Bradford City Football Club's financial future could be secured thanks to the opening of a new business centre at Valley Parade.

The centre, which will be home to more than 40 businesses, will be based above the club shop and is one of only a few of its kind in the country.

Peter Etherington, the man in charge of it, says the revenue it generates could take care of the Bantams' off-field woes and free up more cash to be spent on players.

With more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience behind him, Mr Etherington has dealt with more than 60 clubs in his time.

"Bradford City is a club with Premiership facilities stuck in League One.

"For many businesses being based at a football club is, for want of a better word, a sexy option.

"It also allows them into contact with supporters and generates interest.

"For many it is also far more appealing to come into a stadium rather than a high street office. It will go a long way to reducing the deficit that (chairman) Julian Rhodes has to pay out of his pocket each year without doubt.

"This is all money that can go to manager Colin Todd to bring in new players."

Two businesses have already signed on to take up residency and inquiries having come from a further 20.

Mrs Etherington's son Matthew is a former Bantams player and now plays for West Ham. It was during his son's time at City that Mr Etherington established his relationship with the club. And when Mr Rhodes approached him about taking the position, he turned down two Championship clubs to move to Valley Parade.

As commercial manager, Mr Etherington also wants to expand the use of the banqueting suite.

"We have space here for 650 people and it is one of the biggest function rooms in the city, yet only operating at about 15 per cent of its capacity.

"Thanks to our efforts, this is beginning to change and people are becoming more aware of what is available to them here."

The centre will also offer those looking to start new businesses short-term leases of only six months, along with desks, furniture, a reception area and broadband access.

"Being on a six-month lease is very attractive to start-up businesses as it means that if things do not work out they can walk away, rather than being stuck with a lease."

Businesses are due to start moving into the centre within the next few weeks.