Mark Trueman discusses his switch to Bantams caretaker boss

Trueman led training today ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie with Wycombe at Valley Parade.

McDonald was back among the playing squad – but Trueman says the Scot will remain an important voice in the weekend preparations.

“The dynamic hasn’t really changed too much,” he said this afternoon.

“Kev and Ryan (Sparks) obviously had a discussion on going back to playing and I think it’s difficult to do both.

“Kev’s gone back to player mode but he’s still there with me in the meetings, talking about the best way to go about the game.

“Kev’s voice in the changing room with the players and the staff is massive, so we’ll work collectively like we have done. Because he’s seen it from the other side now, I suppose that’s going to help the group as well.

“Whether it’s Kev or now me in charge, we’ll do the best for the club and that’s to try and get a result on Saturday.”

Trueman may apply “a few little tweaks” for their League One opponents but will not change things radically from the way McDonald had City playing in the seven games since Mark Hughes left.

“Kev wanted to do it a little bit different to Mark and Glyn (Hodges),” added Trueman. “In terms of how Kev works, it’s similar to myself and we’ve created a good working relationship.

“Kev wanted to get a little bit more pressure on the ball. It’s not too different to how I would have done it.

“Two results didn’t go the way we wanted but against Wrexham you’ve probably seen the best performance from the group probably all season.

“There’s not too much changed needed. There might have been a few little tweaks that I might implement that Kev might have done a little bit different.

“But obviously I’ve been put in the position, so I get the opportunity to make those decisions.”

Defender Matty Platt is back in contention after his toe injury (Image: Tom Pearson)

Matty Platt returned to training this morning after being forced off at Sutton with a toe injury. Harry Chapman is also pushing for a bigger involvement following his 45-minute outing in the newly-renamed Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Trueman said: “I thought Chappy was great. He showed the qualities that he’s got.

“He needs to improve his fitness levels, which he knows, but coming back into the changing room has given the team a lift.

“Platty trained so he is in contention for the squad. I think it was a clash and he stubbed his toe.

“We didn’t expect it to be a big one but on the day he couldn’t put any pressure on his standing foot.”

The squad trained on the 4g surface at Woodhouse Grove because of the wet weather and Vadaine Oliver stepped up his recovery with an individual session with City’s strength and conditioning staff.