Bradford Bulls deadline day: Latest updates

10:42am Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Bradford By Ian Laybourn

Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle Administrator Brendan Guilfoyle

19.55

Bulls administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has warned that the deal for the club’s potential buyers would be dependent on conditions.

He explained that the RFL and the 13 other Super League clubs must consent to allow Bradford to remain in the top flight of English rugby league and permit the new owners to buy back the Odsal lease.

Guilfoyle confirmed: “For the deal to go through we need the RFL to agree to us remaining in the top division and buying the ground back from them.

“We need the other clubs to agree that Super League is a poorer place without us.”

19.00

The Rugby Football League released a statement after agreeing “in principle” to the Bulls administrator’s request to an advance of funds to help pay staff wages.

The statement read: “RFL representatives today met the administrator of Bradford Bulls for further discussions about the Stobart Super League club’s financial position.

“The RFL has agreed in principle to an advance of funds to help the club meet its payroll commitments to players on Friday, subject to the administrator providing additional information.

“In light of the delicate nature of the ongoing discussions, the RFL will be making no further comment at this time.”

18.00

Brendan Guilfoyle, partner at The P&A Partnership and administrator at Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club, today announced an extension to the club administration until Friday, July 27, subject to the Rugby Football League (RFL) providing funds to pay wages by end of play this Thursday (July 12).

Guilfoyle said: “We have approached the RFL to ask if they would advance payments to the club to enable us to pay July’s wages for retained staff and players on Friday.

“They have agreed in principle, subject to due diligence. We are very grateful for all their support – they have seconded a finance team to help us respond to all the requests for information.”

Guilfoyle explained that the extension is because they have serious interest from a consortium of Bradford business people.

He said: “This consortium has not yet made a formal offer. They want to see the full extent of losses expected over the next 18 months and ensure they have sufficient funds in place before making a formal offer.”

13.45

The T&A understands that Bradford-based restaurant chain Akbars are part of the consortium looking to buy the club but not necessarily the main players.

The RFL have sent staff up to Odsal to give the Bulls practical assistance with their finances.

Interim Bulls chief executive Gary Tasker met coach Mick Potter today to update him on the latest situation.

11.28

 Tasker has confirmed that administrator Brendan Guilfoyle will seek to extend today’s deadline to avoid liquidation as the crisis-torn club seek to push through a sale.

Guilfoyle is currently holding talks with a Bradford-based consortium and is now awaiting to discover if they will make a firm offer.

Tasker said in a statement: "Mr Guilfoyle will seek to extend the deadline for the club going into liquidation whilst ever the positive dialogue continues.

"Positive talks were held yesterday with a group of Bradford-based Asian businessmen and these went on until late into the night.

"The group have shown genuine interest in taking the club forward and, whilst we are cautiously optimistic regarding the outcome of these discussions, the consortium will be holding further discussions today with the Rugby Football League.

"They will be seeking information from the governing body on the situation regarding the ownership of Odsal Stadium and will be discussing the Bulls status in the Super League competition going forward."

10.40

Bradford's administrator Brendan Guilfoyle says he can see "light at the end of the tunnel" in his battle to save the beleaguered Super League club.

Guilfoyle is anxiously waiting for a consortium of Bradford businessmen to put together an offer and, in the meantime, is turning his attention to finding the players' wages which are due at the end of this week.

The administrator, who made savings of around £45,000 at the start of last week by making 16 full-time members of staff redundant, insists he is still working towards tonight's deadline to avoid putting the Bulls into liquidation but is encouraged by two days of talks with a group of local businessmen.

"They're getting accountants and lawyers involved," said Guilfoyle. "They're trying to get a handle on the short-term losses and, if they can get that, I'm confident they will come back with an offer.

"That's the good news. The bad news is that the staff are asking for clarity on wages, which are due on Friday.

"Although I got 10,000 to come through the gate on Sunday, the cash take was disappointing.

"That indicates to me that the season-ticket holders used their tickets rather than cash to get in, contrary to what I was led to believe would happen at last week's fans meeting.

"After two weeks of administration I become legally liable for the wages and my challenge is to generate money to pay them.

"That's my immediate problem and I'm going to talk to the RFL and fans groups."

Guilfoyle is hoping for further developments later today so that he can persuade his partners to extend the deadline he imposed to find a buyer.

"I'm meeting my risk panel later today," he added. "There is no offer but I'm seriously engaged.

"I can see light at the end of the tunnel but that light can be turned out. The closer it gets, the harder it gets."

Comments(107)

albut71 says...
10:50am Tue 10 Jul 12

This man is the master of spin interesting how he has to go back to "his partners" who we understand are the board cohorts to obtain a further leave of absence wheres the mention of the winding up order from the inland revenue or was that another red herring? As to his point on season ticket holders using their cards and not paying on the gate it was a farce on sunday as the stewards were directing people to the ticket only areas why didnt he have the foresight to have a collection tin on the inside of the ground? and a 10k crowd? amazing that the ground was more occupied that for the wakey game and that crowd was 11.5k.

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yangyeight says...
11:15am Tue 10 Jul 12

the problem with paying by cash is no paper trail.
easy to miscount takings if you wanted to.
not that i don't trust this lot, not as if they have lied before..........

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raisemeup says...
11:34am Tue 10 Jul 12

First I agree with albut71 I also know many people who had the same problem, in fact I also had to take my cheque to the main office. Someone I know had to seek out a means of paying his extra money and get another ticket. However many people were prepared to do this and I take exception to Mr. Guilfoyles suggestion that supporters didnt want to pay. Also we all remarked in the stand area that the crowd looked larger than 10,000, When will this man stop running our team and supporters down.

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The Ilkley Bulls says...
11:34am Tue 10 Jul 12

I would be very surprised if anyone having a season ticket paid again, why would we?
Many of us, all my family included, gave plenty the last time, for what?
If I could be sure my extra £20 was going to the players, coaching staff or other employees I would happily give it, but do we really think it would?

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bradford_Northern says...
11:37am Tue 10 Jul 12

The man appears to be a brazen publicity seeker; I'm sick of seeing him on TV, although I do laugh every time I see him, because he does remind me of the old fellow in the film UP! He now seems to be taking all the credit for getting 10,000 through the gate. To suggest that he expected the fans to pay on the gate, based upon a small sample of ticket holders' views at the GuidePost, seems a little naive.
I want nothing more than the club to survive, but having pledged my cash last time around only for it to drop into some bottomless pit I am reluctant to do so again unless we are given assurrances that it is going to make the difference.
The RFL have already stated that they do not think it will be an issue to forward us our SKY money that is due - as far as I can see that will then pay the players' wages for this month. He should be concentrating on facilitating the deal with the Bradford businessmen and stop having his little digs at the fans.

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birkybull says...
11:43am Tue 10 Jul 12

I totally Agree he loves the limelight & Attention. I said that last week. It seems as the new owners will buy the club so long as the RFL give assurances that the bulls will NOT loose the superleague status. the Wakefield owner got the same assurances off them before he put his money in.

