An Open Letter to BCAFC – from Bradford City Fans Independent Group

Yesterday at 03:00 AM

BySteven Hamilton, Bradford City Fans Independent Group

FAO – Stefan Rupp, Ryan Sparks

We, the Bradford City Fans Independent Group, on behalf of our membership, write this letter in direct response to Stefan Rupp’s open letter to supporters in March 2024. As lifelong supporters of this club, we feel it is imperative to share our collective thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the future of Bradford City AFC.

First and foremost, we acknowledge Mr. Rupp's recognition of the challenges facing the club, both on and off the pitch. However, we believe actions must speak louder than words, and we are seeking tangible commitments and strategies to move the club forward.

March 2024 Protest – Good Friday vs Tranmere Rovers

The protest was organised to ensure that the hierarchy within the club was made aware of the feeling of disappointment supporters had for the direction of the club. The protest delivered that message, and was carried by local and national media.

It was interesting that Mr. Rupp’s open letter arrived just before that protest was completed. A decision was then reached by our group to pause protest activity to allow a reasonable amount of time for Mr. Rupp, Mr. Sparks, and the other important members of the Bradford City team to deliver on the promises made within the response from Stefan Rupp. This, we believe, was the correct decision to make on behalf of our members.

A reminder

Stefan Rupp, along with his business partner Edin Rahic, purchased Bradford City in May 2016. At that time, Bradford City were competing in League One, The club had just reached the play off semi-final in the 2015/16 season but lost to Millwall, thus remaining in League One for the upcoming season.

Rahic left the club in December 2018, with our club sitting at the bottom of League One with four wins from twenty games. At the time, Mr. Rupp promised to “wash away the dreadful memories of the previous 12 months”. He emphasised that the people of Bradford deserved much better and committed to doing everything within his power to improve the situation and steer the club in a better direction. Mr. Rupp called for unity among our supporters, players, staff and partners as the club moved forward.

Fast forward to December 2024 and the club is in League Two, sitting in 12th position with seven wins from twenty games. The statement from Stefan Rupp was the first promise made, and it failed as the club slid back down to League Two. Some will argue that Mr. Rupp has not washed away the memories.

Stephen Gent & Recruitment

The recruitment strategy at Bradford City during the tenure of Head of Recruitment Stephen Gent has been a topic of significant debate among supporters. While there have been occasional flashes of promise, many fans are voicing concerns about the long term planning and sustainability of the club's recruitment policies, particularly in relation to squad depth and reliance on key players.

Over-Reliance on Andy Cook

One of the most pressing concerns revolves around the immense pressure placed on our talismanic striker, Andy Cook. At 34 years old, Cook remains the club's most prolific goal scorer and a vital figure in our attacking setup. However, supporters are increasingly worried about the lack of a viable plan to both support and eventually replace him.

Despite Cook's continued excellence, age and the physical demands of professional football make it unrealistic to expect him to sustain his current output indefinitely. Yet the recruitment team has failed to secure adequate depth in the forward line. The absence of a reliable alternative to share the goal-scoring burden not only risks overworking Cook, but also leaves the team dangerously exposed should he face injury or a decline in form.

Short-Termism vs. Long-Term Planning

The apparent short term focus of the recruitment strategy is a recurring theme under Gent's leadership. The club's transfer activity often seems reactive rather than proactive, addressing immediate needs without laying the groundwork for future success. For a club with ambitions of promotion, this lack of foresight is concerning.

For instance, rather than identifying and nurturing younger players who can grow into key roles, the recruitment policy has leaned heavily on bringing in experienced players with limited resale value. While experience is undoubtedly valuable, it must be balanced with an eye toward the future. The absence of younger forwards being integrated into the squad to eventually replace Cook highlights a glaring oversight in this approach.

Ryan Sparks

Ryan was appointed as CEO on 26th November 2020. While his stewardship has been marked by ambition and an apparent commitment to progress, it has also been characterised by turbulence, inconsistency, and questionable decision making.

