Mick Potter: Super League licence award ‘fantastic’ but depressing 2012 season has ‘set Bradford Bulls back a couple of years’

Mick Potter is heading back to Australia but the departing coach leaves a Bulls side which has at least been given the green light to continue in Super League Mick Potter is heading back to Australia but the departing coach leaves a Bulls side which has at least been given the green light to continue in Super League

Mick Potter last night hailed the decision to keep the Bulls in Super League but warned supporters to brace themselves for a tough couple of years at Odsal .

Bradford will remain in the top flight after the Rugby Football League awarded the club a one-year probationary licence.

This season’s financial crisis, leading to a slide into administration and a subsequent six-point penalty, had raised fears over the Bulls’ future.

But the RFL issued a statement yesterday saying their independent board of directors had allowed the club to remain in a 14-team Super League for 2013.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “A probationary licence allows us to closely monitor the performance of Bradford Bulls next season and develop a view on what direction we take in future years.”

Potter was due to arrive back in his native Australia today after calling time on his two-year reign as Bradford coach, opening the door for Francis Cummins to be confirmed as his successor on Monday.

Potter told the T&A: “This (licence) is fantastic news and I’ve said all along that the competition would not be the same without Bradford in it.

“What they bring to Super League with their large, loyal and passionate following and the atmosphere they create is an event in itself.

“I’m certainly not discrediting any other clubs who may have aspirations to get into Super League and I am maybe a bit biased.

“But Bradford’s fanbase is such a good thing for rugby league and it would have been sad had they dropped out of the top flight.

“Our sport isn’t football; in fact, it’s nothing like football. It’s nowhere near as big and we can’t afford to have that luxury of teams going up and down. We need the biggest teams in Super League.”

Potter is confident that new owners Omar Khan and Gerry Sutcliffe can now begin in earnest the task of assembling a competitive squad for next season.

With 17 players out of contract, the Bulls’ first-team squad will be decimated during the close-season.

Significantly, however, a number of those – such as Chev Walker , Jarrod Sammut, Manase Manuokafoa, Danny Addy and James Donaldson – are set to be offered new deals.

The Bulls are also busy scouring the market for new signings and Potter is confident there is a core group of talented home-grown players like Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman to build a team around.

But he warned: “This season just ended is really going to set Bradford back a couple of years.

“I know that Gerry and Omar are guys that are passionate about the club. They are hard-working and honest and they want the club to be successful – but I think there’s only 16 players signed for next season as things stand.

“We missed out on a couple of players we would have liked to retain and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere.

“So your recruitment drive is going to be minimal and the finances you have available to that are going to be minimal. But there is a core of good players still at the club and that’s definitely something to build on.”

Bulls playmaker Luke Gale reflected: “The fact we are staying in Super League is awesome news. I’ve spoken to a few of the lads and everyone’s absolutely delighted.

“Hopefully we can now get on with recruiting players. I’m already looking forward to next season.”

Meanwhile, the RFL have launched an investigation into the events which led to Craig Kopczak terminating his contract with the Bulls.

Comments(44)

king karl says...
9:02am Sat 15 Sep 12

So Francis **** it is then

murphyslaw says...
9:21am Sat 15 Sep 12

Potter hits the nail right on the head when he says our sport is nothing like soccer... we simply have to manage S/L differently and retain the teams who can generate the income required to keep our game afloat. Unfortunately for some Championship clubs, this means they have no chance of ever being allowed in.

Sheffieldbull says...
9:53am Sat 15 Sep 12

The headline from the Bulls site that takes you to this article is a little mischievous. Mick does however state what all level headed supporters should know - the next couple of seasons will of course be difficult. We all need to pull together and support our Club, as indeed we have though the last season, nothing can be as bad as the last five months of that, can it! We have a Club, we will have a team and we have the passion. Onwards and upwards. COYBs we're OK!

