Bradford City fans are quids in for crunch clash (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City offer aimed at boosting crowd for ‘one of biggest games in club’s history’

6:50am Thursday 24th February 2011 in Bantams By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

City aim to drum up extra support for Saturday’s critical tussle with Stockport by offering admission for just £1.

With survival stakes high, the club are calling on stayaway fans to swell the Valley Parade attendance.

Stockport sit six points behind the Bantams in the second relegation spot and the fall-out from another home defeat would be huge.

That is why City are desperate to fill the stands to roar the team on to a win that would relieve the mounting pressure.

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes said: “Saturday’s game is one of the biggest for many, many years. It’s possibly one of the biggest in the club’s history.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. The ambition for the season now is to survive as a league club.

Saturday’s game is one of the biggest for many, many years. It’s possibly one of the biggest in the club’s history

Julian Rhodes

“We don’t want to even contemplate the consequences if that doesn’t happen.

“We are fighting for our lives and need the people of Bradford to help us.

“That’s why we are asking the season-ticket holders to boost the attendance by bringing friends along and create a great atmosphere for the players to perform in.

“The last ten years have been horrendous for fans, as I’ve said many times, but they have been magnificent all the way through. Once again we’re asking for that backing to keep our heads above water.

“We’d love the fans to come out in their thousands and cheer on the team for this vital game.”

With only one win in nine games, frustration is growing against the club and boss Peter Taylor.

Rhodes acknowledges the general discontent at how City’s season has gone so wrong – and is pleading for supporters to put those grievances to one side for 90 minutes.

He added: “A lot of supporters are unhappy at the situation and understandably so.

“But whatever you think of certain board members or the manager, all we are asking is for them to forget about that on Saturday and just cheer the team from start to finish.

“Then it’s up to the players to give them something to cheer about.

“If the team think the crowd are going to be on their back for every mistake, then there is less chance of them trying anything adventurous.

“If they are getting fantastic backing from the stands, I would hope that would spur on the players even more.

“As the saying goes, fortune favours the brave. And when all is said and done, this is a game that we have to win.”

Tickets are available from 9am today and will be on sale right up until kick-off. Season-ticket holders can buy as many as they want.

They must be purchased from the ticket office and not on at the turnstiles. The offer is not available online.