CITY’S director of communications and commercial Ryan Sparks believes the enforcement of a local lockdown in Bradford could make the EFL’s imminent iFollow streaming package for clubs at League One and Two level even more vital.

It was announced via Twitter last Thursday night that Bradford would go into lockdown as of midnight, and with pilot sports events with fans subsequently cancelled over the weekend, at the likes of The Crucible and Goodwood, it added more uncertainty to how the start of the season in September will look.

Sparks reiterated the club’s desire to have fans return to Valley Parade in October, but even if that is the case, the ground will not be at its full capacity.

Supporters may be fearful of returning anyway due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, and Sparks has told the Telegraph & Argus that the club are hoping to work any iFollow package into their upcoming season ticket offer for fans.

Addressing the current fan situation, amid the new local lockdown, Sparks said: "The way it's been approached by the government hasn’t been great and Bradford Council appeared to have a lack of information on the matter.

"That isn't the latter's fault, they've had to make it up very quickly, and they did that the next day.

"We're told it will be revised (the lockdown) and at this stage, we don't expect it to affect the fans coming back in October, but there's no guarantees."

All the more reason why an iFollow package, which would allow City season ticket holders to stream home and away games, could provide a real boost.

Sparks said: "The iFollow package could be worked into our season ticket prices and we should learn more about what it would entail in the next week or two. It's pivotal for the club and for our supporters.

"The EFL are trying to do what they can to help League One and Two clubs financially, because it is that bit different with the Premier League and Championship. With their TV rights deals, the numbers are bigger and more eyes are on them watching globally."

But Sparks did strike a note of cautious optimism when discussing City's financial situation, saying: "Ultimately, most clubs will likely survive this pandemic because most owners will put money into the business.

"Stefan Rupp has financially supported us through these difficult times and it would be naive to think he's not going to have to do that further.

"But we fully intend to mitigate that to some extent. Season tickets will be on sale soon, the new home kit has proved very popular and the away one is coming very soon.

"We've got some very exciting commercial deals over the line and there's more to come on that front. We're talking to new businesses and a host of current and loyal partners, which is very promising for us.

"The support of our commercial partners has been nothing short of fantastic."

But Sparks did warn: "Since March, not a lot's changed in terms of the intensity of the virus, which makes planning ahead difficult.

"We are working through a host of logistical challenges at the moment to ensure we can provide a safe place for fans to come and watch their team.

"The game is nothing without supporters. I've watched a lot of (post-lockdown) games on TV and it's difficult, because you're missing a massive aspect of the game.

"I know of club officials who've attended games and said it's been difficult to get your head around it all.

"That’s exactly why we hope to get as many people into the stadium as possible, because we are a real force, at home, with our supporters behind Stuart and the players."