Former Bradford Bulls chief Potter named Super League coach of year (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Former Bradford Bulls chief Mick Potter named Super League coach of year
11:28pm Monday 1st October 2012 in Sport By Sports Desk
Mick Potter has been rewarded for his dedication to Bulls
Mick Potter's dedication to the Bulls has seen him named Super League coach of the year tonight at a glittering awards ceremony in Manchester.
The Australian stayed on at Odsal in a voluntary capacity after being made redundant by the club's administrators in July and would have taken the Bulls to the play-offs for the first time in four years had the club not been docked six points for breaching the Rugby Football League's solvency regulations.
Potter, who has returned home to Australia to seek a new job after turning down the offer of a new contract from the new Bradford club, was chosen by a secret ballot of the other 13 Super League coaches.
Bulls second-rower John Bateman was pipped by Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker to the young player of the year award. Hardaker enjoyed a hugely impressive first full season in Super League in which he will cap an ever-present record in Saturday's Grand Final against Warrington.
The 20-year-old former Featherstone player was at centre in last year's Grand Final win over St Helens but has deputised so superbly for injured full-back Brent Webb that he is set to keep the spot next season.
Hardaker was chosen by a specially-convened panel ahead of Bateman and St Helens centre Josh Jones.
Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins won the coveted Super League Man of Steel crown.
The England international, twice a winner of the young-player-of-the-year award, won the prestigious prize ahead of St Helens hooker James Roby and Warrington second row forward Ben Westwood.
Both Tomkins and Roby, who won the award in 2007, were short-listed for the award last season but lost out to Rangi Chase, the Castleford and England half-back.
This time Tomkins emerged top of a secret ballot of his fellow Super League players as the man deemed to have made the biggest impact on the season.
Former England and Bulls captain Jamie Peacock, who will make a record tenth Grand Final appearance on Saturday, received the Mike Gregory State of Rugby League Award for lifetime achievement.
Comments(45)
Blotto
says...
12:53am Tue 2 Oct 12
Being the Focal Point during Administration ensured Staff and Fans pulled together to for the Club to survive
Also congrats to Jamie Peacock on a reaching a Tenth GF, you must have played in one with your present Coach?
Odsal bull
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1:02am Tue 2 Oct 12
Steampig
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7:09am Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
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7:27am Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull
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7:54am Tue 2 Oct 12
Didnt take long did it Big Figure!!!
Well done Mick you deserved it, whether your team was assembled or not not many would have carried on for nowt after having been sacked in such a bad way. Because you stayed, others did and the players rallied round.
MP a true Bulls hero.
-HCK3R-
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8:18am Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best wrote:Why comment on things that are beyond your understanding ? they say ignorance is bliss .....you must be ecstatic !........Well deserved award to Mick and also the rest of the coaching staff ,,,,,,
Hang on a cotton picking minute Yes he was not getting paid but still had exactly the same squad he built and even without the deduction would have finished 6th. agar at wakey did a far better job with a team thrown together at the last minute. Just shows this country rewarding failure again.
Sheffieldbull
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8:37am Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull wrote:"Ignorance is always swift to speak."
Before the usual numpties hi-jack this space....
Didnt take long did it Big Figure!!!
Well done Mick you deserved it, whether your team was assembled or not not many would have carried on for nowt after having been sacked in such a bad way. Because you stayed, others did and the players rallied round.
MP a true Bulls hero.
.
Just like to add my my congratulations to Mick and heartfelt thanks to both Mr & Mrs Potter for their hard work and commitment during our troubled times. Very best wishes for the future to you both.
helenshep
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8:42am Tue 2 Oct 12
BigFigure wrote:My thoughts exactly, well said before the idiots hi-jack this space. Well done and well deserved - true recognition for all both Mick and Megan have done for the club. Best wishes and good luck for the future and many thanks from all the genuine fans
Before the usual numpties hi-jack this space....Well done MP.....this is a richly deserved award for your dedication to the Bulls during the most troubled of times.Best wishes to you and your family from all genuine RL fans
Essexbull2
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9:07am Tue 2 Oct 12
This is well deserved recognition for Mick who, having got a lot of stick from some people on this forum early last season, became the focal point for our club with great support on the terraces. What Mick (and Megan) did this year was beyond the call of duty and they have our sincere thanks.
A shame that they can't be here for a final send-off, but good luck back home ...
... now we ALL have to give Franny and the team our full support in the difficult times ahead.
Bacon Bantam
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9:21am Tue 2 Oct 12
bullybullman
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9:23am Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull
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9:24am Tue 2 Oct 12
bullybullman wrote:Probably wear a Wigan shirt!
