Chairman Gordon Gibb today backed "unfashionable" City to keep proving the doubters wrong.

City's nine-point start to the campaign, including wins over First Division favourites Ipswich and high-riding Rotherham, has shut up the critics who wrote them off as relegation fodder after the summer of turmoil at Valley Parade.

In an exclusive interview with the Telegraph & Argus, Gibb and chief executive Julian Rhodes have revealed the work ethic behind the club's fight back from the financial depths.

And how they have no intention of copying Geoffrey Richmond's publicity-hungry style of leadership.

Gibb said: "We are doing things a bit differently here at Bradford. We're not doing it a glamorous and fashionable way, we want old-fashioned values like hard work, sensibilities, grit and determination.

"That's how we will battle our way out of problems. It's quite easy to motivate yourself if you've got the right people around you given our circumstances.

"We would be more than happy to finish the season voted the most unfashionable club in the division."

Gibb intends to keep a lower profile than Richmond - and Rhodes used the programme notes for the Rotherham home game to rubbish rumours that the former chairman was still lurking in the background.

Gibb said: "The positive aspect of Julian and myself being at the helm is that we've got a completely fresh start. We're not pulled back to the old days of an evangelical, dictatorial style of chairmanship.

"What we've got now is two more progressive individuals, focused on creating a positive team environment.

"There are supporters who may feel the old reputation of the club is a hurdle stopping them from showing support again. That's why it was important that Julian sent out a clear message that here are two guys who are acting without any ties to the old regime.

"Neither of us have been anyone's puppets in our lives and we don't intend to start now."

City go to Wrexham in the Worthington Cup tomorrow having lost only once in the first six league games. Gibb is thrilled with the efforts of a squad who went three months without pay.

"They are a credit to themselves and the stewardship of Nicky Law who has been mentally tough enough to switch off from surrounding events.

"Already we are seeing the fruits of his labour regarding the players he has brought in.

"He has shown an eye for a bargain and is realistic about how this club will be run on a budget."