Report of Meeting with BCAFC

March 26, 2024

Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 26th February. It was a useful and productive meeting.

 

So much has happened since the last meeting. On the pitch we have seen improvement and the game against Wycombe in the semi-final of the EFL Trophy, despite losing, was widely seen as the best home performance this season so far. However, progress on the pitch has been halted due to the weather more than once this year.

 

Much of our discussion goes over our recent survey findings, and the survey itself covers some of the national picture as well, and the topics are regular features of what we discuss in these meetings. So, without further ado lets dive into it.

 

Report of the Meeting

 

Survey

The Trust reported that over 160 supporters took part in the survey and explained that 60% were non-members, and 40% were members of the Trust, and that the majority taking part were of an older age group, predominantly white male living in Bradford and west Yorkshire area, and 17% identified as Women.

 

Season tickets

The survey covers last season as well as the take up for this year, so, most supporters who took advantage of the early bird offer renewed in this way this season, and there was a slight increase on this seasons.

 

Digital

We also explained most pay in one go and most were satisfied with the process of purchasing season tickets. Breaking that down further, the levels of satisfaction are lower when it comes to digital ticketing over a physical card. It is likely that this is an age preference.

 

Matchday tickets

The vast majority, 87% strongly agree that they represent good value. 45% strongly agree with an online discount, whilst 41% strongly agree that £20 is a fair price for a matchday ticket, and 46% strongly agree that £15 is a fair price for the advance online ticket price.

 

The Club were clear that matchday prices were not going to become cheaper.

 

Bantams Membership Scheme

We explained that 70% of our participants were not members of the scheme. This may have been an age thing. 58% said that as a season ticket holder they felt they were Club members. And 49% said the benefits we not worth the price.

 

Of those that were members, there was no overall majority in terms of what enticed them. 54% said it was the loyalty points, 52% felt they wanted to contribute more to the Club and 4% said they were induced by the special offers.

 

Loyalty Points

There was no overall majority. Most people at 33% felt they didn’t have enough points to buy the away tickets they wanted. 25% said they had enough loyalty points to purchase all they wanted and 23% said they couldn’t buy any at all due to not having any points.

 

The Club found it hard to believe that some couldn’t buy any for not having enough points as most away tickets ended up being made available to season ticket holders and many went on general sale.

 

Perhaps there is a layer of supporters not constantly looking when away tickets come out with the perception they are not going to be able to get one because they don’t think they have enough points.

 

It was asked about whether the times of ticket release have changed as sometimes they’ve gone on sale at mid-day. It was said that they do sometimes resale in less than 24hr hours.

 

It was pointed out that if the team vastly improves on the pitch, the demand will be greater.

 

A point was made that smaller grounds with limited away capacity was a constant issue in the lower leagues.

 

It was pointed out that the loyalty point scheme was still fairer than the priority card. It was said that the Priority card didn’t work as it was taking money off supporters on the premise they’d get a ticket.

 

It was suggested from the Trust that the Bantam Membership Scheme acts in a similar way to the old priority card as it costs and the 100 loyalty points is an incentive in a competition to get more in order to buy away match tickets.

 

The programme

There was no overall majority view on this. No, probably not like to see it back won out at 37%. 27% did definitely want to see it back, and yes probably came in at 19%. And 15% said definitely not. So, it is likely that certainly the older age bracket would’ve liked to see it back but there is a wider reluctant acceptance that it won’t return.

 

The Club definitely said it was not cost effective to produce, and even the sponsors were not bothered about it as not many were actually bought. Colchester’s free programme was mentioned but theirs was run at a loss.

 

It was said that it was not only waste in money, and cost club money, but had an environmental impact. There was a lot of waste. 

 

The Club were committed to souvenir programmes – if we are in a glamour cup tie for example. This was felt to be a good concession.

 

Kiosks and bars

35% visit them every game and 20% rarely / occasional, 16% never, and 13% most games.

 

Value for money

The majority answer was ‘adequate’ at 37%. The second highest answer was poor at 27%. Very poor scored as much as 19%, whilst ‘good’ got over 19%, with ‘very good’ receiving over 1%.

 

Many popular additions to catering options Tiffins can’t do for the moment. Most supporters who took part in the survey want chips, 60%. Everything else was inconclusive. Gravy and mushy peas both scored 15%. Bitter / ale scored 18%, vegetarian alternatives scored 17% and both Bhajis and Samosas scored 21% and 20% respectively.

 

Other suggestions to improve in-stadium offerings reflected a dissatisfaction. Better quality of service, food and cheaper prices were all suggestions. Less queuing, cash sales, opening more kiosks pointed to the need to improve the services.

 

It was said that takings on the catering were on the up, and requests for things like gluten free products or vegetarian options for example were not done in general because the demand for them was not enough.

 

It had been said by Doug, the Manager of Tiffins catering that food requests could be emailed in. However, it was said that supporters who had arranged for something to be brought in would have to pick it up at a bar /kiosk.

