The players have been given some more time off after Monday’s testing before starting the proper work at Apperley Bridge next week.
And the Bantams boss would love to have another face joining them for that.
Alexander met with a potential loan recruit yesterday and is looking to strike a deal with him in the coming weeks. But another arrival could be in training before then.
“We’re speaking to his club,” he said. “It could be tomorrow, it could be a week’s time.
“We don’t hold the cards unfortunately.
“It’s one of those but we’d like to get him in before Monday if possible.
“It’s important at this time of year to get players in that you’ve identified for the majority of pre-season. It only benefits them and the team.
“Fingers crossed, we can get one in before next week. But it might take a little bit longer.
“Certainly by the time we go to Austria, I’d like to have added at least two players to the group.
“Unfortunately, I’m not in charge of that. It’s down to the clubs who hold their registration.”
Tuesday night, Alexander stated in the Valley Parade supporters forum that City is seeking to add “two or three players,” at least one or two of whom will be on loan.
Tyreik Wright of Plymouth is still a concern following his second stint with the team in the previous campaign.If an agreement can be reached, Alexander’s target, with whom he recently had talks, should be with the group before they leave for Obertraun on July 18.
“He’s going to do the first couple of weeks with his parent club,” Alexander continued.
The choice will then be made by them. We are in a strong position to get him in if they see him heading out on loan.
“I felt it was necessary to go sit with him and let him know where we anticipate him competing,”
By the time his group departs for the Austrian training camp, Alexander wants them essentially set up.
We’ve made a tweak from prior pre-season excursions.
“In the past we’ve probably done them in the second week because it’s a good week to hit players hard.
“But sometimes you get to the season and there are five or six changes to your squad.
“We’ve changed our tack on that to get the trip later in pre-season and hopefully have 95 per cent of the squad in place, so they can all spend that week together.
“It’s not the be-all and end-all but ideally it would be great to have everyone starting the season with us on that trip.
“There’s a lot of tactical planning and fitness work in there. But there’s also the social aspect of getting to know your team-mates.
“Fingers crossed, we can have at least two of those three players in place by then.”
In order to free up space in the roster and pay bill, City is still looking to let go of players like Vadaine Oliver and Kevin McDonald. However, Alexander acknowledged that it is still far from happening.
“On that side of that, it’s incredibly quiet.
“It goes without saying that a few players are aware that their best chances are probably elsewhere. However, they are training alongside us.
It is up to the other clubs to take action against those men as well. We’ll see that one through.
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