Bradford City A.F.C.
English football team.
Bradford City Association Football Club, commonly known as Bradford City, is a professional football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Founded in 1903, the club was established to introduce association football to an area that had been predominantly focused on rugby league. Bradford City was elected to the Football League before even playing its first game, joining Division Two and taking over the Valley Parade stadium, which remains their home ground.
The early years of Bradford City were marked by notable achievements. They won the Division Two title in 1908 and captured the FA Cup in 1911, defeating Newcastle United in the final. These successes positioned Bradford City as a competitive force in English football during their formative years. However, the club faced challenges in maintaining its status in higher divisions and was relegated from Division One after the 1921-22 season.
Throughout the following decades, Bradford City experienced fluctuating fortunes. The club struggled to regain its top-flight status and faced relegation to lower divisions multiple times. By the late 20th century, they had established themselves in the lower tiers of English football, often battling for promotion but facing setbacks that hindered their progress.
In the 1990s, Bradford City achieved a significant milestone by gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history. This ascent culminated in a remarkable run during the 1998-99 season when they finished as runners-up in Division One, securing their place among England’s elite. However, their time in the Premier League was short-lived; they were relegated after just three seasons.
The early 2000s brought further challenges as Bradford City faced financial difficulties that led to relegation to League Two. The club struggled to stabilize itself and experienced a series of managerial changes and inconsistent performances on the pitch.
One of the most tragic events in the club's history occurred in May 1985 when a fire at Valley Parade claimed 56 lives during a match against Lincoln City. This disaster prompted significant changes in safety regulations across football grounds in England and left a lasting impact on both the club and its community.
Despite these challenges, Bradford City has made strides towards rebuilding its reputation within English football. The club returned to League One after winning promotion via the playoffs in 2013, showcasing resilience and determination. In recent seasons, they have aimed for stability while striving for further success. Bradford City's primary rivals include Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.