Wayne Jacobs today described City's survival as vital for the whole community in Bradford.

The club's elder statesman, one of the 16 whose contracts were torn up in May, admitted the past few weeks have been a horrible experience.

And as he looked hopefully towards an imminent solution to the crisis, Jacobs revealed his concern for everyone caught up by it.

He said: "In times of trouble people tend to try and look after their own corners and fight their own battles. But this football club will be around long after the players have all gone and there are an awful lot of people who've spent their whole life connected to it.

"People have watched Bradford City for so many years and can throw names at me from days gone by that I've never heard of. The depth of how far this has hit is massive really.

"That's why it will be great for all concerned when everything is sorted out. Then we can concentrate on what matters and try to put this horrible episode behind us.

"They've not been nice times for an awful lot of people. Obviously the fans just see the players out on the pitch but behind the players there are families and homes.

"It's the same for everybody in any walk of life. And it's not just the players but a lot of people have lost jobs through no fault of their own.

"But we want to look forward and that's what the last week has been about. The fixture computer has thrown us Wolves at home first game so we're just aiming at that."

After the gruelling fitness work, City's players were today given the chance to kick a ball around.

Assistant manager Ian Banks said: "You have to put the running in first and the lads have done that. Their whole approach has been excellent and now they're ready to start the ball work."

Jacobs said: "It's been one of the toughest starts to pre-season I can remember but this is our way of life. This is what we want to do.

"All credit to the dressing room and the staff. From the word go the attitude has been spot-on and there haven't been any problems with anybody.

"We're all looking ahead now and I don't have a problem about saying I want to stay here. Everyone in football knows Wayne Jacobs has enjoyed his time at Bradford City and I don't want that to come to an end."