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Bingley Bull says...
11:44am Tue 10 Jul 12

raisemeup wrote:
First I agree with albut71 I also know many people who had the same problem, in fact I also had to take my cheque to the main office. Someone I know had to seek out a means of paying his extra money and get another ticket. However many people were prepared to do this and I take exception to Mr. Guilfoyles suggestion that supporters didnt want to pay. Also we all remarked in the stand area that the crowd looked larger than 10,000, When will this man stop running our team and supporters down.
It reminded me of the "good old days" when the Northern board used to count the crowd on a Sunday - one for you, one for me!
I always thought the main stand held around 6ooo, and that was almost full. Popular terrace was packed as always. We have over 10,000 season ticket holders and I saw a number of sirts from other clubs. Not a true figure IMO.
I said last week that any cash taken on Sunday would go towards his fee, well he's made sure of that with the unrealistic crowd figure

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ShadeyBantam says...
12:08pm Tue 10 Jul 12

"Although I got 10,000 to come through the gate on Sunday, the cash take was disappointing."

Sums this guy up!

Also what happened to the consortium that CC allegedly had waiting in the wings?

These two appear to be cut from the same cloth and the sooner we get new owners (fingers crossed) the sooner these muppets can disappear.

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bovine says...
12:17pm Tue 10 Jul 12

If I was on £500 an hour I would be extending the deadline too.

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bartsbull says...
12:20pm Tue 10 Jul 12

We paid in on Sunday and so did many people who we were stood with

Plase Mr Guilfoyle concentrate on closing this deal and getting te club backup and running we need you to come up with positives not negtive answers you sound more like Caisely everydy

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bartsbull says...
12:20pm Tue 10 Jul 12

We paid in on Sunday and so did many people who we were stood with

Plase Mr Guilfoyle concentrate on closing this deal and getting te club backup and running we need you to come up with positives not negtive answers you sound more like Caisely everyday

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Blackie-Lawless says...
12:22pm Tue 10 Jul 12

"Although I got 10,000 to come through the gate on Sunday, the cash take was disappointing." WTF !! i got 10,000 - really ? is he really personally taking credit for the 10,000 fans turning up , talk about ego !! and as for paying twice why should they. a lot of people feel conned out of the pledge money and with absolutely no assurances of where any extra money would go why should he expect season ticket holders pay again. if ghe is really trying to claim credit for the crowd figure he should have concentrated his efforts on attracting additional walk up customers rather than expecting those that have already paid to pay again.

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johnhem says...
12:37pm Tue 10 Jul 12

how about an incentive to get families there if they can manage another week? try kids under 10/12? go free if accompanied by two paying adults. they must have shirts and other bulls stuff that could have a reduced price too, £10 off a shirt would still leave them with a nice profit if the prices are anything to go by. if they go under then the club would be left with them anyway so nothing to lose, is there?

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since77 says...
12:43pm Tue 10 Jul 12

I said to a friend 10 minutes into the game, when people were still comming into the ground that i thought the attendance had crept up to around 12,500...

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makshelf says...
12:51pm Tue 10 Jul 12

since77 wrote:
I said to a friend 10 minutes into the game, when people were still comming into the ground that i thought the attendance had crept up to around 12,500...
you sound like rainman lol

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heather1608 says...
12:52pm Tue 10 Jul 12

This man is a joke, so up to 500 people turned up at a meeting and the issue of season tickets was raised. Why would he get the idea that those 500 people could talk for the 10,00 people who turned up on Sunday saying they would pay and not use their season ticket. Many of those fans have already lost money from the mess that was the donations request. Why and how are theyu supposed to afford to pay £20 each to get into a game again. Once again Mr Guilfoyle has extended the dealine - more pay for him yipidoo - bet hes not taken a paycut! Get real Mr Guilfoyle and find us a buyer like you said you would rather than lining your pockets!

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lizetteoflowmoor says...
1:04pm Tue 10 Jul 12

"Guilfoyle's statement of "that indicates to me that the season-ticket holders used their tickets rather than cash to get in, contrary to what I was led to believe would happen at last week's fans meeting".
Mr Guilfoyle it indicates to me that you are unaware of the word Communication. Considering there are 10,000 season ticket holders and there were approximately 500 or so fans how were the 9,500 supposed to know this! I am a season ticket holder and attended the match on Sunday with intention of making a donation, I have a stand season ticket and a parking pass and at this side of the stadium nobody had a clue what was going on with regards to payment!

Statements like this are highly inappropriate to Loyal Fans and maybe if staff and fans had been given clear guidelines as you stated "the Bradford take would not of been disappointing"

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Prycey says...
1:05pm Tue 10 Jul 12

I agree with the comments about the gate and ideas about creating more interest but people must be realising by now that this guy is here as the administrator not as the CEO or media man. It is their job to get the crowd in and money collected. Yes I know they were sacked but it is pointless blaming a bloke who is there purely to do a set job. He has no feelings for the club or supporters only his own job and salary. If it was £10k then that was a few hundred paying at the gates. This is a worry as it was a day when the club desperately needed cash and didn’t get it. It is fully understandable that people didn’t pay twice and shouldn’t be vilified for it. The Bulls are a business and must survive without handouts. The potential new owners won’t allow it to run at a loss. If they take over we might still expect big money saving measures so don’t expect them to throw money at big signings if what they really want is the ground where they can build a big new restaurant at the side of the road as I don’t see the coral stand as being in a good place for passing trade on a dark winters night. Is it the land right next to a busy road they want rather than a money losing rugby club? Move the offices into coral stand and build a restaurant where the clubhouse is? Hope they do take over but expect big changes if they do.

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Botswana Bantam says...
1:31pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Sorry - I'm a Cougar fan but I find this guys comments outrageous. How can he say that 10K came in but the cash was low? That this was contrary to what he had been led to believe at the fans meeting? Couldn't he start off by saying thanks to all those Bulls fans who dug their hands in their pockets a few weeks ago and then again those that did pay. Blaming the Bulls fans is not getting you on-side matey. But then again you probably don't care do you?

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arhmen aleg says...
1:49pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Of course BIG changes need to come about.
The club was BUDGETING to lose 1.2 million.

Without a sugar daddy.

As bad as the Casino mentality run banks that have brought the western world to meltdown crisis.
People dont have a lot of spare brass these days.

But for 15 years I have had difficulty driving passed Akbars the jewell in a otherwise bankrupt crown of a city.

Packed out with queing only even on many days in the week.

If Akbars owner has not got the brass I would be very suprised after witnessing how much trade he has had in 15 years.
The place serves wonderfull food.
Sounds sensible to me when 40 percent of Bradford West electorate was in the recent galloway romp said to be Asian.

High class food given a product that many Bradfordians want.
and the majority of the custom I see are indigenous white local Bradfordians at Akbars.

