As news of the dramatic cull at Bradford City sank in, the move was seen as a disastrous blow to the club.

The team has been left with just five players - and no goalkeeper - with big names such as Benito Carbone and Ashley Ward given the chop.

Siavash Rahmana, 21, is a former professional player from Sweden.

He said he devoured information about Bradford City when he learned he would be coming here two years ago to study.

"I think the news is catastrophic. Bradford have been in the Premier League but are suffering horrendously at the moment. They have done really well to get out of the Third Division and I think the current situation must be a big blow for fans and players alike."

James Harari, 23, of Great Horton, is a final year Conflict Resolution student at Bradford University.

He said: "A lot of it has to do with ITV Digital and I think Bradford is just one of many clubs that are going to suffer.

"I think they kept Carbone on for too long given that he was earning £40,000 a week. As a Bradfordian I just feel for the club and the players. It is a horrible time."

Rob Crayton, 23, works as a team leader at Abbey National.

He said: "I think it's appalling what has happened. Just having five players left is ridiculous. It is a complete disaster. They kept the expensive players on too long."

Sharelle Feitor, 18, trainee accountant, of Undercliffe, said: "I can't see how they are going to play decent football with so few players.

"We used to be really proud that we had a Premiership football team but it has got worse and worse and the news about all the sackings is just farcical.

"I think it's going to make us a laughing stock."

Her views were echoed by Lindsey Baggaley, of Dudley Hill, and Sarah Wheelhouse, of Woodside, who asked: "How is Bradford going to be taken seriously?"

Bradford City fan Gary Morgan, 20, of Eccleshill, said he was flabbergasted at the news.

"I can't honestly believe it. I knew they had called in administrators but I didn't think it would come to this. We haven't even got a goalkeeper."

But Sean King, a painter from Bradford Moor, was more upbeat about the situation.

"This has happened before to other clubs and it does not mean the end. It can make the club stronger and better," he said.

"It would be brilliant to have someone flamboyant to come and take over, like Mohammed al-Fayed or Ken Morrison, someone who can bring the club back to life. That's my goal."

Brenda Hanrahan, 53, of Otley Road, said: "I became a fan recently and I think we have a great club. It's terrible what has happened, it's not fair on the players.

"I just don't know what will happen now."

Carl Absom, of Manningham Lane, said: "I understand that the club can't afford the wages of the players and have to let them go but on the other hand how are they going to get on next season and is it going to mean that they crash out of the league altogether?