Battling Bantams in the money

Bradford's historic appearance in the Capital One Cup final will earn the fourth-tier side around £1million in gate receipts and TV cash.

Last Updated: 23/01/13 at 14:39

James Hanson: Bradford's scorer

James Hanson: Bradford's scorer

Each finalist will receive 45% of the gate receipts from Wembley Stadium, the Football League has confirmed.

The players will split around £250,000 of that in bonuses, but the rest of the money will go toward helping the League Two club in their efforts to regain their former heights, according to joint chairman Mark Lawn.

"The money means that if we don't get promotion this year then hopefully we can keep this side together," said Lawn.

"Of course we are hoping to get promotion as well, and maybe getting to the final will instil some more belief into the players."

The income from the Cup run will also allow Bradford to go on a winter training break to Tenerife, a welcome change from their usual training ground at Apperley Bridge which is currently under two inches of snow. There will also be the reward of a trip to Las Vegas at the end of the season.

The Football League has confirmed that the winner will receive a place in the Europa League but, unlike the FA Cup, the runner-up will not benefit if the winner qualifies for Europe via the league.

Lawn insists he is not even considering the demands of applying for a UEFA licence, but says that whatever happens in the final, it has been an incredible journey for both the club and the city.

He added: "The money that will come into the club will mean so much - but it is important people know that there are outgoings as well. Around £250,000 will go on bonuses for the players.

"It is such a great achievement to get to Wembley, and not just for the club.

"I'm a proud Bradfordian and we have had a lot of bad press about the city.

"What this does is let people not just in England but all around the country who are down in dumps with the recession show that the underdogs can come through, and that dreams can happen."

Meanwhile, the wife of Lawn is insistent she will be at Wembley despite just having a major operation.

Yvonne Lawn has been having a long period of treatment for bowel cancer and was only discharged from hospital on Monday.

Her husband added: "She only came out of hospital on the eve of the game so it would not have been right for her to go to Aston Villa after a major operation - but she says she will be there at Wembley!"

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