Bradford Bulls granted probationary Super League licence (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bitter sweet Friday! Thankyou Omar and Gerry. We are back! COYOKBs!

roll on next year!! COME ONN YOU BULLSS

The Trolls will be gutted
COYSLB

Sorry, whilst this is great news for the club, the statement sounds like it is a reluctant decision - probation? Were Wakefield, Crusaders deemed to be probationary clients. So, we committed a crime but a suitable punishment is not in the book? Is it because Halifax, Featherstone or Leigh have not had sufficient time to prepare? The sword of Damocles hangs over our heads but the Bulls will bite back where it hurts. Th Bulls are up and running. Ain't no stopping us now.

This is absoulutely fantastic and very much welcomed news and I am really ecstatic. I know what you are saying Tricky but I think common sence has prevailed and I also think we have to thank the majority of the other Super Leagues sides that have voted for us as well. Now we have to focus on re-signing the out of contract players and getting another coach to replace the fantastic work that Mick has done. I for one would like to thank Mick & Megan for all their hard work that they have done in extremely hard and excriciating circumstances and wish them both all the luck back in Aus. Going forward now, we need to look at the season tickets sorted so that they are a realistic price and look forward with pride and optimism.
Think that I am going to have a litle celebratory drinkm toinght, and for those who would like to join me......

CHEERS !!!!!!!

Whilst it is great news that we are in SL next year lets be clear the RFL have done us no favours

They have delayed the decision long enough to see MP going back to Australia a coach who was building a team to be competitive

No doubt over coming weeks we will also see the full extent of the player exodus

As yet we have no clear idea who the coaching staff will be so building for 2013 remains on hold

The biggest kick in the teeth is the probationary nature of the license granted as we will have another year of uncertainty in 2013

How to we go forward and build a club when our future still hangs in the balance

Will there be a reduction in teams in 2014

Will there be another probationary license for 2014 or a mini licensing round in 2013 for the 2014 season?

All this uncertainty will leave players taking a long hard look at their career & perhaps opting for the security of a club without the sword of Damocles hanging over it for another year

I am left asking the question is this a license of convenience that gives the rfl 12 months to firm up plans to reduce the size of the league or bring in a championship side in 2014

I have no issues with a probationary license but surely it should have been until 2015 when the next round of licensing takes place with the option of granting a full license at the end of 2014 on the basis of certain criteria being met

This decision helps no one in the long term Fax Fev & Leigh will still be wondering if the door is still open for the 2014 season whilst the Bulls have another 12 month of uncertainty which will make it difficult to retain players let alone recruit new ones either through the scholarship / youth development or the senior squad

mines a pint wrote:
Whilst it is great news that we are in SL next year lets be clear the RFL have done us no favours

They have delayed the decision long enough to see MP going back to Australia a coach who was building a team to be competitive

No doubt over coming weeks we will also see the full extent of the player exodus

As yet we have no clear idea who the coaching staff will be so building for 2013 remains on hold

The biggest kick in the teeth is the probationary nature of the license granted as we will have another year of uncertainty in 2013

How to we go forward and build a club when our future still hangs in the balance

Will there be a reduction in teams in 2014

Will there be another probationary license for 2014 or a mini licensing round in 2013 for the 2014 season?

All this uncertainty will leave players taking a long hard look at their career & perhaps opting for the security of a club without the sword of Damocles hanging over it for another year

I am left asking the question is this a license of convenience that gives the rfl 12 months to firm up plans to reduce the size of the league or bring in a championship side in 2014

I have no issues with a probationary license but surely it should have been until 2015 when the next round of licensing takes place with the option of granting a full license at the end of 2014 on the basis of certain criteria being met

This decision helps no one in the long term Fax Fev & Leigh will still be wondering if the door is still open for the 2014 season whilst the Bulls have another 12 month of uncertainty which will make it difficult to retain players let alone recruit new ones either through the scholarship / youth development or the senior squad

If it wernt for the RFL we would have been liquidated and possibly shut down months ago

potter left because he was not offered enough dosh... nothing to do with RFl

He even stated a few weeks ago he wanted to stay... till he spoke to the new owners

