Contemplating the imminent threat to Bradford City's future was almost more than John Dewhirst and Dave Pendleton could bear.

These lifelong City fans who became friends through following the club could think and indeed talk about life without BCFC in the Football League; but they couldn't bring themselves to accept the idea.

Hence the immediacy of their relief at the outcome of yesterday's vital creditors' meeting.

"The survival of Bradford City reminds us of the stakes and the enormous impact that would have been inflicted on the city had the club died," said Mr Dewhirst.

"Bradford would have taken another step to being removed from the map and the death of the club would have done considerable damage to the self-belief and identity of countless Bradfordians who, like myself, find themselves asking what the city means to them."

He has supported the club for 30 years and he and his children are season ticket holders at Valley Parade.

"We should rejoice that the club has been saved but we should have few illusions that going forward Bradford City is going to be but a shadow of its former self," he added.

"It is so severely handicapped by its liabilities that it will take enormous energy and leadership to revive the momentum of earlier years.

"The board now have a chance to outline their strategy: how they are going to make the club a viable entity, how they are going to make the club more accountable and to make sure the same mistakes don't happen again.

"If the club is to have a meaningful future it is critical that it now anchors itself at the heart of the local community."

Dave Pendleton, the editor of the supporters fanzine, City Gent, said the good news came as pure relief.

"We look forward to kicking off the new season against Wolves and no further. We've had enough worry and uncertainty for the moment," he said.

"We've a long season ahead to ponder the constraints the club will labour under for years to come as a result of the club's finances."