First meeting of Bradford Bulls’ new powerbase

Mick Potter is pleased to see things 'moving forward again' off the pitch Mick Potter is pleased to see things 'moving forward again' off the pitch

Chris Caisley and Stephen Coulby will today hold talks with Bulls chief executive Ryan Duckett as they plot the next move for the crisis-torn club.

Following the resignation of chairman Peter Hood and fellow director Andrew Bennett, Duckett is currently the only board member left at Odsal.

He is expected to be joined on the board of directors by Coulby, Caisley and possibly Rowland Agar, who could also be at this afternoon’s meeting in Leeds.

The group of majority shareholders, led by the aforementioned trio, will explore opportunities to revive interest from potential investors who had spoken to Hood and push forward negotiations they have previously held with parties themselves.

Today’s talks will be the first step in the undertaking of a strategic review of the club and is expected to be the first of several meetings between Duckett, Caisley and Coulby.

It is understood that an independent auditor will also be in attendance at today’s talks in order to ascertain the scale of the club’s financial woes.

Bulls coach Mick Potter, meanwhile, believes the club remain well-placed to move forward on the pitch provided they can survive the current financial crisis off it.

“Whoever takes over at the top here, I think the club will only go one way,” said Potter.

“I think they will come in at a time when we are moving forward on the pitch. Off the pitch it seems like there is a process which is just starting to kick in and evolve.

“It’s beginning to move forward so I think the wheel is starting to turn again.

“It froze for a month and now we’re beginning to get those cogs working again.

“Hopefully we can now start to re-sign the players that we want to retain and potentially look in the market as well.

“There’s more to do here and I think the way forward for the club is up.”

Comments(44)

Blackie-Lawless says...
7:15am Thu 10 May 12

Sounds like something positive is happening off the field at last, I hope Mick is right and we can start to re-sign our best players, bateman needs to be signed up ASAP. and Potter should be offered a new contract to continue the building process he has started. lets just hope that the Auditor doesnt uncover more serious issues than were expected.

Solomon Grundy says...
8:11am Thu 10 May 12

Amen to the above. The big fear is that there are some nasty secrets lurking in the finances. Hopefully not. Whatever happens we need Potter signed on to develop and finish what he has begun here, and then a whole clutch of players the same.

nosher says...
8:16am Thu 10 May 12

I agree that Potter must stay. He has started to build a very competitive team. Unfortunately, we do need a clear out and the following are surplus to requirements - Walker, Sykes and Scrutton

birkybull says...
8:31am Thu 10 May 12

No 1 retention signing is Mick Potter. We do not need Brian Noble to come in and oversee Potter. Potter is his own boss and has proved his worth with the solid signings made this year. He has worked a small miricle changing round the fortunes of the playing side from what he inherited. As I understand it all players that we want to keep and extend deal have been offered the terms. We just havent been able to sign them and register the contracts. Hopefully it is then just a formality.

helenshep says...
8:36am Thu 10 May 12

birkybull wrote:
No 1 retention signing is Mick Potter. We do not need Brian Noble to come in and oversee Potter. Potter is his own boss and has proved his worth with the solid signings made this year. He has worked a small miricle changing round the fortunes of the playing side from what he inherited. As I understand it all players that we want to keep and extend deal have been offered the terms. We just havent been able to sign them and register the contracts. Hopefully it is then just a formality.
Totally agree birkbull we do need to keep Mick Potter, he is getting a good team together which includes the youngsters. Fingers crossed we can sort the finances out. COYB !!!!

TELEGRAPH AND ARGUS ADMIN says...
9:21am Thu 10 May 12

I will point out before any one starts to ruin yet another news story that any foul and abusive language or threats will NOT be tolerated and the user will be banned. There have been instances lately when certain trolls have appeared on this site and we have dealt with them accordingley but the responses from some posters of this site have also been paramount to abuse too.
THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!!!

Mumby was the best says...
9:29am Thu 10 May 12

birkybull wrote:
No 1 retention signing is Mick Potter. We do not need Brian Noble to come in and oversee Potter. Potter is his own boss and has proved his worth with the solid signings made this year. He has worked a small miricle changing round the fortunes of the playing side from what he inherited. As I understand it all players that we want to keep and extend deal have been offered the terms. We just havent been able to sign them and register the contracts. Hopefully it is then just a formality.
I agree and if we are so short of finances why take on another drain on them. I don`t think Nobby will come cheap and the way Potter has turned them round it would be a rebuff to him.