Van Bellen's Baby says...
11:05am Sat 15 Sep 12

The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?

THEMANOFSTEEL says...
11:13am Sat 15 Sep 12

Kearney l'estrange lulia and gale are all contracted unless they do what koppy did they r bulls players Kearney has already said he would have to look elsewhere "if" we weren't awarded a sl licence
Potter is right whitehead and Bateman will be the players we build a team around
As long as we aim for 8th I'm happy
Wigan Warrington Saints and Hull FC are going to be the top teams for a while now
Let's upset the big boys next year!!! COYB!!!

Sheffieldbull says...
11:15am Sat 15 Sep 12

Van Bellen's Baby wrote:
The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?
We will see! All have contracts with the Bulls and with the RFL investigation on Kopout Craig to come, lets hope the result is a nice transfer fee from whoever to the Bulls.

raisemeup says...
11:32am Sat 15 Sep 12

Not knowing the finances going forward it's difficult to judge who or what can be afforded.
So let's say the best scenario will be realised and the "Bulls" begin the process of re branding the image in earnest with a Peter Deakin marketeer and a football supremo in place.
For that two people come to mind 1) Brian Noble as the football supremo who can link between the board and the team coach whilst retaining the respect of all factions in the club, and the fans. (Big Job, big personality)
2) the Marketing Supremo is Robbie H Paul. respected admired and still 100% Bulls.(Iam sure) Even though Huddersfield employ him..They can have CK in exchange, no contest there.

Thirdly on the Board the young lady who can open many doors for us Kate Hardcastle, not to forget the CEO Gary Tasker and General Manager Ryan Duckett.
We also need a supporters trust that is a Supporters Club, with experienced people who will begin the process of linking fans and club together so we are all singing from the same hymn sheet. This means meet the Players nights/days. functions for fans in the Coral Stand which are affordable for all.. we also need to get kids involved through the family set ups.

It won't be easy but it will be achievable all we need is the plan and the belief.
Nuff said, but that in my humble opinion is a good start.

theviking62 says...
11:36am Sat 15 Sep 12

Why don't we wait for a retained list. Rather than speculating, on who's going, who's staying. I have heard STORIES, that Le Strange and Kearny are staying, along with Gale. But are they to be believed. Your thoughts please.

theviking62 says...
11:44am Sat 15 Sep 12

Raise me up, Nobby, as a football supremo, no. I would bring in Brian Smith, to mentor Franny, as he did with Matt, Brian and Mick. Franny, having TOTAL control on all things to do with team. A middle man would only cause problems, IMO.

murphyslaw says...
12:34pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Just because we lose some players does not mean we won't compete. Many sides of unknowns have made an impression and sometimes not having celebs and prima donas can be a good thing. At least we might all appreciate every good performance. As Potter says, times may be hard but I suspect that with expectations lowered they can be good times.

billybobbull says...
12:44pm Sat 15 Sep 12

It seems to me, reading to the lines in the last two weeks or so that Mick Potter was concerend about the everlasting presence of Brian Noble in the background and this is why he has chosen to go after all the upheaval which he has worked through.
In the end the new owners will want someone to bring in some big names on small(er) pay cheques and Nobele is the man to do that. he knows a lot of the older players who can do us a job for two seasons wh.yile the young ones come through. That includes Franny Cummins.

I feel very sorry for Mick Potter. He has been a great asset over the past two years and done an amazing job. Thank you and well done Mick.

Going forward we need to build again and no matter how we like it, Noble is the man who can do that with the help of some old heads, Fielden etc and new ones, Cummins.

theviking62 says...
1:18pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Why do we need to build again. Why do we need Nobby. Fielden I agree with. But leave the coaching to Franny. See my earlier post, billybobbull.

murphyslaw says...
1:38pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I think Billbobs makes a good point and that Nobby might just be the man to employ as overseer to the new project. I also like Vikings idea of Smithy but doubt we could afford him and Nobby is more realistic. What is important we need to act quickly if we want to max season ticket sales.

bullslad17 says...
1:51pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Think Fielden is a signing we may make due to Hargreaves, Burgess and maybe Koppy leaving. We're a few prop forwards down.

