Bradford Bulls have landed their second significant sponsorship deal inside a week after signing a new one year-deal with major car dealership Appleyard.

The firm have been involved as an associate sponsor for several years, but have now stepped up their backing in a package which will see their name carried on the back of the Bulls' shirts.

Chairman Chris Caisley, who last week revealed international sports equipment firm Asics as the club's major sponsor, heralded the Appleyard link-up as another major boost ahead of the 1999 season.

"Appleyards have been a great partner of the club for some time and we are delighted that they have decided to step up their involvement.

"It's nice to see a firm with a big presence in the city committing themselves in this way and we feel sure it will continue to reap rewards for both parties.

"We have carried small logos of associate sponsors on the front of the shirt before, but the Appleyard name will figure more prominently on the shoulder area in line with their increased involvement.

"The deal involves a substantial sum and suits our policy of building our sponsorship portfolio in readiness to meet the demands of the new Millennium."

Dave Whalley, General Manager of Appleyard, Brad-ford said: "It continues our long association with the club and we hope the partnership continues to go from strength to strength. We are excited at the team's prospects."

Meanwhile the Bulls' squad presentation night at St George's Hall on Friday (7.30pm) is close to a sell-out.

Nearly 1,800 tickets have been sold for the event which will be attended by the first team squad.

Only about 200 remained unsold when the Odsal office opened for business today.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.