 With just 13 players on the books , McCall 's first job was to sign a number of new players to build a first @-@ team squad . McCall 's first signings were strikers Barry Conlon , from Mansfield Town , and Peter Thorne , from Norwich City , both on free transfers , on 2 July 2007 . No more players were signed by the time City played their first pre @-@ season friendly away at Harrogate Town on 16 July 2007 . However , there were eight trialists in the team which won 1 – 0 . The only goal of the game was a header from David Wetherall . Two days later , City were defeated 2 – 1 by Conference side Farsley Celtic , before a 2 – 0 victory against North Ferriby United . Scott Phelan , who had played all three of the pre @-@ season games during a trial , became McCall 's third signing on 24 July from Everton . The same day , City drew 1 – 1 with Burnley in their only home pre @-@ season friendly open to fans , with a goal from Paul Evans . McCall signed full back Darren Williams , from Hartlepool United , Kyle Nix on a monthly contract , and Nathan <unk> on loan from Barnsley but released three other trialists . <unk> had been the third loan signing from Barnsley , following Paul <unk> , who had played for Bradford in the 2003 – 04 season , and Thomas <unk> . The following two friendlies both ended in defeat ; first 1 – 0 to York City , then 2 – 1 to Blackpool in a private practice match , with another goal from Evans . Evans completed his transfer the following day , to be followed by Alex Rhodes , who had been on trial from Brentford , and Guylain Ndumbu @-@ Nsungu on loan from Gillingham , the following week . 
