IF PRE-SEASON started tomorrow, that would suit Danny Greaves down to the ground after he was named as Bradford Town’s new manager.

The 32-year-old former goalkeeper, who accumulated a wealth of playing experience with the likes of Mangotsfield United and Clevedon Town, has been named as Paul Shanley’s successor at Trowbridge Road.

Greaves, who has spent two seasons as assistant boss at fellow Toolstation League Premier Division side Bristol Manor Farm, will be assisted by Aaron Wilson, who made 13 appearances for Bradford last term before stepping away due to injury, is delighted to have secured a first role in management, which he cannot wait to get stuck in to.

“I’ve been the assistant at Bristol Manor Farm for a couple of years under Lee Lashenko, who was a very successful manager, and I like to think that I’ve picked up a lot from him and the other experienced managers I’ve played under.

“It’s a good club, with plenty of ambition, and hopefully I can carry on the good work that Paul was doing there.

“Because of injuries and his work commitments, I think Aaron Wilson might not play again but he was well thought of at the club and he was telling me a lot through the process of getting the job – I think they see him as a good addition too.

“I’m based in Bristol but I want to try and have players from around the area. I want to try and speak to the players that were with the club last season and get my vision across to them.

"Players are already talking to clubs and things like that and I can’t wait to get started. If pre-season was next week, that would be perfect for me.”

Bradford chairman Les Stevens added: “We had several applications come in but he stood out above the rest – simple as that.

“He started playing Western League football at 16, signed a professional deal at Bristol Rovers at 19, and made 400 appearances in the Southern League.

“When he came to us, he’d researched all about the club and was impressed with the progress we’d made in a short space of time, and he also showed us his training schemes for the next few months.

“It’ll be his first job in management but he came across really well. I’m disappointed that Shanks (Shanley) has gone but I’m very happy with this appointment."

“We did really well when Aaron Wilson was playing for us, so I think he’ll do well with us too.”