Your Bradford
Get involved: Send your pictures, video, news and views by texting BRADFORD NEWS to 80360 or e-mail »
Rhodes sets double promotion target
6:50am Thursday 29th May 2008
Comments (114) Have your say »
Ambitious Julian Rhodes today predicted City can be back in the Championship in two years.
The joint-chairman has thrown down a double challenge to Stuart McCall to win promotion - for the next two seasons!
Rhodes revealed that McCall's war chest has been increased for a full-on tilt at the top three and he believes the momentum of a successful promotion assault can carry them straight through League One.
He insisted: "Our realistic target is back-to-back promotions. That's why we're pushing the boat out this season and expanding the wage bill.
"We're looking at the top three this season and then the top two next, or at a minimum reaching the play-offs. We have to have a good season and Stuart knows that.
"But he's more disappointed than anybody about the slump last September and October which cost us. He's determined to put it right."
Rhodes believes City can use their impressive fan-base as the momentum to follow Hull's lead and shoot back up the divisions after years of misery.
"People might think Rhodes is off his rocker again but there's absolutely no reason why we can't get to the Championship very quickly and then be a force in that division," he said.
"We can emulate what Doncaster and, in particular, Hull have done. We're a similar size club to Hull, which may seem a strange thing to say considering they are in the Premier League and we're in League Two, but if you go back seven years, it was the reverse situation.
"In 2001, Hull were in administration and locked out of Boothferry Park. Then they moved into the new stadium, turnover went up from £2.5million to £10million and crowds from less than 3,000 to 18,000.
"Four years ago, they got promoted from League Two and here they are about to start a season in the Premier.
"Of course they managed it very well, first under Adam Pearson and now with Paul Duffen, but the stadium move was the catalyst. That provided the momentum.
"It's been proven that attendances improve dramatically because people want to go to a nice new stadium. When you just develop the one you've already got, as in our case, that doesn't happen.
"So we're looking at different means of doing that by building the fan-base with our season-ticket initiative. It's not easy in League Two but the fans have been magnificent.
"If we do go up with our cheap ticket policy we might get 15,000 season-ticket holders. That would give you a great basis for a good squad to do well in League One."
City are closing in on former Huddersfield midfielder Chris Brandon and Rhodes insists the quality on McCall's summer shopping list will justify his confidence.
"I'd like to think some of the players we do end up signing might make people sit up and take notice," he said.
"It's never easy because when you go for the better players there are always a whole host of clubs interested.
"That was the case with Garry Thompson. We were very close to getting him but he had the chance of joining a club in a higher division and playing the likes of Leeds and Leicester.
"He's 27 and has played most of his career in the Conference, so you can't blame him, but one or two others we are targeting will raise eyebrows."
- Start or join a debate on this issue in our on-line forum - Click here
Your Say YourBradford
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
7:44am Thu 29 May 08
Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
7:44am Thu 29 May 08
Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !
Woodface, Perth, Australia says...
7:52am Thu 29 May 08
Bantam Forever wrote:Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !
Woodface, Perth, Australia says...
7:52am Thu 29 May 08
Bantam Forever wrote:Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !
Woodface, Perth, Australia says...
7:52am Thu 29 May 08
Bantam Forever wrote:Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !
Clarkey, Bradford says...
8:23am Thu 29 May 08
Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Im going down under myself in January but still had to get my season ticket even tho i will miss the promotion push. We are gunna do it this season, UP THE BANTAMS!
Clarkey, Bradford says...
8:23am Thu 29 May 08
Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Im going down under myself in January but still had to get my season ticket even tho i will miss the promotion push. We are gunna do it this season, UP THE BANTAMS!
Clarkey, Bradford says...
8:23am Thu 29 May 08
Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Im going down under myself in January but still had to get my season ticket even tho i will miss the promotion push. We are gunna do it this season, UP THE BANTAMS!
STM, Bratfud says...
8:54am Thu 29 May 08
"I'd like to think some of the players we do end up signing might make people sit up and take notice," he said.
To date(29-05-08)our BCFC Web Site shows 5368 ADULT Season Tickets SOLD.
