In the second of a three-part interview, City chief executive Ryan Sparks talks about how far the club have come behind the scenes and his relationship with manager Derek Adams.

LET’S take a look in the mirror – that was the first instruction Ryan Sparks gave everyone at City when he became chief executive.

He felt the club had needed to set goals and focus, especially behind the scenes. Any success on the pitch had to be underpinned from a firm structure off it.

A year down the line, Sparks can see that drive and direction returning to Valley Parade.

“People will judge the overall progression of a football club on what happens on a Saturday afternoon and Tuesday night, which is ultimately correct,” he said. “Those days are key and decide outcomes but it does run deeper.

“We have made progress and a significant amount of positive changes in a relatively short space of time.

“We’ve worked to improve and enhance every department of the club. The staff we’ve got are undoubtedly some of the most talented I’ve ever worked alongside.

“There is significant focus. There are more eyes on the accounts, the budgets and the cashflow; it’s a collective effort and we all have a part to play.

“It’s almost symbolic of how I want the club run. It’s run by more people than me – the supporters, the sponsors, the staff, the players, the manager, the owner, it’s a collective.

“You get much more out of people when they are making decisions and pushing forward together. The pride comes back and you achieve more.

“What you allow will often continue, so we have looked at what was previously allowed and where that got us - on all fronts.

“The football department is without doubt the most important, it is the department every other works so hard to provide for.

“While we have progressed on the field, we are clearly striving for better and that will come. Every member of staff now fully understands what impact they can have on our on-field success.”

That has been noticed by those who have deep connections with the club. Former players Wayne Jacobs and David Wetherall have commented to Sparks about the different feel around the place.

“That means a lot to me than because those individuals know what this club can be and have high hopes and expectations for it.

“We have to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the score takes care of itself. I do believe that we are setting firm foundations for our on-field performances and outcomes to improve this season, next and in the following years.

What you allow will often continue, so we have looked at what was previously allowed and where that got us - on all fronts.

“We are a selfless group, holding the club in good hands. Things are being done here that will benefit Bradford City for years and years to come.

“I said at the start that my aim was to get us back to being a football club rather than a circus.

“We feel we are making progress towards achieving that and are now looking for fruits from the labour as quickly as possible.”

It has been an eventful first 12 months for the youngest CEO in the English professional game – a tag that tends to only be thrown at him by the critics.

Stuart McCall’s exit just two weeks in, then the rise and fall of the Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars regime before the much-trumpeted capture of Adams in the summer.

All against a backdrop of an empty Valley Parade for the first six months with football condemned to playing behind closed doors.

But Sparks has quickly learned to expect the unexpected – a point reinforced by the scenario with City’s replayed replay at Exeter.

“You have no idea of what’s coming round the corner. What happened with the Exeter game was a classic reminder.

“But when I took over everybody recognised that the club needed to take a long look in the mirror and assess itself.

“You then have a list of what you want to get through and where you want to get to.

“I know, and the people who work with me know, what we need to do. The manager understands that as well and getting him in the building was a part of the vision.

“It’s an ongoing process but we’ve set our course. There’s a clear plan for what we want to be and how we are going to get there.

“Derek made a comment to me when I was in the process of hiring him that there didn’t appear to be many layers at the club.

“He was quite right. That’s something we share and we’re trying to build those, be it development squads, improved facilities or structure in departments.”

Bringing in Adams as his first external appointment was a “marker” – the first time City had paid compensation for a manager since Nicky Law in January 2002.

It has not brought instant success but Sparks is confident that the effort in wrestling the Scot away from promoted Morecambe will pay off.

“There were doubts about such investment in a manager, as it is not something the club has ever had a habit of doing but I knew it was the right thing to do.

“That was a statement of our on-field ambition. We needed to sign a promotion-winning manager who understands how to build and succeed and fit our profile.

“I need someone working with me who shares our vision for building a football club with a clear blueprint, structure and identity.

“The relationship with the manager is essential, otherwise you’re going nowhere fast.

“You’ve got to be on the same page from the start. Sometimes you go back and forth on a subject but you get there in the end, together.

“We both want Bradford City to be successful - and that’s the most important thing.”

Part one of this interview can be read here