TRAUMATIC does not do justice to life at Odsal in recent times, but Matty Blythe believes he has become a better person for his experiences at Bradford.

The versatile 27-year-old arrived from hometown club Warrington on an initial season-long loan deal ahead of the 2013 campaign.

The Bulls were still recovering from the wreckage of being in administration but went on to finish a creditable ninth in Francis Cummins’ only full season in charge, narrowly missing out on the Super League play-offs.

Having struggled for regular game-time at Warrington, Blythe quickly established himself at Bradford and his loan became a permanent move.

However, his second season at Odsal began with administration and ended in relegation before the 2015 campaign saw the heartache of the Million Pound Game defeat to Wakefield.

The season just ended culminated in a failure to reach the Championship’s top four and yet, despite everything, Blythe is unequivocal.

“I've loved it because it has been an amazing four years, regardless of what's happened,” said Blythe.

“There has been some good times and bad times but you reflect on the bad times and it makes you a better person.

“There has been administration and what we've been through this year, but you get through it.

“I think as a group and as a team we have done that and it has made us stronger.

“I really believe that and it has certainly made me stronger as a character and a person.

“Franny brought me here and I enjoyed playing under him.

“I knew Jimmy (Lowes) from my first spell at Warrington and I loved his aggressive way of training.

“I really enjoyed that and now Rohan (Smith) is steadying the ship a little bit and doing really well.

“The boys ended the season really well and I've enjoyed my four years here because Bradford gave me an opportunity and I think I took it.”

Blythe, a popular figure with team-mates and supporters alike during his time at Odsal, has now rejoined Warrington on a one-year deal.

Forcing his way into Tony Smith’s star-studded side will take some doing, but Blythe is up for the challenge.

“I'm happy to go back to my hometown club,” he said.

“It's a massive challenge but when I first came to Bradford it was a challenge.

“I was five minutes away from training at Warrington but I had to start negotiating the travel to Bradford every day when I came here.

“I was coming out of my comfort zone and meeting new team-mates, which was something I'd not done before.

“You take things day by day but I'm looking to have a good pre-season with Warrington and get back into the swing of things.

“We'll see what happens in the next year. It's a short career so you just have to do your best when you can.”

Blythe scored 12 tries in 60 primrose-and-blue appearances between 2007 and 2012.

He remembered: “I wanted to leave Warrington at the time because I was a young lad and I needed to start playing regularly.

“I got that at Bradford, I played well in my first year, and then had a few injuries.

“But I carried on and personally I feel as though I've played really well for the Bulls during my time there.”

Blythe has fought back from a serious back injury during his time at Bradford and is currently recovering from shoulder surgery which ended his last season at the club prematurely.

He had considered moving to Australia to play next season but could not turn down the opportunity to rejoin the Wolves.

Blythe explained: “A club in Australia were sending me contracts and were ready to fly me over.

“It was a good opportunity for me, but I don't think I was mentally ready to move there at that point in my career.

“When the chance arose to rejoin Warrington, it was an opportunity to test myself in Super League again.

“I met with Tony and virtually agreed a deal within a couple of days.

“It's an initial one-year deal so I'm just going to see what happens. It's a journey isn't it?

“Obviously I'll try my best to stay there, but if I don't then another challenge will come up somewhere else.

“That's just the way it is and you take each challenge as it comes.”

Blythe agonised over leaving Bradford following their relegation to the Championship at the end of 2014.

The likes of Manase Manuokafoa, Luke Gale and James Donaldson jumped ship.

Blythe revealed: “At the time, Widnes made me an offer and I actually accept it because I didn't hear anything from Bradford.

“The Bulls then came to me with an offer and I wanted to stay, so I signed up again.

“I have loved being with these lads professionally and off the field as well.

“I have lived quite far away but when we get together they are great to be around.

“I've scored a few tries in my time here and played in some really good games.

“It's not been plain sailing because I've had a few injuries, but that's rugby league and injuries happen.

“Like I said, we've had some tough times here and people don't realise the stress and anxiety we've had.

“But we've pulled through as a team and got stronger as individuals. And we’ve done it every year.”