It’s no secret that in recent years, there has been a lack of communication from the higher-ups at Bradford City with the supporters who turn up every week to support the club.
Since Mark Lawn sold the club to current owner Stefan Rupp in 2016, the club was relegated to the bottom division of the EFL and has been stuck there since, which has, of course, caused a section of the fanbase to become disillusioned with the running of the club.
Figures like Rupp and chief executive officer Ryan Sparks have come under much scrutiny after making yearly promises to push for promotion, which has yet to be fulfilled in six years.
However, the good news for City fans is that the club is holding a fan forum on Tuesday 25th June 2024. This ticketed event will allow fans to speak directly with Rupp and Sparks, as well as first team manager Graham Alexander, head of recruitment Stephen Gent, and head of football operations David Sharpe.
This provides supporters with the chance to have questions asked by the above panel. We’ve collected a list of questions that fans will want to ask and have answered within this article.
What is the recruitment model?
Supporters are excited to learn more about the club’s recruitment strategy. With acquisitions like Emmanuel Osadebe, Ash Taylor, and Timi Odusina, who for various reasons didn’t work out at the club over prior seasons, the club has had more mistakes than hits in previous transfer windows.
Gent’s method to signing players has drawn criticism on the internet since he joined the team in 2022. With David Sharpe joining the team, supporters are hoping that the team would prioritize quality over quantity in acquisitions and adopt a more calculated approach.
What are the plans for Valley Parade?
In an open letter to the supporters published in March, Rupp touched on a few of their grievances over the club’s management.
“I am acutely aware that our current rental agreement for the University of Bradford Stadium, Valley Parade, is not far from coming to an end,” Rupp remarked in reference to the stadium. I’m weighing all of our alternatives to make sure the club has the best possible long-term outcome.Fans are curious about Valley Parade’s future and whether Bradford City will be based there, as Rupp noted, as the present agreement for the ground is about to expire.
Will more players leave by mutual consent?
Very early into the summer, shortly after the conclusion of last season, the club quickly mutually cut ties with defender Ash Taylor, who has since gone on to sign for FC Bruno’s Magpies in Gibraltar, which equally adds to why the club signed Taylor in the first place last season on a two-year deal.
One player who doesn’t seem to have a future at the club is striker Vadaine Oliver. With the player still on the books despite game time looking highly unlikely next season, should the club look to end his time at the club mutually, it would probably be the best outcome for both parties at this stage.
How does Bradford’s budget compare to the rest of League Two?
There aren’t many teams at this level larger than Bradford City, and even with teams joining and leaving the league at the end of the season, this doesn’t really alter.
Given that there are four spots available in EFL League Two, it is reasonable to assume that the club will have a competitive budget each season in order to pursue promotion. However, as was already said, the team is still in the bottom level.
Rupp affirms that Sparks had worries about our funding in comparison to other teams in his open letter. Hopefully, Rupp will address this at the fan forum. In particular, to clarify what Rupp means when he says, “I have always provided financial help to the club when needed, albeit I accept
With Halliday resigning, will players like Pointon also be offered new deals?
The fans are curious to know if the team intends to offer players like Bobby Pointon a new contract to tie him down long term after showcasing his ability and potential during his breakout season last term. The club has already started offering players under contract new deals, as demonstrated by the recent agreement to extend Brad Halliday’s contract for an additional two years.
Supporters may have hundreds of questions for the club representatives in attendance, but in order to keep fans engaged for the upcoming season, the club’s administration needs to provide greater clarity on transfers, the stadium, the budget, and better contract terms during this forum.
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