FORMER Bantams director of operations Dave Baldwin has been named Premier League Chief Executive Officer of the Year by the Football Business Awards.

Baldwin, who left City to join Burnley in November 2014, will now compete with four other officials - Alistair Mackintosh (Fulham), Erik Samuelson (AFC Wimbledon), Andy Holt (Accrington Stanley) and Ann Budge (Hearts) - for the overall title of fcbusiness CEO of the Year.

The popular former City chief, who spent seven years at Valley Parade during Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes' tenure before heading to the Clarets, still has close ties with his home town in his role as chair of the Bradford Economic Partnership.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “I’m delighted that Dave’s outstanding leadership, which we see all the time in his work as chair of the Bradford Economic Partnership, has been rightly recognised as the top Premier League CEO in the Football Business Awards.

"It’s fantastic to see a local lad and proud Bradfordian do well and I wish him good luck when the overall award is made next month."

The CEOs short-listed were nominated by a panel at industry magazine fcbusiness for their leadership throughout the 2017/18 season.

Each winner will receive their award at a ceremony on November 22 in London, where the overall winner will announced.

Football Business Awards organiser Simon Burton said: “Leadership is a vital component in stable football business.

“The shortlisted CEOs don’t just embody strong commerce acumen, but a clear sense that football clubs are at the heart of the communities they serve.

“Those nominated are exceptional individuals who have received the acclaim of their peers.

Previous winners include Daniel Levy (Tottenham Hotspur), Karren Brady (West Ham United) and Huw Jenkins (Swansea).

Football Business Awards judge Aaron Gourley said: “Choosing the nominees for this award gets more difficult each year as clubs continue to grow and develop at an exceptional rate and the standards set in previous years are matched by those chosen for this year’s awards.

“The CEO of the Year is one of the most prized in football and through their hard work and dedication each of the nominees has led their respective clubs to achieve outstanding performances both on and off the pitch.

“The Football Business Awards are a fantastic way of recognising the efforts of everyone involved in the business side of the beautiful game and I’m sure, as each of our CEOs would testify, they would not be in line for an award without them.”