It is good to see the determination being shown at Valley Parade to maintain the momentum of Bradford City with plans for a £5 million investment to expand the capacity of the Sunwin Stand by 6,000.

Under the chairmanship of Geoffrey Richmond, City have made great strides both on and off the pitch. Admittedly, the Bantams' fortunes dipped a little following their triumphant Premiership debut, but they now seem to be set to prove to the critics who have been so quick to sound a note of gloom that it is much too early to write them off.

The announcement today of the latest plans for the club - which include a new merchandising superstore and a seven-day Bantams Caf - is a demonstration of confidence in the future as well as an acknowledgement that the club needs to expand stand capacity if the gap with fellow Premiership clubs is to be bridged.

A new stand can be a real catalyst for success. That has been shown in recent years at other clubs where improved stadia plus success on the pitch have been a sure-fire recipe for bigger crowds. The improvements engender a sense of pride in the fans, whose "feelgood factor" can communicate itself to the players.

Bradford City's success has given a boost to the whole district. It has helped to bolster community spirit and lift local morale. This latest venture deserves nothing less than the wholehearted backing of the Council when it goes before the planning committee.

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