Most of City's players are earning around £750 per week - a pittance by First Division standards.

Chief executive Julian Rhodes today revealed that the 16-man squad used in recent weeks cost around £1m a year in wages.

Three of those players - likely to be David Wetherall, Dean Windass and Wayne Jacobs - account for half of that figure.

The other 13 are getting paid £500,000 between them, which works out at an average weekly wage of £750.

"I know that in most walks of life this would be considered an excellent salary," said Rhodes in his programme notes for the Ipswich game. "However in football, where an average career is only eight years, this is a very modest amount.

"We have some very hard-working footballers, earning an honest wage while doing their utmost to get Bradford City back on its feet again.

"I would like to thank Nicky Law, Chris Dowhan, the backroom staff and the players for their efforts so far this season, which I think should be applauded.

"I'm sure if the same level of performance is maintained then the necessary points will be obtained to push us up the table."

Law has repeated the point this season that City are competing with clubs who have far greater financial muscle.

He said: "You look at the teams we've played recently and compare what we've spent on players and wages with what they are paying.

"Given the difference in finances between us and clubs like Sheffield United, Derby and Reading there's not been much difference in the teams."

Rhodes added: "People are whingeing and moaning and I just felt it was right to point out the facts.

"The annual wage bill of £1m for those 16 in the squad is the cost of one average Premiership player."