The Bulls were once thriving commercially.

something (and it cannot all be down to the downturn in playing fortunes these past five years)has gone seriously wrong with that marketing and income.
Well done Akbars.
You have taken plenty from the Bradford well and unlike others who have so benefited (KM)so,appear prepared to put some of it back in to a noble and worthy Bradford institution.

Which will keep tens of thousands of active and non active Northern/Bulls fans happy.

Why dont they buy the other big hole while there at it.
Though the fact that Westfield claim they have a £80 million cost investment in the HOLE would have most people running for the hills.

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basil fawlty says...
1:51pm Tue 10 Jul 12

raisemeup wrote:
First I agree with albut71 I also know many people who had the same problem, in fact I also had to take my cheque to the main office. Someone I know had to seek out a means of paying his extra money and get another ticket. However many people were prepared to do this and I take exception to Mr. Guilfoyles suggestion that supporters didnt want to pay. Also we all remarked in the stand area that the crowd looked larger than 10,000, When will this man stop running our team and supporters down.
As far as I can see Mr Guifoyle has just stated a fact and is not attacking anybody. All this criticism seems unreasonable as he is just explaining that the income from the match was not enough to make a difference to the current predicament.
In any case all Bulls fans know full well that the club is in desperate need of cash and shouldnt need prompting to pay on the gate if they want to help.

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caledonia15 says...
1:54pm Tue 10 Jul 12

I would have been very happy to have left my season ticket at home on sunday and paid through the gate, if i would have been assured the brass would have gone to where it should, ie Mick Potter,Stewart Duffey and the rest of the bulls staff who turned out for nothing to enable this "gentleman" to get his mits on the money. As it is my son and i used our tickets but brought two additional folk to ther game, bought shirts and in the first pledge donated around 500 quid. This gentleman wants to get real, without the truely wonderful fans who have stuck by the Bulls this season he wouldnt have anything to sell.

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Prycey says...
2:08pm Tue 10 Jul 12

You are rights caledonia15 and I agree totally with what you say. Unfortunately, this guy is getting real. He is probably the first person at the Bulls in many years who is living in the real financial world. That is the problem for us. There is no sentiment here with him. It is just business and the Bulls were run terribly for the last few years. The one good thing is he has not sold all of our top players as far as we know. maybe someone in the background has explained that we will need them if a takeover happens. He could have sold the players straight away so that is something he has done for us fans. If it is Akbars I hope all season ticket holders next year get a discount if they show their card as that will bring him trade and help him get some money back. Put the season tickets up but give me 15% off meals and I and thousands of others will be happy. Smiles all round and good business I think.

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Will, Huddersfield says...
2:15pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.

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blue marlin says...
2:25pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Will, Huddersfield wrote:
Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.
that's what i though, but hope it means that they want to be involved along also someone else who would be the main party?

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Anti-Firm says...
2:25pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Will, Huddersfield wrote:
Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.
Main players in the consortium I think he means!

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mickthemod says...
2:26pm Tue 10 Jul 12

isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!

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makshelf says...
2:30pm Tue 10 Jul 12

mickthemod wrote:
isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
my thoughts exactly. isnt it strange how these casual racist comments have dried up.

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Anti-Firm says...
2:35pm Tue 10 Jul 12

makshelf wrote:
mickthemod wrote:
isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
my thoughts exactly. isnt it strange how these casual racist comments have dried up.
Race card alert! Go away please the pair of you

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MeccaBingo1 says...
2:36pm Tue 10 Jul 12

It would seem no interest in the Bulls.

Buy lease back off RFL.

Make Bulls play at VP.

Council to give green light for filling in Odsal etc.

Fund Bulls for set time scale/budget.

Bulls survive but at great cost.

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BigFigure says...
2:37pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Will, Huddersfield wrote:
Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.
Read it again Will....it means Akbars are part of the consortium, but not the main players in the consortium....bit of sloppy reporting there!

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makshelf says...
2:40pm Tue 10 Jul 12

antifirm, i think if you read back on previous posts that a few bulls fans were the ones making racist comments not us. maybe you should have taken time to pull them up for their uneducated views and not us

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Bone_idle18 says...
2:41pm Tue 10 Jul 12

mickthemod wrote:
isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
"So many Bulls fans"? I think maybe one or two people may have said that, out of the potential number of fans we have, it's not exactly representative!

If people feel uncomfortable in parts of the city, should they have to just keep quiet on live with it, or should they be allowed to voice concerns?

Same as saying I wouldn't fancy parking up round Ravenscliff as I don't feel comfortable in that area.

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Will, Huddersfield says...
2:45pm Tue 10 Jul 12

BigFigure, you could be right! Let's hope your interpretation is the correct one rather than mine.

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King Michael says...
2:49pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Had no problem with Valley Parade, or the Asian community, to me Asians are just part of our whole community.

You ever talked to a Asian before? it's just like talking to a white person.

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BigFigure says...
2:49pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Will, Huddersfield wrote:
BigFigure, you could be right! Let's hope your interpretation is the correct one rather than mine.
hope so....I had to read it twice to clarify!

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makshelf says...
2:51pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Bone_idle18 wrote:
mickthemod wrote: isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
"So many Bulls fans"? I think maybe one or two people may have said that, out of the potential number of fans we have, it's not exactly representative! If people feel uncomfortable in parts of the city, should they have to just keep quiet on live with it, or should they be allowed to voice concerns? Same as saying I wouldn't fancy parking up round Ravenscliff as I don't feel comfortable in that area.
there is nothing wrong with voicing concerns about certain areas if you do it in an educated and informed way. however on recent posts concerning valley parade it seems that some people just spout mindless bigotted views having never even visited the area.

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birkybull says...
2:52pm Tue 10 Jul 12

The Family who own akbars want the coral stand and the land to build a new hotel and new resteraunt. they DO NOT want the rugby club. That is going to be run by a new buyer, all akbars want is the stand.

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vbfg says...
2:52pm Tue 10 Jul 12

If it was referring to playing staff then what it would mean is "We want to buy the club but not its few remaining valuable assets".

Ask yourselves how likely that is.

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Bone_idle18 says...
2:54pm Tue 10 Jul 12

makshelf wrote:
Bone_idle18 wrote:
mickthemod wrote: isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
"So many Bulls fans"? I think maybe one or two people may have said that, out of the potential number of fans we have, it's not exactly representative! If people feel uncomfortable in parts of the city, should they have to just keep quiet on live with it, or should they be allowed to voice concerns? Same as saying I wouldn't fancy parking up round Ravenscliff as I don't feel comfortable in that area.
there is nothing wrong with voicing concerns about certain areas if you do it in an educated and informed way. however on recent posts concerning valley parade it seems that some people just spout mindless bigotted views having never even visited the area.
Yes, of course.

BTW, I'd be more than happy to go to VP, or anywhere, as long as RL continues in the city!

