Graham Alexander has told supporters there is plenty of reason for optimism as Bradford City prepare to travel to Hillsborough for a Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, the Bradford manager said he sees "a lot to build on" from the Bantams' start to the League One campaign, striking an upbeat tone ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested third-tier clash between two of the division's best-supported clubs.

Encouragement from the early weeks

Alexander has been keen to frame Bradford's performances in a positive light without getting carried away. The mood at Valley Parade appears settled, with the squad taking shape and the manager pointing to signs of collective progress rather than individual moments.

"There is a lot of encouragement to take from the start to the season," Alexander said, ahead of the trip to Sheffield Wednesday. The Bantams have been building under Alexander's guidance, and the manager appears confident the group has the foundation to push on as the fixtures stack up.

Earlier this season, Alexander spoke about wanting Bradford to be "the ultimate team", a phrase that gives a clear indication of his priorities: work rate, cohesion and collective effort over individual flair. That philosophy looks to be taking root.

The Hillsborough test

Sheffield Wednesday represent a substantial test. Hillsborough, with its steep stands and vocal home support, is one of the more demanding away-day environments in League One, and Alexander will know his side must be switched on from the first whistle.

Yorkshire derbies carry their own edge regardless of league position, and both sets of supporters will be watching closely. For Bradford, a positive result at Hillsborough would give real weight to Alexander's words about the season's early promise.

The Bantams' recent win over Peterborough United, which saw them control large portions of the contest, demonstrated what this side is capable of when the defensive shape holds and they move the ball with purpose. Alexander will be hoping for a similar display in South Yorkshire.

Building momentum

Bradford's squad has seen some key decisions made in the early part of the season. Antoni Sarcevic has been handed the captaincy, a signal that Alexander wants experienced, vocal leaders on the pitch. That kind of structure tends to matter when a side faces the intensity of a derby atmosphere away from home.

With the League One table beginning to take shape, results in games like this one carry extra weight. Sides that can pick up points from difficult away fixtures in August and September invariably give themselves room to breathe later in the campaign when fixture congestion and injuries begin to bite.

For Alexander, the message ahead of Hillsborough is straightforward: the squad is moving in the right direction, and a positive result in a high-profile Yorkshire derby would underline just how much has genuinely been built so far this season.

The match at Hillsborough kicks off as part of the ongoing League One programme. Further details on timing will be confirmed by the club in due course.

Frequently asked

When do Bradford City play Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough?
Bradford City's League One trip to Hillsborough is coming up imminently according to manager Graham Alexander's pre-match comments. Check the official club website for the confirmed kick-off time.
What has Graham Alexander said about Bradford City's start to the season?
Alexander said there is "a lot to build on" and pointed to real encouragement from Bradford's early-season performances ahead of the Yorkshire derby at Sheffield Wednesday.
Who is the Bradford City captain this season?
Antoni Sarcevic has been named as Bradford City's captain for the current League One season.