Bradford City Appoint Ryan Sparks As New CEO
Bradford City has appointed Ryan Sparks as the club’s new chief executive officer.
Sparks has spent close to three years at the Utilita Energy Stadium, and has been promoted from the role of director of communications and commercial.
The 29-year-old takes over from departing interim chief executive officer, Julian Rhodes, who returned to the club in an initial consultancy role in 2018.
Speaking of his appointment Sparks, said: “It is a real honour and privilege to be tasked with what is such an important role within our football club.
“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, 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.
City chairman Stefan Rupp, added: “Ryan is someone I trust and has worked extremely hard, in not the easiest circumstances, over the past few years.
“There are big decisions to be made over the coming weeks and months, and we are working towards a longer-term approach – which will be beneficial for the club as a whole.
“This season has not started how we hoped it would, and our current league position is disappointing. However, today we have made a permanent appointment as Ryan takes over as our chief executive officer – and he has my full support.
Bradford have had a tough start to their EFL League Two season and currently lie in 20th place just two points above the relegation places but Sparks remained optimistic, adding: “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 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.”
Image: bradfordcityfc.co.uk
