Bradford City starlet Elliot Watt has insisted that "there are no excuses whatsoever" as to why the Bantams can't have a successful season, as reported by the Bradford Telegraph & Argus.

Watt, who made 44 starts last season, was an integral member of the squad in the previous campaign despite Bradford's struggles throughout the season, but has learned from the experience and now seems confident that the Bantams can improve.

The midfielder has claimed that Derek Adams' side has transformed the side, claiming that "the standards are so much higher", as recognised in a heavily successful pre-season so far, which has seen Bradford defeat five opponents out of five, including higher league opposition in the form of Blackburn Rovers and Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking to the Bradford Telegraph & Argus, Watt said: "The standards are so much higher. The players can feel it's a much better place to be, and everything is there for us to go and succeed this year. We've got to go out and make it happen.

"There are no excuses whatsoever and we've talked about that in the changing room. We're getting good results but it's only pre-season, we can't get ahead of ourselves. We've got to keep working in the next couple of weeks to get fitter and stronger, you can't just turn up to any place and expect to get a result, you've got to earn it.

"Fair play to Ryan Sparks who has done a great job, people were questioning his age in the media when he first got it, but he's recruited the gaffer from Morecambe after he's just got promoted to League, look at the players being signed, look around the stadium with the dug-outs. Everything has just gone up a level."

The verdict

Watt is one of the few players at the club who witnessed the strange Bradford season last year, which had a threat of relegation and the youth coaches saving the club, but his confidence in the improvements can only spell good news for City fans.

Watt could be a crucial member of Adams squad this season, and it only helps that they both recognise one another's talent.