Bradford City Football Club has today (Tuesday 13 June 2017) released the following joint statement from the club’s owners Stefan Rupp and Edin Rahic, manager Stuart McCall, Greg Abbott and James Mason.
The aim is to take this opportunity to speak to our fans directly in one common voice and cut through some incorrect speculation and rumour that has been across social media and in the Press over recent days.
“In the wake of our disappointing defeat in the play-off final there has been a lot of discussion between us about how best we take the football club forward. The pain of that defeat has hurt us all.
"It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, however we have taken some time to reflect and regroup. Recent speculation has been unfounded, hurtful and unhelpful.
“Stuart is our manager and will be staying as our manager.
“The money received from player transfers and our trip to Wembley will be re-invested in the squad, on the right players when the time is right. We have shown our commitment to investing money in players as recently as January with the £250,000 signing of Charlie Wyke.
“All the players that were out of contract have received what we believe to be competitive offers for them. In addition we are prepared to compete with regards to wages for all new players but there also has to be a limit. Players will come and go. That’s football. We proved this last summer.
“After constructive talks were held today we are now busy building a squad capable of challenging for promotion next year. This work has never stopped but we are not prepared to rush into any decisions. News will be released as when the time is right.
“All we ask as supporters is that you give us your patience, as you have in the past, and trust us all to work together to act in the best interests of this great football club.
"Our season has not long ended and we’ve all needed to stop and have some family time and to recharge.
“We’re now ready to go again. Don’t underestimate what we can achieve together.”