The Bulls are not the only team with 12 months of uncertainty ahead of them and I think this is a great result for us. We have chance to run on a much better basis with, hopefully, honest people at the helm. All true fans need to grab this opportunity to support what has been granted and continue the fabulous support home and away, ensuring that away tickets are bought at Odsal and also paying a sensible amount for a season ticket. We only want players who are prepared to give all for the cause on a regular basis. I believe our fate in 12 months lies in our own hands over the coming year. COYB

Because of all the clubs having to reapply for a franchise to stay in SL does that not mean in effect all clubs are on probation.
Will be interesting to see what comes out of the strategic policy review, bearing in mind the precarious financial state of some other clubs.
It could be a radical rethink. It needs to be because it`s not working as it should. To be succesful clubs need a rich benefactor, that can`t be right.

lets be realistic here, this is fantastic news!! plea se remember the alternatives.

our club has been murdered from wihin over te past few years. if SL had done this years ago we mabe wouldnt have goso far into this mess!!

the bottom line is that we still have a SL club and we have new ambitios owners.thts a good start for me.

best wishes to mick. a legend.

i woud go for daryl powell as coach. 3 yearsr running as league leaders at fev. franny as numbe 2.

compared to how things could have een this is positive. glass half full guys.

See post 73 on potter says goodbye thread.

Don`t bother it`s only FAKE saying he has inside info LOL

Then try post 74

I hope the board do the decent thing and pay Potter up before he leaves. As to a successor I don't think it really matters because for the cash available we will end up with more numpties than we have now.

Not a shock but a disgrace nonetheless.Super League is now a closed shop and merit doesn't come into it.There is no hope for clubs in the division below.There is no deterrent for clubs who get in a mess as this has shown.The RFL are gutless and are killing the game from the second tier downwards.Clubs that stick to the rules are punished yet Bradford get rewarded.Shame on Rugby League and further proof that it is run by fools.Football would not tolerate a Bradford fiasco and neither would Rugby Union.No wonder the general public laugh at RL and the fact is the game is stale with no promotion and relegation.

Great news and probabley a sensible decision from the RFL.The Bulls will have to prove under the new owners that they have a sound financial strategy and at the same time maintain their position as a competitive team.I feel that there will be one or two other clubs in Super League who will have learnt lessons from the Bulls situation and all will strive to improve.Its up to the new owners and the fans to show that we deserve our place in the top division.Its going to be a tough year for all so lets all pull together and ensure what has happened dosnt happen again.Keep the faith COYB.

Given the current financial difficulties been faced by other clubs this isn't too bad, will probably get it extended by another year then the RFL will revert to some sort of promotion/relegation
...at least the club can start preparing for what will be a very difficult season ..but at least things are a lot better than a few months ago when it looked like we wouldn't even have a club in any league.......

Reality50 wrote:
Not a shock but a disgrace nonetheless.Super League is now a closed shop and merit doesn't come into it.There is no hope for clubs in the division below.There is no deterrent for clubs who get in a mess as this has shown.The RFL are gutless and are killing the game from the second tier downwards.Clubs that stick to the rules are punished yet Bradford get rewarded.Shame on Rugby League and further proof that it is run by fools.Football would not tolerate a Bradford fiasco and neither would Rugby Union.No wonder the general public laugh at RL and the fact is the game is stale with no promotion and relegation.

Touch of green there, your story has touched my sole now P*** OFF t

Mumby was the best wrote:

Reality50 wrote:
Not a shock but a disgrace nonetheless.Super League is now a closed shop and merit doesn't come into it.There is no hope for clubs in the division below.There is no deterrent for clubs who get in a mess as this has shown.The RFL are gutless and are killing the game from the second tier downwards.Clubs that stick to the rules are punished yet Bradford get rewarded.Shame on Rugby League and further proof that it is run by fools.Football would not tolerate a Bradford fiasco and neither would Rugby Union.No wonder the general public laugh at RL and the fact is the game is stale with no promotion and relegation.

Touch of green there, your story has touched my sole now P*** OFF t

There's no need to get nasty just because he has a view that is different to yours. Whilst I saw no merit in a mini licence round this is a massive two fingers up to clubs below Superleague. This shows that no matter how well they are run they are just not wanted. Nigel Wood is an absolute joke. RIP championship rugby league.

