BANTAMS SUPPORTERS TRUST

Since the Asset of Community Value (ACV) status was secured on 11th June 2024, for the Stadium at Valley Parade, the Bradford City Supporters’ Trust has been working to explore what the long-term future of our stadium could look like — with the aim of helping protect it for generations to come. We have opened dialogue with local Manningham councillors and Naz Shah MP, all of whom have been supportive and engaged with the idea. The intention is to expand these conversations further by speaking with additional councillors and MPs across the wider Bradford district to build broader backing. At present, we are awaiting further information from Bradford Council to establish whether any covenant exists on the ground that protects its use for sporting activities. Alongside this, we are beginning to explore ideas around how income could be generated from the surrounding areas to support any future community or supporter-led stadium model. As discussed at the recent Fans Forum, the club has confirmed it is not currently looking to purchase Valley Parade and instead plans to extend the lease when it expires. As a Supporters’ Trust, we believe it is important to explore opportunities before the current lease runs out in 2028. A key part of this process is, understanding whether there is support from the fanbase. We want to know if supporters would be willing to pledge donations and share ideas on how funds could be raised to support any future bid or community ownership model. Suggested estimates of the value of the stadium are in the region of between £8m to £10m. It is likely the value will increase if we are to be promoted. The way the ACV works however is that the current owner, Gordon Gibb’s family pension fund (that has a legal obligation to achieve the best return for its investors) would have to declare their intention to sell and that would open up the bidding process. Here is an explainer of the benefits of an ACV and what it does . As we have said earlier, we are just canvassing opinion amongst supporter base on whether there is a mood for a supporter / community owned stadium at Valley Parade, and whether fans would be prepared to financially back such an initiative. Our initial fundraising ideas include: Applying for grant funding streams Donation buckets around the ground on matchdays Donation points within local businesses and building partnerships One-off fundraising events and supporter initiatives Auctions featuring items donated by current and former players This is very much the beginning of the conversation, and supporter input is vital. We would love to hear from you — your views and your ideas. Your level of support can help shape what comes next. Please fill in our survey here .

Representatives of the Lincoln City Former Players Association and the Red Imps Community Trust presented Bantams Supporters Trust with a cheque to go to the Bradford Burns Unit for £2,000 at our away fixture with Lincoln City at our recent away fixture (27 January). The Bantams Supporters Trust would like to thank them for their generosity.

The Trust would like to pay our respects to great former City player, coach and manager, Terry Yorath, who sadly passed away recently at the age of 75 after a short illness. Starting his career at Bradford City as a player / coach in 1982, making 34 appearances as a player. He was a brilliant coach and assistant manager to Trevor Cherry, being a key figure in our 1984/85 Championship winning side. In fact Cherry was not the same without Terry when he went to manage Swansea City in 1986. Terry was deeply affected by the Valley Parade fire disaster after helping supporters evacuate the stadium. He was also a coach under Paul Jewell taking the Bantams into the Premier League. Terry’s time as manager at City didn't go to plan after taking the reigns from Terry Dolan in Feb 1989 and got sacked just over a year later in the bottom 3 of the old 2nd division. He began his very successful professional playing career with Leeds Utd, winning the old 1st division Championship in 1974 in the Don Revie era, which also had Trevor Cherry in that season’s squad. Also, Terry played for Coventry, spurs, Vancouver Whitecaps, Swansea and of course Wales where he captained 42 of his 59 caps. When he was manager of Wales he came close to taking them to the World Cup finals in 1994. Our condolences go to his family and those close to him. Rest in Peace, Terry Yorath.