Friends of Bradford City have set the fund-raising wheels in motion for next season by presenting the club with a new minibus.

The vehicle will be given an immediate “debut” when it is driven over to Ireland on Sunday to carry kit and equipment during the squad’s six-day training camp just outside Dublin.

The Friends handed over the keys to directors Graham Jones and Roger Owen, who act as the conduit between the group and the club.

Owen said: “We discussed at a board meeting last week the fantastic way this group have worked over the last two years. They have been brilliant.

“They are also represented on the supporters’ board run by David Baldwin where they play a full part.”

The group, who organised last season’s player of the year awards, have also paid for a new washing machine as well as scouting software for boss Phil Parkinson.

And they have offered practical assistance such as helping to paint the main stand concourse at Valley Parade.

Chairman Mark Neale said: “We are currently looking at a significant improvement to the match-day experience as a way of giving the supporters something back.”

The Friends of Bradford City are arranging a pre-season fans’ forum on Tuesday, July 30 at the club. More details about their work are available at friendsofbcfc.com.