Some still pouring cold water but this is great news. The RFL have issued a 'probationary' and that is the right way IMO as it takes into account the misdemeanors of the previous regime and says to other clubs on the fringes that the Bulls are under scrutiny. It needs the club to now announce a new coach asap and for him in turn to announce whos staying and whos leaving thus pavng the way for next seasons ticket sales.

I am Bradford born on bred. I follow my teams City and the Bulls. Why do idiots have to show their tribal instincts against their own. stick to slagging Leeds United and Rhionos that's ok with me lol

Probably a sensible decision from the RFL to see how we do for a year.

Just happy to see us still be in Super League. Now comes the task of renewing contracts and signing new players.

Roll on the 2013 season.

COYB!

Spanishbob19 wrote:

Mumby was the best wrote:

Reality50 wrote:
Not a shock but a disgrace nonetheless.Super League is now a closed shop and merit doesn't come into it.There is no hope for clubs in the division below.There is no deterrent for clubs who get in a mess as this has shown.The RFL are gutless and are killing the game from the second tier downwards.Clubs that stick to the rules are punished yet Bradford get rewarded.Shame on Rugby League and further proof that it is run by fools.Football would not tolerate a Bradford fiasco and neither would Rugby Union.No wonder the general public laugh at RL and the fact is the game is stale with no promotion and relegation.

Touch of green there, your story has touched my sole now P*** OFF t

There's no need to get nasty just because he has a view that is different to yours. Whilst I saw no merit in a mini licence round this is a massive two fingers up to clubs below Superleague. This shows that no matter how well they are run they are just not wanted. Nigel Wood is an absolute joke. RIP championship rugby league.

After being told this club is a disgrace and did not deserve to exist by reality50 and others I am going to have my day in the sun particularly after the last 5 months of bating from his like.

murphyslaw wrote:
Some still pouring cold water but this is great news. The RFL have issued a 'probationary' and that is the right way IMO as it takes into account the misdemeanors of the previous regime and says to other clubs on the fringes that the Bulls are under scrutiny. It needs the club to now announce a new coach asap and for him in turn to announce whos staying and whos leaving thus pavng the way for next seasons ticket sales.

But what you have to realise is that the RFL have amended the rules to fit so that they can keep the Bulls in Superleague. Where was he "probationary" licence when Widnes were first told that they couldnt have Superleague because they had been bought out??? Anyone who thinks this is anything but the RFL trying to look as though they are being fair is deluded. This says to Championship clubs that they are not wanted in Superleague, nor will they ever be!!! The top 4 Championship clubs are well run,profitable clubs, but this means nothing to the RFL and their "big city" club plans.

Spanishbob19 wrote:

murphyslaw wrote:
Some still pouring cold water but this is great news. The RFL have issued a 'probationary' and that is the right way IMO as it takes into account the misdemeanors of the previous regime and says to other clubs on the fringes that the Bulls are under scrutiny. It needs the club to now announce a new coach asap and for him in turn to announce whos staying and whos leaving thus pavng the way for next seasons ticket sales.

But what you have to realise is that the RFL have amended the rules to fit so that they can keep the Bulls in Superleague. Where was he "probationary" licence when Widnes were first told that they couldnt have Superleague because they had been bought out??? Anyone who thinks this is anything but the RFL trying to look as though they are being fair is deluded. This says to Championship clubs that they are not wanted in Superleague, nor will they ever be!!! The top 4 Championship clubs are well run,profitable clubs, but this means nothing to the RFL and their "big city" club plans.

Maybe the top 4 championship tho well run and profitable did not put themselves forward this time knowing that they would cease to be profitable if accepted.

The top 4 championship clubs may well be well run - but they have not contributed to the game like we have over the last 17 years and they cannot bring to Superleague what the Bulls can in terms of support and profile.

It is not in the best interests of the game to replace the bulls with one of Halifax, Leigh or Featherstone. That was always a silly idea.

Spanishbob19 wrote:

murphyslaw wrote:
Some still pouring cold water but this is great news. The RFL have issued a 'probationary' and that is the right way IMO as it takes into account the misdemeanors of the previous regime and says to other clubs on the fringes that the Bulls are under scrutiny. It needs the club to now announce a new coach asap and for him in turn to announce whos staying and whos leaving thus pavng the way for next seasons ticket sales.