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raisemeup says...
3:02pm Tue 10 Jul 12

basil fawlty wrote:
raisemeup wrote:
First I agree with albut71 I also know many people who had the same problem, in fact I also had to take my cheque to the main office. Someone I know had to seek out a means of paying his extra money and get another ticket. However many people were prepared to do this and I take exception to Mr. Guilfoyles suggestion that supporters didnt want to pay. Also we all remarked in the stand area that the crowd looked larger than 10,000, When will this man stop running our team and supporters down.
As far as I can see Mr Guifoyle has just stated a fact and is not attacking anybody. All this criticism seems unreasonable as he is just explaining that the income from the match was not enough to make a difference to the current predicament.
In any case all Bulls fans know full well that the club is in desperate need of cash and shouldnt need prompting to pay on the gate if they want to help.
I understand exactly what an administrator does, but only pointed out how hard it was to subscribe - we've been on a roller coaster for many months now and some of our supporters are getting quite distressed with the whole procedure... Mr. G's comments only inflame the situation - lets hope things improve soon.

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need to know says...
3:03pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Will, Huddersfield wrote:
Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.
Probably just a missed quote,Akbars leading the talks but not the main players. Who are the main players?.

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birkybull says...
3:07pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Main Players are the Icelolly & Greewoods consortium - To play from Valley Parade. But a deal will only be done it the RFL grant that the Bulls will not be kicked out of superleague. As was the same deal with wakefield.

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bartsbull says...
3:07pm Tue 10 Jul 12

From the rumours going round the Asian offer is for the ground and buildings not the team.

I do hope the rumour is wrong

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bigo93 says...
3:08pm Tue 10 Jul 12

birkybull wrote:
The Family who own akbars want the coral stand and the land to build a new hotel and new resteraunt. they DO NOT want the rugby club. That is going to be run by a new buyer, all akbars want is the stand.
Well they may do. But they wouldnt dismantle the club for it, no-one would considering the fans, especially the racist fans, would smash up their stores in the middle of the night.

As said, the club should have moved to Valley stadium years ago to reduce costs. If it's such a "dangerous" area, why do City fans still go there to watch their matches?!

TBH the whole of Bradford is a bad area.

So if they do buy it, they'll do the sensible, cost-effective thing and move. Even if they arent in it for the land, that is the best thing to do.

Businesses are businesses, they are there to make money, if it were another restaurant which wasnt owned by asians, would people be complaining the same way? If they do buy it, be happy your club will be around for another year, if you are lucky.

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birkybull says...
3:08pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Jack Tordoff is also part of the consortium. So make sure you shop at Jct600, Greewoods & buty your next holiday through Icelolly.com. Many thanks.

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vbfg says...
3:10pm Tue 10 Jul 12

bartsbull wrote:
From the rumours going round the Asian offer is for the ground and buildings not the team.

I do hope the rumour is wrong
That rumour is such spectacular gibberish that I'm amazed anyone would give it even the slightest credence.

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matacaster says...
3:18pm Tue 10 Jul 12

The reason the Bulls have such a large on-going loss each month is clearly that the wages of playing staff are unsustainable. Sure, by losing some of the best players some people might decide not to come and watch, equally, there would be less success on the field. However, I am surprised that the administrator hasn't gotten rid of some of the fringe players as that is really the only way to balance the books. It is unlikely that revenue could be increased substantially given the level of interest in the City and that Bradford is a poor wage area. Remember that 'investing' in the Bulls is a complete misnomer as with nearly all football and rugby teams - They nearly all make a loss and survive only because of someone with money. So if you are an Asian restauranteur and BUSINESSMAN, then you would be looking to encourage as many people into your restaurants and balance the books as near as possible by off-loading expensive players and managing on a small average squad on realisic wages.

Of course, if you don't like that .... you could always put in your own bid.

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BigFigure says...
3:22pm Tue 10 Jul 12

birkybull wrote:
The Family who own akbars want the coral stand and the land to build a new hotel and new resteraunt. they DO NOT want the rugby club. That is going to be run by a new buyer, all akbars want is the stand.
how do you know this?

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bullman says...
3:29pm Tue 10 Jul 12

So to summarise all the speculation - a consortium containing JCT, Greenwoods, Icelolly and Akbars want to take over the Bulls as it is but then Akbars will get the land/stadium to fill in and build a restaurant/hotel and the remaining consortium members move the Bulls to Valley Parade??

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makshelf says...
3:33pm Tue 10 Jul 12

bullman wrote:
So to summarise all the speculation - a consortium containing JCT, Greenwoods, Icelolly and Akbars want to take over the Bulls as it is but then Akbars will get the land/stadium to fill in and build a restaurant/hotel and the remaining consortium members move the Bulls to Valley Parade??
if this is true, which im sure it isnt, what would the other consortium members stand to gain from this. akhbars get the land and they get what? im not a massive jack tordoff fan but he isnt stupid, so why enter in to such a deal

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birkybull says...
3:35pm Tue 10 Jul 12

The Playing staff wages have nothing to do with it. Its the rest of the non playing staff, there was simply too many non rugby staff there. Community workers, social workers etc. The shop didnt bring in revenue because the shop manager bought cheap cr4p. & tried to pass off cr4p at high prices. stuff like doesnt wash. The bulls playing staff and coaches, goundsman, chariman, cheif exec, physio, conditioner are all needed, admin, community workers, social workers who work with bad kids are not etc. The club needs to be stripped to the bones to rebuild and only vital elements of what is needed need be retained.

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mickthemod says...
3:35pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Anti-Firm wrote:
makshelf wrote:
mickthemod wrote: isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
my thoughts exactly. isnt it strange how these casual racist comments have dried up.
Race card alert! Go away please the pair of you
its not a race card alert its FACTS you ignorant Tw@

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mickthemod says...
3:38pm Tue 10 Jul 12

makshelf wrote:
antifirm, i think if you read back on previous posts that a few bulls fans were the ones making racist comments not us. maybe you should have taken time to pull them up for their uneducated views and not us
here here i wasnt been racist i was stating facts simple as that

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birkybull says...
3:41pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Bullman, You have hit the nail on the head. There maybe a few tweeks along the road but that is the jist of what i have been led to belive.
I personally would prefer the team to stay at Odsal with Akbars opening up the restraunt in the coral stand and everyhome game changing it into a hospitality suite, rest of the time it fuctions as a working restraunt... They could easily then build the hotel behind the ground or on the old hospital site. The pitch at Valley Parade is too small for rugby but if the club have to move there to be saved then so be it.

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mickthemod says...
3:42pm Tue 10 Jul 12

makshelf wrote:
Bone_idle18 wrote:
mickthemod wrote: isnt it funny how so many BULLS FANS DIDNT want to play at valley parade because of the ASIAN community surrounding the stadium?????? lets just hope the consortium of ASIAN buisness men wanting to do a deal to save the club dont read their posts!!!!!!
"So many Bulls fans"? I think maybe one or two people may have said that, out of the potential number of fans we have, it's not exactly representative! If people feel uncomfortable in parts of the city, should they have to just keep quiet on live with it, or should they be allowed to voice concerns? Same as saying I wouldn't fancy parking up round Ravenscliff as I don't feel comfortable in that area.
there is nothing wrong with voicing concerns about certain areas if you do it in an educated and informed way. however on recent posts concerning valley parade it seems that some people just spout mindless bigotted views having never even visited the area.
exactly iv been going to valley oarade for 35 years and never had any problems with the area or people that live in the area no matter what colour creed reigion they are i was just stating when this whole sorry mess started that a sector of the bulls fans made comments regarding the asian community around vp

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tyker2 says...
3:48pm Tue 10 Jul 12

put another way:if the club goes into liquidation how many supporters will be making section 75 claims against their credit cards or will they simply leave their money in the pot?