 

Indicating levels of agreement on a range of statements/topics

The Trust doing a good job in representing supporters

Almost 24% strongly agreed, almost 37% somewhat agreed, and over 32% sat on the fence saying they neither agree or disagree, while nearly 5% somewhat disagreed and over 1% strongly disagreed.

 

The Supporters Board do a good job in representing supporters

15% strongly agreed, with 36% somewhat agreeing. 39% neither agreed nor disagreed, and 4% somewhat disagreed while nearly 5% strongly disagreed

 

Feeling that Bradford City’s supporter engagement is good

Over 15% said they strongly agreed, and over 46% somewhat agreed, and over 29% neither agreed nor disagreed. Only 6% at the time somewhat disagreed and over 1% strongly disagreed.

 

The Club felt quite pleased with this.

 

Feeling that Bradford City cares about you and your views

Only 8% strongly agreed with that statement. 40% somewhat agreed, and almost 32% neither disagreed nor agreed. Nearly 14% somewhat disagreed with over 5% strongly disagreeing with that statement.

 

Swearing and bad language is part of watching football

Over 13% strongly agree, with over 30% somewhat agreeing. Slightly less, 27% neither agreed nor disagreed with over 17% somewhat disagreed and nearly 11% strongly disagreed. There was no overall strong opinion about this.

 

We agreed with the Club on this one that swearing and bad language is widely accepted at football, and it is a society problem, and if we are trying to make football more inclusive to wider, diverse groups, then it needs to improve.

 

Importance retaining the 3pm blackout to protect lower league clubs

There was a stronger opinion felt about this one. 41% strongly agreed with this, and just over 26% somewhat agreed, with over 19% of you sat on the fence. Only 8% somewhat disagreed, and only 3% strongly disagreed.

 

This is in line with the national view of football fans.

 

The Club’s opinion was that football would be better if it was removed, saying that if fans couldn’t get to a game they should be able to have a choice of watching it on TV. They didn’t feel that smaller clubs would lose their regular footfall. They feel there is a fear that supporters may choose to be sitting at home over coming to the game.

 

It’s right to ban fans from drinking within sight of the pitch

There was no really strong view about this one. Although nearly 28% of you strongly agree and 24% somewhat agree. Just 16% sat on the fence on this with the same percentage somewhat disagreeing. Almost 13% of supporters strongly disagree.

 

It was said that fans on the continent drink on the terraces. The Club thinks it is a draconian law. The club felt current ban means that people are more likely to binge drink before a game, rather than drink slower during a game. The Trust felt it was a justifiable point.

 

Football is doing enough to encourage diversity and welcome Women, LGBTQ people and ethnic minorities to the game.

There was no strong majority opinion on this. Almost 15% strongly agree and over 35% somewhat agree. 34% are on the fence on this one, whilst only 6% somewhat disagree and 4% strongly disagreeing.

 

There should be an independent football regulator to ensure football clubs are run sustainably.

There is a stronger opinion felt about what you think this. Over 47% strongly agree that there should be an independent regulator. Over 34% somewhat agree whilst over 10% are sat on the fence. Over 4% somewhat disagree and just over 2% strongly disagree.

 

It was pointed out that time is running out before the end of parliament and it is difficult to see the White Paper (Fan-Led Review Report) being voted on at this stage

 

TV companies having too much sway in deciding kick-off times/schedules

There is definitely strength of feeling on this. Over 64% strongly agree with this whilst 28% somewhat agree. Nearly 7% are sat on the fence and only 1% strongly disagrees.

 

The Club believe this is the direction of travel for football, but at the same time there is a concern supporters could be over saturated by the power of the broadcasters.

We know that there is a heavy reliance on the expected income of TV broadcasting deals that can help clubs competing in the transfer market, but if broadcasters are dropped or fail to make a profits this could affect the continuity of expectation from club, which in turn may increase the likelihood of financial concerns.

 

Purchasing a season ticket TV package that exclusively shows all Bradford City’s away matches.

30% strongly agreed whilst 28% somewhat agreed. 23% were on the fence, and 5% somewhat disagreed while 9% strongly disagreed.

 

The difficulty with this one is in the lower leagues Clubs will always prefer bums on seats, and of course there are of course issues around the 3pm blackout which would mean none of our Saturday away fixtures would be at 3pm.

 

The bigger clubs can always not worry about bums on seats as they pretty much sell out away ends, and not worry about teatime or evening weekend kick offs as demand for tickets nearly always exceeds capacity.

 

The Club strongly agreed with wanting this. They referred to the 3pm ban saying that we have been living with the ban for so long that people have got used to it, and there is a fear of removing it because smaller clubs feel they will lose out to the armchair fan.

 

I consider myself a supporter of the Bradford City Women’s team

Only, nearly 8% strongly identified with it. 18% somewhat agree, and 44% where not that really bothered one way or another. 12% somewhat disagreed and 10% strongly disagreed.

 

It shows that despite the razzmatazz around the national women’s team and the bigger brand clubs, it has not had that transformative effect with our support base, and it is probably the case at many other clubs in League 1 and 2.