But what you have to realise is that the RFL have amended the rules to fit so that they can keep the Bulls in Superleague. Where was he "probationary" licence when Widnes were first told that they couldnt have Superleague because they had been bought out??? Anyone who thinks this is anything but the RFL trying to look as though they are being fair is deluded. This says to Championship clubs that they are not wanted in Superleague, nor will they ever be!!! The top 4 Championship clubs are well run,profitable clubs, but this means nothing to the RFL and their "big city" club plans.

Didn't the RFL amend the rules to keep Crusaders in super league when they relocated from Bridgend to Wrexham after they were given admission as a expansion club ? didn't they amend the rules after telling Wakefield they would need a new ground if they were to be given a new license in 2011 ? Will they amend the rules if London relocate to Gillingham ? or does it only count as amending the rules and upsetting people if it concerns the Bulls ?

Solomon Grundy wrote:
The top 4 championship clubs may well be well run - but they have not contributed to the game like we have over the last 17 years and they cannot bring to Superleague what the Bulls can in terms of support and profile.

It is not in the best interests of the game to replace the bulls with one of Halifax, Leigh or Featherstone. That was always a silly idea.

Absolutely spot on Solomon, we have only just heard the news. Sad to see Mick & Megan leaving us. We wish them all the best for their future. Reading between the lines, it looks like the RFL didn't have the time necessary to change the systems re Championship & Superleague Clubs, but no doubt it will happen in the next 12 months. We personally would like to see a 16 club S/L, with two Championship Clubs brought into a lower div. of Superleague & added to the bottom two teams, as a form of nursery so that full time players could be added as and when ,with the extra finance being being made available from central funds.. (Promotion & relegation could then applied to the bottom two teams.In essence there would be 12 Superleague Clubs & 4 Nursery (Superleague trainees).

It's only a thought at this stage, but it would make everything more competitive all round. Bit tough on the current or future bottom teams but if the licence is for two years it gives them a growth pattern with time to get the finances together.?

Solomon Grundy wrote:
The top 4 championship clubs may well be well run - but they have not contributed to the game like we have over the last 17 years and they cannot bring to Superleague what the Bulls can in terms of support and profile.

It is not in the best interests of the game to replace the bulls with one of Halifax, Leigh or Featherstone. That was always a silly idea.

What a silly comment. Whenever there is a licence process the ones applying from the championship will never have contributed anything near what Superleague clubs have, that's because.....er.....t
hey are in Superleague, ergo its a closed shop. What gauls everyone not in superleague is that the licence process was brought in with rules and regulations and the RFL change them to suit the situation. "corrupt" ! The RFL should be honest and say that they want to emulate Australia and want all Lowe division clubs to just be feeder clubs, so we can get on with breaking away and setting up our own non superleague leagues.

Spanishbob19 wrote:

Solomon Grundy wrote:
The top 4 championship clubs may well be well run - but they have not contributed to the game like we have over the last 17 years and they cannot bring to Superleague what the Bulls can in terms of support and profile.

It is not in the best interests of the game to replace the bulls with one of Halifax, Leigh or Featherstone. That was always a silly idea.

What a silly comment. Whenever there is a licence process the ones applying from the championship will never have contributed anything near what Superleague clubs have, that's because.....er.....t

hey are in Superleague, ergo its a closed shop. What gauls everyone not in superleague is that the licence process was brought in with rules and regulations and the RFL change them to suit the situation. "corrupt" ! The RFL should be honest and say that they want to emulate Australia and want all Lowe division clubs to just be feeder clubs, so we can get on with breaking away and setting up our own non superleague leagues.

correct.
contributed?
did well years ago and paying the price ever since!!
glad they are still in it but please be realistic and respectful to other clubs.

