Alex Pattison is looking forward to being able to put the Bantams’ hard work during pre-season into practice, when City make the long trip to Crawley Town for their opening game of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League Two campaign on Saturday.
The summer signing discussed the positive anticipation spreading around the Bantams' camp, while also outlining his personal mentality and role after arriving in BD8 from Harrogate Town.
“I am just excited to get going,” he said.
“I feel like we have a strong squad and we are ready for the first game. We have spent a lot of time with this new formation that we have set up.
“It has been tested against some good sides like Getafe, Hull and Middlesbrough. We have learnt a lot about the intricacies of this new setup and it should bode well come Saturday.
“My role, and how it has been outlined to me, is to simply break forward with the ball when I can, with the aim of creating for the team.
“The attention I got when I signed here is new to me, to be honest. I did well at Harrogate, and I am delighted to get a move here - the objective is to deliver on that pressure.
“The expectation spurs me on. It is always nice to hear, and everything comes together for me.
“If I can do the best I can here for the club, I can do the best for my career, and my family.”
The attacking midfielder boasted his pride and the enjoyment of playing under Mark Hughes and admitted his move to the University of Bradford Stadium was “the full package.”
The 25-year-old recognises the importance of beginning the season with three points, and while also looking ahead to the first few months of the season, hopes to deliver the three points for the travelling Bantams at the Broadfield Stadium this weekend.
“I know what to expect for playing for this club in a competitive aspect - having played against them a few times,” Pattison added.
“The stadium and the atmosphere it generates is unbelievable, even the training ground and the facilities the club has to offer is at an incredibly high standard for this level.
“We have the full package here. The legacy of the manager and the quality of the players is ideal for me and my career.
“It has been easy to settle in for me. Knowing a lot of the lads has helped, but the trip to Spain, albeit hard work, was really useful for me.
“It is so important to kick the season off with three points.
“We have some good fixtures in the first few months of the season, so we will aim to get a lot of points in early doors.
“Not only do we want to deliver for ourselves, but the fans as well.
“We recognise our stature in this league, so we should be going into this game, knowing the three points are vital.”
To secure your place at Saturday's game, with less than 300 tickets remaining, please CLICK HERE.
