Bateman signs new Bradford Bulls deal (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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John Bateman signing a statement of intent from new Bradford Bulls owners says Francis Cummins
6:40am Friday 5th October 2012 in Sport
By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
John Bateman signs a new three-year deal at Odsal yesterday watched by owner Omar Khan, coach Francis Cummins and honoroary chairman Gerry Sutcliffe
This is the signing that Bulls fans thought they would never see.
Hot prospect John Bateman puts pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at Odsal until 2015.
Bulls fought off strong competition, led by Hull FC, for the 19-year-old second rower, who declared: “I’ve always said I want to stay at Bradford.
“Some people were saying I’d already signed for this club or that but I’ve never wanted to leave here.
“Hopefully I’ve given the fans back a bit for what they’ve done for me.
“It’s been a long time waiting with what’s been happening but I’m really happy to get it sorted. There’s a security at the club now and everyone knows what’s going on.”
Probably every Bradford fan thought John was going to go, whether it was in the crisis or not. There were times when I was the same
Francis Cummins
Francis Cummins admitted that he shared the doubts of the Bulls faithful that the club could hang on to Bateman with so much outside interest.
The Bulls coach said: “Probably every Bradford fan thought John was going to go, whether it was in the crisis or not. There were times when I was the same.
“Keeping him is huge. It sends out a signal of the ambition of the owners at the club, not just to our own fans but the game as a whole.
“They pledged that they’d invest in youth and keep these good young people. We’ve secured one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment.”
Cummins can now step up his recruitment drive safe in the knowledge that the biggest signing has already landed. Building the club around their young talent is a major part of his plans.
He added: “We’ll get other people in and maybe some foreign stars when we get going. But the foundations will be set by John, Elliott Whitehead and Tom Olbison.
“They are players who’ve been here since they were kids. That’s how we will take this club forward.
“John supported Bradford since he was a kid. I know he will go that extra yard for his club, his family and his friends who are watching.
“I’m not going to pretend it’s going to be easy. We’re going to have to way out-perform last year because we’ve lost players.
“It is going to take a while but we have ambition.
“Who knows where we can take this? We’ve got the talent and it’s in our hands.”
Bateman is already counting down the days until the squad assembles for their first fitness check on October 24.
He said: “It’s a fresh start for everyone. Franny will have new ideas and some new faces coming in but we’ve still got the core from last year.”
Comments(54)
bullybullman
says...
7:05am Fri 5 Oct 12
Positivepete
says...
7:37am Fri 5 Oct 12
Tricky Dicky
says...
7:52am Fri 5 Oct 12
There are still more comings and goings at Odsal as Mr Cummins builds his squad. Very interesting times ahead. Onwards and upwards.
THEMANOFSTEEL
says...
8:01am Fri 5 Oct 12
Was worried when we couldn't attract Murrell oh well his loss COYB!!!!!
Solomon Grundy
says...
8:03am Fri 5 Oct 12
Hudzilla
says...
8:11am Fri 5 Oct 12
bullybullman
says...
8:12am Fri 5 Oct 12
THEMANOFSTEEL wrote:Why could we not attract Murrell ? he signed for Fax but that does not mean we couldnt sign him.
Woo hoo!!! Fantastic news on a Friday morning John you legend!!!!
Was worried when we couldn't attract Murrell oh well his loss COYB!!!!!
AJ
Sheffieldbull
says...
8:36am Fri 5 Oct 12
.
To John Bateman - well done for displaying and being rightly proud of the loyalty he's got for the Bulls. The future is yours John and you've got the backing of thousands on fans that are all fully behind you.
.
Just a quick word for he 'insiders' who spout their rubbish on here - I'll remind you.......
.
oddshapedballs says...
10:34am Tue 2 Oct 12
and in the meantime we let the hottest young forward in s.l go to f.c. yet another of the bulls products playing elsewhere. shame on u bulls.
oddshapedballs says...
just heard he is off to fc im afraid to say :(
12:37pm Tue 2 Oct 12Mumby was the best says...
Don't tell then odd , they reckon to know all but know bugger all. I knew on Friday but would have been called a troll if I had said it or viking would not have heard me anyway
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Mumby was the best says...
1:38pm Tue 2 Oct 12
John bateman , you know the one you said was going nowhere. On the akbars story why should they now give money while omar takes all the credit for saving bulls,
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bullyboydonegud! says...
3:56pm Tue 2 Oct 12
“Mumby was the best wrote:
Don't tell then odd , they reckon to know all but know bugger all. I knew on Friday ..................
Spot on
They call me a troll too but really we are all insiders!"
.
