This summer was always likely to be a busy one for those members of staff at Bradford City tasked with overseeing recruitment.
The high-profile appointment of Mark Hughes as manager earlier this year was made very much with the 2022-23 campaign in mind. Hughes knew he would be judged on what he did over the course of a full season, in surroundings he is still becoming accustomed to.
His arrival at Valley Parade in February came as a shock to many. He had been out of the game for more than three years and had only ever managed at club level in the Premier League. Rather than make bold statements about a late surge for the League Two play-offs, Hughes admitted his first few months in the role would allow him to assess the lie of the land.
That was reflected by City finishing 14th last time out; almost as close to the relegation places points-wise as they were to the play-offs. But Hughes is under no illusions that this season Bradford, and perhaps more so himself, are there to be shot at.
They are second favourites with the bookies to win the title (behind resurgent, newly-promoted Stockport). The aforementioned recruitment drive has seen the number of arrivals reach double figures. This is very much revolution rather than evolution and whilst the size of the Bantams' support represents an obvious pulling power for potential signigns, the presence of Hughes has only increased that.
Take Richie Smallwood for example.
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The 31-year-old raised eyebrows by signing a two-year contract upon his release by nearby Hull City. Smallwood, an experienced midfielder who has never played at this level before, has spent the vast majority of his career in the Championship. He probably had offers from clubs higher up the pyramid but instead chose to join the Hughes-led project in West Yorkshire.
Another new arrival, Vadaine Oliver, has been something of a lower league journeyman down the years but he hit double figures in League One last season and City are said to have fought off plenty of competition for his signature.
Others such as Harry Chapman from Blackburn and Hearts' Jamie Walker should thrive at this level. The key for Hughes will now be ensuring the squad lives up to the expectation heaped on them from both their own supporters and those outside looking in.
Speaking earlier this year following his arrival at Bradford, he revealed the reasoning behind his decision to take up their offer. "Every role I've had, I've tried to do it to the best of my ability but this one really excites me," Hughes said. "It's certainly a challenge but it's just the thought of getting this place going again that really excites me and motivates me. We feel there's big potential here but first of all we need to win games and get the team right on the pitch."
Saturday sees Bradford start their season with a Yorkshire derby at home to relegated Doncaster. The stands at Valley Parade will be thronging with more than 15,000 expected.
Should Hughes start to build a winning team then that figure will only increase. He knows the pressure is on, but he insists he is relishing it.
"I've been successful as a manager but the reality is that I haven't won anything," he told the Mail. "This is an opportunity if we get it going to win promotions. Who knows? We just have to work very hard. But I am ready for that.
"This is a proper club. A big club with a huge fanbase. There is pressure on and I need that."
