Bradford Bulls coach Francis Cummins: New Provident deal shows we mean business again

7:00am Saturday 10th November 2012 in Bulls Photograph of the Author By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Coach Francis Cummins believes the new sponsorship deal underlines the strength of the Bulls brand Coach Francis Cummins believes the new sponsorship deal underlines the strength of the Bulls brand

Francis Cummins believes the Bulls’ lucrative new sponsorship deal “sends out a message” about the club’s desire to re-establish themselves as a serious force in Super League.

The Bulls coach yesterday joined owner Omar Khan and honorary chairman Gerry Sutcliffe in the Coral Stand, where a four-year £1.2 million sponsorship package with Provident Financial Group was announced.

The agreement with the Centenary Square money-lending firm will see its name emblazoned on the team’s kit and Odsal renamed The Provident Stadium.

Cummins said the agreement – being hailed as one of the biggest ever in Super League – underlined the strength of the Bulls brand and declared: “It’s a massive deal for the club and it sends out a message.

“I’m dealing with various other things at the moment, even down to supplement companies who provide simple protein for the players.

“They’ve had the opportunity to get involved with rugby union clubs and cricket.

“But they’ve come to Bradford Bulls because they recognise the brand.

“You’ve probably got five or six real brands in rugby league – Bradford, Leeds, St Helens, Wigan and Warring-ton. This deal with Provident gives the club stability and shows how much people value the club, the brand and the city.

“Hopefully there will be other companies who follow suit now and similarly back the club.”

The Bulls boss said the knock-on effects of the deal would not necessarily be felt immediately in the football department but instead lay the foundations for a bright future.

He added: “We’ve already identified what we need to invest in.

“We’ve got the training facility at Tong and that’s a constant anyway, helping us with developing young kids and going the extra yard with them.

“It’s the little things that we need to put in place as a football department.

“It’s all about the long-term but this deal helps us to move forward with confidence.

“It’s credit to Omar and Gerry that they’ve got Provident on board.”

The Aspire Group were also announced as another of the Bulls’ shirt sponsors, joining fast-food chain Rajas and Sovereign Healthcare.

Cummins, meanwhile, is hoping to sign at least one more player, with a frontline prop his priority.

He is also set to appoint a coach to take charge of the newly-formed Under-19s side.

“It’s got to be the right person for that job but it will happen,” he added.

Comments(33)

Solomon Grundy says...
7:42am Sat 10 Nov 12

Congratulations a huge well done to all involved in securing this deal for the club. It shows what can be achieved and is a massive factor in the next few years going forward, no question.

I won't bang on about signing players today as I've said it before but Gerry Sutcliffe & Omar Khan very well done and if only you had got to the Bulls a few years ago.
COYB!!!!

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raisemeup says...
9:12am Sat 10 Nov 12

If the work being done behind the scenes by all factions involved at the Bulls carries onto the field of play next season, we should be up there amongst the best. Congratulations to Omar Khan, Gerry Sutcliffe and all involved. COYB

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king karl says...
9:48am Sat 10 Nov 12

FC aint daft,

Next season is when he will build his team, when he has the players he want available

No point signing dross as a makshift, hence why hes looking at the loan market

I expect big things next season

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Bullcity says...
10:17am Sat 10 Nov 12

Well done the Directors and to the City f Bradford for providing us with a local firm to put up such a good deal. For Provident to have been associated with Bradford for over 100 years suggested we have a sponsor who cares for the city.
There has been much castigation --re loan company etc --what about all the people who are employed locally by them and the length of time in the city?
I for one will buy a new shirt & look forward with anticipation to the new season.
In 1964 at the rebirth of the Northern the club prospered --I see the same same with the second rebirth of the club.
I say well done & fantastic !!

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murphyslaw says...
10:22am Sat 10 Nov 12

It's looking way better than I expected I'm pleased to say. The club plummeted to new depths but it is a credit to all that they have bounced back in this way and at last we seem to have some really dedicated and able bodies where for so long we had clowns. Looking forward to next season now.

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Sheffieldbull says...
10:32am Sat 10 Nov 12

murphyslaw wrote:
It's looking way better than I expected I'm pleased to say. The club plummeted to new depths but it is a credit to all that they have bounced back in this way and at last we seem to have some really dedicated and able bodies where for so long we had clowns. Looking forward to next season now.
Totally agree Murph', It appears the Club is now being run as a serious business. First time in ages. Seen photos of the new Trevor Foster lounge, and we've seen more events and planned events in the first few weeks under OK and Co than in the whole of last 5 years. Keep up the great work Bulls, the future's bright, the future's OK.

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Mumby was the best says...
10:45am Sat 10 Nov 12

There is really starting to be a real feelgood factor about the club again, very similar to when Brian Smith came here. A drip feed of new signings be they loans, re-signings or new permanent ones with more to come added to new sponsors and the club organising functions to involve the supporters. At last after the last horrible summer we can look forward with genuine optimism.
Thank you OK & GS and others in your team.

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Sheffieldbull says...
11:18am Sat 10 Nov 12

Taken from a T&A news story not yet brought the Bulls pages..

