Bradford City's new co-owner Julian Rhodes stepped out of the shadow of departing chairman Geoffrey Richmond and declared: "I can't wait to get started".

The 33-year-old businessman is poised to become the club's new chief executive by Friday when a takeover is expected to be completed.

Mr Rhodes, who lives in Guiseley, said administration had been "a nightmare lasting three months".

He added: "I have had several moments when I thought the club was going to die."

Plans to replace Mr Richmond with the young pair were only drawn up at the weekend, and Mr Rhodes admitted he had decided to step forward to give his Filtronic boss father a break.

The Rhodes have been on the City board for seven years, helping to fund the spending spree which saw City promoted to the Premiership in 1999.

Mr Rhodes owns two firms - one a manufacturer of dental instruments in Shipley and the second a Pickering-based maker of novelty goods.

"I really wanted to get my dad away from it all," he said. "I want him to be able to turn up at games on a Saturday and actually enjoy it again."

Mr Rhodes warned fans that there were "tough years ahead" and stressed: "We are not coming out of this with millions in the bank."

But recalling how he dragged his father along to Valley Parade for his first game in 1981, he said: "Me and my dad are both genuine fans and we both have the best interests of Bradford City at heart."