Seeing fans back at the friendlies has whetted the appetite for Angol for the season ahead and he shares the growing belief that City can give them something to celebrate.

He said: “The gaffer has got the promotion receipts, he’s done it a few times so he knows what is needed. I feel it will be a good year.

“A lot of games last season felt like pre-season friendlies. It lost that edge to the game.

“There were a few battles in the Guiseley game when you could hear the crowd making noises and it gives you that extra energy. Fans are the most important thing in football.

“It’s going to bring a lively atmosphere when we get 12,000 every week at home games and hopefully I can put on a show for them.

“The Guiseley game was different to the previous ones. They came with a different game plan and wanted to fight.

“The other friendlies weren’t as aggressive but you get teams like that in the league so it’s good to practice now and build up ready.”