In view of the above quotes from Julian, we now have greater incentives, for MORE potential Supporters, to buy their Season Tickets @ £150.;--- before the June 15 DEADLINE!.
(Premier Clubs are asking £500-£700 for their Season Tickets!.)
STM, Bratfud says...
8:54am Thu 29 May 08
"I'd like to think some of the players we do end up signing might make people sit up and take notice," he said.
To date(29-05-08)our BCFC Web Site shows 5368 ADULT Season Tickets SOLD.
In view of the above quotes from Julian, we now have greater incentives, for MORE potential Supporters, to buy their Season Tickets @ £150.;--- before the June 15 DEADLINE!.
(Premier Clubs are asking £500-£700 for their Season Tickets!.)
STM, Bratfud says...
8:54am Thu 29 May 08
"I'd like to think some of the players we do end up signing might make people sit up and take notice," he said.
To date(29-05-08)our BCFC Web Site shows 5368 ADULT Season Tickets SOLD.
In view of the above quotes from Julian, we now have greater incentives, for MORE potential Supporters, to buy their Season Tickets @ £150.;--- before the June 15 DEADLINE!.
(Premier Clubs are asking £500-£700 for their Season Tickets!.)
STM, Bratfud says...
9:10am Thu 29 May 08
If we cleaned up and improved our Stadium, would that attract more potential Supporters?.At the moment, we would be enhancing the 'OWNERS'PENSION ASSETS.
How I wish we could 'BUY BACK' our Stadium, and start to improve certain areas, eg.The Dressing Rooms.
I hope Supporters will be allowed to see The Dressing Rooms, on our 'OPEN DAY/WEEKEND'(JUNE15/
16),to witness their poor condition.
STM, Bratfud says...
9:10am Thu 29 May 08
If we cleaned up and improved our Stadium, would that attract more potential Supporters?.At the moment, we would be enhancing the 'OWNERS'PENSION ASSETS.
How I wish we could 'BUY BACK' our Stadium, and start to improve certain areas, eg.The Dressing Rooms.
I hope Supporters will be allowed to see The Dressing Rooms, on our 'OPEN DAY/WEEKEND'(JUNE15/
16),to witness their poor condition.
STM, Bratfud says...
9:10am Thu 29 May 08
If we cleaned up and improved our Stadium, would that attract more potential Supporters?.At the moment, we would be enhancing the 'OWNERS'PENSION ASSETS.
How I wish we could 'BUY BACK' our Stadium, and start to improve certain areas, eg.The Dressing Rooms.
I hope Supporters will be allowed to see The Dressing Rooms, on our 'OPEN DAY/WEEKEND'(JUNE15/
16),to witness their poor condition.
paul, camberley surrey says...
10:17am Thu 29 May 08
paul, camberley surrey says...
10:17am Thu 29 May 08
paul, camberley surrey says...
10:17am Thu 29 May 08
Henley B, Timbukthree says...
10:53am Thu 29 May 08
Henley B, Timbukthree says...
10:53am Thu 29 May 08
Henley B, Timbukthree says...
10:53am Thu 29 May 08
Darryl, BD2 says...
11:23am Thu 29 May 08
Now all we need is this to encourage a surge of season ticket purchases before the Mid June deadline, come on City fans, join the rest of us in seeing our team succeed once more. CTID
Darryl, BD2 says...
11:23am Thu 29 May 08
Now all we need is this to encourage a surge of season ticket purchases before the Mid June deadline, come on City fans, join the rest of us in seeing our team succeed once more. CTID
Darryl, BD2 says...
11:23am Thu 29 May 08
Now all we need is this to encourage a surge of season ticket purchases before the Mid June deadline, come on City fans, join the rest of us in seeing our team succeed once more. CTID
Sydney Bantam, Sydney says...
11:25am Thu 29 May 08
Woodface wrote:what a great idea,City having a pre season tour down under,you lot back in sunny Bradford take it for granted having the mighty bantams on your doorstep.CTID
Bantam Forever wrote: Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Sydney Bantam, Sydney says...
