PHIL Veivers is looking forward to his latest return at Odsal, where he spent three-and-a-half years working as an assistant coach during the Bulls' glory years.

The Workington Town head coach served under Brian Noble and helped Bradford to win two Grand Finals, two World Club Challenges and a Challenge Cup. So he always enjoys going back to a club that holds a special place in his heart.

"It'll be interesting," says Veivers of tomorrow's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie, which comes seven days before the sides clash again on the same ground in a Championship fixture.

"But it's all good and I don't mind going back to Bradford at any time. I've been back there on probably over a dozen occasions with Wigan and Salford and I always enjoy it.

"I remember going back there with Wigan in the play-offs when we came back to win in such dramatic fashion.

"I had some fantastic times at Bradford and some great memories of success there. As a player I used to dread it but as a coach, spending three-and-a-half years there, I loved it. It's a great environment."

Veivers freely admits that staying in the Championship, a feat he achieved with the Cumbrians last term, takes priority again this term over the Challenge Cup.

Workington slipped to their fourth defeat of the season in midweek, losing 31-18 at home to Dewsbury.

Legendary former St Helens full back Veivers, who is operating his part-time squad on a shoestring budget, said: "The Challenge Cup is not our major goal this year.

"We've never sat down and said 'we're going to have a really good run in the Challenge Cup'. What we spoke about is that we want to consolidate in the league, so that's what we're targeting this year.

"For us part-time teams, it gives us a real challenge when we go up against the full-time sides. We've got some unfinished business and we're not really there yet. We're very scrappy at the moment, so we've got plenty to work on."

Veivers could be forgiven for being envious of full-time teams such as Bradford and Leigh, who are operating full-time squads.

The 50-year-old believes Jimmy Lowes has a good mix of players at his disposal as the Bulls chase promotion back to Super League.

Veivers said: "In the Championship, it's always good to be able to go full-time and to run a big squad as Bradford have.

"In this division you need a number of Championship players because they know what it's all about. All the Super League players know is Super League and it's a completely different ball game in the Championship.

"I personally think it's a lot more competitive and a lot tougher – but Jimmy has a good blend of youth and experience.

"I had Jimmy from 2003 to 2004 and he was on the coaching staff as well as playing. He was a tough competitor and that's what he tries to instil in his teams. He was very strong on fitness and Jimmy's motto will be 'train hard, play hard'."

Despite the quality in the Bulls' squad, Veivers will not be putting any money on his old club to go back up.

"At the moment, everyone is still sparring and just trying to find their best form," he said.

"I got a shock when I started working in the Championship – it's extremely competitive. I think it will be interesting how this year pans out and I wouldn't put my money on anyone going up at this stage."