DEREK Adams will step up the intensity in City’s pre-season by making his team play on successive days.

The Bantams have already had a physically demanding build-up under their new boss – and it is likely to get harder with back-to-back friendlies.

Adams has utilised all his senior squad in the opening two warm-up games.

And he intends to do the same when they face Guiseley this evening and Brighouse Town tomorrow.

Asked if he was tempted to add a few youth-team players into the mix against the non-league opposition, Adams said: “No, this is the squad we have and the squad we will be going with for the next two games.”

That means some will clearly be featuring in both. Winger Abo Eisa admitted it will be unchartered territory.

“Playing back-to-back games isn’t something I’ve done before,” he said. “But it’s just another test we’ve got to get through.

“There is real competition for places and that’s what the gaffer wanted.”

Adams continues to be pleased with fitness levels as City head towards the League Two opener at Exeter in 18 days.

That energy was evident with the way his team closed down and pressed the ball during Saturday’s friendly against Doncaster.

“We play in a way that sometimes we allow the opposition to get the first pass,” added Adams. “Once they do that, we close down the space.

“That’s where the quickness and energy from the players comes into it. That's why we got the success, especially in the first half.

“If they go and press the ball, then they do less running. If they work as a team and as a unit, the less running they’ll have to do.

“Any person in a football team wants to do less running and have the ball.”

Meanwhile, Adams has explained why first-year pro Charlie Wood has not been given a squad number to go with his contract.

The attacking midfielder will be part of City’s under-18 squad instead – but may be promoted to train with the senior players at times.

Adams said: “He’s not ready to come into the first team at this moment in time. That’s why he will be in the under-18s.

“It’s important that he develops and I just feel that sometimes with players, and it happens over the years, you move from an under-18 environment into the first team too quickly.

“They need to continue the development at the right stage then they’ll get moved up to the first team or they’ll do a wee bit with the first team and then drop back down. It’s all about learning for them.

“Charlie will get enough games because the under-18s has changed so they can play three overage players. That extra year of playing with their own age group then jumping into the first team and back again will help.”