11:25am Thu 29 May 08
Woodface wrote:what a great idea,City having a pre season tour down under,you lot back in sunny Bradford take it for granted having the mighty bantams on your doorstep.CTID
Bantam Forever wrote: Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Sydney Bantam, Sydney says...
11:25am Thu 29 May 08
Woodface wrote:what a great idea,City having a pre season tour down under,you lot back in sunny Bradford take it for granted having the mighty bantams on your doorstep.CTID
Bantam Forever wrote: Optimism - Its a good thing ! Onwards and upwards !! CTID Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !Yes! i agree, its great to have such optimism and plans coming from the Chairman.. I bought a Season ticket last week, but being 12,000 miles away will prove a bit difficult to see most home games! Any chance City could do a down under tour? lol! anyway all you fans, Get a ticket or else!...
Chris, Bradford says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Chris, Bradford says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Chris, Bradford says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
skippy, says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Henley B wrote:you are dreaming or youve taken an overdose of optimism tablets wait while the effects wear off and you will realise you are talking about bradford city who have to get out of the basement first and it might not happen next season.
YES, that's the way.... there is NO REASON why not, realistically Premiership is a dream but Championship? Too right, City are a big enough outfit to stand up and be counted in that company. UP THE BANTAMS!
skippy, says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Henley B wrote:you are dreaming or youve taken an overdose of optimism tablets wait while the effects wear off and you will realise you are talking about bradford city who have to get out of the basement first and it might not happen next season.
YES, that's the way.... there is NO REASON why not, realistically Premiership is a dream but Championship? Too right, City are a big enough outfit to stand up and be counted in that company. UP THE BANTAMS!
skippy, says...
12:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Henley B wrote:you are dreaming or youve taken an overdose of optimism tablets wait while the effects wear off and you will realise you are talking about bradford city who have to get out of the basement first and it might not happen next season.
YES, that's the way.... there is NO REASON why not, realistically Premiership is a dream but Championship? Too right, City are a big enough outfit to stand up and be counted in that company. UP THE BANTAMS!
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
12:38pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
12:38pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
12:38pm Thu 29 May 08
Darryl, BD2 says...
12:47pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim wrote:I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.
Darryl, BD2 says...
12:47pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim wrote:I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.
Darryl, BD2 says...
12:47pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim wrote:I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
1:55pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
1:55pm Thu 29 May 08
Gentleman Jim, Yooohooo over here says...
1:55pm Thu 29 May 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
2:00pm Thu 29 May 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
2:00pm Thu 29 May 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
2:00pm Thu 29 May 08
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
2:07pm Thu 29 May 08
Darryl wrote:Could have been worse Darryl. He could have said, "rust bullet hole". Now if you had said "check" to that, I would have been worried!
Gentleman Jim wrote: I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
Great interview Rhodes. Can't wait to see who the other players are that <cCall has targetted. With the increased size of the war chest, the signings might just shut up b-wildered, Shaun and sensible once and for all.
IF ONLY!
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
2:07pm Thu 29 May 08
Darryl wrote:Could have been worse Darryl. He could have said, "rust bullet hole". Now if you had said "check" to that, I would have been worried!
Gentleman Jim wrote: I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
Great interview Rhodes. Can't wait to see who the other players are that <cCall has targetted. With the increased size of the war chest, the signings might just shut up b-wildered, Shaun and sensible once and for all.
IF ONLY!
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
2:07pm Thu 29 May 08
Darryl wrote:Could have been worse Darryl. He could have said, "rust bullet hole". Now if you had said "check" to that, I would have been worried!
Gentleman Jim wrote: I'll swap a 3 bed semi with a rusty barbecue and sight of the ground from BD2 for either of your places in Oz and settle for 'net commentary.I'm feeling VERY worried right now...3 bed semi: CHECK. Rusty BBQ: CHECK. Sight of the ground: CHECK....are you stalking me Gentleman Jim!!?!! Haha. CTID
Great interview Rhodes. Can't wait to see who the other players are that <cCall has targetted. With the increased size of the war chest, the signings might just shut up b-wildered, Shaun and sensible once and for all.