Managerial Instability

One of the most glaring issues under Sparks' leadership has been the revolving door of managerial appointments. Since taking on the role of CEO, Sparks has overseen the hiring and firing of eight managers – a number that reflects a lack of strategic planning and long term vision. Each managerial change brings disruption, resetting the club's progress and alienating supporters who yearn for stability and a clear sense of direction.

Moreover, there is a growing lack of confidence in Sparks' ability to identify and appoint the right calibre of managers to succeed. The repeated failure of his hires to deliver meaningful progress on the pitch has left supporters questioning his judgement in such crucial decisions.

Without a track record of successful managerial appointments, there is little assurance that Sparks can choose a manager capable of meeting the club's ambitions. This persistent uncertainty continues to erode trust among the fanbase.

Inexperience and Its Impact

It is important to acknowledge that Ryan Sparks entered the CEO role with limited football management experience at this level. While his enthusiasm and drive are evident, his inexperience has often manifested in decisions that lack the foresight and nuance required to navigate the complexities of leading a professional football club.

This inexperience has had a tangible impact on the club's results. Managerial instability, coupled with inconsistent recruitment and a lack of coherent strategic direction, has contributed to the team's struggles on the pitch. Supporters have witnessed missed opportunities to build momentum and a seeming inability to learn from past mistakes.

The lack of seasoned guidance in the boardroom has left the club vulnerable to repeated missteps, undermining both short-term performance and long term aspirations.

Communication and Fan Relations

Communication has been another contentious area during Sparks' tenure. While he has often engaged with fans through social media and club statements, these efforts have at times felt more performative than substantive. Transparency is vital in building trust between the club and its supporters, but the tone and timing of Sparks' communications have occasionally raised eyebrows. 

For example, statements addressing managerial sackings or poor performances have often been perceived as defensive or lacking accountability. Supporters want more than just words; they want actions that reflect an understanding of their concerns and a genuine commitment to improvement. Engagement with fans must be more than a PR exercise – it should foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.

It is now the case that Sparks rarely communicates with supporters.

Ambition vs. Execution

Sparks has frequently spoken of his ambition to return Bradford City to its former glory. However, ambition must be matched by effective execution, and this is where the club has fallen short.

From recruitment missteps to a failure to capitalise on opportunities to strengthen the squad, there is a growing sense that the promises made during his tenure have often lacked follow-through.

There is not a long-term plan, or at least one that is regularly relayed to supporters to get behind. Areas such as youth progression, promotion and ambition are all areas of significant interest to the fanbase. Yet the club do not give any indication of their ambition for the club and how it aims to get there. With no vision evident, our fanbase is asked to financially support our club without any clear strategic plan to progress the club. 

Moreover, while Sparks has made strides in areas such as commercial partnerships and community outreach, these achievements are overshadowed by the club's lack of tangible progress on the pitch. Fans are deeply invested in the success of the team, and without results to back up his vision, Sparks is losing the goodwill of the very people he seeks to inspire. A high percentage of fans would argue that he has already lost the goodwill and that they have no confidence in his ability to continue leading the club.

We believe that Ryan Sparks is not capable of continuing to oversee the strategic progress of the club, and as such issue a vote of no confidence in him continuing within his role. With David Sharpe already in the building, a natural migration can be implemented. We are falling behind other clubs in terms of progression on and off the field.

The need for key performance indicators and a strategic long term plan has never been clearer. Bradford, a large city with a large population has the potential to be a hotbed for football, attracting the best young talent and nurturing good relationships to progress. However, the change needs to happen with urgency. Give the supporters something to get behind their club and they will come, support and help drive that vision.

Dear Stefan Rupp

First and foremost, we acknowledge Mr. Rupp's recognition of the challenges facing the club, both on and off the pitch. It is heartening to see an acknowledgement of the difficulties we've endured and the passion that continues to drive our support for the Bantams.

However, while we appreciate the sentiment in finally communicating with supporters, confidence in Mr. Rupp's ownership is at an all-time low. Serious questions remain about the level of investment being made and the tangible progress of the club since he purchased it. Remember, Mr. Rupp, you purchased a buoyant, high-flying League One club who had just missed out on play-off promotion. The club currently resides in League Two

Communication and Transparency

One of the key themes in Mr. Rupp's letter was the importance of unity and communication. While the sentiment is appreciated, we feel there has been a disconnect between the club's leadership and its supporters. To foster genuine unity, there must be consistent, transparent communication from the boardroom to the stands. Supporters' forums, financial updates, and regular engagement with fan groups can bridge this gap.

