It would make sense, commercially and practically, for Bradford City to share a new state-of-the-art stadium at Odsal with Bradford Bulls - a prospect which City chairman Geoffrey Richmond has now opened up again. He says it would be "very remiss" for the board of directors not to consider the possibility.

And indeed it would, especially as Bulls chairman Chris Caisley is reported to be enthusiastic about the idea. City's present plan is to spend £6.5 million to expand the capacity of Valley Parade to 25,000 with a second tier on the main stand. However, as members of the Council's planning committee made clear when they approved that proposal yesterday, that would be that. There would be no chance of any further expansion.

The Odsal plan, on the other hand, is for a 30,000-seater stadium. And there is ample room for further expansion if necessary - should the Bulls continue with their success and should City consolidate their place in the Premiership.

However, although there might be little to argue against the plan in hard-nosed business terms, there is another important factor to be considered - emotion. Valley Parade holds a very significant place in the hearts of Bradford people, who witnessed its rebirth after the fire tragedy of 1985.

So it is right that Geoffrey Richmond has promised that the board would not deviate from their present plans without the backing of the majority of their supporters. For those who want to see the club reach even higher levels - and the city basking in the reflected glory such success would bring - the choice is likely to be an easy one.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.