Parkin backing Bradford City in Midland Road deal (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Steve Parkin backing Bradford City in Midland Road deal

7:50am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Millionaire businessman Steve Parkin is getting involved with City – but has no plans to launch another bid for the club.

Parkin has taken up a two-year sponsorship deal for the Midland Road stand at Valley Parade through one of his companies, Northern Commercials.

But the boss of the Brighouse -based hauliers Clipper Group insists it is not a way of coming on board with joint-owners Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn.

Parkin, who is also the chairman and chief backer at football neighbours Guiseley , unveiled a grand scheme last year to amalgamate both City and the Bulls as one sporting giant.

But the idea failed to get off the ground when he could not agree an asking price with the Bantams.

Parkin said: “I had a vision and if we could have enacted it that would have been better, certainly for the Bulls and the situation they are in right now. But don’t read anything into this.

“I do a lot of sponsorship with local football and have been involved with Leeds and Huddersfield.

“I thought it would be good to give Bradford a bit of support. They didn’t approach me, I offered to do it.”

City rejected Parkin’s £3million bid for the club 14 months ago and subsequent talks for him to get involved as a third investor failed to pay off.

But he remains on friendly terms with both chairmen and said: “Contrary to reports, I didn’t fall out with Julian (Rhodes) and Mark (Lawn). I came to like them and Julian has become a bit of a pal.

“I’m a very straight fellow and the meetings were very cordial when I was trying to do a deal with them. There was never any fall-out.

“We got on well but just couldn’t agree on the price. I had one in mind and they had another, so it didn’t happen.”

Rhodes is delighted that Parkin has kept a promise he made at the time of their negotiations.

He said: “Good on him. Steve always said he would come back and do some sponsorship and he has been true to his word.”

City director of operations David Baldwin added: “We are grateful for Steve’s support and look forward to working with him.

“Local business support is absolutely imperative to the trading position of the club but equally we want to help promote his company as well.”