MARK Bower admits he cannot wait to face Bradford City as Guiseley’s pre-season preparations continue apace this weekend.

The Bantams visit Nethermoor on Saturday and Bower will again pit his wits against the club he grew supporting and represented with distinction as a player.

As a Bradford lad, the club has a special place in his heart and this weekend’s clash will see Stuart McCall take charge of his first game since returning to Valley Parade for a fourth spell and second as manager.

Guiseley have enjoyed regular pre-season tussles with Bradford in recent years and Bower revealed they usually provide his men with their stiffest test.

The Lions hosted Championship outfit Huddersfield Town last night and also face Barnsley and big-city neighbours Leeds United at Nethermoor later this month.

But it is the visit of the Bantams which stirs Bower’s blood and he said: “We’ve got the three biggest clubs in the area in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield all coming to Nethermoor, which is fantastic.

“The Bradford game will be Stuart’s first game in charge and is on a Saturday afternoon, so it should be a really good one for us.

“Obviously Leeds will bring their usual massive following and these games won’t just be good tests for the players but also bring in vital revenue for the club as well.

“They are great fixtures for us and I always enjoy playing against Bradford in particular because they are the club I grew up supporting and played for.

“That aside, Bradford under Phil Parkinson in the last few years were always the best opposition in terms of playing at such a high tempo.

“It’s a real test for you and I’m sure under Stuart it will be no different.

“Some pre-season friendlies can go by at a little bit of a snail’s pace, but the Bradford one tends to be 100 miles an hour.

“That’s great for building our players’ fitness and hopefully it will be the same again.

“I’m looking forward to it and it will be interesting to see what sort of side that Stuart puts out.”

New signing Nicky Law and Nathaniel Knight-Percival could appear for Bradford with a number of trialists also likely to feature.