Keep fit or pay the penalty, says Bradford Bulls coach Francis Cummins

7:40am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Francis Cummins says players must be prepared to make sacrifices Francis Cummins says players must be prepared to make sacrifices

New Bulls coach Francis Cummins has warned his players to stay in shape during their off-season break.

Cummins delivered a speech to his squad earlier this week and spoke of the importance of being ready for the rigours of next season.

He talked of making further sacrifices after a tumultuous 2012 campaign which saw the Bulls miss out on the play-offs for the fourth year running after being docked six points for entering administration.

Cummins, who is looking to bolster his squad further after Chev Walker signed a new one-year deal, said: “I think this year has put everything in perspective.

“We don’t know how long we’ll be playing this game and I say that because I was a player not so long ago.

“Maybe sometimes you take it for granted but how much better can we be and how much more are we willing to sacrifice?

“I’ve had a couple of bits of feedback after speaking to the players, which is great. But the response I’m really looking for is when they have to come back in for testing on October 24.

“If they’re not in the shape I want them to be off their own backs then there are some penalties to be had.

“I’m not willing to arrive back at pre-season training and have them get in shape halfway through it.

“The players need to be ready and they need to take the next step forward.

“They took a big step last year. Now they need to do it all again.”

Comments(18)

bullyboydonegud! says...
7:53am Thu 27 Sep 12

Because you won't be going warm weather training again like most teams- skint!!

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Steampig says...
8:01am Thu 27 Sep 12

if the players can come back fit, then it gives more time to getting the structures he wants in place, they will be able to spend more time learning and improving the defensive structures and set moves etc rather than just spending 3 months hammering the gym to get in to shape . this will also give any new players coming in more time with their team mates learning how they play rather than just seeing what they can lift in gym.

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Mumby was the best says...
8:34am Thu 27 Sep 12

Franny should have elaborated more and put in no drinking,smoking and no knocking each other out in the car park. Good team spirit always important.

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flashdonut says...
8:55am Thu 27 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
Franny should have elaborated more and put in no drinking,smoking and no knocking each other out in the car park. Good team spirit always important.
Quite frankly sir, you are way past your best. I, on the odd occasion, was humoured by the wind-ups and subsequent reaction.
.
But now, you are just a bore. There's nothing to that comment, apart from an obvious 'look at me' statement.
.
Jog on.

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Mumby was the best says...
9:25am Thu 27 Sep 12

Yes but a bit of truth not always as funny.

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Steam Pigs says...
9:26am Thu 27 Sep 12

Some people doubt FC's authority or "clout"

the above paints a totally different picture, he means business and the players should heed his waring!

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Capabull says...
9:39am Thu 27 Sep 12

We know its all talk, but if he means what he says then that is to be applauded. A lot of doubters seem to think he will be like the Codhead, just one of the boys, but maybe he is more ruthless than he appears. Hope he is true to his words, the Codhead was a great spinner when he made statements, no more of that please.
Has anybody else noticed Brian Mac has caught Codheads disease, ie talking a good game.

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PHILISAN says...
10:18am Thu 27 Sep 12

Poor photo selection...is FC sporting a new form of earphones...Banana-D
re's....

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bullslad17 says...
2:12pm Thu 27 Sep 12

This sounds positive, good to see FC is laying down the law and telling his players what he wants from them. It will help training if all the players are in the correct shape.

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Mumby was the best says...
2:34pm Thu 27 Sep 12

I am sure SMc said he would not put up with nonsense too but hey ho Bulls lad you are young.

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bullyboydonegud! says...
3:45pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Why no mention of who the conditioner will be next season mr Cummings.....!

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theviking62 says...
6:05pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Can anyone on here, tell me if they can here rattling on here.

Franny, is making his position, known. He's the Boss, cross him or ignore and your in bother. I believe he has bought the same hairdryer as Sir Alex, with whom he has spoken to regarding management.

Can still hear that rattling.

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bullslad17 says...
6:06pm Thu 27 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
I am sure SMc said he would not put up with nonsense too but hey ho Bulls lad you are young.
nice

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bullyboydonegud! says...
7:49am Fri 28 Sep 12

theviking62 wrote:
Can anyone on here, tell me if they can here rattling on here.

Franny, is making his position, known. He's the Boss, cross him or ignore and your in bother. I believe he has bought the same hairdryer as Sir Alex, with whom he has spoken to regarding management.

Can still hear that rattling.
Cummins is addict as a **** cat,
The lads haven't respected him during the last 2 yrs and they won't begin to now. He's too young and too soft

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Capabull says...
11:01am Fri 28 Sep 12

Cummins is addict as a **** cat,



Anyone care to explain what this idiot is on about.

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Mumby was the best says...
2:07pm Fri 28 Sep 12

Viking me old mate if you still hear that rattling get the doctor called he may have left something inside you, steady on sheffield dont get excited.

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theviking62 says...
3:01pm Fri 28 Sep 12

More rattling. Must be an empty vessel posting on here.

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Mumby was the best says...
3:10pm Fri 28 Sep 12

After being pumped out in hospital viking I am sure you are now an empty vessel which will be good news for sheffieldbore.

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