Potter for the sack says...
9:32am Thu 10 May 12

TELEGRAPH AND ARGUS ADMIN wrote:
I will point out before any one starts to ruin yet another news story that any foul and abusive language or threats will NOT be tolerated and the user will be banned. There have been instances lately when certain trolls have appeared on this site and we have dealt with them accordingley but the responses from some posters of this site have also been paramount to abuse too.
THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!!!
Yeah, pull the other leg! Another imposter & my dads bigger than yours and will come round and get you, LAST BUT ONE WARNING!!!!

jambo says...
9:43am Thu 10 May 12

Hang on, we were told that Caisley's group already HAD investors lined up but that they weren't prepared to come in while Hood was still chairman. Well Hood's gone. Where are these investors Mr Caisley? Or is that all just so much smoke and mirrors while you take us into administration and death?

Prycey says...
9:48am Thu 10 May 12

It was very interesting to hear Terry O’Connor say on BootsNall last night that the Bulls are very strong behind the scenes with youth and training facilities. He said that over the last few years the Bulls were out-bidding all other clubs when top youngsters were ready to sign. He actually said this.
.
This had me thinking all night that maybe the previous coach actually got some things in place that we are not giving him credit for. Hood did say that only one of his five years (training centre investment) he had less than the full cap to spend. Supporters couldn’t see where the money went when we looked at the first team. Well, maybe a part of our cap was spent on signing young lads that other clubs were chasing. I have been told that we do have quite a few really top teenagers in the background that most fans are not aware of. We signed three at the start of this season – two halves and a winger who are said to be very good. We may even have another wave of youngsters in 3-4 years following on behind the ones that are now breaking into the first team. Macca did fail as the first team coach but maybe he has left a good legacy that Potter and the new board can carry on.
.
If the financial woes can be sorted I am quietly optimistic for the future. They made a good point though on TV that we may not see those heights that we had 6 years ago for many years if at all ever and we will have to get used to living within our budget from now on.
I wonder what us Potter fans can now do to tell the new board to sign Potter up again and not let Nobby push him out. If Potter was forced out so Nobby can have a job again I would seriously consider my position when they ask for season tickets to be sold.

Adeybull says...
9:53am Thu 10 May 12

birkybull wrote:
No 1 retention signing is Mick Potter. We do not need Brian Noble to come in and oversee Potter. Potter is his own boss and has proved his worth with the solid signings made this year. He has worked a small miricle changing round the fortunes of the playing side from what he inherited. As I understand it all players that we want to keep and extend deal have been offered the terms. We just havent been able to sign them and register the contracts. Hopefully it is then just a formality.
Concur 100%.
.
I'd not want to see jobs dished out to pals who happen to be "between jobs" at the moment unless that led to a genuine improvement. Similar situation I guess vis a vis Ryan and Gary Tasker?
.
Hopefully the new regime will secure RFL approval that it is fit and proper to run a SL club, and that their promised new investment will lift the threat of administration so the RFL can register new contracts?

arthor61 says...
9:59am Thu 10 May 12

Nobby while a good coach has not had Superleague job for a number of years, he even failed to get his old job instead of Potter, Potter has been tireless both on and off the pitch trying to work with massive problems not least of which a team of misfits from McNamara, Caisley needs to stand up and sign Potter and not bring Nobby back because he is a mate.

murphyslaw says...
10:19am Thu 10 May 12

How anyone can suggest we are moving forward beggars belief. There is absolutely no sign of forward movement yet and I refer to the financial status here. The club is in trouble big time and it is difficult to see how anyone of substance would come anywhere near us let alone invest. We can only hope Caisley (in spite of his knockers) can come up with a similar package to the one he did when launching Bradford Bulls but since we relenquished the lease on the ground and with the state of Rugby League nationwide it is going to be very difficult indeed. The dreamers may see it differently but facing facts always was difficult for some. My guess is that the new board will have to make some painful decisions that will not be liked by many. Time will tell.

Adeybull says...
10:27am Thu 10 May 12

At least the new board will be able to blame their "painful decisions" on the previous board - whether justifiably or otherwise. You would hope they would be honest enough with the supporters so that we can form an objective view.
.
I too desperately hope that Caisley can indeed deliver on what he and his surrogates have led people to expect (although none of them actually ever promised anything, if you check).

