Bradford City FC, which is no stranger to crises, appears to be facing its worst one yet - one which could see the club going into liquidation and out of business. It is difficult to believe that this is the same club which just a few short seasons ago was riding so high, with messages of joy pouring in from fans all around the world following its elevation to the Premiership. It was a time for people to feel real pride in saying "I'm from Bradford. That's my city."

Those same ex-pat fans, as well as the club's loyal following at home, must now be in despair. The big-spending days which followed promotion are well and truly in the past. For the past couple of seasons Bradford City has been fighting for its financial survival. Now, it seems, that fight is as near to being lost as it has ever been.

Yet it is still hard to believe that the final whistle is close to being blown on this plucky club, which has survived so many ups and downs in its roller-coaster history. It is a club which again and again has had to fight hard for its achievements, clawing its way up the league table only to slip down and have to begin the hard climb once more. What it never has been, though, is a club that gives up.

Despite the huge sense of pride that Bradford Bulls have given the people of this city, Bradford without Bradford City remains inconceivable. We must hope that a last-minute rescue formula can be found to snatch the club to safety.