Ian McParland has urged his Notts County side to believe in themselves as they take on Bradford City in the season's opening fixture on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies kick off for the fourth season running away from home, and McParland's men are itching to take on the bookies' favourites.

The Scot, preparing for his first full season in charge at Meadow Lane, has told his squad if they believe in themselves they can achieve a positive result and kick off the season in style.

He said: "Bradford is a good place to start. It would be nice to go up there and get some sort of result.

"If the lads believe in themselves, they can achieve that and get a result."

Three months on from when the previous campaign ended with a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield, there's a real sense of anticipation in the new-look Notts dressing room.

McParland is relaxed ahead of the big kick-off, and that would seem to be down to the fact he has now assembled his own squad which he has a lot of faith in - although he is still looking to increase the numbers at his disposal.

"I'm really looking forward to the start now," he admitted, with a broad smile on his face.

"I'm a bit relaxed about it. I still feel we need another two or three players in, because if we get a couple of injuries we just might be a little short on numbers.

"I'd like to get a few more in if we can, and if we can I think we can have a strong squad."

And McParland has revealed his hopes for the season - to improve the quality of football on display at Meadow Lane.

In turn he is also eager to provide winning football to the fans.

But he certainly isn't shouting from the rooftops with talk of promotion.

"I'm not shouting promotion; I would never do anything like that," he said.

"We've just come through a tough few years, and what I want to see is progression at this Football Club.

"My hopes and aspirations are to improve the football the fans are watching, and also provide winning football.

"If we work hard enough and get a bit of luck along the way, let's see what happens.

"Rome certainly wasn't built in a day, but we're going along nicely. I don't make predictions, I just work hard and as a Club we will be having a right go.

"We're looking stronger than last year, and I've really enjoyed working with the lads, but the hard work is only just beginning."

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