Steam Pigs says...
10:28am Thu 10 May 12

jambo wrote:
Hang on, we were told that Caisley's group already HAD investors lined up but that they weren't prepared to come in while Hood was still chairman. Well Hood's gone. Where are these investors Mr Caisley? Or is that all just so much smoke and mirrors while you take us into administration and death?
Bingo - what happened to Caisleys investors??? 2 articles in the last few days, both relate to reviving interest in investment that Hood brought about..... wonder what would of happened if Caisley hadn't gone to the press just before the Leeds game.... all could of been sorted by now!

Why is this meeting in Leeds?? Caisley should know we have plenty of meeting space at Odsal going spare, he did oversee the building of the corporate Coral stand.......

Dark times ahead

lil_bull says...
10:43am Thu 10 May 12

seems like the clubs going in the right direction! ...but am not sure about this loser..sorry i mean admin!, last time i commented i got accused of been a troll, lets see how this one goes down

theviking62 says...
10:48am Thu 10 May 12

The phrase, in the article, " push forward with negotiations previously held ". Answers one or two of your questions re caisley, what he's doing. He has got investors interested.

Adeybull says...
10:55am Thu 10 May 12

It COULD mean that.
.
Then again, it could mean that he has talked to people in the past in a hypothetical context, but there is nothing set up yet.
.
Or somewhere in between.
.
I think we need to be careful to distinguish between what people ACTUALLY said, and what we THINK they said. And that applies to anyone whose comments are reported or reported on - whether we agree with them or not. They are none of them above spinning when it suits them.

Bullcity says...
11:25am Thu 10 May 12

Before the word forward is used in regard to the financial status of the club we need the following :-
1. How much debt & when will be able to pay it off --established by an administrator
2.Publicity of the so called investors and indeed how much money are they going to give us & over what time period
3. Operational accounts giving us the chance to see what we need to do to put the club into financial soudness without jepordising the playing side of the business.
Only when this is sorted out can we say we are going forward.
Hope this is soon

arthor61 says...
11:32am Thu 10 May 12

Bullcity wrote:
Before the word forward is used in regard to the financial status of the club we need the following :-
1. How much debt & when will be able to pay it off --established by an administrator
2.Publicity of the so called investors and indeed how much money are they going to give us & over what time period
3. Operational accounts giving us the chance to see what we need to do to put the club into financial soudness without jepordising the playing side of the business.
Only when this is sorted out can we say we are going forward.
Hope this is soon
I am not convinced that any of this information will be released in detail, and certainly not to the fans

Adeybull says...
11:37am Thu 10 May 12

1 - We are told there is now no debt, and (assuming the bank has been fully settled) I believe that. Nothing whatsoever to do with an administrator, unless one is appointed.
.
2 - We will be told what the board choose to tell us.
.
3 - Dream on. Totally confidential, and as fans you will never see those.

olicanabull says...
1:02pm Thu 10 May 12

Clearly there are some subjects in any business which have to remain confidential, for example the salaries paid to individual players, negotiations behind the scenes to sell or buy players, discussions with the bank about finance. But the new board have to take into account that there are new stakeholders on the scene who didn't exist to the same degree before, namely all those supporters who gave pledge funds to keep the club going in desperate times. £500,000 talks and the directors need to listen and to confide in the fans as much as possible, and certainly more than the previous board did. It is a question of getting the balance right between confidentiality where absolutely necessary, and transparency to keep the new stakeholders as informed as possible. We don't need Nobby as a replacement coach; a priority is a PR person who has journalistic contacts and can keep the Bulls in the news, for all the right reasons.

Adeybull says...
1:31pm Thu 10 May 12

Caisley made his views on the fans clear on a number of occasions in his previous tenure. Unless he has changed his opinion, I'll not hold my breath for any significant engagement.
.
If Caisley & co. DO put the club into administration, we'll know just how much those new stakeholders count in their plans. I live in hope that they do not, or can be dissuaded from doing so.

Adeybull says...
1:58pm Thu 10 May 12

I presume you mean the prospective administrators? Sorry, "auditors"?

Prycey says...
2:01pm Thu 10 May 12

Noah, What is the name of this administrator in Leeds? If you know it is in their office you must know who it is.

