MARK Hughes is not a close follower of “xG” - unlike his City predecessor Derek Adams.

The Scot frequently spoke about the team’s high position in the “expected goals” table last season.

Mansfield, who the Bantams were due to face this afternoon, currently head the League Two rankings with a 1.9 per game ratio.

But Hughes admits it is not something he is too bothered about.

“I get it explained on occasions what it actually illustrates but I don’t place a great deal of store on it,” he said.

“Every game is different and the context in them. If you get a penalty, then your expected goals go up

“I think we’re probably where we’re at, apparently.

“We’re expected to score about 11 goals and that’s what we’ve got. We’re probably a statistician’s dream because we’re backing up what they are saying!

“Ideally, we will improve that aspect of our play. We’ve got the potential to do that.

“It’s not something I give a great deal of weight to, though. But it’s there as knowledge that you can use and be aware of.”

The EFL and Premier League yesterday cancelled the weekend's fixture list as a mark of respect following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mansfield were the opponents for Hughes’ debut in the City dug-out in February when Nigel Clough’s side left Valley Parade with a 2-0 win.

Hughes has learned plenty since those early days about a division he had never been involved with before.

“The one thing that struck me in those early games was the level of ability in the league.

“I quite quickly understood there was good talent that would make it difficult to win games unless you were organised, had a game plan and unless you play well.

“Mansfield was a good one for me in the opening game because it made me sit up and take notice.

“Those 13 games (last season) were invaluable because I think we faced everybody who was above us.

“It was a test and wasn’t an easy period for the players. I was obviously coming in quite late in the season and they had to embrace a lot of ideas and a different way of playing.

“For the most part, they did really well in that regard. We’ve tried to continue that with the new batch of players and we feel it’s starting to gel.”

With 20 league games under his belt, Hughes now feels he is totally up to scratch with the competition.

“I’ve got a real good idea what it’s like on all things that League Two entails - that includes officials as well.

“What I like about it is that there’s a real honesty from the players.

“Sometimes they make the wrong decisions at key times but, for the most part, they are giving everything in each and every game.

“That’s for opposition teams as well. I see that time and time again when we go up against them.

“We’ve had some good results, good performances and unlucky results as well, last-minute goals that damaged us in terms of our overall (points) total at the moment.

“But, all in all, I’m pleased with how it’s progressing.”

There is no news yet on what will happen with the forthcoming midweek matches. City are scheduled to travel to Tranmere on Tuesday.