Geoffrey Richmond today roared a message of defiance to his critics and declared: You won't drive me out.

The City chairman, pictured, has been attacked in some quarters as the club struggles again in the lower reaches of the First Division following last season's Premiership relegation.

But he refuses to be backed into a corner by the boo boys and has vowed to continue the job he began eight years ago.

Richmond said: "I'm being urged by my family to put two fingers up and walk away. But I'm not going to do so because I am no quitter.

"I'm under no illusions about my level of popularity at this moment and if it were to reach a stage where I felt my position was untenable I wouldn't need to be told what to do. That's not a question of throwing my toys out the pram, I've said that from the first day I arrived.

"If I ever lose the support of the majority and I decide it is no longer worthwhile then I will go. And my family would have a party the same night to celebrate.

"But I'm not a quitter and I don't want to walk away and I won't."

Richmond admitted this is the stickiest patch he has felt since taking over at Valley Parade in January 1994.

He launched legal action yesterday over newspaper allegations concerning the timing of dividend bonus payments for the club's chief shareholders and there have been signs of unrest among some supporters in recent matches.

Richmond said: "There is not a lot wrong that a few wins and a great end of season can't put right.

"This is not a new story but it has become an issue at a time when the team on the field are having a horrendous time of it, when money is tight and limited for new signings, and when a manager who was popular to many has departed. As I have said, this is perhaps the biggest crisis that has faced Bradford City since I came here. But I'm determined to complete the vision that I had when I came to the club eight years ago. If I didn't believe the club could get back to the Premier League, I shouldn't be sat behind this desk.

"I believe that in Nicky Law we've got a manager that will take us there. There can be no promises or guarantees because that's the nature of football but I'm certain that we will finish back in the Premier League in the forseeable future.

"I've been here eight years and I'd love to say that every day has been good but it wouldn't be true. But it's one thing having the disappointment of losing a football match or a series of them, it's quite another to suffer vilification from fans who perhaps don't understand all the facts."