The Club agreed that the Womens’ game hasn’t really hit beyond some of the leading Premier League clubs.

 

Of the various initiatives supporters would like the Trust to focus its campaigns and communications on:

  • Improving the atmosphere came out top with 47%;
  • Linked to that was safe standing / railed seating at 34%;
  • Registering Valley Parade as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) received 38%;
  • 33% selected Working to lower ticket pricing/reciprocal deals with other clubs;
  • 28% opted for Supporting diversity initiatives such as Kick it Out and Fans for Diversity campaigns;
  • Nearly 27% want to see us working to improve the policing and stewarding at home games;
  • and 26% want to see us work with the Club and police to improve away travel and matchday experience;
  • and 24% of you want us to support local community initiatives.

 

Other suggestions were: disabled parking, catering, events, the steps up to the pavement behind the Kop get too congested and there's ample space to widen them.

 

The Club said regarding widening the steps to the pavement from the kop, that the road is the responsibility of the Council.

 

Liaison Officer developments

It was reported that they now have taken on three volunteers for the disability SLO role, and Marco Townson overseas the different SLO areas.

 

Season ticket prices and special offers for next season

It was reported that the Club hadn’t yet decided on their options, and whilst freezing the price at £198 was an option, over the last 3 seasons it had stayed the same price, but the cost of running the Club operations have increased, their overheads have increased by 32% and they may have to look at increasing cost.

 

Railed Seating

The Trust suggested using this opportunity to raise the £70 - £80 estimated cost to fund the implementation of railed seating for those wanting to create the atmosphere and who would like the choice to stand in a designated area through marketing a specific area of the ground through season tickets. So for example, the Trust suggested, if everyone paid an extra £3 over two seasons for two railed seated areas of 2,000 it would pay for itself.

 

It was explained however that the Club had more immediate pressures in maintaining fixtures and fittings within the stadium. Roof repairs was cited as an example.

 

Premier League Proposals

This largely refers to offers to the EFL from the PL money to be cascaded down where there is no agreement yet. An element of this is linked to the PL’s deal with TV Broadcasters, and linked with the TV package is FA Cup proposals which would mean no replays and rescheduling. Semi final and final ticket pricing among other things are also been discussed.

 

Improving our Structures Dialogue with the Club

It was explained that the Trust felt whilst there is much gained with the Club in terms of it’s ongoing discussion and debate through our structured dialogue, the Trust has not been on a same level playing field as the Supporters Board (SB). A Trust aim is working with the Club on projects. For example, consultation about the season tickets for next season could’ve involved both the Trust and SB. Club publicity of its structured dialogue with the Trust is another example raised.

 

At some clubs they publicise jointly agreed reports of meetings is another good practice example.

 

The Trust feels it is fantastic that the Club gives the amount of time it gives us, and we discuss things that are national as well as all things Bradford City in a way that is not done with the SB.

 

We meet three times a season with the Club, which is well within the recommendations for structured dialogue.

 

It is true that as we are an independent organization it is important to maintain that independence, however, building a partnership for example, being involved in any consultation exercises, being involved in a process, a community partnership, a diversity or inclusion campaign, joint work on policing and stewarding of away matches, and being part of something which raises the profile of a specific project and the Trust’s profile is something that many other Trusts have achieved and we have achieved in the past.

 

In many ways, the Trust feels that it has made progress in being able to have this structured dialogue with the Club that it hasn’t had before, however, it is always good practice for both the Trust and Club to be jointly looking at ways of improving in building on the good relationship we have.

 

Finance

Commercially the Club is growing, on the ticketing side the Club is down, and catering the Club is doing better.

 

Paperwork will be published for all to see when the accounts are done.

 

Ownership

It was asked about Stefan Rupp coming to attend. It was suggested that he didn’t have to physically attend, it could be on a Zoom call and it was suggested with both the Supporters Board and ourselves.

Supporters Trust meets with Tiffin Stadium Catering

November 5, 2026
On 29 October, representatives of the Supporters Trust met with representatives of Tiffin Stadium Catering Richard Cullen, Managing Director, and James Tinsley, Director of Operations, at City Vaults to discuss supporters’ feedback on catering at Valley Parade. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current offering, explain the practical considerations behind matchday service and hear suggestions for future improvements. Tiffin is responsible for the stadium kiosks this season, with hospitality catering provided separately. Richard and James explained that delivering matchday catering involves balancing product choice, quality and speed of service, particularly during the short, busy periods before kick-off and at half-time. As with many established football grounds, the available space and facilities vary between kiosks. These influence the equipment that can be accommodated and the products that can be prepared and served efficiently and safely. Some suggestions, including a wider range of freshly cooked dishes, would require additional equipment or supporting facilities/rooms before they could be introduced safely at the volumes required. The range therefore varies between kiosks according to facilities and demand. Staffing is also directed towards the busiest service points to help manage queues and serve supporters efficiently. The discussion covered developments this season, including the introduction of self-service beer stations and the recent trial of the “ultimate hotdog” at the local derby. Tiffin remains keen to explore further additions where they can be delivered consistently within the matchday operation. Supporters’ feedback on pie serving temperatures was also discussed, highlighting the importance of a consistent experience. Specific feedback identifying the kiosk, fixture and product would help Tiffin investigate individual concerns. Pricing was another subject raised. Richard and James explained that prices reflect food and drink purchasing costs, wages and employer National Insurance, packaging, delivery and the preparation and staffing required for matchday service. Tiffin recognises that value matters to supporters and aims to balance affordability with product quality and reliable service. The Trust thanked Richard and James for an open and constructive discussion. Both welcomed continued feedback and expressed their willingness to meet supporters again, with a shared interest in improving the matchday experience at Valley Parade.

