Simon Ramsden is hoping his switch to City can cure two years of play-off heartache.

The right back has twice seen his Coca-Cola League 2 promotion dreams dashed at the death with Rochdale.

Fourteen months ago he was a Wembley loser against Stockport County, while last season Dale were knocked out in the play-off semi-finals by eventual winners Gillingham.

Ramsden admitted it was a bitter blow to swallow - which is why he is determined his first term at Valley Parade will provide a happier ending.

"The season just gone was worse than the time before because at least you'd had the achievement of going to Wembley," he said while talking to the Telegraph & Argus.

But to go close again and get beaten was a huge disappointment and I would have thought it affected the lads there all through the summer.

"But once you're back for pre-season, that's all gone and you've got to start afresh.

"I've come here with the hopes and expectations of getting out of this division. That's what everybody is talking about and we really need to do it this season."

Ramsden admitted it was tough to quit Spotland but knows he has joined a bigger club.

"Everything at Rochdale was great and the management have been brilliant with me but when a club the size of Bradford comes along, you can't turn down that opportunity," he said.

"The expectation level is a lot different. At Rochdale it would be a huge achievement to get promoted, whereas here the expectation is that you do get promoted.

"A club this size doesn't want to be in this division and the challenge is to get out, whether it be automatically or through the play-offs. It's a different scenario for me but one I'm really looking forward to.

"You want to be playing in front of the big crowds week in, week out. That's what being a footballer is about and you've got to thrive on the pressure that comes with it."

Ramsden, who previously played for Grimsby, was joined by fellow new boys Gareth Evans and Jon Bateson as Stuart McCall put his squad through their paces at a sweltering Marley Stadium in Keighley on Thursday.

Ramsden said: "It's always a bit strange starting at a new club but I felt welcome straight away. Once you get the first few days out of the way, it just becomes normal again.

"Pre-season doesn't get any easier, no matter what club you are at, but everyone nowadays knows to come back fairly fit because you're straight into the running.

"The lads seem to be in good spirits and got through it fine. You help those that aren't so fit to get through because we're all in it together and it's good for building team morale."