HENRY Paul heads the list of interested contenders lining up to replace Rohan Smith as Bradford head coach.

Smith quit the club on the day that Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe were officially announced as the new club's owners, with fellow Kiwi Paul believed to be their preferred choice as successor.

The new Odsal hierarchy expect plenty of interest to fill the vacancy left by Smith's sudden exit. It is understood that he chose to walk away after a brief lunchtime meeting with the New Zealand duo.

Chalmers said: "There were various points that both parties disagreed on and it was decided that both the club and the former coach of Bradford Bulls would not move forward together."

The new ownership may look to make an interim appointment in the short-term until they get their man.

Lowe paid tribute to Smith's efforts since replacing Jimmy Lowes at the Odsal helm eight months ago.

"I fully understand the difficulties faced by the club and I know it has been a tough few months for Rohan," he said.

"We appreciate all he did for the Bradford Bulls and the support he has given the playing group.

"We are focused on bringing in a new proven and experienced coach as soon as possible and that recruitment process is underway. We expect to provide an update on this shortly."

Smith was in charge for 20 games and won 14 of them but missed out on a place in the Super Eights qualifiers.

A new coach will have to hit the ground running, with the opening Championship fixture at Hull KR only 18 days away.

Chalmers and Lowe will sit down with the remaining playing staff to discuss contracts in the next couple of days.

Speaking shortly before his departure, Smith revealed the huge backing he had received from across the globe during the club's winter of turmoil.

"The amount of messages of support I've had has been overwhelming," said Smith.

"I've had them from people from all over the world, from New Zealand and Australia, America, Canada, France, Ireland and throughout the UK.

"People that I don't know and people that aren't Bradford supporters necessarily are really wanting the club to come back for the good of the game.

"That's something positive to happen out of this. It's much bigger than just Bradford and the Bulls."

Former dual code international Paul could be a popular choice among Bradford fans to take over a job which would start with a 12-point deduction in the Championship.

Paul made 100 appearances for the club from 1999-2001, as well as playing for Wigan, Harlequins and Wakefield.

The New Zealander also played club rugby union in this country, most notably for Gloucester and Leeds.

Coach Chev Walker also revealed that he had left the club last night. In a statement on Twitter, he thanked Smith for mentoring him in the role.