Geoffrey Richmond: 1941-2026

November 4, 2026
The Supporters Trust would like to take the opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Geoffrey Richmond, our late chairman. His enigmatic personality and his input into Bradford city culminating in the two seasons in the Premier League were filled with some wonderful memories for the supporters. He played his part in the Bradford City story and will not be forgotten.

Save The Date For The Trust AGM 2026

November 3, 2026
Our AGM is on Wednesday, 24th November, from 7pm, at Jacobs Well , near Bradford Interchange. This is your opportunity to make your voice be heard and contribute to making us stronger in terms of building the Trust membership and our finances, but we also want to influence the Club in securing it’s long term success and longevity, bringing in supporter-led initiatives along the way that improve the match day experience for all. You will get to hear about our achievements through our reports at the AGM. The existing Trust Board would like to see new Trust Board Members that have new ideas and proposals that will broaden our reach. Find out how you can play a role in the Trust here . If you would like to be a Board Member, please find a Board Member Nomination form for this year here . All Board Members are volunteers and we are a not for profit organisation. The deadline for submitting your nominations is Wednesday 18 th November 2025. There is space for a candidate’s statement on the form, and a proposer and seconder need to be members. For any enquiries about being a Board Member please contact us here . Members who receive our regular emails will be able to download our Draft Agenda and Papers for the evening nearer the time. For our AGM to be quorate, we need 20 Members in attendance. Only Members can vote. The AGM will start at 7pm, so please arrive in good time to order a drink at the bar. We will be in the snug area of the pub and greet members at the bar from 6.30pm. We understand that many of you will live across the country and further beyond, and therefore to encourage attendance we will have a hybrid meeting as in previous years, of members, in person, in the pub, or online video via Zoom. The Zoom meeting link will be provided nearer the time. We look forward to seeing you in due course.

Tiffin have named a date and time for an open meeting with fans

October 22, 2026
Tiffin want to engage with supporters about the choice or lack of food and drink on the concourse Kiosk bars at Bradford City and have called a meeting for Thursday 29 th October at City Vaults for 6pm. Here is your opportunity to offer suggestions in person. To get an indication of interest in attending, please contact Helen Jeffery by emailing hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . You do not have to be a member of the Trust to attend. Anyone not able to attend but wanting to put forward any ideas, please Email us at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . We can then collate any information to take to the meeting. We thank you for your support

The Trust Welcomes Michael Duff as The new First Team Manager

October 8, 2026
On the 6 th October Bradford City announced Michael Duff as the new First Team Manager. Duff, 48, in his playing career as a defender and a former Northern Ireland International, became a firm favourite amongst supporters at Cheltenham Town, helping them get promoted twice, once during the 1997 season, and then in 1999 when he scored the goal that got them promoted into the Football League. He later contributed to the club’s promotion to the third tier through the play-offs in 2002. In 2004, he joined Burnley from Cheltenham for a reported £30,000, and in 2009 helped them win promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, and since helped them win promotion back into the Premier League two other times, in 2014 and 2016 respectively. In Duff’s managerial career (2017-18) he worked within Burnley’s coaching structure. In 2018 he came back to Cheltenham, and in 2021 Led Cheltenham to the League Two title. In 2022 he joined Barnsley and in the following year he took them to the League One Play-Off Final. In that year, 2023, he had a spell as Head Coach of Swansea City and in 2024 joined Huddersfield Town. In 2025 he then managed Wycombe Wanderers. So far in his managerial career, Duff has taken charge of 376 games, winning 160 and drawing 96. Whilst he has had managerial successes he has faced difficulties at Clubs facing different expectations. Michael Duff’s Management Style is one where his approach is based strongly on unity, work ethic, adaptability, and collective responsibility. His teams have been associated with organised pressing and an ability to build play from the back. He has also shown a willingness to adjust his tactical approach according to the strengths of his players. Another important part of his philosophy is creating a strong connection between players, staff, and supporters. These qualities are very much in the mould of two of our best managers in the modern era, Phil Parkinson and Graham Alexander and therefore it is understandable the Club’s senior figures see that he can fit into their Club vision. We are aware that there will be a lot of expectation from within the Club and amongst supporters as there is a strong ambition of competing higher in the English football structure. We believe that a manager has to have the time and the resources to develop and bring about successes. The conditions are ripe for Duff to succeed with all the ambition and expectation to reach the Championship. It is a tough pressure, but one that Michael Duff will be relishing. The Trust gives Duff our backing and we hope that all supporters will give him time to get the players’ backing. We are only too aware that the pressure for success has created culture of a managerial merry-go-round where careers of managers at clubs are often cut short. We can only hope that Michael Duff’s success at Bradford City is the exception to this. The season’s campaign is still long and we are sure there will still be highs and lows. We are also confident that if the spirit is strong and determined throughout the team we are sure supporters will get behind him.

