GEOFF Toovey insists the planning must be right as the Bulls aim to make their stay in the third tier a brief one.

The coach, whose own future at Odsal is still up in the air, has been impressed by the way the young rookies responded to being thrown into the deep end during the club's relegation campaign.

St Helens-bound James Bentley was named the Championship young player of the year at last week's awards ceremony in Manchester.

Other youthful regulars in the Bulls ranks have included Liam Kirk, who appeared in every game.

The Bulls' bid to come straight back up from League One at the first attempt is again likely to feature plenty of young players – but Toovey stressed that it is not a quick-fix scenario.

He said: "The owners are very aware of that. They've got some great signings across the board from that academy.

"But again it's a process that takes time. It's not an instant success.

"Sometimes clubs can get into trouble and maybe this one has done in the past.

"You find yourself not in a good financial position as well and that messes with the stability of the club and the fans and sponsors.

"It's a short to medium-term project but you've got to get your planning right.

"You've got to make sure that all your ducks are lined up, otherwise we don't want to be here again in two or three years' time."

Bentley, who scored 18 tries in 27 outings, pipped Alex Walker of London Broncos and Halifax hooker Brandon Moore for the divisional accolade.

But there was also plenty of competition from the youthful talent within the Odsal club.

Toovey said: "I looked at the nominations for the young player of the year at the awards night. Most clubs had two or three – I think we had seven!

"I forgot how young and inexperienced our team was.

"The (Bulls) coach award this year from me went to Liam Kirk. Even though he's well over six foot, he's only 20.

"It's a very difficult sport for a front-rower or a forward or anyone at 20 to combat each week. But he hasn't missed one game all year.

"He's a good person and his future is in his hands. He's very consistent and very dedicated to what he does and a local boy, which adds to it."