JOHN Bastian was tonight announced as the Bulls' new head of youth after head coach Jimmy Lowes realigned his backroom staff.

Former Featherstone Rovers boss Bastian will head up all things Academy and Scholarship from October, while retiring skipper Matt Diskin takes over the reins as under-19s head coach and will also assist Lowes.

England's strength and conditioning coach Gary Dempsey has been handed the same role at Odsal, although it remains to be seen if Lowes will appoint an assistant first-team coach ahead of next season.

Current head of youth and under-19s coach Richard Tunningley is departing the club, along with head of strength and conditioning Tom Clough.

Lowes said: "I am really pleased to have John, Matt and Gary on board.

"To attract someone of John's calibre to the club is fantastic for Bradford Bulls and I feel sure he will prove his worth over the coming weeks and months.

"In terms of Matt, I am really pleased to see him staying with the club in a coaching capacity.

"He boasts a fantastic knowledge of the game and will be working hard with all of the players – first team included.

"The under-19s are massive for the future of the club, as is our entire Academy system, so to have John and Matt at the helm is fantastic."

Former Warrington Wolves head of youth Bastian said: "I am excited by the challenge ahead, as Bradford boasts a first-class Academy.

"I am really looking forward to working alongside Jimmy (Lowes) and Matt (Diskin), producing the next crop of Bulls talent.

"Richard (Tunningley) has done some great work here, so it is purely a case of continuing those efforts while implementing my own philosophies.

"Working alongside Matt will prove beneficial, not only to the youngsters but to me as well.

"I worked with him in the past and I know he has a great knowledge of the game. I have no doubts he will go on to become a successful coach."

Diskin, who announced his retirement from the sport earlier this month, is anticipating a tough yet rewarding challenge in his new role.

He tasted life as a Super League coach earlier this year after taking over in a caretaker capacity back in June.

"I am excited about the project we have in place and am equally relishing the opportunity to influence and develop the future of this club," said Diskin.

"I have been involved with the under-19s in a sort of casual manner this season and have thoroughly enjoyed it, so this step is the natural progression for me.

"I am a very demanding coach and that will be reflected in what I do with the players."