Tiffin catering request supporters input for concourse bars

October 8, 2026
Bantams Supporters Trust have been approached by the Club’s stadium concourse catering company Tiffin to try to arrange an open meeting in the next couple of months to discuss the foods and beverages provided in the concourse outlets. This would give both parties the chance to discuss what it is that supporters would like to see provided at games and Tiffin the chance to discuss what can and cannot be provided in the stadium. The City Vaults has been suggested as a venue and probably a mid week evening would be the best time for all involved. To get an indication of interest in attending, please contact Helen Jeffery by emailing hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . You do not have to be a member of the Trust to attend. Anyone not able to attend but wanting to put forward any ideas, please Email us at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . We can then collate any information to take to the meeting. We thank you for your support

Graham Alexander Leaving

September 29, 2026
After much speculation surrounding the possibility that he was to leave for Preston North End, and then confirmation that the Club had reluctantly let him talk to the Club on the 24 th September, we reflect with sadness that it has finally been confirmed on Monday 28 th that Graham Alexander has now left the Club. He had been with us for almost 3 years from November 2023 when he picked up the struggling team, that by the end of that campaign, narrowly missed promotion by just one point of reaching the Play-Offs. The following season, his first full season brought us automatic promotion in one of the most dramatic end of last matches of the season at Valley Parade in the Club’s history. There were scenes of unbridled joy that afternoon that seemed like all the difficult years of lack of success and ambition had evaporated into the air. During that season the team managed to win 10 consecutive home wins. In our new League one season Graham Alexander led his team into the playoffs but was unsuccessful in reaching the dizzy heights of the Championship. Graham Alexander in his time as manager brought in a raft of new players and was able bring the team together. He brought a confidence to the team and with it a team that could fight for points and beat teams, and the success on the pitch brought fans back and won many new ones. Fans could sing with pride. But we must not dwell on what we have lost. A manager’s career is very short these days at any one club, and we must look ahead and wish success to Graham Alexander, one of the revered amongst the Club’s support base and his assistant manager, Chris Lucketti at Preston North End. In the interim period while we wait for a new manager we must give our support to Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle. With all the success we have had in the time Graham Alexander has been with us, he leaves us in a stronger position as a club financially and a much more exciting prospect as a club to come to as a manager. With a big support base, all the ingredients are there for much more successes at Bradford City. We are only at the beginning of October, so we are sure to have a few bumps on the journey.

Supporting City Away

September 28, 2026
The Supporters Trust would like to bring up some issues that have been brought to our attention by disabled supporters and elderly supporters attending away games and how upsetting they can be. My name is Helen Jeffery, a disabled supporter, and an avid City fan who has recently joined the Supporters Trust Board. At away grounds disabled supporters are often allocated places directly behind the goal or to the left or right at the front of an away enclosure. As a result, and in particularly when we bring a big following, we often find that that intoxicated supporters are coming down the steps, standing in front of us blocking our line of site, pushing and jostling wheelchairs and even falling on our supporters. It can be frightening and even when the stewards step in to quell the situation, some of those supporters argue and refuse to move. This is particularly evident when celebrating goals. It can put vulnerable supporters at risk to injury. The Trust is appealing to anyone who knows any of these supporters to just remind them that not all disabilities are visible and to be more mindful of other supporters around them. I love the team as much as the next supporter but games are becoming harder to go to when you are frightened of your own fan-base. We have raised these issues several times with the Club and the West Yorkshire Police Dedicated Football Officer, see our last report of when we raised safety issues, and I have contacted other clubs, and lessons are being learnt by clubs but we still need your support to help us make the game safer so that we can all go, be safe and enjoy the beautiful game we all love. Thank you in advance for supporting this appeal and if anyone has any feedback/ideas and your own experiences for me please email the Trust at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk and I will contact you directly. We have also asked our Club to put out a message on matchdays appealing for fans to be mindful and considerate, as it may have more impact. Forever Bantams Helen Jeffery Women’s and Disability Officer

