NEW Bradford Town manager Rob Mallett believes he has acquired the tools needed for a successful campaign in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

Following the departure of Danny Greaves to Southern League side Frome Town earlier this summer, the new Bradford manager was left with a mountain to climb as the club haemorrhaged players.

The majority left in order to link up with former boss Greaves in Somerset, leaving Mallett light of options for his team.

Greaves had managed Bradford to back-to-back record finishes in the league, as well as an impressive run in the FA Vase.

While Mallett admits it was frustrating to see so many players leave Trowbridge Road, he says he is happy with the players he has at the club ahead of this season and that he understands why so many opted not to stay.

“I knew when I took the job that some players would be looking to test themselves at a higher level,” said Mallett.

“I was disappointed to lose as many as we did, but in the majority of cases, I understood the player’s reasons and so there aren’t any hard feelings.

“You have to draw a line under that and then look forward and that’s what we’ve done.”

Speaking of those who remained, the Bradford manager thinks the club is an attractive proposition to them, as it is a place where they are encouraged to play an attractive brand of football.

Mallett also highlighted the support Bradford receive as another string to the club's bow, stating it is hard to find such a well-supported team in their situation.

“It’s been a real management team effort to assemble a new group, and at this moment, we’ve got 18 committed to the cause,” he added.

“We aren’t surprised by this. The club gives players a fantastic opportunity to play a good brand of football, with fantastic support both home and away. That’s not easy to find.”

The Bobcats were handed a home tie on the opening day of the season as they welcome Cribbs to Trowbridge Road this Saturday.