THE first-floor room in the Valley Parade banqueting suite had been set up for a speed awareness course.

Continue up the stairs and there was a group on stage who needed no reminding about the importance of acting quickly.

For many in the invited audience, it was their first glimpse of City joint-owner Edin Rahic. It was certainly the first time they had seen the hastily-assembled backroom staff in its entirety.

As Phil Parkinson loomed above them from the artwork of the 2013 Suite, Thursday night was an informal unveiling of the changing guard.

They all took their turns on the microphone in front of an interested assembly of representatives from City’s various supporter groups.

But it was Rahic, sat laughing and joking alongside Stuart McCall, who they had really all come to see.

This was no fans forum to rival those grandiose affairs from the Geoffrey Richmond era; there was no tub-thumping or electioneering broadcasts aimed at brow-beating public opinion. There was no orchestrated standing ovation afterwards.

Rahic and Stefan Rupp are not after that. There is no attempt to portray themselves as anything more than the two men who are quietly embarking on what they hope will be a long and successful journey.

A glance at the wall to his left would have reminded Rahic about the choppy waters he encountered at the start.

Parkinson’s images may have been removed from the reception area but he lives on as a central figure in the room dedicated to that unbelievable season three years ago.

Thursday’s informal get-together was just as much about putting anxious minds at rest that City were once again in control of the tiller.

“I think the key message we’re trying to get out to all supporters is that we’ve steadied the ship after a turbulent few weeks since Phil left,” said director of operations James Mason afterwards.

“Despite all the rumours that Uwe Rosler was the owners’ choice (to replace Parkinson), he wasn’t. Stuart was their man.

“We’ve got a good team off the pitch and we’re now looking to replicate that on it. Stuart, Kenny (Black), Edin and Stefan want leaders, characters, people with a certain pedigree.

“It’s good to reach out to the supporters. I know a lot of people on the outside are panicking but we aren’t.We are pretty happy as a team with the way things are shaping up.

“The new owners want to get to know everyone. There’s going to be a transparency. If fans have a question, ask away. Some we can answer, some we can’t. But we are looking to supporters for their input.”

Rahic is not yet particularly comfortable in a media capacity but he is happy to mingle with fans. The “meet and greet” policy had already begun with the sponsors the week before and taking in the opening pre-season friendly at Guiseley.

He is easy to like – and that came across on Thursday. Those I spoke to afterwards had nothing but good words to say about the “nice” new chairman.

There may have been a few nerves at talking publicly but they did not show. Rahic spoke quietly but confidently and the message went down well with the fans.

Recruitment is obviously the area that dominates every discussion right now, from the boardroom to the pub. The aim – in the longer term – is to lower the average age of the squad with a crop of younger players using their network of contacts both here and across Europe.

Head of recruitment Greg Abbott joked about preferring to check out Marbella when it was suggested he tried Ukraine. “You’re going to Whitby on Friday night,” interrupted McCall. These may be hectic times for all but there is a clear camaraderie; a sense of everyone in it together. Decisions, as McCall has stressed on numerous occasions, are made collectively.

His own initial fears about the possible meddling of foreign ownership a la Elland Road and many others had been dispelled in a three-and-a-half hour meeting with Rahic at Leeds Bradford airport.

From that moment on, the pair’s relationship had lift off.

The fans from the Supporters’ Board, the Trust, the disabled supporters’ club, the Shipley, East Bierley and Skipton Bantams, have also now learned that this is no flight of fancy for the Germans in control.

In his introduction, Rahic spoke of how City had stood out in the five clubs they had looked at in England. Blackpool and Shrewsbury were two others according to Telegraph & Argus sources.

It wasn’t just down to financial stability. The atmosphere from their first Valley Parade visit – a goalless draw with Coventry – contrasted completely with the “funereal” feel of watching Manchester City play Aston Villa in the Premier League.

His excitement at being part of English football now is obvious. He is starting to “get” Bradford City and what it stands for.

Nights like Thursday help and there may be plans for a much broader forum open to all when Rahic has got his feet firmly under the table.

City may be in a hurry to swell playing numbers but early impressions suggest Rahic and Rupp are in no rush to implement their own ideas.

There is a very German strategy of playing the long game. He admits the English mentality of wanting everything yesterday is not for him.

Preaching patience can be hard to swallow for any football fan. But those hanging around for selfies with Rahic afterwards will have gone home with a sense that their club have been passed on to sensible hands.

Things are moving but not at a reckless pace. The meeting on the floor below would approve.