CITY fans could be in for a treat this summer if the club reach the playoffs.

The government have said spectators will be able to return to sporting venues in England from May 17, as long as their 'road map' out of lockdown goes according to plan.

This would mean up to 4,000 fans or half capacity, and 'very large stadiums' could have up to 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent, whichever is lower, inside grounds.

The Bantams' League Two campaign ends on May 8, so, with the exception of any approved trial events, supporters will miss out during the regular season.

But if the Valley Parade outfit were to make the top seven, the second leg of their semi-final would fall after May 17.

And with the Wembley final scheduled to be played on the weekend of May 29/31, it would be the perfect ending to this abnormal season.

The newly-appointed Mark Trueman and Connor Sellars' side are flying after only suffering one defeat in their 11 games in charge.

Seven points is the current difference between the 13th-placed team and the side in the final play-off place Newport County.

Bulls fans could also be back cheering their boys on in mid-May.

Their Championship season would be well underway by that point and the restrictions would mean thousands could re-enter the Tetley's stadium, or potentially Odsal.

All this, of course, depends on the success of the vaccine rollout, vaccine efficacy, the presence of variants and infection rates, which will be measured before deciding whether to take the next step.

Boris Johnson also announced organised outdoor sports for children and adults can return from March 29.

So that is good news for our community rugby clubs, Bradford Salem RFC, Dudley Hill RLFC, etc, who will be able to arrange friendlies.

But it is still unknown when non-elite football clubs will be allowed fans in, meaning it does not really change the situation our lower non-league teams find themselves in.

Leagues in Step 3 and below are currently suspended with hope of completing the season diminishing by the day.

They might be able to play, but the likes of Thackley, Eccleshill United and Campion rely on gate receipts and revenue from the bar to financially function.

Grassroots leagues, like the Bradford Sunday Alliance League, should be able to resume playing from the end of March, with the FA confirming their season can be extended into June.

But that return does not apply to Step 3-6 clubs like Thackley, regional feeder leagues, such as the West Yorkshire League, or women's Tiers 3-7, which includes teams like Bradford City Women and Bradford (Park Avenue) Ladies.

They will all have separate decisions made on their immediate futures, with announcements in the coming days hopefully.