...... take a bow! Proof if ever we needed it that your all full of cr*p!
Capabull
says...
8:43am Fri 5 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:Spot on Sheff nothing to add Their stupid statements say it all.
Great news! It's also so much more than just keeping JB, prodigious talent that he undoubtedly is. We may lose some players we would ideally like to keep - thats the nature of the sport but this signing sends out a powerful message the the Bulls mean business going forward.
.
To John Bateman - well done for displaying and being rightly proud of the loyalty he's got for the Bulls. The future is yours John and you've got the backing of thousands on fans that are all fully behind you.
.
Just a quick word for he 'insiders' who spout their rubbish on here - I'll remind you.......
.
oddshapedballs says...
10:34am Tue 2 Oct 12
and in the meantime we let the hottest young forward in s.l go to f.c. yet another of the bulls products playing elsewhere. shame on u bulls.
oddshapedballs says...
just heard he is off to fc im afraid to say :(
12:37pm Tue 2 Oct 12Mumby was the best says...
Don't tell then odd , they reckon to know all but know bugger all. I knew on Friday but would have been called a troll if I had said it or viking would not have heard me anyway
.
Mumby was the best says...
1:38pm Tue 2 Oct 12
John bateman , you know the one you said was going nowhere. On the akbars story why should they now give money while omar takes all the credit for saving bulls,
.
bullyboydonegud! says...
3:56pm Tue 2 Oct 12
“Mumby was the best wrote:
Don't tell then odd , they reckon to know all but know bugger all. I knew on Friday ..................
�
Spot on
They call me a troll too but really we are all insiders!"
.
...... take a bow! Proof if ever we needed it that your all full of cr*p!
Signing JB when others were after him is a big plus for the club and means we are really back in business, COYB
Steampig
says...
9:18am Fri 5 Oct 12
IDLEBULL
says...
9:30am Fri 5 Oct 12
Bone_idle18
says...
9:36am Fri 5 Oct 12
Then again, they never display much intelligence, so no surprise really.
Well done JB, best young second rower in the country. I bet there's not many in the world with his potential!
murphyslaw
says...
9:55am Fri 5 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull
says...
10:16am Fri 5 Oct 12
murphyslaw wrote:There is no bickering between the 'fans' murphyslaw, lets be clear about that. There is conflict between fans and the Trolls, you've made it quite clear which camp you are in - the one under the bridge.
Lets be honest, we all thought Bateman was lost. Its brilliant news and something we should all be very excited about. This does indeed make so much difference and sends out all the right vibes to anyone who might wish to help the club further or even invest as a sponsor. I don't think this constant bickering amongst the fans is helping at all and I see Sheffieldbull couldn't wait to start it up again. So petty. But can't we all just get over it and accept we've lanced the boil it's on the mend and todays news is the best medicine we've had for a long time.
Holmesy
says...
11:04am Fri 5 Oct 12
Solomon Grundy
says...
11:22am Fri 5 Oct 12
I do want wire to win the GF tomorrow because the game is in the doldrums a wee bit and the so so rhinos winning last years GF against a so so saints - after two better sides simply ran out of steam in wigan & wire - sums up the problem. At least Wire are a new name at the GFand have some real flair, something the rhinos have not had for some time. The comp has gone a bit stale.
RL needs a change at the top again, it needs Hull to do well, us to get back up there, the same with Wigan. Leeds a good side, mentally very strong, but they're boring.
helenshep
says...
1:04pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Positivepete wrote:Could not agree more, Thank you Jonn Bateman for your loyalty to the club and thank you to all who made it happen, COYB !!!! - This has made my weekend
Just fantastic news. Well done to all who made this happen and thanks to John for sticking with your home town club. Has to be good news for season ticket sales.......COYB.
Prycey
says...
1:07pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
1:17pm Fri 5 Oct 12
I would like The Rhinos to win tomorrow to keep the cup in Yorkshire.
nosher
says...
6:02pm Fri 5 Oct 12
bullybullman wrote:Great news about J.B. Never rated Murrell. COYB
THEMANOFSTEEL wrote:Why could we not attract Murrell ? he signed for Fax but that does not mean we couldnt sign him.
Woo hoo!!! Fantastic news on a Friday morning John you legend!!!!
Was worried when we couldn't attract Murrell oh well his loss COYB!!!!!
AJ
billybobbull
says...
6:47pm Fri 5 Oct 12
The things that in the past we have tried done, but then maybe sold out on to big money. History tells us a mixture of experience and promoting youth is the key.
Well done to JB and the people behind the policy and the deal.
Looking good long term.