"Bulls also announced The Aspire Group, which is to build a £45 million development of more than 700 apartments on Manchester Road, as another of its shirt sponsors – joining fast-food chain Rajas and Sovereign Healthcare.

Ben Pilgrim, of the firm, said it had signed a one-season deal, for an undisclosed amount, which would also see it build a new club shop at the stadium with a show apartment for its development on the first floor."

The Provident Stadium improvements start here - further
evidence of our march forward... COYBs

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olly_bradford says...
11:23am Sat 10 Nov 12

I for one am very proud that this deal has come forward. Only a few months ago, I stood in Odsal stadium watching the players do what could have been a final lap of honour and now I am thankful to OK and GS that they seem to have turned our great club around and happy that things not only look good for the future, but very bright.

I hear and read a lot of comments about us being a force to reckon with next year (and I hope u are all right) but please guys, we need to realise that this is something thats going to take some time. If we lose games next year, I for one will still be there week after week supporting the guys and I hope all the true fans do the same. Lets not start getting ahead of our selves and expect everything...One step at a time.

Carry on the good FC, G and OK. I for one think you are all onto a winner and doing a great thing with our club!!!!

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Sheffieldbull says...
11:38am Sat 10 Nov 12

olly_bradford wrote:
I for one am very proud that this deal has come forward. Only a few months ago, I stood in Odsal stadium watching the players do what could have been a final lap of honour and now I am thankful to OK and GS that they seem to have turned our great club around and happy that things not only look good for the future, but very bright.

I hear and read a lot of comments about us being a force to reckon with next year (and I hope u are all right) but please guys, we need to realise that this is something thats going to take some time. If we lose games next year, I for one will still be there week after week supporting the guys and I hope all the true fans do the same. Lets not start getting ahead of our selves and expect everything...One step at a time.

Carry on the good FC, G and OK. I for one think you are all onto a winner and doing a great thing with our club!!!!
You are absolutely right olly, we do need to manage our expectations realistically an i do believe that all genuine fans will do exactly that.Lets us celebrate this good news though and see it as foundations and building blocks for the future. Our new journey starts here.

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theviking62 says...
12:04pm Sat 10 Nov 12

This is a piece on who Aspire are,

http://www.aspirehou
sing.co.uk/

Cut and paste into search, to read, just see how big they are.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
12:31pm Sat 10 Nov 12

Not as big as your ego lad.

Still struggle to finish top 8

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theviking62 says...
12:38pm Sat 10 Nov 12

I can hear empty vessel rattling, can anyone else, sounds a lot like FAKE. A know all, know nowt. I told you FAKE stick with me for all your info.

We're in the money
2013 year of the Bull
COYB
Upwards and onward.

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Mumby was the best says...
1:36pm Sat 10 Nov 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
Not as big as your ego lad.

Still struggle to finish top 8
You really think so? Well I`d settle for that, and you`re never known to be wrong

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
2:50pm Sat 10 Nov 12

Provident remember who told you 1st.

Lets hope the club awash with cash pay back all monies given to them from other clubs and pay what they owe to fans etc.

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theviking62 says...
3:03pm Sat 10 Nov 12

OK Bulls owe nothing to nobody. You and your type are mistaken on that. It is Bradford Bulls Holdings that owe money to their creditors. Get it right, FAKE. You know your wrong, so why not man up and apologise. Mind how can a boy be expected to know these things. Your like a sheep, follow anything and anybody, who you think is right. Bleat, bleat, bleat.

Money that's what we've got,
Money that's what we've got,

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theviking62 says...
3:05pm Sat 10 Nov 12

This holiday is looking better n better now I know Bulls will be here when I get back. Bigger, better and with more financial clout than before. COYB.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
4:26pm Sat 10 Nov 12

Enjoy your holiday David

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liverpoolbull says...
6:14pm Sat 10 Nov 12

Things looking good from the new board and management , slowly building sponsor support as well as a new team , hope the floating fans , as well as the hardcore fans will give time for the team to develop and not expect miracles straight away , not long ago we nearly lost the club , now we have a future , all fans should do their bit , buy a season ticket , and have patience

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vikksy says...
11:28am Sun 11 Nov 12

Can I say a big thank you to the players and all you fans. You all made this happen.

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RuggerTyke says...
11:33am Sun 11 Nov 12

At all costs, literally.

Kick loan-sharks out of sport.

#AgainstModernSport

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theviking62 says...
11:49am Sun 11 Nov 12

How sad you are rugger. Get real. It's a legally operating business, like banks, RBS, HSBC, building societies, Northern Rock, Halifax, Bradford and Bingley, Santander. All of which were/are more hookey, than Provident, all bailed out by the Government. The term "loan shark " applies to unscrupulous men/women who when you fail to pay, tend to break parts of the anatomy. It's happened before and will happen again. Tell me who sponsors the Premier League, another, in your words, loan shark, Barclays Bank.

