City will move into a new training base in Leeds – after drawing a blank finding suitable facilities around Bradford.

The Bantams have agreed a five-year lease to rent the University of Leeds playing fields at Weetwood from the start of next season.

The new training ground, which was used by Bulgaria for Euro 96, will also allow them to do everything under one roof – which has not been possible at Apperley Bridge.

But joint-chairman Mark Lawn admitted it was “ridiculous” that they could not relocate somewhere within the city.

He said: “I’m a Bradford lad and a Bradford businessman and I would rather be in Bradford helping out the local economy but what can we do?

“I’ve been talking to the council and they’ve said there is nowhere they can put us. I’m getting fed up with it.

“It’s ridiculous for a city this size but if we want to do anything we’ve got to go to Leeds.

“It’s taken us less than a month to find this facility. That tells you how quick things can be done.

“The University of Leeds have opened their arms welcoming us. They want a professional club to be there and can’t do enough.

“The rent is more than we have been paying but all the money will go towards equipment to keep improving the facilities.

“The training ground is the one thing we’ve been a little bit slack on over the years. If I’d been chairman when we were in the Premier League, I’d have got it done then.

“But this is another step forward and should move us on next season.”