You can help us to save Bradford City (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

You can help us to save Bradford City

12:00pm Friday 14th May 2004 in Bantams

Bradford City fans were today told they can save the club from extinction if they raise £100,000 by the end of June.

Administrators told the Bradford City Supporters' Trust that if they could raise the sum in time it would guarantee the club's survival into the next season.

And today the Telegraph & Argus is launching an urgent fund-raising appeal with a donation of £10,000 and a promise to do everything we can to help supporters raise the rest of the cash before the crucial deadline.

Editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "At last we have a tangible target to aim at.

"While frantic negotations have been going on in a bid to save the club it's been incredibly difficult to work out exactly what fans can do that will really make a difference. Now we have a real target to go for."

He said the T&A was pledging £10,000 to kick off the Save Our City Appeal.

"We fervently hope that businesses across Bradford will follow our example and realise that they too can play a big part in saving our senior football club from oblivion," said Mr Austin-Clarke.

He said it would be ''an enormous tragedy'' if the Bantams were to disappear, especially after completing its centenary season.

''It's inconceivable that a city the size of Bradford -- the fourth largest metropolitan district in the country -- could be without a League football team,'' he said.

''All those firms who have been uncertain as to whether or not they should help can now make a real contribution to the future of not just the club but of our city as well."

At a packed and emotional meeting of supporters at Valley Parade last night, fans were urged to throw their weight urgently behind efforts to raise the cash.

Supporters' Trust chair Mark Boocock said: "This is Bradford City's biggest crisis ever. And this time it is about us - the fans."

Almost 1,000 fans attended the meeting which raised more than £7,000 in cash and pledges in two hours. With the £5,000 already raised by the Trust and the T&A's donation, the Appeal already stands at £22,000.

Mr Boocock said today he was delighted by the £10,000 donation.

"This is a fantastic gesture which will act as a great kickstart to the appeal and this should demonstrate that raising £100,000 is achievable," he said. "We are very grateful to the T&A for this help and its commitment to backing this campaign.

"We appeal not only to every individual fan but also to the businesses of Bradford to come forward and pledge whatever they can. Although supporters on their own may feel they can't do a great deal, collectively their support will make all the difference.

"We know this can be achieved. York City, for example, raised £60,000 in three days. We have slightly longer than that, but hopefuthe people of Bradford will be inspired by what has happened at clubs in smaller towns and cities like York, Huddersfield, Bury and Chesterfield, and realise they can play a major part."

Mr Austin-Clarke said: "At a time when the regeneration of Bradford is firmly underway it is vital that nothing happens to damage the district's image and knock us back. Over the years, the Bantams have brought enormous pride and joy to the people who make up this great city and now is the time for all those who care for our future to give something back."

He said the T&A would give as much coverage as possible to fund-raising events and publicity to recognise major donations.

"We're also hoping to organise a major fund-raising event of our own but there is very little time in which to raise this £100,000 so we would urge everyone who supports City to start their efforts as soon as possible," Mr Austin-Clarke said.

l Anyone who wants to make an immmediate donation can send a cheque made payable to "BCST" to PO Box 129, Bradford BD19 4BG.