Report of Trust meeting with BCAFC August 2026

September 3, 2026
In attendance from the Club were Ryan Sparks (RS) – Club CEO and Liam Mould (LM) – Fan Engagement Officer. Representing the Supporters Trust there was Manny Dominguez (MD – Chair and Helen Jeffrey No apologies were given. Minutes from last meeting were agreed. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club on Monday 10 th Aug. We last met on June 1 st , so as ever, as we approach the new season, there was still a lot to catch up on. So, without further ado lets dive into it. Season ticket breakdown The Trust asked for a breakdown of the latest season ticket figures ahead of the start of the new season. Ryan confirmed that the announcement for the tally was to be on Friday 14th August to coincide with start of the season. on the website, here . A total of 16,352 season tickets have been sold ahead of our 2026/27 League One campaign, an increase of 326 on the total this time last year – A Club record! Looking at the figures in detail, broadly speaking it is a positive that the figures have grown in all areas of sales, and looking those who have renewed it is an achievement to have such an increase on last season – 14,203 compared with 13,089, the numbers increased (1,823) considerably on those not renewing (472) compared with last season. Also increases on last season for under 24’s – 1,160 over, 1,047 respectively were not as big as those increases in those under 17’s – 1,566 this season compared with 1,388 last season. It shows the marked increase due to the frozen prices in that area. Also in the increases of new season ticket sales, they fell, 2,149, compared with 2,937 last season. Failure to get promoted will have played it’s part in those deciding to buy and renew as well. Season ticket Allocations All hard copy (card) season tickets went out up to and including 7th August. Any issues to be reported to the ticket office staff. The Club want to phase out the card. Technical issues had slowed down virtual (email) tickets. RS discussed the future of season tickets and a scenario whereby the ticket could disappear and the service would become a rolling subscription with the facility to opt in or out. 61% of season ticket holders already pay direct debit. The example of having other direct debits for energy bills, Council Tax or TV subscriptions, and paying for your seat at football would be just like paying any other bill. We asked about consultation before decisions are made. This LM and RS both agreed would need consultation. MD was unsure about this as a long-term solution, noting people don't like change. Liam echoed this but also said progress needs to happen. Reciprocal deals In terms of matching the gate costs, Ryan stated that this would have an impact on home and away fans. Pricing would become messy and he didn't want to do to Sheffield Wednesday what they have done to us. MD agreed and said that a Sheffield local paper had emailed the Trust asking for a comment. However, MD explained that reciprocal deals wasn’t about reciprocating existing prices, but instead, attempting to lower them. He explained that the method of reaching a reciprocal deal arrangement was firstly about contacting other Clubs within our division and seeing if other Clubs were willing to participate in reduce prices for their fixtures with us, and if they are, then we would reciprocate the offer for their fans when they visit Valley Parade. Fans would see great value in this idea. Affordable football reflects financial performance RS said and talked about the running costs and season tickets and stated pricing and low pricing could never be guaranteed. Mascots We also raised the price of mascot package, because we felt the price of becoming one has become out of reach for ordinary families, see prices here . We felt that perhaps children that don’t have the best opportunities in life could have the opportunity to get to a match and do it in style by being a mascot. LM liked the idea, and HJ raised the idea of children in social care as an example of those who wouldn’t normally be able to get the opportunity to be able to get one. Matchday: Food & drink queues on the concourse The club are going to increase capacity this season. The old betting kiosks are going to be used for food/drink going forward to aid congestion, format to be confirmed, hopefully 5 more. They could just be for alcohol. Food choices RS said we’re hoping to see changes on the concourses with Tiffin. Upstairs in the suites we have Northern Kitchen. HJ felt there has been a lack of media & fan engagement over suite foods. RS said that they are going to test menus early doors and any poor sellers will not be put on again. He said It's hoped the food in the suites will be better to anything we’ve had before. We discussed briefly that the electrics in the Kiosks need upgrading which would allow chips being served – the number one favourite request in our surveys. This has now happened in the Morrisons Family Stand – offering loaded chips too. Stadium improvements We have the revamped the 2013 suite and renamed it the Victory Suite, the Legends Suite is now the players lounge and the 1911 Bar has been converted into two boxes and private bar area. These have been prices at approximately £17k and have sold out in a very short period of time. They cost £70k to refit There are other areas of the ground like the floodlights, the PA system and putting fibre in the pitch to do but will have to