David Wetherall has pledged his allegiance to City next season.

The skipper has decided to stick at Valley Parade despite reported interest from other clubs.

His announcement comes as a major plus for boss Colin Todd, who has already seen eight players walk out since the end of last season.

And while Todd is not yet in the position to add much-needed recruits, news that his captain is staying put will boost hopes about the club's immediate future.

Todd said: "It is fair to say that David will be a Bradford player next season and will stay a Bradford player.

"Obviously I'm delighted with that. For this club to win games it's going to need the calibre of player like Dave.

"With the likes of Danny Cadamarteri going, we need to hang on to the big ones and this is a lift for everyone. The experienced lads have a big role to play and Dave is a crucial part of that."

Sources in the Midlands claim Peter Reid was interested in taking Wetherall to Coventry as a replacement for Mo Konjic, who has gone to Derby. It is also believed that Sheffield United had inquired about him earlier in the summer.

It was thought Wetherall, who is the club's highest earner, would be moved on by the administrators as a necessary cost-cutting exercise. But after top-level discussions yesterday an agreement has been reached which will prolong his five-year stay.

Wetherall, who played 36 games last season after putting his injury problems behind him, has always made it clear that he did not want to leave the Bantams. And he will be keen to lead from the front in dragging the club back from the doldrums in the new League One next term.

The 33-year-old's experience and calming presence will be vital in harnessing the efforts of the youngsters Todd is expected to throw into the fray.

With two days to go until the Football League meeting which will decide on City's future, Wetherall's stance is a strong indicator for worried fans that the club are going to survive.

And though there are still no guarantees, Todd believes he is nearer to being allowed to bring in some new faces.

After further talks with Jim Brown from the club's steering committee, Todd said: "There has been progress and hopefully, give it a few days, I will get some more positive answers.

"If the football club want to make progress then we've got to have a squad of players. The wage bill has come down with all those who have gone and it's clear for all to see there isn't a squad ready to play games at the moment.

"I'm just waiting for the green light so I can step it up and go about getting in some players.

"But it seems to be edging in the right direction, which is the important thing."

Harrogate Town have reduced the admission prices for Friday's opening friendly to £6 for adults and £3 concessions.

l City's home game against Hull has been moved back a day to Sunday, April 10 (1pm kick-off) on police advice to avoid clashing with Huddersfield against Doncaster.