As for where it says 'All the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere' I really don't know what to make of that. If the likes of Kearney and Lulia were to leave wouldn't the clubs signing them have to pay a fee?

'top-line' could mean Jeffries, Elima etc so we'll just have to see what happens in the coming weeks. Looking forward to seeing who we sign.

theviking62 says...
1:55pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I was of the opinion that Nobby had received a bit of " rough " treatment from a section of the supporters. So might not be willing to take up a position with the club. To me though, it would be a retro step. As to " new " signings, ie the old heads, let's get those out of contract signed first.

Capabull says...
2:01pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I would like to thank Mick Potter for all he has done for the club, besides keeping the team together I believe his action (plus other coaching staffs) in carrying on in a voluntary capacity scuppered the plans of a certain Mr CC.
When CC`s mate sacked the coaching staff he expected the club to virtually go under, then he would have come in on his white charger.Once the staff agreed to carry on he could not do that.
Well done Mick a true hero making the club have a brand new start without any previous BOD involved.Have a,great rest of your life. You deserve it because we can still say COYB

bullslad17 says...
2:03pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Manase Manuokafoa has to be the priority signing.

Average gain per match of 174 this season, third highest in our team behind Tom Burgess and Brett Kearney.

He made 488 tackles this season, the fifth highest in the team. He only missed 12 tackles all season.

He was also the fifth highest player in terms of metres gained, with 2057.

(Source - Super League Website)

With Hargreaves and Burgess leaving, and with the possibility of Kopczak leaving too, Manuokafoa will be our main prop next season, if he stays. His contract should be renewed.

Tricky Dicky says...
2:19pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Just remember that the demise of the previous Bulls Ltd started with a totally unrealistic five-year contract to an unknown coaching commodity (has anyone else in the history of SL been offered a five-year contract?). Mr Cummins is another unknown commodity and, whilst I admire Mr Potter's loyalty to him, he needs someone with experience to guide him through the tricky waters of a first team coach (don't forget Jimmy Lowes at Warrington and Rob Smyth at the Broncos). Recruiting Brian Smith is a pipe-dream and I cannot believe some of you when you say you would forego Nobby if, and it's a big if, we could recruit him. It's a no-brainer to reject his services if they were offered. Too many of you think Nobby jumped ship with Caisley when in fact he was pushed out by Mr Hood, who, for some strange reason, one or two on here have a soft spot.
I mentioned that there was more mileage in the Kopczak affair - first rule is don't believe what an agent (or solicitor or accountant) tells you. If players under contract want to leave because there is more money elsewhere then please do it through proper channels but the Super League pot is getting smaller and smaller. What the Bulls' need are players who are loyal to the shirt and the supporters. Carpetbaggers can close the door after them. After the sugar daddies start falling by the wayside, the Bulls will be in an enviable position of a self-financing, successful RL outfit.
BTW, I believe that the Bulls will hold their licence until 2014 when SL will revert to a 12-team competition and I believe we will be one of those 12. At the same time promotion/relegation will be reintroduced (it should never have been removed) and a true competition (at the top and bottom) will reinvigorate the sport.

theviking62 says...
2:50pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Tricky, we want to move forward, I don't think Nobby, is the man to do that. Brian Smith, would be ideal as a Mentor to Franny, a pipe dream, you say, I think he would jump at the chance, to help out at odsal, as he did a few seasons ago, to try and help another former coach.

