JOINT administrator Gary Pettit admits he is “humbled” by how the Bulls are coping with the club’s perilous financial plight.

The 65-strong playing and coaching staff were paid their monthly salary in full yesterday – a day late. The non-playing staff of 68 people are due to receive their money today.

Pettit, of PBC Business Recovery, confirmed the administrators funded the wage bill for November and continue to make progress towards a quick sale.

He said: “I am humbled by the way in which the players and staff at the club have dealt with the administration.

“It has been a genuine pleasure to see the dedication, professionalism and sheer graft exhibited by the players and staff.

“We have announced a sale of stock in the club shop at bargain prices, which has led to considerable extra work for the staff at very short notice.

“The staff have rolled up their sleeves and done that work quickly. This has helped inject valuable cash into the business.

“I would like to thank all those supporters who have come forward to support the Bradford Bulls in their hour of need. The fans’ faith is illustrated by the continued purchase of season tickets in the last week.

“I would also like to thank all of the players, fans and staff for their understanding.”

Howard Roberts, the solicitor for the administrators, said a sale agreement would be issued over the weekend.

“While public comment is restricted by non-disclosure agreements, we continue to make solid progress with the interested parties,” he added.

“Equally, this is not an overnight procedure and nothing can be guaranteed in terms of timescale.

“The professionalism of the players and the staff has been exemplary and they are a joy to be around.”

Pettit added: “The interested parties have everything they need, so we have gone to them asking for their final bids.

“We are very close but no pen has been put to paper yet.”

He also met with two members of supporters groups this week and said he is a “big believer in having a non-executive director from the supporters, who can get the messages out to the people that matter.” Pettit will pass their details on to the successful bidder.

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins revealed she had met the administrators and the RFL this week to voice her concerns about wages being paid. She called the news “a positive step forward”.

She said: “I will continue to speak with all those parties involved and support them in making sure that everything that can be done to save the Bulls is being done.”

Meanwhile, former Bulls hooker Ian Henderson has confirmed his retirement from the game.

Henderson, 33, broke his leg in March playing for the Sydney Roosters. He spent three seasons at Odsal and was a Grand Final winner in 2005.