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
7:09pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Shelfrhino
says...
7:18pm Fri 5 Oct 12
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
nosher
says...
7:23pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:Thought you was banned old lad
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
A N Oldman
says...
7:26pm Fri 5 Oct 12
1) Your upset your beloved Rhinos, couldn't sign him.
2) John his loyal to his club.
3) If you READ the article, you will see that OK DOESN'T OWN IT.
Oh and Warrington by 18 points.
bullslad17
says...
7:35pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Capabull
says...
7:35pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:Yawn ZZZZZZZZZ
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
moomooland
says...
7:36pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Capabull
says...
7:40pm Fri 5 Oct 12
hottoddy
says...
7:50pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A SENSIBLE LADY wrote:rest assured, fyi, six u16 scholars signed contracts last week for Bulls.
The club let everyone of this years under 16s scholars go so at what point will we bring them back before another club snaps them up ?
A N Oldman
says...
8:03pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
8:08pm Fri 5 Oct 12
hottoddy wrote:I am very close to that group and all got released love.
A SENSIBLE LADY wrote: The club let everyone of this years under 16s scholars go so at what point will we bring them back before another club snaps them up ?rest assured, fyi, six u16 scholars signed contracts last week for Bulls.
hottoddy
says...
8:16pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Capabull
says...
8:34pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:I think tomorrows GF will be close but yes Wire to win in end, they are so strong in the back row with Waterhouse and Westwood.
Capa, don't you believe it. He's out there now. Cross dressing. What's your thoughts on tomorrow's game, Wire by how many?
A N Oldman
says...
8:36pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull
says...
8:36pm Fri 5 Oct 12
hottoddy wrote:Classic! - nice one hottoddy!
Not as close as his Mum, love. Omar Khan, Francis Cummings, Stuart Duffy, Paul Medley,and Bateman there,and I have the photo to prove it.
alfucham
says...
8:40pm Fri 5 Oct 12
There is a lot to be said for loyalty these days when a case like this turns up its fabulous.
Too many see just the bottom line and Even when on several illion a year footballers spit the dummy if they are not the highest paid in their club.
Well done JB AdeyBull and all those who have nurtured your development are to be commended on instilling the right values that are needed right now.
Shelfrhino
says...
9:13pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:I did read the article. YOU should have read my post, where do I say which restaurants?
Your post tells me three things
1) Your upset your beloved Rhinos, couldn't sign him.
2) John his loyal to his club.
3) If you READ the article, you will see that OK DOESN'T OWN IT.
Oh and Warrington by 18 points.
Don't try and post things on here without one of your little pals giving you the idea first, you've just tried one of your own and look how foolish you now look.
You stick to hunting in a pack like you normally do and people won't notice your dimness so much.
A N Oldman
says...
9:36pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:You don't have to mention anything, you inferred it. Bateman lacks ambition, he is staying with a progressive club. My dear friend I don't need others to give me any ideas of what to write, nor do I " hunt in packs " as you so charmingly put it. I have the ability to answer/reply to any posts on here. As to looking foolish, no, you are the one who looks foolish, every time you post. Another point, it is about time you changed your bulb, Tim nice but dim.
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
hottoddy
says...
9:40pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:Unsure of any more for now, I am sure its ongoing as it has to be. But moving forward very positive for youth at bulls and their development over coming years.
Anymore, likely to sign, hottoddy. Take no notice, of the so called LADY, it's a boy and not so sensible.
bradfordbronco
says...
9:46pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Capabull
says...
9:47pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:yawn ZZZZZZZZZ
A N Oldman wrote:I did read the article. YOU should have read my post, where do I say which restaurants?
Your post tells me three things
1) Your upset your beloved Rhinos, couldn't sign him.
2) John his loyal to his club.
3) If you READ the article, you will see that OK DOESN'T OWN IT.
Oh and Warrington by 18 points.
Don't try and post things on here without one of your little pals giving you the idea first, you've just tried one of your own and look how foolish you now look.
You stick to hunting in a pack like you normally do and people won't notice your dimness so much.
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
10:34pm Fri 5 Oct 12
hottoddy wrote:Name the player and his club and I will see if you are telling the truth,
A N Oldman wrote: Anymore, likely to sign, hottoddy. Take no notice, of the so called LADY, it's a boy and not so sensible.Unsure of any more for now, I am sure its ongoing as it has to be. But moving forward very positive for youth at bulls and their development over coming years.
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
10:42pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:Not sure if you have a lady in your life but can assure you I am all woman love.
Anymore, likely to sign, hottoddy. Take no notice, of the so called LADY, it's a boy and not so sensible.
