Shanley steps into the unknown at Bradford (From This Is Wiltshire)

Shanley steps into the unknown at Bradford

5:54am Friday 8th August 2008 in

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PAUL Shanley is looking forward to stepping into the unknown with Bradford Town tomorrow.

Shanley joined Bradford from Hellenic League Division One side Trowbridge Town at the end of last season for his first attempt at Toolstation League Division One management.

The new boss has a squad of over 20 players to pick from this campaign as he brought eight Trowbridge players with him after leaving Woodmarsh, and has also signed Dean Hutchinson and Scott Windle.

Only Dan King, Rob Pocock and Rob Stephens have left Bradford over the summer.

Shanley said "We've got a strong squad and competition for places. The biggest issue I've got is keeping all those players happy.

"But I've seen the team spirit and I believe everyone wants to play for Bradford.

"We've got to be looking to improve on where Bradford finished last season.

We're looking to compete at the top end of the table.

"I'm looking to push on and I think I've got a squad of players that can do that.

"The players will take a time to gel but from what I've seen in pre-season, I'm quietly confident."

Shanley is expecting teams to take a route-one approach in the division, but says he would like Bradford to be a passing side.

He said: "I think the Toolstation League is more direct than the Hellenic League. There's going to be times and places where we have to change our ways but I've always liked to play football.

"We aren't an overly big side and if we start lumping it forward it will come straight back.

"If you've got players that want to play football and you tell them to hoof it all over the park, it's not going to suit them."

Shanley is expecting teams to take a physical approach against his relatively small side but is not worried about being out-muscled.

He said: "I've spoken to Steve Tweddle and Jerad O'Pray and it's a tough league and quite physical.

"But from what I've seen of the players, they can put their foot in when it matters. We won't lie down and let teams roll us over."

Off the field the club are looking to install new floodlights at the Sports and Social Club by the end of the year.

The club will not compete in the FA Cup this season as they do not have working floodlights, but they hope to install them by around Christmas.

Bradford open their campaign at home to Longwell Green Sports tomorrow.