Bradford City's 'Bantams' identity arose from the suggested resemblance of their claret and amber colours to the plumage of bantams. There was no objection to being associated with the small but fearless fighting creatures and the nickname was encouraged by the club. The shirt which was worn by City in the First Division (from 1908 to 1922) and the 1911 FA Cup Final was probably designed to reinforce the bantams identity with the broad amber yolk on the claret shirt seeking to resemble the neck and chest of the bird.

Contemporary reports from before the Great War refer to live bantams being taken to games by supporters as mascots for the team.

During the inter-war period 'The Paraders' identity was more frequently used in preference to 'The Bantams' and it was also adopted as the title of the club's programme from 1931 until the outbreak of war. In the 1950's the 'Bantams' identity was revived and the Burlington Terrace offices overlooking the Kop were adorned with a hoarding on which a bantam character with ball (similar to the Spurs crest) was painted. The character left dates from the late 1950's and was used on the club programme until 1964.

In 1974 City adopted a contemporary style crest incorporating the club's initials ('the bc logo') although maintained the nickname of the 'Paraders'. By the early 1980's however 'Paraders' had an empty resonance given the state of Valley Parade and in December, 1981 the club re-launched the 'Bantams' as the official identity.

(Back)