BRADFORD Bulls' membership of the Rugby Football League was today terminated due to the club being put in administration.

The decision was made by the RFL's Board which said it will now consider proposals  by the administrators PBC Business Recovery and Insolvency to secure the club's future.  

But it warned that the conditions of the Bulls being readmitted as an RFL member could be a points deduction or even relegation.

In a statement, the RFL said: "As is normal when a club enters administration, the RFL Board has today terminated Bradford Bulls Northern Limited’s' membership of the RFL.

"The RFL is in discussion with the appointed administrators about their plans for the future of the club.

"The RFL Board will consider any proposals put forward by the administrators to secure the future of the club and membership (and the conditions of any membership) of the RFL is then entirely at the discretion of the Board. 

"As part of exercising its discretion, the RFL Board would assess any individual proposed be involved in the ownership or management of the club to ensure that they are a fit and proper person.

"In addition, as part of the conditions of any membership, the RFL Board would then determine the appropriate sporting sanction, which could include a points deduction or possible relegation. 

"This is clearly a distressing time for supporters, players and employees of Bradford Bulls. We will aim to keep them updated of any progress as and when we can."

Meanwhile, Gary Pettit, a director at PBC Business Recovery and Insolvency, has insisted there is “no rush” to find a new owner for the stricken club.

Mr Pettit has been put in charge along with fellow PBC director Gavin Bates after the club was placed into administration on Monday by chairman Marc Green ahead of court hearing over an unpaid tax bill believed to total about £350,000.

Mr Pettit confirmed that the club has received “a number of expressions of interest” from parties looking to buy it, but said he will be taking his time to find who he believes is the best option for the club going forward.

Despite the off-field issues, Mr Pettit did say the players are now back in pre-season training ahead of the 2017 Kingstone Press Championship season, staff are continuing their jobs as normal, and wages have been paid up to and including October.

He said: “It is still early days at the moment, and we are just trying to all the information together, but we have had quite a number of expressions of interest to take on the club.

“One or two do look like very good options and we will be exploring those.

“The players were back training this morning and as far as we are concerned they are going to continue to get ready for the start of the season in February.”

Mr Pettit has experience of working with sports clubs in financial trouble, having formally worked with six football clubs and one rugby union team, along with another six football teams in an informal role.

While this is his first foray into rugby league, he said he is hoping to carry on his previous successes into the sport.

“I recognise the history of the club and I know what the Bulls were and what they could still be going forward,” he said.

“Hopefully we will find the right person to take the club forward.

“This is the third time this has happened in a short space of time, I want to find out why.

“Sport is a quirky business, we want someone who understands the business and the culture; we would rather take the time to find the right person than rush it just to find someone to take over the club.”

Mr Pettit will meet the RFL at Odsal on Friday to work out the extent of the Bulls' debts, what punishments could be coming the club's way, and how the club can work with the governing body.

He conceded a points deduction for the upcoming season looks likely.

“The rule says a 12 point deduction, and if we can meet certain criteria this will be halved.

“I hope the RFL take a commercial view; while they have to act for all clubs they have to look at why this keeps happening to Bradford.

“Points deductions have not helped, but we have to abide by the rules like all other clubs.”

Mr Pettit did assure the club’s supporters that the near future is not all doom and gloom.

He added: “The positive message from this is we are carrying on as normal as it can be while in administration. The players are training and staff are working, which shows the right things are being done.

“I know how these things work and will be using all my experience to make sure Bradford do not go back here again.”