The Lions welcome last seasons Capital One Cup Finalists and Promotion Play-Off Winners Bradford City to Nethermoor in what will be the first game for both clubs as they prepare for the new season.
Having added Jason Kennedy and Mark Yeates to last seasons retained squad Bantams Manager Phil Parkinson has stated that City will field two different teams in each half as he seeks to refine the squad that will travel to Ireland on Sunday for another couple of pre-season games. Amongst those hoping to impress the Bantams boss is Jon-Paul McGovern who has recently completed a two year spell at Carlisle United under former Lions player Greg Abbott.
Home boss Steve Kittrick will also be fielding a new look side after the high profile departure of several players following last season’s campaign that saw the Lions finish in second place on a massive 91 points only to lose in the Play-Off Semi-Final to Halifax.
Contracted players, Jack Rea, Wayne Brooksby , Phil Marsh and Gavin Rothery have been joined by Steve Drench, Danny Ellis and Andy Holdsworth – who have all signed new two year contracts – whilst Mark Bower, Jake Lawlor, Zak Dale and Rhys Meynell have also committed for the new season
Other additions to the squad include Macaulay Parkinson, Elliott Scott, Callum Marshall, Luke’s Porritt and Robinson together with Craig Hobson, Dane Hodgson and Ben Whitfield who have all graduated from last season’s Academy squad.
In addition, there are two new faces in the squad in the shape of defender Jameel Ible who has moved across the county from York City and striker Craig Hobson who has crossed the Pennines from Stalybridge. The other ‘new’ signing sees midfielder Michael Burns return to Nethermoor following a very successful season with Vauxhall Motors last term.
The Lions squad will also include several trialists as Kittrick runs the rule over potential additions to his first team pool, a process that is likely to continue with the second high-profile home friendly against Huddersfield Town at Nethermoor next Wednesday prior to visits to Ossett Albion, Brighouse and Farsley before the seasons starter at home to Solihull Moors on Saturday 17 August.