Hood: St Hilaire a top-drawer Bradford Bulls caretaker

6:50am Thursday 15th July 2010 in Sport By Connor Murphy, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Lee St Hilaire has taken charge of Bulls first-team matters following the departure of Steve McNamara Lee St Hilaire has taken charge of Bulls first-team matters following the departure of Steve McNamara

Bulls chairman Peter Hood is confident caretaker boss Lee St Hilaire can lead the club into the Super League play-offs.

The former assistant assumed control of first-team matters following Steve McNamara’s departure on Tuesday and is immediately charged with ending an eight-game losing run.

Last week’s defeat at Harlequins saw Bradford slide to tenth in the table with six games remaining, yet still only a point behind the play-off places.

But with tough trips to Hull KR, St Helens and Wigan still to come, the first game of St Hilaire’s temporary reign – at home to Salford on Sunday – will assume even greater importance.

“I have complete confidence in Lee,” said Hood.

“He’s an extremely talented assistant coach who has now found himself in a battlefield promotion as acting head coach.

“I know he’s the kind of bloke who will relish that opportunity. His work ethic is a mirror of Steve McNamara’s and he’s a talented, young, top-drawer coach and I’m sure he’ll do well.

“The coaching staff and players are absolutely committed to reaching the play-offs.

“There’s no shortage of talent. Certainly there has been a shortage of confidence recently but the task is to get back on the horse and get riding.”

St Hilaire will receive support in his role from the coaching staff and players but Hood dismissed the possibility of any senior players stepping into the role as assistant, following speculation over a potential promotion for Steve Menzies.

“I think in any elite squad there is a leadership group and we certainly have that,” said Hood.

“Lee’s a very open-minded individual and I’m sure, in the right way, senior players will be able to make contributions.

“This is a band of brothers mentality, as it has to be in any professional sports organisation, and Lee will just get focused and get on with it.

“I know he has 100 per cent support from all the other coaching staff.”

Hood also called for fans to join the club in presenting a united front for the remainder of the campaign.

“Certainly within the dressing room and the club there is a great feeling of togetherness and it would be tremendous if that could be reflected across the terraces as well,” he said.

“We really do need the fans to get behind the boys. They’re determined to put right the shortfalls of recent weeks and get into that eight.”

Mick Potter is expected to be confirmed as the next Bulls coach by the end of the week.

Comments(36)

joevolcano says...
7:55am Thu 15 Jul 10

Please please please let it be Potter!!

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birkybull says...
8:21am Thu 15 Jul 10

I agree. Lets get up to odsal and stick a bit of Money back into the club... all the stayaway fans need to come back now McNamara has gone. We got our way in the end. Hopefully. StHilaire will give the team open ample oppertunity to play free flowing attacking rugby. There is no pressure on the team so lets... Back the boys... Come on You Bulls

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Adey says...
8:24am Thu 15 Jul 10

Top Drawer caretaker? Well we need Harry Houdini to get us into the play-offs so lets just hope that they show some pride for the remainder of the season. Fingers crossed Potter will be named tomorrow and Season Ticket sales should improve!

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Ralphie says...
8:35am Thu 15 Jul 10

Talk about roll out the cliches!
"extremely talented assistant coach,battlefield promotion,talented young top drawer coach,elite squad,leadership group,band of brothers mentality"
Does Hood no longer go to games?

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bulls_stars says...
9:01am Thu 15 Jul 10

Come on guys let's get behind the on Sunday! Give them a real big turn out and I'm sure we will get what we deserve

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BBARL6 says...
9:15am Thu 15 Jul 10

bulls_stars wrote:
Come on guys let's get behind the on Sunday! Give them a real big turn out and I'm sure we will get what we deserve
Lets be honest here, even after an 8 game losing run we should beat Salford, if we win then that will be it, can see the headlines already Bulls now on the charge again for the play offs. If we do win lets not get carried away, ok Salford wont be easy but we should win. we then need to focus on the next game as 3 very very tough games HKR, Saints and Wigan ahead, that will show us if we are play of material not a possible win against the lowly Salford.

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Tricky Dicky says...
9:59am Thu 15 Jul 10

Is this the same Peter Hood who said that Mr McNamara would bring in the silverware this season?

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mumbyfan says...
10:02am Thu 15 Jul 10

I know what most women keep in there top drawers, so the signs are not good....

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SMftS loves Ashbournes Titty Lip says...
10:10am Thu 15 Jul 10

Give Lee a chance and the support to show what he can do. He might surprise us. Anything is better than the turgid predictable garbage we were getting under Macca.

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haitch says...
10:12am Thu 15 Jul 10

This will be the first time St Hilaire has been able to work at the club, free from the restraints of Macca.
Let's at least give the guy a chance to show what he has to offer.
I think his team sheet will be the first sign of how his thinking... Interesting.