Tricky Dicky says...
2:01pm Thu 10 May 12

olicanabull wrote:
Clearly there are some subjects in any business which have to remain confidential, for example the salaries paid to individual players, negotiations behind the scenes to sell or buy players, discussions with the bank about finance. But the new board have to take into account that there are new stakeholders on the scene who didn't exist to the same degree before, namely all those supporters who gave pledge funds to keep the club going in desperate times. £500,000 talks and the directors need to listen and to confide in the fans as much as possible, and certainly more than the previous board did. It is a question of getting the balance right between confidentiality where absolutely necessary, and transparency to keep the new stakeholders as informed as possible. We don't need Nobby as a replacement coach; a priority is a PR person who has journalistic contacts and can keep the Bulls in the news, for all the right reasons.
I do wish you'd stop dissing Nobby. Break him apart and it will say Bradford on the inside. Also remember Mr Potter was sacked by St Helens where he also wanted an extra year and he took them to a Grand Final. Suddenly, he is being compared to Wayne Bennett when in actual fact we lie eighth in Super League and are out of the Cup. If the top six play-offs were to be brought back along with relegation (both mooted to happen) then would you be as confident? The side hit rock bottom last season so the only way was up. Many are seemingly thinking we are world -beaters but the next game against Salford, who have already trounced us at home, will be a tricky match. I certainly would not sign Mr Potter up immediately but wait until mid-Summer to have a better perspective of progress. I do not think he is being 'head-hunted' by our rivals. And to those who criticise someone who has been out of the front-line for a season and think they are surplus to requirements then look towards football. Ability and success is not questioned there but somehow it is applicable to Rugby League by the misguided. Can someone tell me exactly what Mr Potter has won as a coach?
Also, if we have signed so many great youngsters, at the expense how providing a competitive side in Super league, can someone also tell me why our junior sides are regularly beaten? Whatever it takes to move this side forward and once again be one of the "Big Four" will get my backing and if that means saying goodbye to Mr Potter and welcoming Mr Noble, so be it.

Adeybull says...
2:09pm Thu 10 May 12

The only way we will ever be one of the "big four" again in the foreseeable future is if we acquire a wealthy owner prepared to bankroll the club a la Lenaghan, Davy, Moran or Pearson (or we move to the south of France).

Faxlad says...
2:22pm Thu 10 May 12

jambo wrote:
Hang on, we were told that Caisley's group already HAD investors lined up but that they weren't prepared to come in while Hood was still chairman. Well Hood's gone. Where are these investors Mr Caisley? Or is that all just so much smoke and mirrors while you take us into administration and death?
Mr Caisley could be the saviour of the rugby club!
Sadly not the Bulls, with Fax and Fev waiting in the wings a collapse of the Bulls and promotion for either of these clubs would be welcome throughout the rugby world.
Bulls had the golden goose a few years ago but appear to have wasted the golden eggs and are now asking the fans to dip into their pockets. I would be asking where all the money has gone?
£300k plus from Grattan alone in ground sponsorship.
Somebody has made a good living from the fans over the last few years.
Faxlad

doctor.t says...
2:50pm Thu 10 May 12

Potter for the sack wrote:
TELEGRAPH AND ARGUS ADMIN wrote:
I will point out before any one starts to ruin yet another news story that any foul and abusive language or threats will NOT be tolerated and the user will be banned. There have been instances lately when certain trolls have appeared on this site and we have dealt with them accordingley but the responses from some posters of this site have also been paramount to abuse too.
THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING!!!
Yeah, pull the other leg! Another imposter & my dads bigger than yours and will come round and get you, LAST BUT ONE WARNING!!!!
You have to smile............I think the word he was looking for is TANTAMOUNT.......par
amount make fantasy films,don't they???
Then again...............
....

olicanabull says...
3:55pm Thu 10 May 12

the meeting will take place in Leeds because that is where Mr. Caisley is based - and the restaurants are better!.

olicanabull says...
3:55pm Thu 10 May 12

the meeting will take place in Leeds because that is where Mr. Caisley is based - and the restaurants are better!.

Steam Pigs says...
4:12pm Thu 10 May 12

noah100 wrote:
Steam Pigs wrote:
jambo wrote: Hang on, we were told that Caisley's group already HAD investors lined up but that they weren't prepared to come in while Hood was still chairman. Well Hood's gone. Where are these investors Mr Caisley? Or is that all just so much smoke and mirrors while you take us into administration and death?
Bingo - what happened to Caisleys investors??? 2 articles in the last few days, both relate to reviving interest in investment that Hood brought about..... wonder what would of happened if Caisley hadn't gone to the press just before the Leeds game.... all could of been sorted by now! Why is this meeting in Leeds?? Caisley should know we have plenty of meeting space at Odsal going spare, he did oversee the building of the corporate Coral stand....... Dark times ahead
The meeting is in leeds as thats is were the administrators office is. I did say this yesterday on here but no doubt people thought I was stiring.
However all the "books" invoices, purchase orders etc... etc... will all be in an office/storeroom at Odsal - not everything is electrionic

Whenever my company is audited, they come to me........

