Bradford Bulls head coach Mick Potter told the Telegraph & Argus that joint administrator Brendan Guilfoyle had asked him to work for nothing to keep his job as redundancies were announced today.

And he said he felt like he had been "stabbed" as he lost his job along with his wife Megan, who worked in the ticket office.

They were among 15 employees including, chief executive Ryan Duckett, to be made redundant.

“I was embarrassed that he asked me as I am sure he is not working for nothing. I physically could not do that,” said Mr Potter.

“That would be impossible and I don’t think anyone should be allowed or asked to work for nothing – the administrator asked me.

“This is a sad day for rugby and I am sceptical and am not sure if we should have been here. Questions need to be asked. I would like to thank the fans for their support and all they have done in the past,” he added.

Asked whether he felt if he had been stabbed in the back, Mr Potter replied: “I have been stabbed in the front. There is something going on here definitely that is not right.

“The tough period has probably been the last six to eight weeks but the fans have been the best we have known with their support.

“They have gone over and above what they should do.”

In a statement, Mr Guilfoyle - partner in The P&A Partnership - confirmed that today he has had to make the chief executive, the coach and 13 other employees redundant at the club.

Mr Guilfoyle said: “This is about survival. We have no cash and no funds have been offered. It is with great regret that we have had to make these redundancies but there are no alternatives.

“ We are in discussion with the Rugby Football League and believe there will be funds to pay the players.”

Mr Guilfoyle confirmed that five administration staff have been retained to enable the match on Sunday to go ahead. Employees in the Lottery and the charitable Foundation continue to be employed as these are separate operations.

Mr Guilfoyle said: “We gave the Club’s coach the option of working without payment but he declined. A number of people have approached us to help run and coach in the Club without payment - we are now pursuing these offers as a matter of urgency.”