We ask for a renewed commitment to open dialogue, where fans' voices are genuinely heard and valued.

The Question of Ownership

Rumours persist that any potential interest in purchasing the club from Mr. Rupp is being quashed by an unreasonable asking price. If true, this raises significant concerns about whether the best interests of the club are being prioritised.

Supporters deserve clarity on this matter. Is Mr. Rupp genuinely committed to the club's future, or is he holding out for personal gain at the expense of potential progress? Transparency on this issue is essential to restoring trust and ensuring that the club can move forward, whether under his ownership or new stewardship.

The Big Question

As supporters of Bradford City AFC, we write to you not as adversaries but as lifelong custodians of this great club. While owners and leadership come and go, the fans remain – through the highs and the lows, through triumph and heartache. You, Mr. Rupp, are the current custodian of our beloved club, and with that role comes both immense responsibility and opportunity.

Since your arrival, Bradford City has seen moments of promise but far too many of stagnation and disappointment. Your recent communication with supporters was a welcome step, but words must translate into actions that inspire confidence.

Today, we pose a direct challenge: Are you committed to driving Bradford City forward, or will you step aside for someone who can?

The Case for Investment

Football is a results-driven business, but it is also a business of passion. For supporters, success is measured in moments of glory, promotion campaigns, and the pride of seeing our team compete at higher levels. For an owner, success is reflected in the increased value of the club, a stronger brand, and a return on investment that far outweighs the cost of delivering success.

We urge you to consider this: The more success Bradford City achieves, the more valuable the club becomes. Strategic investment in the playing squad, infrastructure, and leadership can not only propel the club toward its rightful place in the football pyramid but also deliver significant returns for you as an owner.

This is not just about spending money; it is about spending wisely, with a clear vision and ambition that matches the aspirations of the supporters.

The Supporters' Perspective

From the terraces of Valley Parade to away days across the country, Bradford City supporters live and breathe this club. We are not merely consumers of a product; we are its lifeblood. We remember the glory days of Premier League football, the heroics of the League Cup final, and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. But we also endure the frustration of watching our club languish without a clear plan for progress.

Your tenure has, at times, felt detached from this reality. The perceived lack of substantial investment and a coherent long-term strategy has left many questioning your commitment to the club's success. As custodians of Bradford City's legacy, we demand more than survival – we demand ambition.

A Call to Action

Mr. Rupp, the question before you is simple: Are you with us in delivering success, or will you sell the club to someone who can take it forward?

If you choose to invest, it must be with the intent to build a club that competes, inspires, and grows. This means:

• Backing the manager and recruitment team with resources to assemble a squad capable of promotion.
• Improving the matchday experience for fans, ensuring that Valley Parade remains a fortress and a hub of community pride.
• Positioning the people in the correct roles for success. Bring staff to roles that will enhance a vision for the club with the relevant experience to deliver success.
• Fostering transparency and communication, so supporters understand and align with the vision for the club's future.

If you cannot or will not make this commitment, then it is your duty to step aside. Rumours persist about an inflated asking price deterring potential buyers. If true, this suggests a prioritisation of personal gain over the club's progress. We urge you to reconsider this approach. Allow Bradford City to flourish under ownership that shares the passion, ambition, and vision needed to achieve greatness.

The Legacy You Leave

History will remember you, Mr. Rupp, not for your words but for your actions. Will you be remembered as the owner who reignited Bradford City's fortunes, or as the custodian who held the club back? The choice is yours, but know this: The fans will remain steadfast in their love for Bradford City, long after any owner has moved on.

Our challenge to you is clear: Invest in success, or enable it by passing the baton to someone who will. This is not just about your legacy – it is about the future of Bradford City AFC.

For and on behalf of our members,

Steven Hamilton

Chairman – Bradford City Fans Independent Group