Craig
says...
10:56pm Fri 5 Oct 12
*
On a wider point, regardless of club colours, it is signings like this that all RL fans should be proud of. Another reason why RL is head and shoulders above other sports - LOYALTY!
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
11:40pm Fri 5 Oct 12
hottoddy
says...
11:41pm Fri 5 Oct 12
A SENSIBLE LADY wrote:No need to, they have put their photos of last thursday on F B proudly showing themselves at the signing. If you are as close to the group as you say you are, you should be up to speed. 6 x u16s signed to u19s academy.
hottoddy wrote:Name the player and his club and I will see if you are telling the truth,
A N Oldman wrote: Anymore, likely to sign, hottoddy. Take no notice, of the so called LADY, it's a boy and not so sensible.Unsure of any more for now, I am sure its ongoing as it has to be. But moving forward very positive for youth at bulls and their development over coming years.
A SENSIBLE LADY
says...
11:50pm Fri 5 Oct 12
PS So they kick their heels for a few years then due to the new structure ?
hottoddy
says...
1:18am Sat 6 Oct 12
e regime to ensure a progressive development both physically and mentally. It may be they 'click their heels.' for a time, but so will all the other 16 yr olds who are signed. This is a long journey for them. It was said at the signing meeting,yes I did say signing meeting, that only possibly 25% would potentially make it through to the upper age group. It was down to them, their commitment , ability and attitude. It would not be in the bulls interest to use them as canon fodder,they are looking for a longer return on their investment. As I said every SL club now ha s an extended first tier of players,no pay for play, so retainment and development of own grown juniors through ranks essential for english rugby. I will ask for official photo of all 6 boys with paul medley to be sent to T&G, you can put your own names and x clubs to them in your own time.
Shelfrhino
says...
5:34am Sat 6 Oct 12
A N Oldman wrote:Inferred what?
Shelfrhino wrote:You don't have to mention anything, you inferred it. Bateman lacks ambition, he is staying with a progressive club. My dear friend I don't need others to give me any ideas of what to write, nor do I " hunt in packs " as you so charmingly put it. I have the ability to answer/reply to any posts on here. As to looking foolish, no, you are the one who looks foolish, every time you post. Another point, it is about time you changed your bulb, Tim nice but dim.
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
You aren't bright enough to read a post so don't even try to read my mind.
Also how exactly are okb's a progressive club? You will be playing a depleted squad paid for with depleted funds in front depleted crowds in a run down stadium with an untried head coach and inexperienced executive's in charge of the club.
What exactly is progressive about that lot?
theviking62
says...
9:53am Sat 6 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:Shelf, me old lad, give it a rest. Yes, you inferred, rats, Asian restaurant, say no more. Progressive, yes, we have kept the spine of the squad, just needs a bit of fine tuning. As will Leeds, soon, All, getting old together. Inexperienced at RL level, but a good business man. Has the support of the back room staff, from last year plus two people he has brought in to run the club. An untried head coach, well I heard a rumour, that a certain head coach has his head on the block, if a certain team, gat hammered tonight. Which they will do drowning their sorrows. As to my good friend, AN Oldman, not being being bright enough to read your posts, I beg to differ. If you sit and think about it, what you write is easy to read, as it is something you'd find in any kids comic. Simple, easy to understand and bloody funny.
A N Oldman wrote:Inferred what?
Shelfrhino wrote:You don't have to mention anything, you inferred it. Bateman lacks ambition, he is staying with a progressive club. My dear friend I don't need others to give me any ideas of what to write, nor do I " hunt in packs " as you so charmingly put it. I have the ability to answer/reply to any posts on here. As to looking foolish, no, you are the one who looks foolish, every time you post. Another point, it is about time you changed your bulb, Tim nice but dim.
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
You aren't bright enough to read a post so don't even try to read my mind.
Also how exactly are okb's a progressive club? You will be playing a depleted squad paid for with depleted funds in front depleted crowds in a run down stadium with an untried head coach and inexperienced executive's in charge of the club.
What exactly is progressive about that lot?
See you in the Theatre of Dreams or not. More than likely not.
bullyboydonegud!
says...
5:38pm Sun 7 Oct 12
Shelfrhino wrote:Gaga couldn't have put it better myself
This signing says two things to me,
1. Bateman clearly lacks ambition as a player.
2. His wage's are to be boosted with a part time job as a pest controller in local restaurant kitchens.
For John to join a new club he would have to pass his driving test, I can't ever see that one happening!!!!!
Capabull
says...
6:25pm Sun 7 Oct 12

pjbull says...
6:45am Fri 5 Oct 12