LEAGUE Two clubs will be hit hard in the pocket if City are stopped from bringing away fans.

There is a growing belief that restricted crowds could be allowed back into grounds when next season begins.

The lack of atmosphere at the games currently being played behind closed doors highlights the importance of supporters.

But there is also the financial impact from the absence of matchday income, which will hit the lower leagues the most.

That’s why clubs are hoping that it will be safe enough for some fans to be permitted at games for the resumption later in the year.

Attendances would be limited to a certain percentage – and likely to rule out any travelling fans because of the home demand.

But the northern-based clubs are likely to miss out on a big pay day if City are not permitted to sell any tickets among the largest supporter base in League Two.

Despite having one of the poorest away records in the division, City brought a four-figure following to nearly half of their games last season.

In 19 away matches, there were nine away attendances of more than 1,000. The highest saw 1,925 witness Gary Bowyer’s final outing in charge when the Bantams were thumped 3-0 at Oldham.

There were 1,783 City fans at the opening away trip to Grimsby and 1,765 went to Morecambe, the scene of the last of their three away victories in October.

The travelling army also topped 1,500 at Scunthorpe and Carlisle on Boxing Day while City were backed by 1,000-plus followers at Crewe, Macclesfield, Mansfield and Salford.

Home clubs may not be able to cash in on the visiting Bantams when League Two is able to resume.

“Away followings are quite important because they bring decent revenue streams,” said City director of communications Ryan Sparks.

“For League Two as a whole, Bradford City is a big pay day for a number of clubs.

“Think of clubs like Oldham, Mansfield or even Barrow now.

“In the recent past, 3,000 people went to Rochdale to support Bradford City. The reason they kept the gates open and filled up that stand that day is because they were printing money.

“You’ve got to imagine a world where 3,000 Bradford City fans are not paying £25 a pop to watch their club away from home.

“Do the maths and the home club is potentially turning away up to £60,000 – that’s a lot of money.”

The priority, once fans are let back in on a strictly-monitored basis, will go towards season-ticket holders for obvious revenue reasons.

Supporters would have to watch their away games through iFollow – which creates revenue for that club but does not help the host.

Visiting attendances have not been a factor financially at Valley Parade in the fourth tier.

Only Grimsby have brought a sizeable following when 2,545 away fans saw them snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in Stuart McCall’s first game back in charge.

But clubs could miss out on the welcome windfall of a trip from the Bantams.

Sparks added: “As much as it can intimidate the home side with thousands of away fans going, it is a cash boost for clubs and they might not be able to have that.”