I agree that Guilfoyle did not get 10000 fans through the gates: a couple of thousand more than the average turned up and probably paid cash, However, in real terms, such a contribution barely cover his on going costs

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BD16 says...
3:50pm Tue 10 Jul 12

bullman wrote:
So to summarise all the speculation - a consortium containing JCT, Greenwoods, Icelolly and Akbars want to take over the Bulls as it is but then Akbars will get the land/stadium to fill in and build a restaurant/hotel and the remaining consortium members move the Bulls to Valley Parade??
I thought the RFL owned the lease on the land?

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birkybull says...
3:52pm Tue 10 Jul 12

BD16 - thats whty they are talking to the RFL.. See if the consortium can buy the lease back.

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makshelf says...
3:57pm Tue 10 Jul 12

BD16 wrote:
bullman wrote: So to summarise all the speculation - a consortium containing JCT, Greenwoods, Icelolly and Akbars want to take over the Bulls as it is but then Akbars will get the land/stadium to fill in and build a restaurant/hotel and the remaining consortium members move the Bulls to Valley Parade??
I thought the RFL owned the lease on the land?
is nobody thinking straight here. if akhbars get the land, which i hasten to add they would do on there own with a direct purchase of the lease from the rfl if this were the case. then what do the the other consortium members stand to gain from this deal. the answer is nothing. they would just get control of a homeless club with no guarantee of super league status. it doesnt make sense

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shawzie30 says...
3:58pm Tue 10 Jul 12

birkybull wrote:
Jack Tordoff is also part of the consortium. So make sure you shop at Jct600, Greewoods & buty your next holiday through Icelolly.com. Many thanks.
I can verify that Jack Tordoff is not part of the consortium and has never been part of it

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bullybullman says...
4:04pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Good god there is some crap being dispensed on here this afternoon ! top & bottom of it is none of us know the true situation we just all hope is a positive one. The Bulls lost money in the hey days with 15 k crowds so its never going to be a big earner. Cut costs move if need be as long as we survive that will do for me.

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birkybull says...
4:09pm Tue 10 Jul 12

What was he doing up at Odsal last night then along with the rest of the geezers, Playing tiddlywinks???

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Solomon Grundy says...
4:14pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Stay calm y'all. Stay together in these difficult hours, when like so many anxious fathers we nervously prowl the decks awaiting that first, timorous yet beautifully sonorous cry that says, yes... we have a baby! A beautiful baby bull and all is well with the world!!!!!
COYB!!!!

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shawzie30 says...
4:14pm Tue 10 Jul 12

You have obviously mistaken someone else for him as I can guarantee you he was at home and not at Odsal

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DevonBull says...
4:19pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Solomon Grundy wrote:
Stay calm y'all. Stay together in these difficult hours, when like so many anxious fathers we nervously prowl the decks awaiting that first, timorous yet beautifully sonorous cry that says, yes... we have a baby! A beautiful baby bull and all is well with the world!!!!!
COYB!!!!
Perfect, on a very worrying day that just made me smile! Thanks!

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dazp says...
4:28pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Who in their right mind one want to stop in a hotel at odsal

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raisemeup says...
4:33pm Tue 10 Jul 12

birkybull wrote:
The Family who own akbars want the coral stand and the land to build a new hotel and new resteraunt. they DO NOT want the rugby club. That is going to be run by a new buyer, all akbars want is the stand.
Does anyone remember mystic meg??? maybe not ..but Birkbybull,
reading some of the useless predictions from others as well,you can take over the role of leader of the most ludicrous.
many thanks for the laugh!
Unless of course you are serious!!!

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BigFigure says...
4:44pm Tue 10 Jul 12

BigFigure wrote:
birkybull wrote:
The Family who own akbars want the coral stand and the land to build a new hotel and new resteraunt. they DO NOT want the rugby club. That is going to be run by a new buyer, all akbars want is the stand.
how do you know this?
Hello....anybody there, Birky?We're waiting.....

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Prycey says...
4:47pm Tue 10 Jul 12

There are lies, dam lies an forums. I think that is how it goes.

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Sheffieldbull says...
4:48pm Tue 10 Jul 12

DevonBull wrote:
Solomon Grundy wrote:
Stay calm y'all. Stay together in these difficult hours, when like so many anxious fathers we nervously prowl the decks awaiting that first, timorous yet beautifully sonorous cry that says, yes... we have a baby! A beautiful baby bull and all is well with the world!!!!!
COYB!!!!
Perfect, on a very worrying day that just made me smile! Thanks!
Me too, nice one Sol'

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webess says...
4:54pm Tue 10 Jul 12

dazp wrote:
Who in their right mind one want to stop in a hotel at odsal
Cedar Court's doing quite well...

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O ye of little faith says...
5:08pm Tue 10 Jul 12

There is a lot of speculation on this site at the moment,the various scenarios that have been put forward must be just guess work.We wont find out until everything is completed and then comment can be made on the outcome.Its a serious situation at the Bulls as everybody knows and we all want a sound conclusion and Bulls fans just want to continue watching Rugby League at Odsal if possible.Regarding Valley Parade personally I dont like the place and have never have since being dragged screaming to watch Third Divison North football in the 1940s by my late Father when Northern or Avenue were not at home.It is too small a pitch for Rugby League and I understand that sharing the cost would be more than we pay at the moment,so it is only City who would gain from such an arrangement.Be that as it may if that is one of the solutions for continuing Rugby League in Bradford so be it,reluctantly of course.Lets hope for satisfactory conclusion to this crisis.Keep the faith,COYB

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theoutsider says...
5:13pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Oh dear me lets get this straight Dulls down to VP and an Asian takeaway and hotel built at Odsal - this is a joke ?

NO its Bratfud at its always barking best.