wait until next season It was mentioned how the infrastructure was 20 years behind and not very welcoming. The Club are investing bit by bit every season. The issue of having to prioritise of investment in the stadium, which competes with investing in the team was talked about too. In the stands all the seats have now been re-seated. Family / Father and daughter toilets HJ stated that she had seen Dad/children using the disabled toilet in West Stand, but no changing station available. LM said they had been looking into improving baby changing facilities but they would come at a 4 figure cost. LM had discussed the idea of converting some disability toilets where they could add a baby changing facility into it, but it would lose its disability status doing that. He raised the idea if raising the money through supporter funds. HJ also raised hygiene was also a concern when using the toilets. Club matchday activities in other stands and Trust stall LM raised that we now have Bronte Bantam to pair up with Billy Bantam, introduced to be inclusive for the girls coming to football to promote the girls game. The name Bronte is a nod to Bradford City of Culture, Strong Women in history and locality. The two mascots cost to sponsor is £20K and that has happened LM also discussed West Stand Sub Soccer Zone, or Junior Bantams Game Zone area – a sit-down area of physical activity and a rebranded gaming zone. LM said that they will try rotation of activities in the Main Stand to the Midland Rd stand. MD asked if we can rotate the stall to the Midland Rd. LM agreed and said we also have the Northwest Corner as an option as well. There will be a new away supporters fan-zone at Saltaire Brewery, Shipley this season. Heritage: Mural idea MD raised the idea of a mural of past and present heroes in the dressing room or a design, a tribute to Bobby Campbell and others could go on the concourse of the Midland Road. LM offered the idea that supporter populated areas would be what we would go for. LM thought a collaboration with us and the club would be great PR for both organisations and we could do it as a donation-based option, e.g. £20 per person and All sponsors would be able to chip in. Names of supporters donating would be named in a press release on it’s completion. LM said it would be £695+ for a small area. This shows that City are covering the dull grey spaces and fans can sponsor. Improving our Structured Dialogue / Fan Engagement MD explained that whilst our statement and details of meetings with the Club were on the website, the PDF image appeared to be of a low resolution so didn’t show well. LM said that this can be rectified We also raised suggested that The Burns Unit Collection and Memorial could be another ‘Working Group’ to ensure an improved fan engagement and bigger funds raised when they come round each year. MD also said that the Governance meeting hadn’t been as consistent over the course of last season. Football Governance and the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) The Club have signed up to be a pilot Club, 1 out of 10, to sign up for a provisional license pilot scheme to show the Independent Football Regulator it has nothing to hide financially and that we are not in any financial danger. During the Summer the IFR organized a pilot phase for a representative group of clubs to trial the provisional license application process ahead of the official window opening in November 2026. Clubs will need to demonstrate the soundness of their financial plans to the new independent football regulator (IFR), demonstrate how they are engaging with supporters and meet corporate governance standards in order to secure a provisional license. All clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England will need a license to play from 2027-28. For further reading on the Football Governance Act and what it means for you, click here . For further reading on The IFR powers and licensing, click here . Financial Performances When asked if departments within the Club don’t do so well if they can be assisted by another, RS yes. As the world is changing so are our spending habits. 48 hours before the Rochdale League Cup game 2½ thousand tickets had been sold and in the last 36 hours a total or 4 thousand had bought them, showing that people are holding onto their cash for longer. The health of the Club is in part underpinned by the national economy and the national economy is part of a more volatile competition of a global market We asked about the cost of keeping us safe on a match day operation, and RS said the cost of that is more than half a million pounds. The quality of stewards were discussed. We asked if the Club would consider in house employment and the answer was no in catering but retail has been previously brought back in house. Currently, KitKing operate the club’s retail operation. Retail We asked about having a pop-up shop for Christmas.  Ryan talked about memorabilia Collectors who buy everything but our figures show 75% fans are passive. The club vision should be better stock turnover more often. The Pop up won’t viable due to costs/overheads/staffing and logistics. RS said the club would like to implement a system inhouse where you buy online and pay and the item is placed in a locker in the stand you are in. A QR code would give you access to collect your purchase. Stefan Rupp’s Investment Rupp still invests another £3 million projected loss to be spent in all areas, same as last season.

