Inspirational defender Eddie Youds says his time at Bradford City has been the highlight of his career and he hopes Bantams fans will not turn against him.

The 27-year-old sealed his £550,000 move to Division One rivals Charlton Athletic yesterday amid claims from chairman Geoffrey Richmond that he had made "outrageous" financial demands.

The City chief said the player had turned down a wage increase of £900 per week as he defended the club's decision to allow Youds, Peter Beagrie and Chris Wilder to leave Valley Parade.

And Richmond firmly believes the sales will put City in a strong position when the summer transfer market gets underway as they look to build a side capable of challenging for promotion.

Speaking from his London hotel, Youds declined to comment on Richmond's claims but added: "I just want Bradford fans to know that I am sad to leave after three-and-a-half great years. In an ideal world I would have spent the rest of my career at the club. I do not want to leave on a sour note.

"I believe I did not waste my time at Valley Parade. In every game I played for Bradford I gave everything. A lot of things have been said in the last day or so but I am sure that when the chairman sits down and thinks about the last few years, he will realise that I never gave anything less than 100 per cent.

"I just hope that when I come back to Bradford to play the fans and I can remain on good terms.

"I had a good relationship with the chairman throughout my time at Bradford and I just hope that he can lead them into the Premier League."

Richmond says this week's transfer dealings and the revolution which will hit the domestic transfer system this summer will combine to put City in a very strong position. All players aged 24 and above and who are out of contract will be available on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling.

The City chief said: "I have said that the money we have taken will be recycled in transfers. A number of fans have rung me and said 'I thought we were not a selling club any more?'

"The fact is we have spent more than £2 million in the last 12 months on transfers.

"And with the money collected for Eddie Youds and Chris Wilder, we have recouped just over £1 million.

"I don't think that makes us a selling club.

"Having had to take tough decisions over the last 24 hours, I believe the rewards will come in the summer and on the field next season."

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