BANTAMS SUPPORTERS TRUST
We are the Bantams Supporters Trust
Welcome to the official home of the Bantams Supporters Trust — formerly known as the Bradford City Supporters Trust.
We are a fully independent, democratic, and not-for-profit organisation, proudly owned by our members and operated by dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to champion the interests of Bradford City supporters and strengthen the bond between fans and their Club.
Membership is completely free and open to all City fans who share our commitment to the long-term, sustainable success of Bradford City AFC.
Trust News
It is coming round to that time of year when we will all be coming together give our respects to those who tragically lost their lived in the Valley Parade fire, 41 years ago now. This year, our last home match of the season, versus Bolton Wanderers is on the 25 th of April, and as always there will be a bucket collection. The bucket collection is a way of allowing all supporters to help participate in raising vital funds for Bradford’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU). This collective practice helps adds to the impact of the remembrance as well as the one-minute silence we have just before Kick off. If you would like to be involved in the bucket collection please contact us at hello@bantamstrust.org.uk . Last year, we had approximately 15 volunteers, with mostly our members and supporters from the Disability Club and Shipley Bantams. For the 40 th anniversary we raised an amazing £7,387.70 during the bucket collection before the match, almost double on what was raised the year before. We’ll be putting out another reminder in the run up to this last match of the season with details of the time and where to meet to sign out the buckets from the Club for the collection.
Here is a personal account of Bantams Supporters Trust Board member, Tony Deacon, describe the very successful event of Tony Delahunty talk about his experiences as a commentator for Pennine Radio in the 80’s in aid of the Burns Unit. On Good Friday Helen Jeffery and I welcomed Tony Delahunty to the exchange on behalf of Bantams Supporters Trust. There were a lot of fans assembled in the Pub wanting to hear his talk. Over the next 45mins Tony delivered a very emotional and moving talk about his experiences on 11th May 1985, and the subsequent aftermath. He told of how he was asked to leave Pennine radio shortly after the fire. This was due to people writing to the radio station and saying his voice was too distressing. From Pennine radio he went to radio Trent. After a disastrous interview he thought, ‘seen as I’m here I will blag an interview with Brian Clough’, which he did. When this interview aired, radio Trent got in touch and said you’ve got the job. He then went on to be one of the few journalists Clough would talk to. He ended the talk by telling us about the documentary, ‘The Unforgotten’, that Manny Dominguez and I were privileged to attend the premiere of at the media museum ahead of the BBC screening last year. It has been nominated for a BAFTA. After the talk I took the time to walk him to his taxi. During this time he said he really enjoyed doing the talk and was made to feel so welcome in the Pub. He also said he would love to do another talk with more humorous stories about City & Clough. On behalf of the Supporters Trust we would like to thank Tony Delahunty for a very informative talk. Also Ben Hoole for allowing us to use the Pub. A collection for the Burns unit was held during the talk and extended during the day. So hopefully we will have raised quite a bit. Tony Deacon
For those City fans of a certain age, tuning into Pennine Radio for the football in West Yorkshire in the early 80’s, you may remember the familiar voice of Tony Delahunty commentating on the fortunes of Bradford City up and down the country. Well, he will be appearing at what many of us remember as the old Ale Exchange this Friday, raising money for the Burns Unit. On the 3 rd of April, before the Northampton game, Tony will be speaking at the Exchange Craft Beer House about his stories during his time commentating on the City action. Tony was commentating on the tragic day of the fire. Now 82, Tony is retiring from radio. In recent years he ran an independent radio station, Mansfield 103.2. The Trust has helped organise this event and he is now an Honorary Patron of the Trust for being a great servant to Bradford in the past and as sports commentator around the world. Tony will be at the bar from 12 so come down and see him and raise a glass and make a donation for the Burns Unit. We hear he tells some good stories! He will be at the Ale Exchange for only an hour, as he will be treated at the Club before the match as well.
It is that time of year again! It’s time for you to vote for this seasons 2025-26 Bradford City Young Player of the Year. All Members of the Trust can take part. This season, Graham Alexander’s team had a flying start to this season and for the first half of it, overall, we remained 2 nd in the table, and whilst up to now, even though we haven’t been quite as consistent, we have hovered over third and fourth in the table. Our form in front of record-breaking home crowds has been formidable. So far, at home we have won 14, lost only 2 and drawn 2 out of a total of 18. The highest attendance so far this season was against Huddersfield back in September, which was 24,075, and we won 3-1 with Bobby Pointon scoring twice. The game was one of the highlights of the season. This season, from the first team we have only 3 young players making an appearance from midfielders to forwards. Bobby Pointon (22), was voted your Young Player of the Year over the last two consecutive seasons. The former academy star has scored 9 goals, and has had 24 starts in the team so far. Jenson Metcalfe (21), signed a three-year deal last summer, the former Everton Player has now become a firm favourite amongst City fans. He’s had 31 League and cup appearances and scored two goals. Ethan Wheatley (20), is establishing himself in the team. The loanee from Manchester United has also represented the England youth team. The promising striker has made 8 appearances in City colours but has not yet found the net. All three candidates eligible for the Bradford City Young Player of the Year 2025-26 have all made valuable contributions, but who has been your stand out performer? As with previous years this award includes current players under the age of 23 with at least 4 first team appearances in all competitions: Bobby Pointon (Central Midfield) Jenson Metcalfe (Central Midfield) Ethan Wheatley (Centre Forward) Voting starts today, Friday, March 13th and will end on Friday 17th April. The Player Of The Year Dinner and results announcements will be on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026. To vote, simply email us your number 1 Young player at hello@bantamstrust.co.uk . You can also let us know via our Facebook Group and Likes page as well as on our Twitter page.
