Bradford City: Rupp sorry for "rollercoaster" year

Stefan Rupp also stressed that they had learned their lesson in a year that has seen the Bantams slip from play-off finalists to missing out on League One’s top six completely.

Speaking at last night’s player-of-the-year-awards at Valley Parade, joint-owner Rupp said: “This season was a rollercoaster and very emotional for Edin (Rahic) and me.

“We win as a team and we lose as a team.

“This year was not as successful as we originally planned. But ultimately, it’s our responsibility and therefore please take the apologies of Edin and me.

“We will do our best. We will work hard to come out of this situation over the next months.

“I think we have learned our lesson.”

Rupp’s speech also rubbished any rumours that they are looking to sell the club and move on.

“We have bought this club for very honest reasons,” he added. “We will stick like glue on our chairs.

“There has been a lot of success but also a good portion of disappointment.

“But this is sport and that’s something that has to do with football. We have to go through this.

“In the long history of Bradford City, I think such a weird season like we’ve had has maybe happened before.

“We are here to guarantee a certain amount of stability. This year we have achieved that, so the club is financially stable, which I think is quite important.

“You see other clubs in League One and English football that cannot provide that.

“This was our first and foremost thing we wanted to achieve. We don’t want to get any debts and overstretch, we can only spend what we earn.”

And he repeated their aim for City to develop their own youngsters.

“We have spent a lot of money and effort in the youth department over the last 18 months. You have seen some players on the pitch already, Tuesday for example.

“This is something in our DNA. Each football club should have this and hopefully we can provide it in the next few years and constantly bring our own young players into the first team.”