BRIGHOUSE have thanked City for treating them with respect as they look forward to tonight’s friendly clash.

The Bantams play their second game in 24 hours when they visit the Yorkshire Payments Stadium.

City were last there in 2019 when Gary Bowyer fielded a team made up entirely of trialists.

But Derek Adams has made it clear that his first-team squad will be on duty against their Northern Premier League East hosts.

Brighouse chairman James Howard said: “It shows that Derek Adams doesn’t want to chuck in a load of trialists and academy lads. He is treating us with a bit of respect.

“Being five or six miles down the road, it’s about having that relationship which we value in non-league football. Games like this are obviously vitally important to a club like Brighouse Town.

“Last time we had Bradford City here, they had advertised it as a first team game in their official fixtures.

“We appreciated that because it drew a good crowd but it was literally 22 trialists.

“It was obviously disappointing for the fans. A lot had taken the time to come down and see their team and there were some murmurings from those supporters round the ground.

“They had paid their money to see players like Clayton Donaldson at the time.

“We didn't have a problem. I had the opportunity to speak with Gary Bowyer before and after the game and he was very complimentary towards us as a club, which he didn't have to do.”

Howard is excited by the prospect of seeing City’s senior stars in action at St Giles Road – one in particular.

“Liam Ridehalgh is a good friend of mine personally so it will be nice to see him play on my pitch,” he added.

“Credit where it’s due to people like Ryan Sparks and Derek Adams – I was a bit cheeky at City’s Q and A by asking Derek what his plans were for their ‘biggest’ pre-season fixture!

“I don’t think he knew who I was but he did say there and then that he would be treating every game seriously.

“It’s important for a club like Bradford City to have relationships with teams around them at a higher and lower level.

“It’s the same with us, whether it’s Campion and Eccleshill who play below us as well as with the neighbouring pro clubs.

“Financially tonight’s game will certainly get us through three or four months of bills.

“It’s not just about the gate. With the restrictions being lifted, people can enjoy food and a beverage quite freely and have the opportunity to take their pints out to watch the game.”