Bulls winger Shaun Ainscough has revealed his sadness at Gareth Raynor’s departure from Odsal as he prepares to face his former team-mate tomorrow.

Raynor was sacked in September following a breach of club discipline, bringing an abrupt halt to his time at Bradford after just one season.

The former Great Britain international, 33, has since joined Feather-stone Rovers on a one-year deal as he bids to revive his career.

Raynor is set to make his bow for the Championship winners in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly, which will see Luke Gale and Adrian Purtell debut for Mick Potter’s side.

Fellow wideman Ainscough, 22, says Raynor was a popular figure during his time with the Bulls and believes he will prove a success at the club he grew up supporting.

Ainscough said: “It was a bit sad how it ended at Bradford for Gareth but that’s rugby, that’s life, and you have to move on.

“He’s at Featherstone now and I’m sure he will do his best for them.

“I had a good relationship with Gareth and got on well with him during his time here. I think everyone got on well with him.

“He was a good player for us – an important player – and a likeable character.”