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Steampiggy says...
5:28pm Tue 10 Jul 12

"Come on you Bulls, innit "

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Mumby was the best says...
5:31pm Tue 10 Jul 12

O ye of little faith wrote:
There is a lot of speculation on this site at the moment,the various scenarios that have been put forward must be just guess work.We wont find out until everything is completed and then comment can be made on the outcome.Its a serious situation at the Bulls as everybody knows and we all want a sound conclusion and Bulls fans just want to continue watching Rugby League at Odsal if possible.Regarding Valley Parade personally I dont like the place and have never have since being dragged screaming to watch Third Divison North football in the 1940s by my late Father when Northern or Avenue were not at home.It is too small a pitch for Rugby League and I understand that sharing the cost would be more than we pay at the moment,so it is only City who would gain from such an arrangement.Be that as it may if that is one of the solutions for continuing Rugby League in Bradford so be it,reluctantly of course.Lets hope for satisfactory conclusion to this crisis.Keep the faith,COYB
Most sensible post on here, why do people come up with scenarios they can`t even know about?
O ye of little faith I followed Avenue and Northern and thought City`s ground inferior to Park Avenue, the playing surface was always a mudheap, but I have to admit it is a nice stadium now but I still rather stay at run down Odsal

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olicanabull says...
5:31pm Tue 10 Jul 12

On another site it was reported that Guilfoyle and members of the consortium met former directors this morning. Could this mean that one or more of the former directors will become part of the consortium? If you want rugby expertise, maybe you should stick with Mr. Tasker and Mr. Potter.

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arhmen aleg says...
6:39pm Tue 10 Jul 12

So Mr Pastry or was it Harry seacombe was spotted doing a Jack Tordoff impersonation around Odsal last night.

all who assembled stared deep into the hole remarking at its similarity to another that has cost the Bradford Tax payer 80 milllion in the heart of the once fine city.
Well remarked one "if the RFL paid one point five million for this hole it looks a bargain compared to that a couple of miles down the road."
"Shall we buy it?"said Shafiq.
"but what do we do with it?" asked Ikram.
Best ask Jack,he seems to know how to make a bob or two from that other hole down Laisterdyke way.
Why dont we fill it in with road planing and spoil the tipping rights must be worrth millions.
Jacks ears pricked up as only Jacks could.
Ok then.
The deals done.
You pay the Rfl their 1.5 m for the hole we will buy the Rugby club for next to nowt.
I still am owed some from that lot down the road.
We"ll take the seats out at the kop end and make the pitch bigger.Then put down a surface that includes fibre grass like Wembley.
Then I can buy VP for 5 million off that pretty boy up at Malton"s pension fund (bargain)
and we save the cost of building a fit for purpose City Of Bradford Stadium like what everyone else seems to have that might cost 20 million.
Ok we might be slumming it down there in manningham but slumming it here slumming it there it don"t seem to matter too much where we are in this big hole,were slumming it.
So how does this work in terms of future costs shared?
worry not my son uncle jack will take care of that if he owns the rugby club.
So will it work dad will it work.
Well nothing else has worked in 30 odd years so even if it does"nt we should not worry too much.

And so the weary players made their way home.

Content in the full knowledge that Uncle jack knew exactly what he was doing.

So that just leaves the 80 million hole to worry about.
Sad as the memories make it at least one big hole has been removed.



This is not a true story and any similarity to any real persons alive dead or trapped in a hole are entirely coincidental.

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billybobbull says...
6:41pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Deadline extended to 27th. Potential buyers want lease back and guarantee of Super League licence. Looking good so far depending on what RFL and Super League say. !
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/sport/0/rugby-leagu
e/18781736

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ANY WHERE BUT HERE says...
6:46pm Tue 10 Jul 12

I'm not a fan, but hope the club go on. The bulls fans have been made to look like idiots for the last two months. First you buy the season ticket and get told at the back end of the season that they need £500.000 you provide that. Where's that gone? Then you get Guilfoyle saying he got 10.000 through the gate but was disappointed in the amount of money taken in due to those who had a ticket not paying in. The fans have done all they can but now its time to have some self respect. Youv'e been had!

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baildonbullette says...
7:05pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Anti-Firm wrote:
Will, Huddersfield wrote:
Have just read Ian Laybourne's 13.45 update above on the negotiations taking place. They want the club 'but not necessarily the main players'. That sounds a bit ominous to me. I hope that I'm wrong. A team without the key personnel would be short-term fodder for the likes of Leeds and Warrington away, coming up next.
Main players in the consortium I think he means!
That's right. The implication is that Akbhars are part of a consortium wishing to buy the club but are not necessarily the main backer.
A stay of execution until the 27th of July means we are kept hanging on a bit longer but hopefully it will be resolved shortly and with a positive outcome.

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billybobbull says...
7:27pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Seems to me, and this is only speculation. That the potential buyers of the club need to make more money from the club and ground. If they buy back the lease, they have the ground, then they lease the use of the Coral Stand to Akhbars (or whoever) and use the money to fund the team to an extend.

The Council will not sell to let someone else fill it in, they can do that themselves as the Freeholder and make lots of money from landfill rights. That will likely happen one day, and was always on the cards. Hence no Odsal Dome in the 80s/90s, no Odsal Village in the noughties.
The money from land fill will be good for the city one day.

IF the BIG businessmen are involved we may have a chance, but that will mean some cost cutting and savings. That will mean sales of one or two players and jobs lost overall.

If that is what it takes, so be it! Fingers crossed.
Again.... only my ideas and speculation. Food for thought.
Just like Akhbars Chicken Kirahi.

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bradfordbronco says...
7:45pm Tue 10 Jul 12

If we could have been sure the money was going to club & not in Mr guilfoyle's pocket, then i'm sure virtually every fan would have paid instead of using their tickets. We love this club & will continue to support it come what may.

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bradfordbronco says...
7:45pm Tue 10 Jul 12

If we could have been sure the money was going to club & not in Mr guilfoyle's pocket, then i'm sure virtually every fan would have paid instead of using their tickets. We love this club & will continue to support it come what may.

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arhmen aleg says...
7:46pm Tue 10 Jul 12

billybobbull wrote:
Seems to me, and this is only speculation. That the potential buyers of the club need to make more money from the club and ground. If they buy back the lease, they have the ground, then they lease the use of the Coral Stand to Akhbars (or whoever) and use the money to fund the team to an extend. The Council will not sell to let someone else fill it in, they can do that themselves as the Freeholder and make lots of money from landfill rights. That will likely happen one day, and was always on the cards. Hence no Odsal Dome in the 80s/90s, no Odsal Village in the noughties. The money from land fill will be good for the city one day. IF the BIG businessmen are involved we may have a chance, but that will mean some cost cutting and savings. That will mean sales of one or two players and jobs lost overall. If that is what it takes, so be it! Fingers crossed. Again.... only my ideas and speculation. Food for thought. Just like Akhbars Chicken Kirahi.
Not sure why you say this.The Councill have another big hole to fill and as the lease had many years to run I would envisage that change of use to tipping could be agreed with the council.
That could give the Bulls considerable income to fund the costs of an alternative ground be that VP or a new joint venture with the other of Bradfords sporting clubs who do not wn the freehold.

The land around the bowl as is existing could easily accomadate a hotel and Akbars.

What is wrong with that land behind the Coral to build a state of the art multi sport stadium?
Its flat but is it contaminated?

All dreams but if this consortium and council could work together the vast open space that is Odsal could be harnessed to provide
1.A lucrative source of income for spoil and road planing debris,strategically placed within 20 minutes of millions of people from Leeds to Kirklees to Manchester.
2.Land for a new City Of Bradford Stadium
3.land for the best curry house in Yorkshire if not the world.
4.Another hotel to attract Bradfords booming tourist industry with views to rival the great Grand Canyon.

