Potter: I want to finish job at Bradford Bulls (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Mick Potter keen to take up option for third year at Bradford Bulls
7:30am Thursday 3rd May 2012 in Bulls
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Mick Potter wants to continue the progress being made on the pitch at Bradford
Mick Potter insists he would like to continue as Bulls coach beyond this season.
Potter and his coaching staff are out of contract at the end of the year and their futures remain uncertain, given the club’s perilous financial position.
Yet the former Catalan and St Helens boss, who dismissed speculation linking him to the France national team post, is keen to take up a mutual option for a third year at Odsal.
After a tough debut campaign last term, the Bulls have made undeniable progress this year and emerged as serious play-off contenders, despite another crippling injury list.
Although Peter Hood is set to depart as chairman this month, possibly as early as next week, Potter could extend his stay.
“I’d like to finish the job I’ve started because we are building something here and would like to continue the progress we’re making,” said Potter.
I’d like to finish the job I’ve started because we are building something here and would like to continue the progress we’re making
Mick Potter
“I’m not saying we’ve made it, because there’s still a lot of hard work to do, but the players are really digging in and playing well.
“I think the recruitment has taken us forward from last year and we want to take another step next season.
“I’m happy with the way all our young players are progressing, although they were probably always going to.
“But I’m pleased with the guys we brought in during the off-season, such as Manase Manuokafoa, Keith Lulia and Adrian Purtell.
“These guys have really found their feet and are proving very good acquisitions for us.
“I also think Bryn Hargreaves has done really well this season. Olivier Elima has similarly made his mark and Tom Burgess has come on really well.
“The squad is working well together but we’ve still got more work to do.”
Hood is understood to be considering stepping down before the extraordinary general meeting, scheduled for May 23, along with fellow director Andrew Bennett.
Whether the proposed new regime, led by a group of majority shareholders including former chairman Chris Caisley and ex-director Stephen Coulby, would look to extend Potter’s contract remains to be seen.
Caisley last month told the Telegraph & Argus that a “root and branch” review must be carried out on every aspect of the club’s business – from its administration, finance, marketing, PR and football departments.
He revealed that Gary Tasker, the club’s former general manager, would head up the review, which would see Brian Noble carry out consultancy work on the football department.
“I honestly don’t know what the future holds beyond this season, other than there is an option there for a third year,” said Potter.
“It will be discussed once everything settles down but it’s no different to any other year. It’s just the way that business runs when you’re under contract.
“I’d imagine I’ll know either way in the next couple of months but probably sooner, given that there’s going to be a change at the top.
“But I’m in no urgent hurry – I’m more focused on Sunday’s game at London. ”
Potter and Warrington counterpart Tony Smith have been linked with the France national team post.
Yet the Bulls coach said: “I’ve heard the rumour, it’s flattering and has probably come about because of my time at Catalan and the current situation at Bradford. But I’ve not spoken to anyone at the French Federation.”
Comments(25)
Schoey 2
says...
8:15am Thu 3 May 12
Yes he had money to spend but that was because the powers that be made it available and allowed him to use it on players.
pjbull
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8:23am Thu 3 May 12
theviking 62
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8:24am Thu 3 May 12
Solomon Grundy
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8:29am Thu 3 May 12
The team is developing well, the players he has signed are a marked improvement on what we had previously. He is bringing the young players along really well and clearly has a great spirit in the dressing room. I think we are not that far off where we want to be and that we should stick with Potter.
Steam Pigs
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8:32am Thu 3 May 12
birkybull
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8:33am Thu 3 May 12
Holmesy
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8:55am Thu 3 May 12
Last year the recruits were a joke this year without doubt adequate. However lets not kid ourselves when we were struggling last year people were calling for Potter's head. We will probably finish 8th. Well I don't see that as anything to get excited about really. I think we need to keep him but not make a decision until later on in the season. The simple facts are we are a reasonable bad weather scrappy team. We can make some teams play badly, as was the case with Warrington on Saturday and maybe scratch a win. The Sanits and Leeds came are classic examples but we still have to be mistake free or we lose. Everybody said how well Gale did but they must have been watching a different game. We had a disaster at fullback which just negated Jeffries skill. If we would have had Sammut fit, I would go with him rather than Gale but back to the point. Let's not rush into anything but wait. What the Bulls need is stability and I suppose if that means Potter staying then so be it but I'm not totally convinced that a more experienced coach couldn't get us up the table to 5th or 6th.
graham smith
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8:59am Thu 3 May 12
I think MP’s line needs to keep running , after all continuity is a proven formula for success.
COM’ON YOU BULLS.
graham smith
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8:59am Thu 3 May 12
I think MP’s line needs to keep running , after all continuity is a proven formula for success.
COM’ON YOU BULLS.
theviking 62
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8:59am Thu 3 May 12
Steam Pigs wrote:He had no money at Crusaders and got them into playoffs
Without loads of cash behind him, Noble has yet to prove his qualities and abilities... we don't look like having loads of money at Odsal anytime soon, so keep the guy who has shown a steady improvement and one that is keen to develop our outstanding youngsters
mines a pint
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9:48am Thu 3 May 12
theviking 62 wrote:But wasn't he allowed extra on the overseas quota????
Steam Pigs wrote:He had no money at Crusaders and got them into playoffs
Without loads of cash behind him, Noble has yet to prove his qualities and abilities... we don't look like having loads of money at Odsal anytime soon, so keep the guy who has shown a steady improvement and one that is keen to develop our outstanding youngsters
Tricky Dicky
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10:04am Thu 3 May 12
pjbull wrote:Steady on. We're out of the Cup, had a dire start to the season and only of late have the side shown some form. I would certainly wait until the ground dries out and we have met, and beat, superior sides before launching into acolades. Remember last season? Who was in charge? I'll reserve my judgement till August. We are not in any better a position, at the moment, than we were last.