Mr Caisley & Mr Hood take a bow to this man integraty, honour & pride 3 key qualities you failed to have. Well done Mick.
Capabull
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9:25am Tue 2 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam wrote:Probably wear a Wigan shirt!!
Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?
Responded to to wrong post.
Sheffieldbull
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9:43am Tue 2 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam wrote:Maybe you should have posted this on the Yorksire Post forum for the following reasons - you may at least address those that might care, this topic is about Coach of the year and why are you asking Bulls fans?
Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?
Goes to prove that you can't educate pork eh?
Bacon Bantam
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10:02am Tue 2 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:If you actually read the story you will see it mentions the man of steel and the candidates.
Bacon Bantam wrote: Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?Maybe you should have posted this on the Yorksire Post forum for the following reasons - you may at least address those that might care, this topic is about Coach of the year and why are you asking Bulls fans? Goes to prove that you can't educate pork eh?
But then it's not like you to actually read a story before commenting is it?
Sheffieldbull
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10:24am Tue 2 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam wrote:And I'll refer you to my post and the reasons I offered. Just to further elaborate for your benefit, Sinfield was not nominated in the 'Man of Steel' shortlist - thats the way it works at this particular awards ceremony. Trust that helps your understanding of these complex matters Bacon.
Sheffieldbull wrote:If you actually read the story you will see it mentions the man of steel and the candidates.
Bacon Bantam wrote: Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?Maybe you should have posted this on the Yorksire Post forum for the following reasons - you may at least address those that might care, this topic is about Coach of the year and why are you asking Bulls fans? Goes to prove that you can't educate pork eh?
But then it's not like you to actually read a story before commenting is it?
Bacon Bantam
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10:37am Tue 2 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:I'm aware he wasn't in the man of steel shortlist, my question was why was he over looked.
Bacon Bantam wrote:And I'll refer you to my post and the reasons I offered. Just to further elaborate for your benefit, Sinfield was not nominated in the 'Man of Steel' shortlist - thats the way it works at this particular awards ceremony. Trust that helps your understanding of these complex matters Bacon.Sheffieldbull wrote:If you actually read the story you will see it mentions the man of steel and the candidates. But then it's not like you to actually read a story before commenting is it?Bacon Bantam wrote: Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?Maybe you should have posted this on the Yorksire Post forum for the following reasons - you may at least address those that might care, this topic is about Coach of the year and why are you asking Bulls fans? Goes to prove that you can't educate pork eh?
It's like talking to a brick wall. Now you have read the story you will see that the man of steel award was part of the story therefore I wasn't off topic when bringing it up.
Sheffieldbull
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10:47am Tue 2 Oct 12
theviking62
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10:58am Tue 2 Oct 12
Well done MP, fully deserved. To be chosen by your peers. Shows those out there that ever doubted you, of the respect that is felt throughout the game of RL for you.
theviking62
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10:58am Tue 2 Oct 12
Well done MP, fully deserved. To be chosen by your peers. Shows those out there that ever doubted you, of the respect that is felt throughout the game of RL for you.
theviking62
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11:04am Tue 2 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam
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11:11am Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull
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11:58am Tue 2 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam
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12:29pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull wrote:I think you could tell from Friday's game how much Tomkins means to Wigan though. His replacement helped cost them the game whilst he could only stand by and watch from the stands.
I think the point about Sinfield is valid, tho as a Bulls fan it pains me to say it. Lets put it this way if he was playing for us we would be asking why he wasn`t considered for the accolade.
Mumby was the best
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1:05pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
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1:50pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
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3:01pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
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3:02pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best
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3:04pm Tue 2 Oct 12
theviking62
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4:24pm Tue 2 Oct 12
theviking62
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6:43pm Tue 2 Oct 12
theviking62
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7:41pm Tue 2 Oct 12
moomooland
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7:50pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Mumby was the best wrote:Fake mumby how THICK are you. Did the country vote for Mick Potter to be awarded the Coach of the year NO, they didn't, it was the other super league coaches who vote for it, and quite clearly the MAJORITY thought that he deserved it, so will you kindly refrain from commenting of a sport that you no nothing about and crawl back into the cess-pit that you came from.
A 9th place finish with the same bunch of players that would have probably finished lower if not putting extra effort getting themselves in shop window, this country rewarding failure again
A N Oldman
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8:10pm Tue 2 Oct 12
moomooland
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8:43pm Tue 2 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:It annoys the hell out of me when people only half read or read what they want to read and then have the cheek to come across as the expert on the subject, it's simple if you have no interest whatsoever on the subject then stay away from it. It's not my fault they all lead sad and lonely pathetic lives, leave the commenting to people who actuall care about the subject.