Sounds simple.
Why did noone think of that before.

Time to let memories slip by the wayside in the interest of dragging this City out of one big HOLE.

All you need is John Brooksbank to get on board with his expertise in landfill and interest in sport and the job could be a winner.

No more freezing cold windswept afternoons even in July August.

It used to be great fun following the Knackered players up that long hill to the clubhouse and changing rooms.

But we still have our memories and soon adapt to change.

In this scenario we have to change

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need to know says...
7:48pm Tue 10 Jul 12

i dont know why this consortium wants to go to the rfl to ask about money matters. They didnt see a 3.5million pound loss coming our way last year.

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junctiontiger says...
7:48pm Tue 10 Jul 12

A last minute reprieve from the rfl
as the administrator makes demands pay the wages,sell back the lease and let us remain in super league.If agreed to a dangerous precident which would mean the scraping of the whole(flawed) franchise process.
Will all clubs with fragile finances form an orderly queue at Red Hall.What a sorry state our sport is in.

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Correctness says...
8:25pm Tue 10 Jul 12

It is becoming such a comical episode that I would not be surprised if Disney Corporation did not become involved.

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raisemeup says...
8:51pm Tue 10 Jul 12

theoutsider wrote:
Oh dear me lets get this straight Dulls down to VP and an Asian takeaway and hotel built at Odsal - this is a joke ?

NO its Bratfud at its always barking best.
Usually when good quality Business becomes involved in anything, they invest in the busines they bought:

Remember all the clubs that have been taken over, and for a lesson in sound business economics, we have only to look at who started the whole concept of the Summer era and Super league? That's right the BULLS and when Peter Deakin took the Marketing reins just remember what it meant to be part of the whole experience at Odsal! Average home crowds of 15,000 as the norm...Shop and Merchandise sales going through the roof, Corporate Hospitality always to a high standard. It can be done again. Because it was no more expensive pro rata than going to a game today.

Hopefully the buyers will bite the Bullet and invest in the concept of a new era for the BULLS and Super League. The job they do will be paid for 10 times over with the amount they save in world wide advertising of them and their brands, whatever ancillary projects they link into the stadium and the Bradford team. Known as the Bradford Bulls RLFC.

Loss making business
Mr Guilfoyle???? With the right people and the investment I do not think so, ask Wigan...Leeds...StHe
lens...
Warrington and even Leigh at the sporting village...

Try talking us up for a change and we may be able to see a sales credential.

If T.F was still with us, I know that's what he would be saying! But he was a kinder disposition than me, but as I have said before his phrase would have been " Never give up, Never"

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downtroden says...
8:52pm Tue 10 Jul 12

there seem's to be a pattern early60's went out of business late 70's to early 80's,can't remember exact time in the mire again and now,why is it,the supporters are getting it in the neck,amongst the best supported teams in superleague, i lost faith in the board in the second mess,but still like most fans still sent money,just to be let down again

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Grandad final says...
9:10pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Why have we not heard anything of the Greenwoods bid? A Bradford company who want to help without the clauses.
I smell a rat here, a big one!
Is this an exercise in saving Bradford's premium rugby club or is this more of an excercise in getting hands on some prime real estate at a very knocked down rate with all the risks for the future that holds.
Personally for all the love, passion and support I have for the club I would rather see us go down than the later happen. We've had enough of being creamed by fat suits.

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Grandad final says...
9:15pm Tue 10 Jul 12

PS. We have three season tickets in our pockets but paid in on Sunday for the lads not the suits. I saw most people holding cash in the lines so how come we were short on the day???????

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low moor bulls says...
9:18pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Cant c council selling it bak as i know for a fact they can get 7 million pounds if they use it for tipping

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Prycey says...
9:42pm Tue 10 Jul 12

At 1:05 I stated that they only want the ground for their business. I still stick to tjhat and that worries me a little. Will profits from the food side go into team building or into the coorporate purse. Will the club be left to run on a shoestring once they get their big restaurant - and I don't mean the coral stand which I believe is totally unsuitable. Cold windy nights and you have to walk through the ground if on foot. The ground will need to be left open every night. It is just too far out of sight for a restaurant. Where the clubhouse is would be ideal for a big showpiece building.

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King Michael says...
9:48pm Tue 10 Jul 12

birkybull wrote:
The Playing staff wages have nothing to do with it. Its the rest of the non playing staff, there was simply too many non rugby staff there. Community workers, social workers etc. The shop didnt bring in revenue because the shop manager bought cheap cr4p. & tried to pass off cr4p at high prices. stuff like doesnt wash. The bulls playing staff and coaches, goundsman, chariman, cheif exec, physio, conditioner are all needed, admin, community workers, social workers who work with bad kids are not etc. The club needs to be stripped to the bones to rebuild and only vital elements of what is needed need be retained.
You need to stop talking boolox, youve already been shown up once in regards to your alleged role of Jack Tordoff in this consortium. The community workers and social workers that work with 'bad kids' as you put it are not employed by Bradford Bulls, but the Bulls foundation so therefore are not on the payroll.

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dazp says...
9:57pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Since when as a asian restaurent been interested in rugby never its quiet obvious that they want the land and nothing else

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Mike Strutter says...
10:23pm Tue 10 Jul 12

You couldn't make it up.

Bradford Bulls on the brink of an Asian takeover.

Notice all the rednecks have gone quiet !!

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King Michael says...
11:10pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Mike Strutter wrote:
You couldn't make it up.

Bradford Bulls on the brink of an Asian takeover.

Notice all the rednecks have gone quiet !!
Except you.

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arhmen aleg says...
11:45pm Tue 10 Jul 12

Mike Strutter wrote:
You couldn't make it up. Bradford Bulls on the brink of an Asian takeover. Notice all the rednecks have gone quiet !!
Global economy now.
germans and French own all our power,arabs,saudi"s,
ruskys own all our footy teams (or yanks).

Rover owned by the chinese.

think I"ll start selling myself off if things get any worse.

The last dying embers of a once mighty and glorious British Empire.
we owned 3/5ths of the worlds land mass once upon a not too distant day in our grat grandfathers era.

Squandered through bad management.
But we still know how to party.
thank god.

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NorthernBull says...
12:12am Wed 11 Jul 12

'im disappointed the fans haven't organised a fund .. 5000 x £200 is £1 million to be part of a consortium ..

owning 51% of the club ..

New investors with integrity should welcome such an innovative approach ..

And striking a deal to hold magic weekend at Odsal next year ...


I also would like to see a dual season ticket with BPA playing at Odsal

Ive written to bull builder ..but ive not seen any leadership for the fans to become a voice in the future...

keeping aside a few thousand to compulsory help move the shelf rhinos out of the greater Bradford area .. they belong on the evening post forums for sure ..