I think it would be quite wrong not to give him an extension as it is evident that there is improvement on the field and the new players brought in this season have, in the main, been very good.
birkybull
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10:12am Thu 3 May 12
Bullsman
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10:40am Thu 3 May 12
On Nobles return I would happily have him back. IF Potter wanted the extra help and feels Noble would help with the teams performance and recruting. And IF he was forced out to go to Wigan and did not jump ship when the money ran out. Two coaching brains are better than one, but only if they don't mind working together.
BULLPOWER11
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10:44am Thu 3 May 12
Head coach: james lowes
Assistants: francis cummins & matt diskin.
Told u guys 3 weeks ago. Its a fact
Schoey 2
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11:00am Thu 3 May 12
birkybull wrote:I agree Birkybull - MP has finally been able to move away from the pathetic signings of his predecssor and the Orford hangover. We have some good young and promising kids that in 2 or 3 years will be awesome.
Last Season Potter had to recuit anybody who was about and wasnt signed. This year his signings have been good and he has brought the kids through. Im sure if we get him signed up he will offload high earners like Platt, Sykes, Scruton, Diskin - Retire. He will bring in some good quality uk born players to further strengthen the team. that along with the development of our young lads could lead us to the top again like we had with the likes of Pryce, Peacock, Radford, Langley, Lynch, Fielden, McDermott, Lowes etc. All home grown uk players
I just really hope that we have a club still be the end of this season that these guys can play for!!!!!
All these financial deadlines keep getting moved and as has always been the case, the Bulls are keeping all us fans in the dark.
theviking 62
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11:01am Thu 3 May 12
BULLPOWER11 wrote:And when is this little gem officially being announced ?
Director of rugby: brian noble Head coach: james lowes Assistants: francis cummins & matt diskin. Told u guys 3 weeks ago. Its a fact
intruder3906
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11:25am Thu 3 May 12
ng maybe Noble can look at. ?
pjbull
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11:32am Thu 3 May 12
Tricky Dicky wrote:Launching into accolades? Re-read my post Tricky.
pjbull wrote: I think it would be quite wrong not to give him an extension as it is evident that there is improvement on the field and the new players brought in this season have, in the main, been very good.Steady on. We're out of the Cup, had a dire start to the season and only of late have the side shown some form. I would certainly wait until the ground dries out and we have met, and beat, superior sides before launching into acolades. Remember last season? Who was in charge? I'll reserve my judgement till August. We are not in any better a position, at the moment, than we were last.
There are definite signs of consistently improved performances this season. Personally I am very happy with the recruitment of Purtell, Manase and Lulia amongst others. If he recruited similarly as well for next season we'll be stronger still.
It's also important to remember that if they extend his contract now, he will be able to make plans for next year - there is no point bringing a new Coach in at the end of the season when players will already have themselves sorted for next season.
Tricky Dicky
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12:18pm Thu 3 May 12
pjbull wrote:All I am saying is just wait a little while. Obviously, Mr Potter is testing the depth of the water. He will have more idea of what is going on at Odsal than you or I. Your argument seems to be better the devil we know but has he really earned another year? I reserve my judgement till August. Whether or not Mr Potter is coach next season, he will still shape and mould the side for next year to his perceptions. If he is not coach then someone else will have to pick up the pieces just like he had to. I am of "the jury is out" as regards Mr Potter. But I am sure others will disagree.
Tricky Dicky wrote:Launching into accolades? Re-read my post Tricky. There are definite signs of consistently improved performances this season. Personally I am very happy with the recruitment of Purtell, Manase and Lulia amongst others. If he recruited similarly as well for next season we'll be stronger still. It's also important to remember that if they extend his contract now, he will be able to make plans for next year - there is no point bringing a new Coach in at the end of the season when players will already have themselves sorted for next season.pjbull wrote: I think it would be quite wrong not to give him an extension as it is evident that there is improvement on the field and the new players brought in this season have, in the main, been very good.Steady on. We're out of the Cup, had a dire start to the season and only of late have the side shown some form. I would certainly wait until the ground dries out and we have met, and beat, superior sides before launching into acolades. Remember last season? Who was in charge? I'll reserve my judgement till August. We are not in any better a position, at the moment, than we were last.
theviking 62
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1:01pm Thu 3 May 12
murphyslaw
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5:05pm Thu 3 May 12
mines a pint wrote:Exactly, Nobby did not coach at Crusaders on a level playing field as he was using the RFL concessions on overseas players. Oh!! come to think of it MP's best years were at Catalans when he had exactly the same priveliges.
theviking 62 wrote:But wasn't he allowed extra on the overseas quota????
Steam Pigs wrote:He had no money at Crusaders and got them into playoffs
Without loads of cash behind him, Noble has yet to prove his qualities and abilities... we don't look like having loads of money at Odsal anytime soon, so keep the guy who has shown a steady improvement and one that is keen to develop our outstanding youngsters
theviking 62
says...
5:18pm Thu 3 May 12
Mumby was the best
says...
5:54pm Thu 3 May 12
mines a pint wrote:He was allowed concessions on overseas quota but brought in second rate Aussies. Sorry just remembered second rate Aussies are better than most first rate Super League players, so again he coached a team with a load of cash behind them, unfortunately the RL`s cash!
theviking 62 wrote:But wasn't he allowed extra on the overseas quota????
Steam Pigs wrote:He had no money at Crusaders and got them into playoffs
Without loads of cash behind him, Noble has yet to prove his qualities and abilities... we don't look like having loads of money at Odsal anytime soon, so keep the guy who has shown a steady improvement and one that is keen to develop our outstanding youngsters
IDLEBULL says...
7:51am Thu 3 May 12