Stuart McCall today opened his heart about the “absolute nightmare” threat of seeing City quit Valley Parade but admitted: The club’s future must come first.

There is a growing fear that Crewe’s visit tomorrow, which brings down the curtain on a troubled season, could also signal the final match at the club’s home since 1903.

City’s joint-owners are currently considering their options to tackle the financial battle they face just to stay at Valley Parade.

A groundshare with the Bulls at Odsal looks an increasingly feasible solution if the stadium and office landlords refuse to play ball with their plea to lower rents.

McCall, who played there for City in the season after the fire disaster, outlined his personal anguish at the thought of walking away from Valley Parade.

But the club’s most celebrated player believes fans will have to accept it if no other alternative can be found.

McCall said: “It would be an absolute shame and an absolute nightmare to play at Odsal but a far bigger shame and bigger nightmare if there was no Bradford City.

"Unfortunately, principles don’t pay the bills and don’t keep the club afloat."

Read the full interview with Stuart McCall in today's Telegraph & Argus