Well said moomooland, I couldn't agree more. See the same old pests are on the loose. When will this paper take note of its readers and " do away " with this type of nondescript persons.
cj
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9:00pm Tue 2 Oct 12
i would like to thank Mick for his efforts in the times of adversity, however i'm not getting carried away with this. if we remember back to the begining of the sorry saga, Mick actually walked away, it seemed to me that he only came back when the rumours were that noble was going to help out, but i do appreciate his help.but, where were the performances before the administation? we were hammered on a number of occasions and were far from consistant, it was only the performances after admin that put us anywhere near the top 8.
but well done anyway Mick and thanks for your efforts
Capabull
says...
9:12pm Tue 2 Oct 12
cj wrote:I think there is truth in what you say but I don`t think it was Nobbys expected return that completely changed his mind I think the squad had something to do with it at the meeting they had with him. Neverless I think his actions galvanised the team, and how many people would work on without pay for so long? Obviously the others coaches recognised what he did and voted accordingly and unlike some of the so called knowalls on here, with supposed inside information, they did know what went on.
i know some of you will go ape with my comments but they are my opinions.
i would like to thank Mick for his efforts in the times of adversity, however i'm not getting carried away with this. if we remember back to the begining of the sorry saga, Mick actually walked away, it seemed to me that he only came back when the rumours were that noble was going to help out, but i do appreciate his help.but, where were the performances before the administation? we were hammered on a number of occasions and were far from consistant, it was only the performances after admin that put us anywhere near the top 8.
but well done anyway Mick and thanks for your efforts
A N Oldman
says...
9:18pm Tue 2 Oct 12
cj wrote:Correct me if I'm wrong, he left because he was SACKED, by Guilfoyle. We were in the top 8 prior to admin. We were hammered, not consistent. But we put together the performances to enable us to be a top 8 team. Only the deduction of points by the RFL prevented that. Plus we lost the last 2 games. As to him coming back because of Nobby, I don't think so, he came back because of the players. A true gent and deserves all plaudits that have been lauded up on him, by his peers and us the supporters. Long may he reign.
i know some of you will go ape with my comments but they are my opinions.
i would like to thank Mick for his efforts in the times of adversity, however i'm not getting carried away with this. if we remember back to the begining of the sorry saga, Mick actually walked away, it seemed to me that he only came back when the rumours were that noble was going to help out, but i do appreciate his help.but, where were the performances before the administation? we were hammered on a number of occasions and were far from consistant, it was only the performances after admin that put us anywhere near the top 8.
but well done anyway Mick and thanks for your efforts
cj
says...
9:50pm Tue 2 Oct 12
numerous people were glad to see the back of mcnamara, my self included by the end, but before he announced he as taking the england job we were in 4th place, we haven't got anywhere near that since. we have been poor for a number of years, the last 2 included. how many times have we been humiliated this season, far too many for my liking.
Capabull
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9:56pm Tue 2 Oct 12
cj wrote:Are you sure when the codhead left we were in 4th place? I don`t recollect being so high up at that time but I may be wrong.
he was asked by guiloyle if he would work for free and said no initially. i don't doubt his commitent after the event, i just don't think we had any consistency throughout the season.
numerous people were glad to see the back of mcnamara, my self included by the end, but before he announced he as taking the england job we were in 4th place, we haven't got anywhere near that since. we have been poor for a number of years, the last 2 included. how many times have we been humiliated this season, far too many for my liking.
Capabull
says...
10:04pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Capabull wrote:Sorry he took the job earlier in April and did both till he got sacked It`s me I misread your post.
cj wrote:Are you sure when the codhead left we were in 4th place? I don`t recollect being so high up at that time but I may be wrong.
he was asked by guiloyle if he would work for free and said no initially. i don't doubt his commitent after the event, i just don't think we had any consistency throughout the season.
numerous people were glad to see the back of mcnamara, my self included by the end, but before he announced he as taking the england job we were in 4th place, we haven't got anywhere near that since. we have been poor for a number of years, the last 2 included. how many times have we been humiliated this season, far too many for my liking.
TirNaNog
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2:41am Wed 3 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam wrote:Tomkins was better last season when Chase won it. I'd have given it to Roby this year. No competition for the Young Player of the Year though. Hardaker by plenty. Mark Aston should be congratulated for what he's achieved at Sheffield lately.
Why has Sinfield been overlooked for man of steel. Once again he has led his Rhino's to the grand final, what does he have to do to win it?
Shelfrhino
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1:58pm Wed 3 Oct 12
Richard Agar was easily the coach of the year, and either Kevin Sinfield or James Roby should have got man of steel.
Potter basically got it for working for nowt.
Capabull
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2:23pm Wed 3 Oct 12
BigFigure says...
12:40am Tue 2 Oct 12