Bullbreath says...
3:21pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Van Bellen's Baby wrote:
The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?
Apart from mr BITER Elliot whitehead who has been going about bragging that he's on 100k next year. Actually I wouldnt class him as a top player he's the highest mistake maker in super league & has been dropped from the England Knights!

raisemeup says...
3:34pm Sat 15 Sep 12

theviking62 wrote:
Raise me up, Nobby, as a football supremo, no. I would bring in Brian Smith, to mentor Franny, as he did with Matt, Brian and Mick. Franny, having TOTAL control on all things to do with team. A middle man would only cause problems, IMO.
There we have to differ viking, mainly because what we need has to be a localised experienced set up before any further plans can be made:

Brian Noble is of the same school as Brian Smith who was followed by Matty, and then Brian N. so the styles are very much in the same mold.

The head coach if it is to be Francis Cummings is going to be like Steve Mc Namara was when he first took the reins from Brian Noble, ie inexperienced and thrown in at the deep end.
My opinion is that we need someone to oversee the roles of Football matters. See how well Hull are now doing with Mc Crae at the helm, he has proved that that type of organisation works for a club.

Brian Smith as good as he is, (and believe you me he is good at his job)
is not going really going to be an option, is he?

Personally if Francis Cummings says he can't work with Brian Noble, my thoughts, as always are never let the tail wag the dog.

It's what's best for the club that matters.

However if Brian Smith was available, he would have the most experience, and he would have the respect and support of everyone at the club.IMO

billybobbull says...
3:40pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I would give my high teeth for Brian Smith back, as he was the catalyst for the phenomenom (that's not easy to say or type) that was Bullmania and the develoment of the club into Supeleague early on. However I am not sure we will get him or be able to afford him.

What we have had since the start of SL is the legacy of Brian Smith, coaches who have learned their trade from Smith or his disciples, Elliott, Noble, McNamara, Potter and I know that Noble learned lots from him. Smith is still in the infrastructure of the club.

In fact if you look at the Super League coaches you will see a family tree in many clubs tracing back to Brian Smith. Without checking I would estimate at least 50% of them are his disciples. Or disciples of disciples.

Noble has the personal & professional knowledge and skills, along with contacts to oversee a new look at coaching systems, youth development and to a certain extent money management in terms of (eperienced) players contracts and wages etc. He learned all this from Peter Fox and Brian Smith.

In the financial situation we (and Mr Khan) find oursleves I think we might have to go back to the days of a dads army pack for a few years and bring on the young lads over that time. Nobby has the know-how.

I would rather have Potter. But sadly those days have gone.

Viking...you are correct about Smith to a certain extent but sometimes we have to bite the bullet, to have a former GB captain an coach who has worked under arguably the best two coaches ever in Smith & Fox, and whose blood runs red amber and black is too good not to consider.

theviking62 says...
3:49pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I would wait to see what happens on Monday. I'm all for Franny,if we end up with Nobby, so be it, but as director of rugby only. Should this happen,I think we will lose Franny.

raisemeup says...
3:53pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Tricky Dicky wrote:
Just remember that the demise of the previous Bulls Ltd started with a totally unrealistic five-year contract to an unknown coaching commodity (has anyone else in the history of SL been offered a five-year contract?). Mr Cummins is another unknown commodity and, whilst I admire Mr Potter's loyalty to him, he needs someone with experience to guide him through the tricky waters of a first team coach (don't forget Jimmy Lowes at Warrington and Rob Smyth at the Broncos). Recruiting Brian Smith is a pipe-dream and I cannot believe some of you when you say you would forego Nobby if, and it's a big if, we could recruit him. It's a no-brainer to reject his services if they were offered. Too many of you think Nobby jumped ship with Caisley when in fact he was pushed out by Mr Hood, who, for some strange reason, one or two on here have a soft spot.
I mentioned that there was more mileage in the Kopczak affair - first rule is don't believe what an agent (or solicitor or accountant) tells you. If players under contract want to leave because there is more money elsewhere then please do it through proper channels but the Super League pot is getting smaller and smaller. What the Bulls' need are players who are loyal to the shirt and the supporters. Carpetbaggers can close the door after them. After the sugar daddies start falling by the wayside, the Bulls will be in an enviable position of a self-financing, successful RL outfit.
BTW, I believe that the Bulls will hold their licence until 2014 when SL will revert to a 12-team competition and I believe we will be one of those 12. At the same time promotion/relegation will be reintroduced (it should never have been removed) and a true competition (at the top and bottom) will reinvigorate the sport.
Tricky for clarification of certain points regarding the Noble affair prior to him joining Wigan. A certain Gareth Davies was brought into the club, ostensibly as the CEO who was going to take us forward into the future.

