The boss of the firm which has been one of Bradford City's biggest backers today said it was paramount that the club survived.

Jack Tordoff, City's honorary life president and chairman of motor empire JCT600, called on businesses in the city to do whatever they could to rally behind the Telegraph & Argus 'Support Your City' campaign.

And the former City chairman said he was confident the club - under the leadership of directors David and Julian Rhodes - was now in capable hands.

Mr Tordoff's hugely successful company has been the club's major sponsor for seven years, including the two-season stint in the Premiership.

"As one of the main employers in the city, we see it as our duty to support as much as we can," he said.

"Bradford sport has lost so much over the years with the loss of Bradford Park Avenue from the league, speedway, greyhound racing and Yorkshire County Cricket, that it is vital that Bradford City survives."

Mr Tordoff said the club was still paying the price of former chairman Geoffrey Richmond's spending spree in summer 2000, which included signing striker Benito Carbone on wages totalling £40,000 per week.

"The obscene wages paid to footballers saddens me, but the current players and management should not be made to suffer for the legacy left behind by Geoffrey Rich-mond's self-confessed 'six weeks of summer madness'," he said.

"It would be a huge detriment to the city for the football club to cease to exist.

"I appeal to all Bradford businesses to look at ways they can support the club."

Mr Tordoff admitted many local firms had suffered as a result of the club's slide into administration in 2002, but insisted they still had much to gain from showing their support.

"It will be difficult for many because of past history, but I am convinced that the club is being run by sensible people as economically as possible and will bring enjoyment to hundreds of thousands of people in the years to come if it is allowed to survive," said Mr Tordoff.

"I have visited many, many football clubs in my lifetime and the welcome and hospitality that guests and I enjoy at Bradford City is second to none.

"My company is proud to be associated with them and we hope that other businesses will follow suit."