Forum Review

Around Hundred and fifty Bradford supporters turned out last night for the end of season forum held in the McCall suite.
Joint Chairman Mark Lawn was joined on stage by Manager Stuart McCall and David Baldwin Head of Operations down at The Coral Windows Stadium.

The news of thirteen players being released that very afternoon was obviously the hot topic of conversation in the room and it was no surprise the first question of the night was directed at Stuart McCall regarding his decisions.
Stuart picked up the microphone and proceeded to go through each individual squad player that was out of contract in the summer.
Stuart wasn`t reading from any script already prepared earlier his answers were both heartfelt and honest something I personally admire about the man.

Obviously our league position coupled with inconsistent performances on the pitch played a major part in his final decisions.
The player budget was also taken into account with only midfielder Kyle Nix out of the five players offered a new contract receiving a small increase in his financial terms.

Bradford City pay out well in excess of a million pounds a season before Stuart receives his player budget so fans can forget any rumours of big name signings. Stuart made a valid point when he said “you don`t always have to be a household name to be a quality player” and that`s something he is determined to bring to the club next season Quality.

On the subject of player recruitment McCall intends to beef up the spine of the team for next season, targeting two goalkeepers, a central defender to succeed David Wetherall, a midfield ‘leader’ and another striker, two if Barry Conlon turns down his offer. He will also be looking for a younger right back to replace Darren Williams.
When asked about the vacant captain`s position Stuart hinted the role will be given to either a centre midfield player or a centre back that would suggest the possibility of a new recruit taking the armband.

A list of player targets has already been drawn up but Mark Lawn was quick to point out that for every five names on your wish list you`re only likely to capture one.
Mansfield striker Michael Boulding is one such player City would love to recruit in the summer but there are other teams out there who have far more to offer than Bradford that`s not to say we have given up, we just have to sell the club the best we can and the season ticket take up will help the club becoming more appealing to potential signings.

David Baldwin was asked if the club would be pushing the season ticket deal with a stronger marketing campaign once the season was over.
David said plans were in place and everything possible will be done to achieve the nine thousand season ticket target set by the club. Radio advertising and a car sticker plan are just two of the ideas fans will see and hear over the coming months but of course the cheapest option rest solely with you the fan who can verbally market the club at any time or place.
The club are trying to move forward but as with any business money dictates what you can achieve so hopefully the Bradford public will once again rally and make next seasons ticket scheme a big success.
Finally it was apparent from comments made during the course of the evening by Mark Lawn, David Baldwin and Stuart McCall that the club must achieve at the very least a play off place next season.Midtable mediocrity is not an option as City strive to follow in the footsteps of this years League Two Champions M.K.Dons.