I have no problem with Mr Hood saying these thing as its all about the future now and we need everyone to pull together. Just wish he'd made the move some months ago. COYB!!

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Wots up says...
11:11am Thu 15 Jul 10

haitch wrote:
This will be the first time St Hilaire has been able to work at the club, free from the restraints of Macca.
Let's at least give the guy a chance to show what he has to offer.
I think his team sheet will be the first sign of how his thinking... Interesting.

I have no problem with Mr Hood saying these thing as its all about the future now and we need everyone to pull together. Just wish he'd made the move some months ago. COYB!!
Well said. We need to give the Lee and the club support for the rest of the season.

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dibsy says...
11:15am Thu 15 Jul 10

I am one to be the biggest moaners going when we lose,especailly when we have not been performing ,which as been a lot recently,but as bullsstar says they need the support of the supporters,so get behind your team on Sunday.The more spectators going through the turnstiles the better players we can get next year.C.O.Y.B

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KangleFat says...
11:15am Thu 15 Jul 10

Come on everybody, let's get behind the team for the remainder of the season. I'm expecting all those people who said that they wouldn't set foot in Odsal until Mcnamara had gone, to be there on Sunday. The club needs the paying fans to return if they're to have any kind of budget to buy the players that the stay-away fans are calling for.

St Hilaire is in a no-loose situation. If the club make the play-offs, it'll do his reputation no end of good. If they don't, then it's what everyone expected as he's only got the same players to work with that Macca left him. He's already said he has a different coaching style to Macca. Let's hope that reflected on the pitch.

I for one, intend to try to enjoy the rest of the season. It's been pretty awful so far. I now have no expectations this year but I intend to enjoy it the best I can.

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Steampig says...
11:31am Thu 15 Jul 10

haitch wrote:
This will be the first time St Hilaire has been able to work at the club, free from the restraints of Macca. Let's at least give the guy a chance to show what he has to offer. I think his team sheet will be the first sign of how his thinking... Interesting. I have no problem with Mr Hood saying these thing as its all about the future now and we need everyone to pull together. Just wish he'd made the move some months ago. COYB!!
i agree with you haitch, give the guy a chance, I also think Hood has to say these things, he needs to support St Hillaire over the next few weeks as he has a tough job to do.

lets get behind him and hope that he can steer the team to a few wins or at the very least some good performances!

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Stuart says...
11:32am Thu 15 Jul 10

Looks like every one on here is happy now that Macca's gone. I wonder (being a naive Aussie/Yorkshireman ) what a full time coach of England does all year you play one game against a Frog side that our Victorian League team could beat and then turn up at the end of the season to get flogged by The Kiwis and Aussies. Whats he do? mow the lawns , clean the boots and wash the kit cant be much else for him to do. Our Aussie coach sticks with his NRL side until the finals are over then joins the boys in camp the week before you lot arrive to give them all a green and gold jumper.
If you tell Hood to look sharp he can get a whole team of NRL players, plus coaches, Directors ( although after today you would not want them) and the lady from the canteen. Storm will play with four senior players and a whole heap of juniors soon. You must be able to supply the players with a speed boat and fast cars plus half a million in wages and you can have em. Can you run a speed boat on Wibsey Park lake ?
You watch your players turn it on this saturday, it always happens when the coach gets the arse. The players will want to prove its him who was wrong and not them. Our lots in New Zealand so we might never see them again.
Go the Bulls

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t'old man says...
11:41am Thu 15 Jul 10

McNamara has gone ..thats what people wanted ok its a bit like closing the stable door etc....but lets give St Hilaire a chance I know he's still got the same squad but as long as the team give 100% effort and commitment we cant expect any more, I personally dont care if we make the play offs as as I feel we would get a thumping by one of the top teams but lets finish the season on a high get behind the team and next year ...new coach new players hopefully a start of the return to the glory days ....

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bulls_stars says...
11:59am Thu 15 Jul 10

BBARL6 wrote:
bulls_stars wrote: Come on guys let's get behind the on Sunday! Give them a real big turn out and I'm sure we will get what we deserve
Lets be honest here, even after an 8 game losing run we should beat Salford, if we win then that will be it, can see the headlines already Bulls now on the charge again for the play offs. If we do win lets not get carried away, ok Salford wont be easy but we should win. we then need to focus on the next game as 3 very very tough games HKR, Saints and Wigan ahead, that will show us if we are play of material not a possible win against the lowly Salford.
I know what your saying but a good turn out and a win would give the players the confidence they need regardless of the opposition

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Ilkley bull says...
1:01pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Just what we wanted to hear guys macca out potter hopefully in and if so it looks good for next season if its true.

lets get behind the players and get to the game we still have the possibility of still making it to the playoffs remember what happened last year we had the same bad run then switched on and won the remainder of the games but were unlucky we didnt get in come on bradford

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Craig says...
2:10pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Surely a perfect time for the club to stick a "Kid a Quid" or reduced price family ticket incentive into this Saturday's T&A to capitalise on the uplift in mood created by McNamara's departure.

