About The Shippers

Until November 2006 the George public house on Leeds Road was  the headquarters of this group of people who follow the mighty Bantams the length and breadth of the country.

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So who and what are the Shipleybantams.

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Well the history is quite simple really, back in the dark days of the 2nd administration period at Bradford City when it looked very much like the Bantams would cease to exist, a lad by the name of Matt Barnes had an idea, a simple idea but a very effective one.

Given that Bradford City were the only club in the 92 league teams without an official supporters club he posted an article on the BCFC official website messageboard asking if fans would like to set up a group who wished to travel to away games and form a supporters group.

Well in the May of 2004 the inaugural meeting of the Shipleybantams took place at one of Matts favorite watering holes in Idle, The George.

Everyone was stunned by the response and by the September membership was at around 170 fans.

Now because the club were under severe financial restraints it could not run travel for the fans to away games so the then formed committee at the 'Shippers' as they have become known decided to form a travel club.

The travel club are starting their 3rd season and has run a coach or more than one coach to all games since it started.

So from it's conception many changes have taken place up to the present day where now they are run by Steve Gorringe and Stuart Hardy, Steve being the Chairman of the supporters club and Stuart being the chairman of the travel club.

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Since November 2006 the home of the Shipley Bantams has been the wonderful Shipley Club on Rae Road, Shipley  where Dave and Elda Lockwood are our hosts.

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Many wonderful nights are had when the fans get together for players evenings and supporters nights and it's a great place for the occasional summer BBQ and football match on the nearby Northcliffe playing fields and of course the starting point for the coach trips abroad to all the exotic locations like Accrington, Aldershot, Bournemouth, Rochdale and many more.

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