BULLS chairman Marc Green is coming under growing pressure to pay players and staff as it was confirmed that Steve Ferres had quit the troubled club.

Green is still out of the country in Ibiza and spent yesterday searching desperately for the six-figure sum required to meet the monthly wage bill.

Players and staff had expected to be paid last Friday – the final working day of the month – but no payment was forthcoming and the situation had not changed yesterday either.

Emma Rosewarne, the Welfare Director at the Rugby Football League, fielded questions from Bulls players yesterday amid growing uncertainty over the club’s financial position.

Rosewarne’s visit hinted at the seriousness of the situation as an increasingly angry group of players and coaching staff prepare for Sunday’s trip to Whitehaven.

With Green still out of the country and Ferres having departed, chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul is currently holding the fort at Odsal.

The legendary former Bulls captain spoke with head coach Rohan Smith yesterday while Green paid tribute to Ferres in the wake of his resignation as managing director.

Ferres was brought on board when Green first took ownership of the club in March 2014 and came under fire in the wake of Bradford’s failure to finish in the top four of the Championship.

Green last week issued a lengthy statement defending Ferres and was similarly belligerent in his defence of the former Bradford Northern player yesterday.

In yesterday’s statement, Green said the search for Ferres’ replacement was underway.

“It is with considerable sadness I must announce the resignation of Steve Ferres as managing director from the club,” said Green.

“Steve has agreed to conduct a full and proper handover to his successor of which the process of finding one starts immediately.

“Steve has served the club since March 2014, when he took up the post and has worked tirelessly to rebuild Bradford Bulls.

“I for one have been grateful for the time we have worked together and found Steve to be a man of honour and integrity.

“Steve had advised me of his intention to retire from the game of rugby at the end of the season, although he obviously hoped it would be under more enjoyable circumstances.

“He also cited as one of his reasons for bringing the decision forward the failure to make the play-offs and the need for change.

“As someone who has always led not followed he feels change has to start at the top and this further fuelled his decision.

“Steve has served the club well and never asked for recognition. The press he has received over the last few months has been at times unwarranted and more importantly unfair.

“Steve brings the curtain down on over 45 years’ service to the sport as a player, coach, administrator and he will be and should be missed by the game.

“I hope he enjoys retirement and I for one wish him and his family well.”