Potter: I want to finish job at Bradford Bulls (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

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 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.”