New Bradford City CEO Ryan Sparks aims to bring 'identity, direction and meaning'

The 29-year-old's meteoric rise continues having started the coronavirus pandemic as the Bantams' press officer. He was promoted to director of communications and commercial in the summer, giving him the insight to replace Julian Rhodes, who had been holding the chief executive position on an interim basis having returned to the club as a consultant in 2018.

Like all League Two clubs, Bradford face huge challenges as a result of the covid-19 pandemic and its financial implications. In keeping with all Yorkshire's Football League clubs bar Harrogate Town, they will have to continue playing matches behind closed doors beyond the end of the second lockdown.

Valley Parade has been unable to welcome paying supporters since February 2019, putting a severe strain on finances. There are challenges on the field too, with the club 20th in the division, two points above the relegation zone, albeit with a game in hand on many clubs.

“It is a real honour and privilege to be tasked with what is such an important role within our football club,” said Sparks.

“Anyone who knows me personally knows I am an ambitious, hard-working person, who has Bradford City Football Club firmly at heart.

“This is a role I have worked towards from a young age and I am excited and entirely prepared for the challenges which lie ahead.

“I would like to thank Julian Rhodes, (chairman) Stefan Rupp and the staff for their support. Julian returned to Valley Parade in one of the club’s darkest periods, with huge financial issues facing its very future. He has been extremely supportive of me and everyone at the club and has helped put us back in a position from which we can build and be successful once again.

“I will not hide from the fact this season has not so far gone to plan. We are some way away from where we would like to be, and our focus is on moving away from the position we currently find ourselves in.

“I have a great relationship with (manager) Stuart McCall and we work closely together. I have plans to help us address the immediate situation, with focus already on January, and am determined to play my part in building a Bradford City which boasts a clear identity, direction and – quite frankly – meaning.

“Over the past few months, I have been working across the business in a bid to make several improvements which can have a positive impact on our long-term future, which I plan on sharing further over the coming weeks.

“As chief executive, I intend to remain transparent and run the football club very much alongside supporters and partners. I will be present and approachable, as I always have been, and hope to earn respect through my actions.”

Sparks has also worked in rugby league, as head of communications at Featherstone Rovers.

Rhodes praised Sparks as “an experienced operator in professional sport, (who) shows great initiative and has always stepped up to the plate.”

He added: “I have had contact with chairpeople, owners and chief executives at other clubs - along with EFL board members - who have commented on Ryan’s ability and style, which I am sure will take this club forward.

“The decision was taken a couple of months ago and, although I was not able to immediately hand over formally, he has in the meantime been actively involved in leading the club on a day-to-day basis.

“I know the immediate challenges facing him and the club do not faze him in any way. Ryan can guide the club through this difficult period and put plans in place for a more consistent, brighter future - on and off the field.

“I hope he receives the same level of backing from the supporters as he has internally and outside of the club, which will allow him to take the necessary steps over the coming days, weeks, months and years ahead.”

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