Stefan Rupp lauded for big off-pitch Bradford City decision involving David Sharp after club 'turmoil' | OneFootball

FLW's Bradford City fan pundit issues verdict on chairman Stefan Rupp's recent time in charge

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

League One has been a division that has been full of surprises in the early stages of the season, with the current table not being what fans would have predicted prior to a ball being kicked.

However, since making the step-up from the fourth tier last season, one side that has been exceeding expectations is Bradford City. The West Yorkshire side currently sit pretty in second place after 11 games played so far, including coming away with three points against promotion candidates like Cardiff, Huddersfield, and Luton.

With only one loss recorded in the league so far, which came against fellow newly promoted side Doncaster last month, the Bantams have enjoyed an outstanding run of form under the guidance of Graham Alexander.

In terms of summer business, the manager's strategy seems to be paying off after building a squad that integrates youth and experience without splashing the cash. Chairman Stefan Rupp, who hired Alexander, has for sure given the Bradford City fans high hopes for the season ahead and seems to have turned his reputation around with the supporters.

Stefan Rupp praised for one key appointment at Bradford City

In recent times, it has been all bright and rosy for Bradford City after achieving automatic promotion last year and continuing that form into their League One campaign.

Football League World's Bradford City fan pundit, Boris, believes that one man who has been to thank for the sudden upturn in results has been chairman Rupp. However, after being in his role for nine years now, talks surrounding his name haven't always been positive, but as of now, he has won over the fans' backing.

Boris said: "There was a lot of negativity towards Rupp for a very, very long period. There was turmoil between the fans and the board and everything in between for a while."

"I'll continue saying it, the best thing that Stefan Rupp has ever done is appoint a Director of Football, David Sharp, which he has done because it creates that bridge between an owner who has not really come from a footballing background and a manager. The Director of Football is a role that every good club does have, and it was a great step forward for us to employ one."

Summer signings to thank for Bradford's current league position

After a summer of change in terms of personnel, it was always likely due to the fierce nature that League One has to bring. With it being renowned as a tough league to get out of over the years.

As far as Bradford are concerned, they would've had their sights set on cementing their position in the league. However, with the season now in full flow, the Bantams may have changed their goals as they look to remain in the top spots and potentially pull off back-to-back promotions.

FLW's Bradford City fan pundit, Boris, thinks that Rupp has made a positive impact in recent times in giving Alexander the backing to get some fresh talent in the door at Valley Parade, and they certainly haven't disappointed so far.

Boris said: "I think he has done enough in the last couple of years to keep the fans on side, definitely with the on-pitch performances. We had some great signings. I mean, Josh Neufville, Ibou Touray, Max Power, Will Swan, all looking like great bits of business for this season, plus a few more. I can't name enough, we've basically got an entirely new squad, and we're in the automatic promotion spots."

"So, yeah, he's [Rupp] done enough. There was a period of time where the fans' opinion with him was very negative, but Rupp's turned the opinions around and long may it continue."