THE future of the Bulls is unlikely to be resolved any time soon after the bidding deadline was extended.

Prospective buyers have made their final offers to joint-administrators Gary Pettit and Gavin Bates.

That included one that came through "in the 12th hour" which prompted Pettit to allow bids beyond Wednesday's agreed cut-off point. Some parties also suffered technological issues and were granted extra time.

Now it will be down to the unsecured creditors to vote on what they believe is the best package. These include players and staff due compensation as well as businesses who are owed money by the club.

Letters will shortly go out from the administrators to arrange a creditors' meeting, where they will decide on the bid they feel offers them the highest percentage of the debts.

Three genuine bids had been lodged before a fourth came through at 5.30pm on Wednesday.

Pettit insists all concerned have the necessary financial clout but the identity of those parties remains a tightly-guarded secret after they had to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Former Cronulla Sharks chief executive Damian Irvine, who is currently commercial director at Wycombe Wanderers, is understood to be involved as the face of a consortium.

Reading co-chairman Sir John Madejski is another name to be linked with Odsal, although there are conflicting reports about whether that is genuine.

Mandy Koukash, wife of Salford owner Dr Marvan Koukash, was not expected to make another bid after an unsuccessful attempt during the club's last administration.

But Richard Lamb, who was also keen in 2014, has announced his intention to rejoin the fight to take charge.

The Rotherham Titans chief executive recently told the T&A: "Last time I came very close to buying the Bulls and the core basis of the club is still there – a loyal fanbase, great history and fantastic potential."

Meanwhile, highly-rated forward James Bentley has been named Student of the Year at the Bulls Foundation awards. Bentley signed a first-team contract at the end of last season.