During the dark days of the late 20s/30s provident helped out the poorer citizens of Bradford, my grandmother included. There are more people in the UK who are/were grateful for there help. People do not have to go to companies like Provident, Wonga, Shopacheck, Quick quid, they choose to. So my friend, get a life, we've got a club to follow, money to put on a solidfinancial footing for a few years to come. May I ask who YOU follow.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
2:59pm Sun 11 Nov 12

Cant get loans due to bad risks so go to Provident etc

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theviking62 says...
4:17pm Sun 11 Nov 12

And your point is? Nobody HAS to go, it's THEIR choice to go. So no arguments. FAKE you ain't, funny no more, that other brain dead moron, alfucham, has taken your place.

We're in the money
We're in the money

And boy don't it feel good after all the uncertainty.

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moomooland says...
4:42pm Sun 11 Nov 12

Peter Crook was in charge of Barclays when they brokered the deal with the English Premiership, don't hear any of you slating that deal, the words Green and Envy come to mind

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Shipley Paul says...
4:42pm Sun 11 Nov 12

theviking62 wrote:
And your point is? Nobody HAS to go, it's THEIR choice to go. So no arguments. FAKE you ain't, funny no more, that other brain dead moron, alfucham, has taken your place.

We're in the money
We're in the money

And boy don't it feel good after all the uncertainty.
Dead right Viking. It doesn't matter who sponsors who, some deadbeat moaner will disapprove. JCT sell cars which kill the planet, not many moaned about their name on our shirts. Provident are a substantial employer in Bradford, they have a history of responsible lending, I don't think many people could buy a house or car without some sort of mortgage or loan, and at least Provident are putting something back into Bradford by supporting Bulls, lets hope it's the start of our re-emergence.

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Shelfrhino says...
8:31pm Sun 11 Nov 12

"Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water... bulls2, The shark years"

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theviking62 says...
9:48pm Sun 11 Nov 12

Shelf got a mortgage, have you, bank or building society account. They are in the business of lending money, as well. Yet you say nothing about them. As I've pointed out to more than one Misguided Rhino lately. You don't have anyway of making those accusations stick, without tarring ALL financial houses with the same brush. They're All in it for one thing MONEY. Did you know the t n a have adverts against these articles advertising the likes of Shoppa cheque, quick quid etc. I suggest you argue with them as well or better still, in view of their flagrant disregard for the lower/poorer classes, and their equally blatant pushing of " loan sharks " on to the oppressed, stop posting in this paper.

We're in the money
We're in the money

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rogerthat! says...
12:11am Mon 12 Nov 12

theviking62 wrote:
Shelf got a mortgage, have you, bank or building society account. They are in the business of lending money, as well. Yet you say nothing about them. As I've pointed out to more than one Misguided Rhino lately. You don't have anyway of making those accusations stick, without tarring ALL financial houses with the same brush. They're All in it for one thing MONEY. Did you know the t n a have adverts against these articles advertising the likes of Shoppa cheque, quick quid etc. I suggest you argue with them as well or better still, in view of their flagrant disregard for the lower/poorer classes, and their equally blatant pushing of " loan sharks " on to the oppressed, stop posting in this paper.

We're in the money
We're in the money
The general manager bleating on again is he? Not making phone calls to plead his innocence about slating Ainscough on these forums? Sad nasty old man go and bury your head
You are a poor excuse for a man. **** watcher

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Shelfrhino says...
1:12am Mon 12 Nov 12

theviking62 wrote:
Shelf got a mortgage, have you, bank or building society account. They are in the business of lending money, as well. Yet you say nothing about them. As I've pointed out to more than one Misguided Rhino lately. You don't have anyway of making those accusations stick, without tarring ALL financial houses with the same brush. They're All in it for one thing MONEY. Did you know the t n a have adverts against these articles advertising the likes of Shoppa cheque, quick quid etc. I suggest you argue with them as well or better still, in view of their flagrant disregard for the lower/poorer classes, and their equally blatant pushing of " loan sharks " on to the oppressed, stop posting in this paper.

We're in the money
We're in the money
We're in the money ?
What your sordid little deal amounts to is 300k/season or 1500 season tickets at a normal price. Given that your sales are well down on some of the other clubs in SL then you're not really that much in the money at all, in fact 300k is nowt compared to the income of other clubs and may only go so far in making up what you have lost in sky money etc.
You've sold out to a company that targets single mums desperate for a new washer or telly, why don't you get some other members of the " community" selling bags of brown to the kids that attend the Halal hole and have done with it.
It's a fact you'll be seeing none of my cash next season.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
7:27am Mon 12 Nov 12

He is a know nothing dreamboat is viking, do Provident do funerals too as well as extortionate money lending ?

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flashdonut says...
7:51am Mon 12 Nov 12

I would like a Leeds know-it-all to inform us how many houses Leeds BS repossesed in the last 18 months. You know, people with money issues. Struggling to pay their bills, maybe trought un-employment. Let me know how families were made homeless. And by doing so, giving the adults a bad credit rating. Yeah, you know where this is leading.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
8:07am Mon 12 Nov 12

I know where it would lead, someone down on their luck would be ideal new customers of the new sponsor, well pointed out.

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