Spanishbob, your deluded if you think the RFL, have done something wrong. Look at it logically, the Bulls had SL set up in place. The three championship clubs didn't, why, because one team needed to know at least, three months before end of their season, eg Widnes, last a good example. This gives them chance to get a team together that can compete in SL. Get the extra finance needed to keep that team in SL. Etc. Now can you see why Bulls were kept in SL on a probationary basis. What the RFL have done is GIVEN the championship teams involved, time to put together a package, re cash and facilities. Should another club go bottoms up in 2013 or before, then they are well placed to step in. There, not even a hint of dishonesty by the RFL. Just plain, honest common sense. Now please stop whinging.

theviking62 wrote:
Spanishbob, your deluded if you think the RFL, have done something wrong. Look at it logically, the Bulls had SL set up in place. The three championship clubs didn't, why, because one team needed to know at least, three months before end of their season, eg Widnes, last a good example. This gives them chance to get a team together that can compete in SL. Get the extra finance needed to keep that team in SL. Etc. Now can you see why Bulls were kept in SL on a probationary basis. What the RFL have done is GIVEN the championship teams involved, time to put together a package, re cash and facilities. Should another club go bottoms up in 2013 or before, then they are well placed to step in. There, not even a hint of dishonesty by the RFL. Just plain, honest common sense. Now please stop whinging.

I am not whingeing, I am just responding to other posts with my views. Just to be clear. I do not think any of the championship clubs are ready to step up to superleague for next season and the timescale is too short to get ready. That doesn't mean that I like the way the RFL changes its licencing rules time after time to suit the way they want things to go. What does a club have to do to be evicted from this elite club? We will get on with the business in hand for the next couple of years and make our application for 2015 and see what happens (although we won't hold our breath) because no doubt at that stage Wakefield, Castleford and the bulls will still be making promises about ground improvements and perhaps Salford and Hull KR will have had similar financial problems that the Bulls have had. Although I have views of where the Bulls should be playing next season, I do hope that the new company changes things around, however it will take a number of years to get back to any modicum if success.

a big thanks to harry and all the team for their fantistic work this year. It's up to us Bulls fans to get behind the club next year, pay an honest price for our tickets and support our club as we rebuild. Another big thanks to Omar Khanfor putting his hand up in a crisis. I hope all the young Bulls will be given their chance to show their worth next. Whatever, loyal Bulls fans will be there through thick and thin. I would like to see big Karl or Mark Aston be givem their chance.

Tricky Dicky wrote:
Sorry, whilst this is great news for the club, the statement sounds like it is a reluctant decision - probation? Were Wakefield, Crusaders deemed to be probationary clients. So, we committed a crime but a suitable punishment is not in the book? Is it because Halifax, Featherstone or Leigh have not had sufficient time to prepare? The sword of Damocles hangs over our heads but the Bulls will bite back where it hurts. Th Bulls are up and running. Ain't no stopping us now.

They have to be seen to be on top of things at Super League HQ, if they say "welcome in lads, business as usual" they'd look a set of prats. They are as embarrassed as we are at the demise of the old Bulls, so let them posture, so long as Omar and Gerry run it well, which I'm sure they will, it's not a probem.

Give it a rest, Spanish. Get on with helping your club get admission to super league. Just out of curiosity, did you moan as much, when Widnes got into SL, above, both fev and 'fax. Who at the time had better on field records than Widnes. I bet you didn't, it's a Bulls thing. Where are you from, I'm on 'fax, always we're poor losers.

Spanishbob19 wrote:

theviking62 wrote:
Spanishbob, your deluded if you think the RFL, have done something wrong. Look at it logically, the Bulls had SL set up in place. The three championship clubs didn't, why, because one team needed to know at least, three months before end of their season, eg Widnes, last a good example. This gives them chance to get a team together that can compete in SL. Get the extra finance needed to keep that team in SL. Etc. Now can you see why Bulls were kept in SL on a probationary basis. What the RFL have done is GIVEN the championship teams involved, time to put together a package, re cash and facilities. Should another club go bottoms up in 2013 or before, then they are well placed to step in. There, not even a hint of dishonesty by the RFL. Just plain, honest common sense. Now please stop whinging.

I am not whingeing, I am just responding to other posts with my views. Just to be clear. I do not think any of the championship clubs are ready to step up to superleague for next season and the timescale is too short to get ready. That doesn't mean that I like the way the RFL changes its licencing rules time after time to suit the way they want things to go. What does a club have to do to be evicted from this elite club? We will get on with the business in hand for the next couple of years and make our application for 2015 and see what happens (although we won't hold our breath) because no doubt at that stage Wakefield, Castleford and the bulls will still be making promises about ground improvements and perhaps Salford and Hull KR will have had similar financial problems that the Bulls have had. Although I have views of where the Bulls should be playing next season, I do hope that the new company changes things around, however it will take a number of years to get back to any modicum if success.