Report of Trust meeting with BCAFC - Improving Safety and Behaviour at Football Matches

August 21, 2026
In attendance from the Club: Jonathan Heaton (JH) – Safety Officer From West Yorkshire Police: Aaron Dennis (AD) – Dedicated Football Officer (DFO) Representing the Trust was, Manny Dominguez (MD) – Chair and Helen Jeffrey, Trust Board Member. Apologies were given from Paula Watson (PW) – Director of Operations. Bantams Supporters Trust met with the Club and a representative of West Yorkshire Police working with the Club on Monday 27 th July. The last time the Trust met with the Club was August last year, 2025. SAG’s We looked at the report from last year’s meeting and MD asked if there had been any decision on whether there can be supporter representation on the Safety Advisory Group or SAG. Every club has a SAG which is a non-decision-making forum that advises local authorities on spectator safety, crowd management, and emergency planning. It typically brings together club officials, council departments, and emergency services. The local authority issues the safety license certificate and is responsible for advising and assisting Clubs where necessary. The SGSA, the Sports Ground Safety Authority is the national body that advises the government on sports ground safety. It licenses PL and EFL football grounds and oversees local authorities in safety certification. As well as the Football Supporters Association (FSA), it recommends supporter representation on the local Club SAG, see here . JH said that the SAG meets adhoc, as because the various bodies have other demands on a day to day basis its difficult to get everyone together at any one time, but they are meeting on a coming Wednesday, so he will raise it. MD advised it would be good to have two delegate seats, one for the Supporters Trust and the other for the Supporters’ Board so to be as inclusive as possible. MD advised that we are a Community Benefit Society and is independent from the Club. We are part of the FSA, the national body for supporters Trusts and other supporters groups. Arrests and incidents We then moved onto the Agenda and discussed the number of arrests / incidents. AD said that there had been 36 arrests over the course of last season (25/26) compared with only 14 the previous season (24/25). 10 out of the 36 arrests had been at the Bolton home game – the Playoff semi final. These arrests are just at home matches only. It was said that offences were committed were mainly male and we haven’t seen a persistent crime type, i.e. drugs. MD made the point that the number of football related arrests have had a 2 percent fall last season according to recent Home Office Statistics. See article here . It was said the promotion had an effect. Promotion brings risk. We had Huddersfield, Wigan and Bolton – bigger Clubs with more supporters prepared to travel. It was asked if there have been any increases of offences on social media, and there were 3 occasions of references to the fire during the 24/25 season but none last season. HJ asked if crime relating to the fire was a banning offence and the answer was affirmative. There were pyros thrown at the end of our home match against Bolton in the second round of the Play off semi final. It was said that the kids today have no idea of how that impacted on the lives of the survivors and their families. It would be useful if there is any training on this. Regarding incidents, particularly at away matches, where we see big crowds swell up at regional derbies there are lots of situations that infringe on disabled groups and other vulnerable groups and nothing gets done about them – blocking others from watching the game and flares occasionally get thrown on the pitch. In these matches we tend to loose the older, more-longer standing supporters. AD explained that there are football regulations and then offences that are public order offences, so for example standing in front of your seat is not a public order (criminal) offence so Police have no power to enforce such matters, so will not get involved. Sometimes football stadium related situations can sometimes be the cause of argument and then can turn to threatening behaviour. HJ said that the incidents particularly away at Huddersfield and Wigan could’ve been dealt with better. AD admitted that was the case for the Huddersfield one but it was Greater Manchester Police who have to comment on the Wigan experiences. The DFO and JH had seen a response from the Silver Commander on the day in answer to a City fans’ complaint and questions on various social media platforms. We asked about more police at big home games and the use of dogs for drugs or pyros. AD said that to have dogs the have 6 to 8 officers with them. If supporters are caught with possession of drugs or pyro’s it will take officers away from the line of duty it was said. MD said at some clubs he has experienced the home Club offer amnesty tables where supporters’ bags are checked over. AD said there is a cost implication to that level of security. He said there were dogs at the Bolton Play-Off Semi Final but it didn’t prevent all pyros to be confiscated before the game. The dogs will come from a private company and policing at the stadium costs as well. The Club pays for the whole operation these days which is why our Club and most other Clubs prefer the matchday operation to be managed solely by the stewards. Stewards We asked about stewards’ training and help. JH said that the EFL brought in ‘SQUAD’ – ‘Stewardship Quality and Development’ training when football came back to hosting live games after lockdown, and it was all about raising standards but not a lot happened after that. All stewards have to be level 2 trained in spectator training which includes first aid, custom services, counter terrorism and life support. The Club has a small amount of loyal City supporting Club employed staff but have its majority of stewards who are agency. Post covid the Club lost a lot of steward staff, explained JH, and it costs £350 to train 1 steward. Engagement with supporters requires regular staff. Stewards get a lot of criticism because they don’t appear to do anything. HJ explained of an incident that happened to her at Huddersfield Town and she had to raise it with the EFL to bring about a response from them, where she then met with the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) for the Club. He was open to her suggestion to have a disability steward stationed to support traveling supporters in that end. At Bradford City we have 2 very good Disability Liaison Officers (DLO’s) but they have to work through issues around the whole ground on a matchday. HJ said it’s important for stewards in the disability areas and of course all around the ground to build a good relationship and consistency with the supporters. JH said it can be difficult to maintain that consistency. The Club tries to retain staff that know our supporters through the agency as well as the small core of our City supporting steward and the volunteer DLO’s we have. To have all our stewards in house is not affordable at the present time. Young offenders We looked at how the Club deals with young offenders and JH said that the Club has a behavioural ‘ABC’ contract, where young people, and those under 18 who get involved in activities that stop short of what is breaking the law get brought into the Club with parent or guardian to sign an ‘Acceptable behaviour Agreement (ABC)’. It is a structured warning system designed to deter them from escalating into serious offenses. It also has a variety of sanctions of which education or restorative justice make up some of those sanctions. The Trust agreed that it’s important to make our supporters more aware of the what activities and behaviors are not acceptable – football related offences, the ground regulations and what criminal offences are, but young people may just see it as authority talking at them and not take it seriously. It was suggested that ex players who may have done crime themselves could talk to perhaps persistent offenders but it was felt that would be seen as a reward. HJ and AD felt what they have there works. Sometimes police officers in uniform come to the houses of the individual and see the parents and that has an effect. We suggested meeting the victim if the impact of their behaviour impacted on anyone, or if they impacted on a disabled person, experience a match with the disabled person. They were open to ideas We asked if there any alternatives ways to encourage supporters to look after each other at big games apart from reminding fans of football ground regulations and what is an offence through the tannoy and scoreboard. We suggested through the Clubs’ communication channels they could have some messages of looking after each other. It was felt however there is so many things that the Club has to communicate out there on any given matchday it wouldn’t be practical in such a short space of time. We agreed to meet this time next year for another progress report.