City kick off pre-season today back at Apperley Bridge after Peter Taylor pulled the plug on plans to change training base.

The Bantams were expected to start an eagerly-anticipated campaign with a switch to new headquarters at the University of Leeds site in Weetwood.

But Taylor, who had been pressing for better training facilities, had a late change of heart because he was concerned that what the venue was offering did not fit the bill.

The City chief said: “All the boxes had to be ticked before going to the other place and they weren’t. A couple of things we wanted couldn’t be guaranteed, such as being able to train on certain areas on certain days, and I wasn’t prepared to take that chance if it wasn’t right.

“The contract hadn’t been signed. It had to be right for both parties, on their side as well as ours.

“It was very close but we just couldn’t agree 100 per cent on everything.”

But Taylor is not down-hearted by the prospect of a return to Rawdon Meadows. He added: “My thinking is still the same. Everything has got to be right if we find a place to go to.

“To be fair to Apperley Bridge and the groundsman there, they have been terrific for us. I’m really pleased for the groundsman especially because he is a Bradford supporter and he used to work his socks off.”

“I’m sure the players will be fine about it. Some of them will no doubt be pleased because it’s less of a journey for them.”

A full squad will re-assemble this morning, including new signings Jake Speight, Tommy Doherty, Luke Oliver, Robbie Threlfall and Lloyd Saxton. The first friendly at Eccleshill is only eight days away.

Taylor said: “I always look forward to pre-season. It’s nice to see the players again and I’m looking forward to it even more because of the way we finished last season and the atmosphere around the place.”