Geoffrey Richmond believes stability is the key to continued success for Bradford City regardless of whether they win the battle for survival or not this season.

The Bantams have just six games to retain their Premiership status as Paul Jewell's men look to overhaul the six-point advantage enjoyed by rivals Derby and Wimbledon.

A small section of supporters have written to Richmond in recent weeks urging him to either gamble millions to keep the club up or to sack manager Jewell.

In response, Richmond has pointed to the success enjoyed by Charlton this season who have bounced back from relegation to be within just one victory of regaining their place in the top flight.

The City chief said: "This time last season Charlton were receiving a similar sort of criticism from their supporters to what we have received with accusations of not spending money. Some also questioned Alan Curbishley's role as manager.

"Charlton have had a much more glorious history but in recent years our two clubs have been similar.

"Twelve months ago the Charlton board were convinced their policy was the right one and I think their decision has been 100 per cent vindicated.

"I am confident that 12 months from now, our policies and our continuing and on-going support for the manager will be totally vindicated.

"Even at this stage we don't accept for a moment that we are down and fully believe we can get out of the situation.

"But whatever happens it is now important that we enter a period of stability on the football side of the club, although it is true to say that the policy of improving the ground will continue. It is symbolic that the club continues to move forward with work starting on the caf and shop development yesterday.

"The club has come a long, long way in a short space of time. During that time there has been lots of changes both in terms of playing staff, the ground and managers.

"In the summer there will be some new faces but there won't be a revolution. In recent seasons we have had seven or eight new faces in the side."

Richmond yesterday hit out at the handful of City's who have sent him anonymous and abusive letters.

However he added today: "I don't want my comments originally printed in the programme and picked up by the media to be misinterpreted as an attack on all our fans.

"I believe that here at this club, we are fortunate in having magnificent fans who yet again last Saturday got fully behind the team even when we went behind."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.