Adeybull says...
4:24pm Thu 10 May 12

I very much doubt what is being conducted is an "audit". It is more likley to include a review of the latest monthly management accounts and forecasts (which I understand CC has had previoulsy anyway) and modelling to reflect what they consider to be relevant assumptions and scenarios. Whether or not that involves "Newco" remains to be seen...
.
You do not need access to the detailed books and records for most of that. And even if you do need access to the accounting system, it is quite possible that they can do this across the internet through Citrix or a vpn or MS remote access or whatever - which is precisely what I do for our various accounting systems in the UK and around the world. As I will be doing at home this evening, in fact.

lttlewhitebull says...
5:02pm Thu 10 May 12

Tricky Dicky wrote:
olicanabull wrote:
Clearly there are some subjects in any business which have to remain confidential, for example the salaries paid to individual players, negotiations behind the scenes to sell or buy players, discussions with the bank about finance. But the new board have to take into account that there are new stakeholders on the scene who didn't exist to the same degree before, namely all those supporters who gave pledge funds to keep the club going in desperate times. £500,000 talks and the directors need to listen and to confide in the fans as much as possible, and certainly more than the previous board did. It is a question of getting the balance right between confidentiality where absolutely necessary, and transparency to keep the new stakeholders as informed as possible. We don't need Nobby as a replacement coach; a priority is a PR person who has journalistic contacts and can keep the Bulls in the news, for all the right reasons.
I do wish you'd stop dissing Nobby. Break him apart and it will say Bradford on the inside. Also remember Mr Potter was sacked by St Helens where he also wanted an extra year and he took them to a Grand Final. Suddenly, he is being compared to Wayne Bennett when in actual fact we lie eighth in Super League and are out of the Cup. If the top six play-offs were to be brought back along with relegation (both mooted to happen) then would you be as confident? The side hit rock bottom last season so the only way was up. Many are seemingly thinking we are world -beaters but the next game against Salford, who have already trounced us at home, will be a tricky match. I certainly would not sign Mr Potter up immediately but wait until mid-Summer to have a better perspective of progress. I do not think he is being 'head-hunted' by our rivals. And to those who criticise someone who has been out of the front-line for a season and think they are surplus to requirements then look towards football. Ability and success is not questioned there but somehow it is applicable to Rugby League by the misguided. Can someone tell me exactly what Mr Potter has won as a coach?
Also, if we have signed so many great youngsters, at the expense how providing a competitive side in Super league, can someone also tell me why our junior sides are regularly beaten? Whatever it takes to move this side forward and once again be one of the "Big Four" will get my backing and if that means saying goodbye to Mr Potter and welcoming Mr Noble, so be it.
How refreshing to hear someone talking sense. Whilst I appreciate the job Mick potter is doing lets not get carried away. Too many people on this site swing one way or another on a result and we're either world beaters or absolutely rubbish. I have not commented on all the posts slagging Caisley and saying Hood was only trying to sort out his mess but as someone not in any possession of any facts the thing that struck me was Hood paid cash for the Coral stand. If we were not in a controlled financial state at that time How could we have £3m lying around.

Adeybull says...
6:10pm Thu 10 May 12

Oh dear.
.
It was Caisley that paid cash for the Coral Stand, not Hood. Around 2002.
.
The Coral Stand did not cost £3m.
.
The money came from the Odsal Settlement with the council, where the paid us (cash and in kind) I think it was £4.7m to surrender the 1986 agreement whereby the council ran the stadium and paid for its upkeep and received the sundry income from it.
.
Otherwise your point is a good one - although it has been made before on here. Surely Caisley would have been far better leasing the Coral Stand, over a long period, and conserving the cash to pay for all the extra expenditure the club incurred on taking over the stadium? That cash was meant to compensate us for up to 2019. In the event, the large part of it had already been spent when Caisley stood down, and the rest went in the next three years. So its no wonder we ran out of cash?
.
But, as someone said on here a few weeks ago, before the thread was purged, "But hey: we all make mistakes."

