ANDY Cook aims to be City’s main man again after admitting he was out of shape last season.

The Bantams target man has netted three times in two games to head into the Newport clash full of confidence.

Cook looks back to his best after a poor finish to the last campaign when he scored just twice in 18 appearances.

But that acted as a wake-up call for the big striker, who has returned a lot fitter and sharper to challenge Vadaine Oliver for the centre forward's role.

Cook said: “I should never have got the way I did. I can only blame myself for that.

“I went away in the summer and even before knowing about the lads who were coming in, my first thought was to get fit.

“I wanted to be the main man. Everyone wants to play.

“I’m sure Vadaine’s come in and wants to be the main man as well. It’s all healthy competition and that’s how it will probably stay the rest of the season.”

Cook has top-scored in both his campaigns at Valley Parade but feels the fight for a starting shirt will be much fiercer this time after Oliver's summer capture on a three-year deal.

“When Vadaine came in, it just made me want to work harder and try and make that spot mine,” he added.

“Last year we didn’t have as good a competition for places – without being disrespectful to the lads that were here.

“If you’re underperforming and there’s nobody to take your place, then you’re (still) going to play. This gives you that little bit more of a kick to do well.

“Coming in Tuesday, first and foremost I wanted to do well for himself. But obviously the main thing was performing for the team and I felt we all did that.

“I want to do well for Bradford. I want the same thing as everybody else.

“If I’m fit and playing well it helps the team. That goes for other strikers in my position.”

Cook’s double in the Carabao Cup win over Hull was the first time he had scored more than once in a game since his first-half hat-trick against Stevenage a year ago. That followed his goal from the bench at Barrow.

“I can’t lie, obviously coming on Saturday and scoring helped. It wasn’t the prettiest of goals but I’m not bothered – I’ll take 10 of them a season.

“Then obviously after getting the goals on Tuesday I’m full of confidence.

“The main thing now is that we take that into the league.

"We’ve got to put Tuesday night to bed now because it’s done and get the three points.”

Mark Hughes is delighted to see Cook back on song after the striker’s difficult spell when the manager first came in.

“It looks like he’s enjoying the good players around him,” said the City boss. “He realises there are going to be opportunities for him to score and he certainly took two good ones in midweek.

“Andy and all the front guys will have a chance this year. I think that will help them to raise their levels anyway.”