UNEDR-FIRE Owner of Bradford City Stefan Rupp has expressed his dedication to the team once more and apologised to fans for his “quiet” attendance at the struggling League Two team during the previous six months.
Before this Friday’s home match against Tranmere Rovers, the Bradford City Fans Independent Group has planned a protest outside the directors’ entrance at Valley Parade, further evidence of the growing gulf between sections of the City fan base and the club hierarchy.
Following the disappointing loss at Harrogate Town last weekend, fans vented their resentment at Rupp and CEO Ryan Sparks, putting the club on the verge of a crisis.
In an open letter to the supporters, Rupp revealed that Sparks has been a part of crucial talks about the club’s current situation in Munich, where it was acknowledged that the 2023–24 season has ‘not been good enough’.
Rupp affirmed that Sparks replied to queries regarding the playing budget at the club, pledging additional funding to allow the West Yorkshire team to have ‘a closer fight with teams at the top end of the table next season’.
“This season has not been good enough,” Rupp declared. Nobody associated with this club, myself included, has a different opinion than me.
“I take responsibility for my actions and acknowledge the criticism I have received. I’m resolved to disappoint no one.
“I acknowledge that, especially in the last six months, I have been too silent and not present enough. I’m sorry about it.
“I want to make sure you are aware of the club’s future plans, so I will be more visible and communicate with you more frequently going forward.
“I plan to discuss the many subjects that are most important to you in a more transparent, frequent, and understandable manner. I have been informed of these topics. However, as you can understand, there are some topics that are private and need to remain that way for obvious reasons.
Ryan voiced his worries about our budget as well as the relative budgets of other teams that will probably be discussed in League Two the following season, including those of teams that are getting promoted from the National League and those that are getting demoted from League One.
“We started this season’s summer with a competitive budget, based on the current model, and our goal was to produce play-off football. But clearly our budget became less competitive as the clubs with greater resources kept spending.
“I promise to work with you to make sure we can now compete in the transfer market, which will increase our chances of playing teams near the top of the table more closely the following season.
This hasn’t always been the case in the past. In order to achieve our goals without putting undue financial strain on the business, we must, to some extent, move away from an approach where our primary objective is sustainability. Ryan was given clear instructions by me to run our club as close to breakeven as possible.
“I have always provided financial support to the club when needed, but I acknowledge that this support will need to expand, and Ryan and I are in agreement about the necessary future investment.”
Additionally, the City supremo disclosed that he is “considering all options” to ensure that the club receives a favourable outcome with regard to the Valley Parade rental agreement.
A substantial six-figure annual fee is paid by City to the family pension fund of former chairman Gordon Gibb, who purchased the stadium in 2003 for approximately £2.5 million during the height of his financial difficulties after a two-year Premier League stint.
Rupp went on, saying, “I am fully aware that the University of Bradford Stadium, Valley Parade, is soon to be the subject of a new rental agreement.
“Even if it costs me, I am weighing all of our options to make sure the club has the best possible long-term outcome and to protect its finances. I view things in this way for the club as a whole.
“There are often questions tabled to me and Ryan about my desire to own Bradford City in the long term, and it is important I clear this up for everyone concerned,” he continued, speaking about his commitment to the team.
“Like the majority of EFL owners, I would and will entertain offers from prospective purchasers who have the ability to advance Bradford City beyond my capabilities, but I would never let it end up in the wrong hands.
“Having said that, even though I am the club’s owner, I want to be clear that, with Ryan, Graham (Alexander), and our team, we intend to move it forward and restore true excitement and hope to Valley Parade. This is how I feel.
Leave a Reply