IF ONLY!
tyker, midland road says...
2:10pm Thu 29 May 08
tyker, midland road says...
2:10pm Thu 29 May 08
tyker, midland road says...
2:10pm Thu 29 May 08
Chris, Bradford says...
2:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Wonder if it works like on Football Manager lol, if he selects the biggest wage budget he must achieve promotion lol.
Chris, Bradford says...
2:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Wonder if it works like on Football Manager lol, if he selects the biggest wage budget he must achieve promotion lol.
Chris, Bradford says...
2:20pm Thu 29 May 08
Wonder if it works like on Football Manager lol, if he selects the biggest wage budget he must achieve promotion lol.
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:33pm Thu 29 May 08
The one thing we have got now, which we haven't had since Jags, is a management team who will sweat Claret & Amber for the cause. I'd suspect that Macca would be the first to admit that anything less than a top 3 finish would be a travesty. So wild statements from the boardroom aside, I reckon McGod & Co will have already set their own benchmarks for the coming season, and it won't involve slumming it at this level for another year.
WE probably live on same street Darryl. I'm just at Bolton Junction, or at least close by, won't give exacts but I can hear the pub and smell the madras cooking from Curry Cottage as was.
Am an Eccy lad myself. My parents live on the Pendragons but I was 'dragged up' on the Normans! Am a Bradford exile now, living in Guiseley - oh how the silence in the pubs on Sunday was golden!! - but never forget my Bantam roots!
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:33pm Thu 29 May 08
The one thing we have got now, which we haven't had since Jags, is a management team who will sweat Claret & Amber for the cause. I'd suspect that Macca would be the first to admit that anything less than a top 3 finish would be a travesty. So wild statements from the boardroom aside, I reckon McGod & Co will have already set their own benchmarks for the coming season, and it won't involve slumming it at this level for another year.
WE probably live on same street Darryl. I'm just at Bolton Junction, or at least close by, won't give exacts but I can hear the pub and smell the madras cooking from Curry Cottage as was.
Am an Eccy lad myself. My parents live on the Pendragons but I was 'dragged up' on the Normans! Am a Bradford exile now, living in Guiseley - oh how the silence in the pubs on Sunday was golden!! - but never forget my Bantam roots!
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:33pm Thu 29 May 08
The one thing we have got now, which we haven't had since Jags, is a management team who will sweat Claret & Amber for the cause. I'd suspect that Macca would be the first to admit that anything less than a top 3 finish would be a travesty. So wild statements from the boardroom aside, I reckon McGod & Co will have already set their own benchmarks for the coming season, and it won't involve slumming it at this level for another year.
WE probably live on same street Darryl. I'm just at Bolton Junction, or at least close by, won't give exacts but I can hear the pub and smell the madras cooking from Curry Cottage as was.
Am an Eccy lad myself. My parents live on the Pendragons but I was 'dragged up' on the Normans! Am a Bradford exile now, living in Guiseley - oh how the silence in the pubs on Sunday was golden!! - but never forget my Bantam roots!
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:44pm Thu 29 May 08
D'oh!
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:44pm Thu 29 May 08
D'oh!
EMB Bantam, Guiseley says...
2:44pm Thu 29 May 08
D'oh!
Darryl, BD2 says...
2:46pm Thu 29 May 08
Moving swiftly on, I'm waiting with baited breath for the signings to materialise, and have faith that we will have a stronger starting XI, stronger squad, and better chance of promotion this coming season, I can't wait for it to start. CTID
Darryl, BD2 says...
2:46pm Thu 29 May 08
Moving swiftly on, I'm waiting with baited breath for the signings to materialise, and have faith that we will have a stronger starting XI, stronger squad, and better chance of promotion this coming season, I can't wait for it to start. CTID
Darryl, BD2 says...
2:46pm Thu 29 May 08
Moving swiftly on, I'm waiting with baited breath for the signings to materialise, and have faith that we will have a stronger starting XI, stronger squad, and better chance of promotion this coming season, I can't wait for it to start. CTID
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
7:44am Thu 29 May 08
Looking forward to people trying to turn this column into a negative one !