Bradford City owner Stefan Rupp provides update to fans

Rupp has also provided an update on his attempts to buy Valley Parade and admitted he was “not quite where he’d like to be”.

This is how the Bantams owner’s letter reads in full:

Dear Supporters,

“As we head into the busy festive period, I want to take a moment to reflect on the season so far and thank you for your incredible support.

With a third of the season played, we are three points from the play-offs and six from the automatic promotion places.

We remain in two cup competitions, with tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup match at Morecambe in front of a near sell-out away end – another brilliant demonstration of your dedicated support.

This season has been a battle. Injuries, including a few long-term ones, have made consistency a challenge.

Despite this, the players we have had available have shown grit and determination to put their bodies on the line, as we should expect of everyone who wears our colours. They deserve huge credit for this.

Like you, I am pleased to hear that some of the group are closing in on a return to action. That is a big boost for the demanding schedule in front of us, with eight games before 2025.

Looking ahead, planning is well underway for the January transfer window. I will again invest and make more funds available to ensure we can do the deals we want and need to do.

I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to achieve our goals this season. There is a long way to go, and there are still seven sides in the division that we have yet to take on.

Even by the end of the upcoming transfer window, there will be close to 20 league games still to be played.

We have made a strong start at home - our best since 2019. We must build on this.

Our form at the University of Bradford Stadium will be vital for us moving forward. I’ve visited Valley Parade three times this season so far, and it has been great to witness and feel the atmosphere you create.

Stefan Rupp has been to three matches so far this season (Image: Newsquest)

Together, we can help make our home a fortress.

Work continues off the pitch as we invest in our facilities. Recent work includes replacing the roof of the club shop and ticket office to protect the building for decades to come.

Further pitch works are taking place to ensure the playing surface remains in the best possible condition for the remainder of this season and beyond.

More plans are underway to improve various areas of the stadium over the next couple of years.

I know you will be keen for an update on my intention to purchase the stadium. It remains my desire to have our football club own the ground again.

I have had positive and constructive conversations on the matter, but I am not quite where I would like us to be.

Finally, I want to thank you again for your ongoing and loyal support.

Home, away or wherever you are in the world, your support makes a huge difference to the team and everyone connected to the club.

I will see you at Valley Parade again in December as we continue to push forward together and will write to update you further in the New Year.”