I likened him to many such management ploys I have seen ie the "Hatchet Man" I also believe many others believed that also...certainly he maximised the finances by selling both Fielden and presumably a compensation package for Brian Noble who was wanted by Wigan at the time, but I think, still contracted to Bradford.
Then Mr Davies went after the deed was done, didn't he?
Of course I haven't proof of any of this, I have just applied logic to a set of circumstances...all academic now...but it may shed some different thoughts on the subject.

raisemeup says...
4:07pm Sat 15 Sep 12

theviking62 wrote:
I would wait to see what happens on Monday. I'm all for Franny,if we end up with Nobby, so be it, but as director of rugby only. Should this happen,I think we will lose Franny.
That's what I am trying to say Viking, Brian Noble is the ideal manager for directing Rugby matters at the club, and no ones mentioned Robbie H Paul yet, what a combination them two would be.
If Franny goes then he would be a very naive young man, who couldn't see the opportunity given to him.
However I don't think he's that kind of person.

Capabull says...
4:29pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I don`t think Nobby is a problem with the fans, I think it`s that he was seen to be linked with CC rightly or wrongly.Most would welcome him back on board now Caisley and Hood are out of the way. It`s a clean start and Nobby does not carry any negative baggage unlike the other two and their cohorts.

theviking62 says...
4:37pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Robbie H Paul, is contracted to Giants, so that could be a problem and with the Koppy issue a no go area for now. Nobby, would have to be an advisor like Sean McCrea, at Hull. Franny, knows all the players and they know him. As yet, though, we don't know who's staying. Looks like Gale, is staying as no doubt are those others who are still contracted to us. I believe, that Kearney, Le Strange, and Manu, Lulia, along with Sammutt will stay.

Mumby was the best says...
4:50pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Dont expect miracles, just wait for the season ticket prices and see how many of the fans stump up.

theviking62 says...
4:56pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Hi, FAKE, positive attitude, as usual. Now get back under your rock. You're not wanted. Nip over to City forum, have a go at them.

raisemeup says...
5:08pm Sat 15 Sep 12

theviking62 wrote:
Hi, FAKE, positive attitude, as usual. Now get back under your rock. You're not wanted. Nip over to City forum, have a go at them.
Been an interesting debate up to now, The fake Mumby's comment is probably valid, because at the end of the day price is a big factor in these hard times.

But we will have to see?

Mumby was the best says...
6:32pm Sat 15 Sep 12

I don't like football viking so why would I ?Good to see my comments been taken in the manner it was meant.

theviking62 says...
6:56pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Yer, right came as a shock no doubt that someone agreed with you. Why I don't know. Because you'll, like always be proved wrong. FAKE off.

Reading Bullette says...
7:50pm Sat 15 Sep 12

Van Bellen's Baby wrote:
The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?
No. You misunderstood. he means all the top players who were off contract at other clubs. There is no one left to sign.

theviking62 says...
8:16pm Sat 15 Sep 12

theviking62 wrote:
Why don't we wait for a retained list. Rather than speculating, on who's going, who's staying. I have heard STORIES, that Le Strange and Kearny are staying, along with Gale. But are they to be believed. Your thoughts please.
If you read the article, gale says he's looking forward to next season, but see one of my previous posts, attached.