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Adeybull says...
1:23am Wed 11 Jul 12

You were virtually the only one who contacted Bullbuilder, though. Where were the other 4,999 that you would need?
.
The BB board is a small group of very busy part-time volunteers. Without a remit from the BB members, the board could not have undertaken such a major change of activity, even if they had the time and appetite for it, which they did not. There was no groundswell for action, without which the board had no mandate for taking the sort of action you suggest.
.
I understand that there have been recent calls across the social media from some fans, concerned as you are for the fans to gain a louder voice, to join Bullbuilder and through that help to effect change. Yet I do not think we have received a single online membership application since those calls started.
.
If there are people out there who, like you, want to try to make a difference and are prepared to commit a load of time (and expertise) over a protracted period to bringing this about, and incur costs personally as well as taking on formal legal responsibilities in so doing, let them come forward?

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arhmen aleg says...
2:17am Wed 11 Jul 12

Adeybull wrote:
You were virtually the only one who contacted Bullbuilder, though. Where were the other 4,999 that you would need? . The BB board is a small group of very busy part-time volunteers. Without a remit from the BB members, the board could not have undertaken such a major change of activity, even if they had the time and appetite for it, which they did not. There was no groundswell for action, without which the board had no mandate for taking the sort of action you suggest. . I understand that there have been recent calls across the social media from some fans, concerned as you are for the fans to gain a louder voice, to join Bullbuilder and through that help to effect change. Yet I do not think we have received a single online membership application since those calls started. . If there are people out there who, like you, want to try to make a difference and are prepared to commit a load of time (and expertise) over a protracted period to bringing this about, and incur costs personally as well as taking on formal legal responsibilities in so doing, let them come forward?
The idea of a fans base shareholder investment "club" never seems able to get off the ground Adey for precisely the reasons you state.
great idea but when push comes to shove it never happens through
1.no cordinator,leader
2.Apathy
what amazed me was how desperately poor Bradfordians could raise through pledges half a million in a matter of weeks.
Another such push would see the funds there to buy the club.
Now that the stated (By Mr Coulby) £800000 investor appears to be a figment of the new boards imagination.
Were down to a "few hundred thousand will buy an iconic brand"
So where is the new boards man or men.
Poppycock.
Is there noone out there capable of organising another pledge promise given that time is been bought that could see the season through.
But this time the pledges are to a newco fan based investment.
I feel sick that this has been so badly managed financially for too long.

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Adeybull says...
8:05am Wed 11 Jul 12

Its not the one-off amount that would have to be raised to acquire the business that is the main problem. As you say, the fans shelled out at short order once (although it was about £400k that came actually from the fans not £500k, and not an insignificant amount of THAT came from non-Bulls fans who migt be less-inclined to contribute to an investment).

The real issue, as I have been saying for months and as the administrator and others have explained, is the ongoing, nonth-by-month funding required to keep the club going since its monthly outgoings are considerably higher than its recent icomings. That would mean Northern Relic's 5,000 fans (if such could be found) each paying a monthly subscription of maybe £20 each per month, on TOP of their season tickets and the one-off investment. I suspect that amount would drop a bit as season ticket prices were restored to historic levels, but obviously the same cash has to come from the fans one way or the other.
.
Do we have 5,000 fans out there prepared to pay up to £20/month each (this year anyway; hopefully less going forward), on top of what they are paying now? And commit to that for a minimum of the current Licence period, and be prepared to do likewise for the next Licence application if necessary? Since that is what a fans-owned club could entail, at least in the short term.

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arhmen aleg says...
11:57am Wed 11 Jul 12

I would have to say my and your experience of apathy in these matters and an inability to organise so many voices of different opinion (as views on here demonstrate)render a fans trust to have some interest would be a very difficult or near impossible task.
I would assumne come the end of season lots of contracts will be ending?
bradford City offer contracts on the basis of what can be afforded in relation to take up of season tickets.
Surely come the end of season given it appears the unsustainable £260000 monthly wage bill is the main problem costs can be lowered.
The rent I am led to believe is not extortionate.
But if as others have said the profitability was not there even with 15000 crowds and a thriving commecial and marketing team under Deakin,the club STILL was los ing money (losses)then it shows what poor previous financial management was in place.
Chasing dreams ala Peter Ridsdale can show just how poor mant well respected businessmen become when they get involved in sport.

jack Tordoff is the only sensible man I have known in that regard.
And Steve Gibson at Middlesboro AFC.

Anyway if the fans could organise to raise another pot some shares of a nature that would benefit your important development would be good.
Developing ones own players can be the best way.

I see BCFC have abandoned their academy.
Despite it producing the likes of Cleverley,Green, Delph that have pocketed them some substantial revenue from the bigger clubs.
perhaps the RFL should engage in a bit of quantitive easing.
Just where does the RFL get all their considerable assets to be able to buy so many clubs grounds and bale out.

One uncertainty I would have is the impact a government attitude to the Murdoch and Leveson issues have on the long term generosity of SKY.
We wait to see if he is indeed fit and proper.

at least we have some interest and momentum building.

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Tell_Titus says...
12:35pm Wed 11 Jul 12

How about stop speculating and guessing what will happen and wait and see? The rumour mill is working overtime cunjoring all sorts of waffle. Some may be true, some may not. Personally I couldn't care less who owns the club, as Potter says, as long as it survives.

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NorthernBull says...
9:24pm Wed 11 Jul 12

BT might take live SL off SKY in the next bidding round (DISTANT though it is) ... They have awoken from a slumber and pushed live football to £6.3 million a game...
Having no rival TV rights bidder has meant the game has been bought for peanuts ...which is part of the revenue problem ...SKY has been taking the micky ..although it has superb production .. It has not had the best interests of the game at heart..

SL is worth £28 to £30 million a year

But the RFL have had no balls ..not even oval ones ..and sold short in panic in this most serious of recessions..

Instead of flirting with you view internet tv consortium and ITV ...to ALWAYS sell 2 packages.. every 3 years .. never longer ..

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arhmen aleg says...
11:24pm Wed 11 Jul 12

NorthernBull wrote:
BT might take live SL off SKY in the next bidding round (DISTANT though it is) ... They have awoken from a slumber and pushed live football to £6.3 million a game... Having no rival TV rights bidder has meant the game has been bought for peanuts ...which is part of the revenue problem ...SKY has been taking the micky ..although it has superb production .. It has not had the best interests of the game at heart.. SL is worth £28 to £30 million a year But the RFL have had no balls ..not even oval ones ..and sold short in panic in this most serious of recessions.. Instead of flirting with you view internet tv consortium and ITV ...to ALWAYS sell 2 packages.. every 3 years .. never longer ..
Thanks for the numbers.
So if the Bulls (I am told) get 80000 a month from RFL re Sky thats a million.

If all the SL clubs get a million then where does the RFL get all their brass to buy clubs grounds (odsal 1.5 million)of the clubs in trouble?

Sounds like their made of money.
wonder how much the Challenge Cup Final generates or the weekends in Scotland,wales,Manch
ester etc.

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