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birkybull says...
2:44pm Thu 15 Jul 10

I hear fromn a very good source that Joe Vagana is heading back to become assistant coach.

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Steampig says...
2:51pm Thu 15 Jul 10

birkybull wrote:
I hear fromn a very good source that Joe Vagana is heading back to become assistant coach.
hmmm, well he is very good pals with poaching! could be an interesting story yet to unfold!!

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Steampig says...
2:51pm Thu 15 Jul 10

birkybull wrote:
I hear fromn a very good source that Joe Vagana is heading back to become assistant coach.
hmmm, well he is very good pals with poaching! could be an interesting story yet to unfold!!

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bulls2win says...
2:52pm Thu 15 Jul 10

haha ur source is again talking sh*t, is he the same source who told you that list of 6 players being released??! ur a real know it all aint u birkybull? have u got nowt better to do in your life than spread fictitious rumours? next think you will be agreeing with adey that crossley should get man of steel this yr! hahaha!

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doctor.t says...
2:52pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Strange,that last sentence in Connor's piece??

Seems like more of an after-thought,than a piece of headline news!!!

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KangleFat says...
2:55pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Taken from Sky Sports,

St Hilaire, who is hoping to remain as number two to the new coach, reveals that reaction to the sudden departure of McNamara has been mixed, with some players welcoming the move.
"It's probably the same as it would be at any club," he said. "Different people react in different ways.
"Some aren't bothered - they just get on with what they've got to do - and some are just looking forward to a new coach. It's wrong for me to say that but that's the reality."

Make of that what you will. Also goes on to say that the players bounced around in training. They must have been given new boots.

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Sheffieldbull says...
3:09pm Thu 15 Jul 10

The Sky interview with St Hilaire is certainly refreshing in respect of his honesty. Hope the lads do well for him for the rest of this term - as i've said before, the results will be less important the the passion and desire shown.
Just for the record, it stated in that report that St H' was in charge for the Crusaders game - i understood he took the training that week with Macca back on the Sunday - just want the lad to start with a clean slate, that's all!

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dibsy says...
3:40pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Birky bull are you Peter Hoods son ,your rumours are great ,but sorry for some reason I cant take you serious.

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Adey says...
4:26pm Thu 15 Jul 10

bulls2win wrote:
haha ur source is again talking sh*t, is he the same source who told you that list of 6 players being released??! ur a real know it all aint u birkybull? have u got nowt better to do in your life than spread fictitious rumours? next think you will be agreeing with adey that crossley should get man of steel this yr! hahaha!
bah bah! bulls2win....any wool left?

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blue marlin says...
7:41pm Thu 15 Jul 10

still putting my money on potter

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Ilkley bull says...
9:32pm Thu 15 Jul 10

bulls2win, openshaw says...
2:52pm Thu 15 Jul 10

haha ur source is again talking sh*t, is he the same source who told you that list of 6 players being released??! ur a real know it all aint u birkybull? have u got nowt better to do in your life than spread fictitious rumours? next think you will be agreeing with adey that crossley should get man of steel this yr! hahaha!


Did you not remember that before big joe left he said at some point he would like to come back and coach in some place in the team so it could be true and would be great if its right.

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finemess says...
9:35pm Thu 15 Jul 10

Potter to be announced tomorrow at 7am. Full interview in t and a tomorrow! -)

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xlilxleighx says...
10:04pm Thu 15 Jul 10

well all i cn say is i hope sum 1 picks up our poor team! cus end of the day the bulls are known for there excellent play!! ive suported them all my life!! i miss the old bulls! put sum decent money into the club.. get sum hardcore training n get us back to the top!! :D ..x

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bulls_stars says...
11:19pm Thu 15 Jul 10

finemess wrote:
Potter to be announced tomorrow at 7am. Full interview in t and a tomorrow! -)
Hope this is true!

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Tricky Dicky says...
12:06am Fri 16 Jul 10

Reading between the lines of St Hilaire's Sporting Life interview, it would appear that, contrary to the general sentiment that Mr McNamara was a players' coach, Macca had lost the confidence of the players. So, in fact, it was not Mr Hood that had had enough but the players. Mr St Hilaire's coaching philiosophy is the same as McNamara?? but its substance and execution will be different?? I can't say I can begin to understand that but let's hope that, on the run-in, pride, passion and entertainment are the key attributes.

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haitch says...
12:10am Fri 16 Jul 10

The Guardian on line are saying that the Bulls have announced Potter as new Coach. Lets hope for a confirmation imminently

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bullybullman says...
6:06am Fri 16 Jul 10

haitch wrote:
The Guardian on line are saying that the Bulls have announced Potter as new Coach. Lets hope for a confirmation imminently
Potter will be the best man for the job but will he get the cash & a free hand to improve our fortunes ?

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