McCall has been in charge at Valley Parade since May 2007

Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has called on his team to toughen up away from home next season if they are to achieve promotion from League Two.

The Bantams lost 13 times on their travels and let in 37 goals this term.

McCall told the Telegraph & Argus newspaper: "We were third top scorers in the league this season but conceded too many goals, especially away.

"We need to be tighter in away games. There were times when we played a bit too cavalier and got punished."

Only six sides conceded more goals away from home than Bradford, and they all finished in the bottom half.

Although they won at Chesterfield on the final day of the season, it was only their second victory away from Valley Parade since Christmas.

McCall added: "Going forward, most of the team were doing things right but we've let in too many goals ourselves.

We will need to be big and strong at times next season, particularly in away games Stuart McCall

"We've tried to go for a lot of football but sometimes you have to play it as tough as the away side."

McCall also revealed that the the desire to improve their away form was behind his decision to offer new deals to Matthew Clarke and Lee Bullock.

Clarke missed only two league games at centre-half, and McCall said: "People look at Clarkey's distribution and say he's not so good on the ball. But next season is about being strong defensively.

"He's got all the attributes you want in a defender - he's powerful, physical and a good height.

"For the budget we've got, I look about and there's no better around than what we've got.

"Bully is another effective player at this level and was doing well prior to his bad injury.

"We will need to be big and strong at times next season, particularly in away games, and he's the type of player who can do that."

Clarke and Bullock have yet to accept their new deals on reduced terms, and have until the middle of next month to do so under Football League rules.

McCall said: "It's about getting value for money again. What we can get them for and what they can do for us."

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