Sheffieldbull says...
10:20pm Sat 15 Sep 12

raisemeup wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Hi, FAKE, positive attitude, as usual. Now get back under your rock. You're not wanted. Nip over to City forum, have a go at them.
Been an interesting debate up to now, The fake Mumby's comment is probably valid, because at the end of the day price is a big factor in these hard times.

But we will have to see?
Can I just remind you 'raise' that this poster is a FAKE. The debate was interesting up to this THIEF taking part. By acknowledging the scum, it effectively feeds it! Why would anyone wish to do that? It may come back as you.

bradfordbronco says...
12:34am Sun 16 Sep 12

Cummings is an excellent assistant coach but needs to get some experience at a lower level before taking on a SL club. Cant see who else there is to take over though. Karl Harrison maybe. Think if Noble is willing we need to get him on board. He put a side together at crusaders in a matter of weeks and they reached the play offs. Noble has the contacts and the experience to deal with the agents.The new board are going to allow the coach to make the signings. Cummings would have too much on his plate.

My vote goes to Noble as head coach, Cummings as assistant & Warren Jowitt, as defensive coach instead of St Hillaire.

raisemeup says...
12:37am Sun 16 Sep 12

Sheffieldbull wrote:
raisemeup wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Hi, FAKE, positive attitude, as usual. Now get back under your rock. You're not wanted. Nip over to City forum, have a go at them.
Been an interesting debate up to now, The fake Mumby's comment is probably valid, because at the end of the day price is a big factor in these hard times.

But we will have to see?
Can I just remind you 'raise' that this poster is a FAKE. The debate was interesting up to this THIEF taking part. By acknowledging the scum, it effectively feeds it! Why would anyone wish to do that? It may come back as you.
I might allow it if it made more sense than me????

Mumby was the best says...
9:05am Sun 16 Sep 12

Looks like this sheffbull is yet another imposter surely no one can be that boring in real life.

oddshapedballs says...
11:30am Sun 16 Sep 12

Van Bellen's Baby wrote:
The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?
been telling u this for ages but those with "higher" knowledge of the club ridiculed me and came out with the contracts were only if they didnt stay in superleague.

time for some word eating mi thinks

theviking62 says...
12:58pm Sun 16 Sep 12

oddshapedballs wrote:
Van Bellen's Baby wrote:
The really telling comment in this interview is "and all the top-line players have pretty much secured contracts elsewhere" so that, presumably, means Kearney, L'Estrange, Koppy (we know about), Gayle and Lulia as well?
been telling u this for ages but those with "higher" knowledge of the club ridiculed me and came out with the contracts were only if they didnt stay in superleague.

time for some word eating mi thinks
odd shaped balls, ALL players under contract are staying. The ones that may be leaving are the ones out of contract. Did you actually read the article, Gale says he is looking, forward to the NEW season. So he's not going. Kearney and Le Strange have both intimated they are staying. As has Manufakoa, plus the young'uns. So buzz off back to annoy Bantams fans.

Mumby was the best says...
1:04pm Sun 16 Sep 12

You out of hospital yet my friend ?

Bullcity says...
5:27pm Sun 16 Sep 12

dream ticket --Fran Cummins coach, Brian Noble --Rugby Director , Robbie Hunter-Paul = marketing and some help with player recruitment & mentoring .
This will take us forward--hope this happens

Mumby was the best says...
7:34pm Sun 16 Sep 12

Why not throw in wayne bennett dreamboat

New Hall Nev says...
8:56pm Sun 16 Sep 12

Bullcity wrote:
dream ticket --Fran Cummins coach, Brian Noble --Rugby Director , Robbie Hunter-Paul = marketing and some help with player recruitment & mentoring .
This will take us forward--hope this happens
hahahaha robbie is a gaint now lol dont you now out
all these cheepos will win you nowt no playoffs again Wakey will be playoffs again next year bulls nowere hahaha

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