Why would OK Bulls be making promises about Ground improvements? Are you actually aware of the situation at Odsal or is that unimportant to your need to spout off El bob? Your support is much appreciated nevertheless..;-)
.
COYBs!

Wembley of the north here we come

Sheffieldbull wrote:

Spanishbob19 wrote:

theviking62 wrote:
Spanishbob, your deluded if you think the RFL, have done something wrong. Look at it logically, the Bulls had SL set up in place. The three championship clubs didn't, why, because one team needed to know at least, three months before end of their season, eg Widnes, last a good example. This gives them chance to get a team together that can compete in SL. Get the extra finance needed to keep that team in SL. Etc. Now can you see why Bulls were kept in SL on a probationary basis. What the RFL have done is GIVEN the championship teams involved, time to put together a package, re cash and facilities. Should another club go bottoms up in 2013 or before, then they are well placed to step in. There, not even a hint of dishonesty by the RFL. Just plain, honest common sense. Now please stop whinging.

I am not whingeing, I am just responding to other posts with my views. Just to be clear. I do not think any of the championship clubs are ready to step up to superleague for next season and the timescale is too short to get ready. That doesn't mean that I like the way the RFL changes its licencing rules time after time to suit the way they want things to go. What does a club have to do to be evicted from this elite club? We will get on with the business in hand for the next couple of years and make our application for 2015 and see what happens (although we won't hold our breath) because no doubt at that stage Wakefield, Castleford and the bulls will still be making promises about ground improvements and perhaps Salford and Hull KR will have had similar financial problems that the Bulls have had. Although I have views of where the Bulls should be playing next season, I do hope that the new company changes things around, however it will take a number of years to get back to any modicum if success.

Why would OK Bulls be making promises about Ground improvements? Are you actually aware of the situation at Odsal or is that unimportant to your need to spout off El bob? Your support is much appreciated nevertheless..;-)
.
COYBs!

Of course I am aware of odsal and the promise to cover the standing areas, that doesn't mean it will actually happen? I hope it does, because I have been there when the fans standing have been soaked. I am also aware that planning permission has been granted for Wakefields ground, but they are now trying to get finance, I am also aware that Castleford gave yet to get planning permission. I would wager that they not all will be done by the next licence application and some clubs will be making promises.

There will always be some who are disappointed because it did look for a while as though there might be a glimmer of hope for a Championship club. In reality there was only ever going to be one outcome and in my opinion rightly so. Just based on the crowd potential and comparatively recent S/L successes the Bulls win hands down. RL will benefit greatly by having a successful Bulls club and it will not have been overlooked that this new dawn at Bradford Bulls is potentially massive in the bigger scheme of taking S/L forward and boosting crowds and interest next season and beyond. Rest assured there will be a resurgence at Bulls in the form of ticket sales and crowds as a result of the new ownership and S/L confirmation that few other clubs can match and thats why Bulls were chosen over a championship side. Fairness, I'm afraid would never have been a consideration in the making of the decision.

Wouldn't have been FAIR to punish OK Bulls Ltd for the failings of Bradford Bulls Holdings Ltd. In the end the Bulls were the best choice for the 14th spot. Don't even think any of the championship clubs actually applied anyway. they'd have had to get rid of their part time players who were already contracted for next season & bring in almost an entire new squad. Just not practical.

In reality the OK Bulls are a better proposition for Next season than Salford, Castleford Or Widnes. Nothing against Halifax or Fev. There are clubs in SL that they can do just as well as, But the Bulls isn't one of them.

The only reason people can justify kicking the Bulls out is as a punishment. Don't forget they had 6 points deducted and lost out financially on the play offs

Great news for the bulls.

Currently sitting with a smug grin on my face remembering what all the naysayers and pessimists of this site were posting :)

Great News of course, but the loss of MP & Mrs P is slightly dissapointing, I did hope he would stay and lead the team forward. However, my best wishes and gratitude to them for the hard yards they put in under extremely difficult circumstances and uncertainty.
All the best for the future Mick & Megan,
you will always be remembered as a true Bulls Legend THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK