CITY have been rated as a "strong" company by a leading financial analyst.

The Plimsoll group have carried out a study of the UK's 167 largest football clubs – and the Bantams have been ranked as the 14th most profitable.

The report claims that City, one of only 19 clubs not to make a loss last season, continue to buck the national trend. The 'strong' rating is the highest available and reflects their financial performance over the last 12 months.

A spokesman for Plimsoll said: "What is more impressive is that you have achieved this in a difficult market place where 124 of your competitors are in financial danger and a record number are making a loss."

City are among 25 clubs whose performance is described as strong. The report also states that 58 clubs are now carrying more debt than a year ago.