MARK Lawn believes his partnership with joint-chairman Julian Rhodes will help keep City on an upward curve.

The lifelong Bantams supporters will remain in control at Valley Parade after Gianni Paladini's takeover bid failed to materialise before last Friday's exclusivity deadline.

A television report emerged over the weekend claiming the Italian still remains confident of completing a deal – but Lawn insists it is business as usual as City prepare for next season.

Lawn, who made his money from founding a driver recruitment agency in Bingley, came on board in June 2007 and took up the position of joint-chairman alongside Rhodes.

They will continue to drive the club forward as Phil Parkinson's men seek to push for promotion from League One next season.

Lawn said: "Julian and I work well together because he knows my strengths and I know his strengths.

"We both work in areas that we think we're good at and we just leave each other alone to do it.

"I have every confidence in Julian doing his job right – I don't question him if he wants to do something and likewise, he doesn't question me.

"It's 50-50 on decision-making and, while we will run things by each other, I've never had to turn around and say 'I'm not comfortable with that, Julian'.

"He's always been comfortable with everything I've said to him and it's a good working relationship.

"If we can add to the squad and have a bench that scares people, then that's what we want to do. We are chasing five or six players who could play in our first team.

"We are planning for next season to make sure we have the best chance of getting in the play-offs."

The Lawn-Rhodes axis is from the old-school football club ownership model of local businessmen making their money and putting it into the team they grew up supporting.

Lawn said: "Unless another Bradford City fan comes along with £100million, no other investor is ever going to feel for the club like Julian and I do.

"I want us to be playing the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, regardless of whether I'm sitting in the boardroom or stood on the terraces."

Negotiations with Paladini began in February and Lawn admitted the uncertainty surrounding the club's future had taken its toll.

He said: "It has been a very difficult process but I need to thank Julian and (chief operating officer) James Mason for all their support."