CELEBRITIES and civic leaders have pledged their support to Bradford City as they kick off their play-off charge tonight.

The Bantams face Fleetwood Town in the League One play-off semi-final first leg at Valley Parade, hoping to gain an advantage ahead of the second match at the Lancashire seaside on Sunday.

The winner will then face the victors of the other semi-final, between Scunthorpe United and Millwall, at the final at Wembley on Saturday, May 20, with a place in the Championship at stake.

Bradford panto favourite Billy Pearce was among those wishing good luck to the Bantams. He said: “Anything that is good for Bradford like this, is a good thing.

“It is a great place and if City could do it it would be fantastic. If they won, it would give the city a boost.”Bradford-born film producer and City fan Steve Abbott, whose credits as a producer and executive producer include Brassed Off and A Fish Called Wanda, said: “I will be there at the match. I am extremely nervous but excited about it.

“I’m scared and worried about the game too.

“I am thrilled after we have had a great season. We have done as well as we did last year and are playing some exciting football under Stuart McCall. It has been fantastic. I have really enjoyed the season.

“I can’t go to Sunday’s match, but I will have my fingers crossed.”

Tony Wright, lead singer of Keighley rock band Terrorvision, whose hits include Tequila, said: “It’s great that they have got to this point. I wish them all the best. Anything from Bradford is good. Fingers crossed they can do it.

“Bradford City have got a good set of supporters. I have seen City play at Wembley in the past.

“I would say good luck to the team for the matches.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, also got behind the team.

He said: “As a Geordie Bradfordian, I hope Bradford City will follow the example of Newcastle United and move up a division.”

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe added: “There are exciting times ahead thanks to Bradford City.

“Everyone is willing them to get through.

“A great city like ours would get a tremendous boost if they got promotion to the Championship. We’re all rooting for them.”

“I wish Bradford City all the luck in the play-offs.”

And Councillor Richard Dunbar (Lab, Thornton and Allerton), who has been a City season ticket holder for more than ten years, said: “I’m very much looking forward to the game.

“I don’t think Fleetwood are going to score past us. I think we will win 2-0 or 3-0 to try to box off the match before Sunday’s second match.”

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Michael Learoyd

What is your response?
Just finish the job now.... Great to be part of the atmosphere on Thursday after a round trip from Cardiff... Proud travelling Bantam.

Tony Walmsley

What is your response?
Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.

Your pictures

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.
Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.
Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.
Really disappointed not to have made it there due to the restricted allocation - but the Lymm Cheshire Branch of BCFC - Charlie (8), Genevieve (5), Tom (15), Sam (15), Eddie (10) and respective season tickets/priority away holder dads Tony & Duncan (both 51) wish City all t'best for Sunday.

Richard Longbottom

What is your response?
The Cod Army has been fried....now let's finish the job and batter them at the seaside! All the best of luck City, everyone is behind you! We're on our way!

Wendy Barras

What is your response?
Good luck to all at Bradford City. Come on lads you know you can do it.

Darryl Bage

What is your response?
Come on City! I would like to make my 4th appearacne in the claret and amber. It would be a nice belated birthday present from you guys. You have been awesome in most games. My birthday is on Sunday (14th).