MARC Green has told Bulls supporters their backing is "vital" to an innovative membership scheme which could see fans receive free season tickets in 2018.

As the club gear up for a third successive year in the Championship, Green has lowered season-ticket memberships for 2017 by five per cent.

But the real incentive comes with the promise that if Rohan Smith's men win promotion next season, existing memberships will be renewed free of charge the following year in Super League.

If Bradford fail to climb out of the Championship in 2017, then supporters will be given 20 per cent off their membership renewals for the 2018 campaign.

In an address to fans, Bulls chairman Green said: "No sooner have we drawn the curtains on one season, we are opening them on the next – and I for one can't wait for it to start.

"Your support, your continued loyalty, is vital for the journey we are on. Your continued membership of this club is vital to achieving a Super League team full of our own home-grown players.

"Your support in 2017 is unarguably more vital than at any time since I was privileged to take the helm of our great club. I am therefore pleased to announce the following offer for your 2017 membership.

"As a thank you for your support in 2016, we are reducing every membership price by five per cent. This reduction is based on 2016 prices.

"In business I believe on rewarding success and, dare I say, penalising failure. As a result, to demonstrate our commitment to achieving promotion in 2017, if we don't make it, then you will be guaranteed 20 per cent off your membership renewal in 2018. This will again be based on 2016 membership prices.

"Finally – and this, for me, is the most unique offer of all – come with us on the journey, renew your membership and if we achieve our goal and are promoted, as a thank you for sticking with us, as a thank you for renewing, our first season back in Super League your membership will be completely free.

"Your support is the lifeblood of this club and the bedrock on which it is and will be built."

Bradford-based Provident Personal Credit Limited, meanwhile, have been the club's main sponsor and major source of income since November 2012.

They remained loyal to the Bulls following the club's relegation from Super League in 2014 and even extended their deal by a further year.

Through Provident's sponsorship activation programme and additional financial support, the Bulls will deliver the new membership scheme.

Paul Mitchell, sponsorship manager at Provident and a keen Bulls supporter, said: "Our great club hasn't had the best period in its history over recent years, yet its awesome supporters still turn up week in, week out to support the Bulls.

"Now, more than ever though, we need to fill the terraces and the Provident Stand to give us the best chance of returning to the big time.

"The new membership scheme is a fantastic, unique initiative that is in line with Provident's commitment to 'Supporting Bulls Supporters'.

"It's rare in sport that supporters' dedication to the cause is rewarded and we are delighted to give our backing to the new 1863 membership scheme, which will recognise the contribution of the best '18th man' in the game."

Meanwhile, Ryan Bailey is searching for a new club and could come onto Bradford's radar after Warrington confirmed his departure yesterday.

The former Great Britain prop, who won six Super League titles with home-town club Leeds Rhinos, played in last weekend's Grand Final defeat to Wigan and the Challenge Cup loss to Hull in August.

The Bulls remain on the look-out for forwards following the departure of a raft of players at the end of the 2016 campaign.

Jordan Cox and Mitchell Dodds have also left the Wolves and boss Tony Smith said: "I'd like to thank all three players for their contributions over the course of the season.

"They all played their part in helping us achieve the League Leaders' Shield and making it to two finals. I wish them all the very best for the future and good luck in the next chapter of their careers."