arhmen aleg says...
7:09pm Thu 10 May 12

To all those interested.Google Companies House.Go into webcheck.search Bradford Bulls.
There are 3 companies.click on the company number left column.you will see exactly when the last accounts filed are dated to.Order a copy with your credit card (used to be about £3 quid.You will then experience the sight of a financial position at the last date they produced to.
Someone produces a Balance Sheet today"s date.(easy two day stuff if proper records are kept)You will then have an idea how much they have lost in the last 12 months.
quite easy for an accountant.
quite Easy to make that info available when screwing the hard up Bradford public and wider Rugby fraternity for a miliion Mr Hood.
So if he is an accountant why no transparency.
Has he stayed long enough to get the fans brass in then clear the overdraft so his house is no longer on the line?
So Bullites.You will morally now own the club.
But big Mr C and the other past financial failures (you bought the dream ala Peter Ridsdale at Leeds)will really own it and it will be YOU that has saved it.
No bloody time for any of them.
They have all F>>> up and we"ve waited 2012 years for the second coming of the other bigger Mr C.
So for in Christs name go the whole **** lot of you once you have found the investors.
And take not a bloody penny for your shares when it is down to the public to have saved the club from ruin.
Bullites SHOULD OWN the club.
They should call the shots not a previous financial set of MUPPETS.
Of course Caisley and his cronies will cling to the power and the glory.There will be a buck or two in it for them.
When it is YOU YOU YOU fans that the club exists still because of.
Get SHOT OF THE LOT.
Find your own investors.
yourselves

murphyslaw says...
9:01pm Thu 10 May 12

Tricky Dicky wrote:
olicanabull wrote:
Clearly there are some subjects in any business which have to remain confidential, for example the salaries paid to individual players, negotiations behind the scenes to sell or buy players, discussions with the bank about finance. But the new board have to take into account that there are new stakeholders on the scene who didn't exist to the same degree before, namely all those supporters who gave pledge funds to keep the club going in desperate times. £500,000 talks and the directors need to listen and to confide in the fans as much as possible, and certainly more than the previous board did. It is a question of getting the balance right between confidentiality where absolutely necessary, and transparency to keep the new stakeholders as informed as possible. We don't need Nobby as a replacement coach; a priority is a PR person who has journalistic contacts and can keep the Bulls in the news, for all the right reasons.
I do wish you'd stop dissing Nobby. Break him apart and it will say Bradford on the inside. Also remember Mr Potter was sacked by St Helens where he also wanted an extra year and he took them to a Grand Final. Suddenly, he is being compared to Wayne Bennett when in actual fact we lie eighth in Super League and are out of the Cup. If the top six play-offs were to be brought back along with relegation (both mooted to happen) then would you be as confident? The side hit rock bottom last season so the only way was up. Many are seemingly thinking we are world -beaters but the next game against Salford, who have already trounced us at home, will be a tricky match. I certainly would not sign Mr Potter up immediately but wait until mid-Summer to have a better perspective of progress. I do not think he is being 'head-hunted' by our rivals. And to those who criticise someone who has been out of the front-line for a season and think they are surplus to requirements then look towards football. Ability and success is not questioned there but somehow it is applicable to Rugby League by the misguided. Can someone tell me exactly what Mr Potter has won as a coach?
Also, if we have signed so many great youngsters, at the expense how providing a competitive side in Super league, can someone also tell me why our junior sides are regularly beaten? Whatever it takes to move this side forward and once again be one of the "Big Four" will get my backing and if that means saying goodbye to Mr Potter and welcoming Mr Noble, so be it.
Spot on tricky!! We were all devastated when Nobby left and the rot set in. I know the reasons were many but I would love Nobby back at the club where he was something of a legend and lets face it he hasn't looked happy anywhere else.

arhmen aleg says...
11:48pm Thu 10 May 12

theviking62 wrote:
Old saying, don't fix what isn't broken. Potter is doing well this season. A couple of questions Brian, is a Bradford legend, but how would we use him and why hasn't he been picked up by any other club, in any competition, i've nothing against Brian, but that does raise doubts in my mind. Do we need him. I think not.
Whether The Bulls need him or not It appears that there is some negativity towards what Brian is all about.
Unprecedented success,three world crowns,freeman of the city,top man,mans man,Bradford through and through.
I recall a little fella of about 8 years old hiding behind my mum and dads wall after knocking on our door.
I took him that day to watch Bradford Park Avenue.(about 68)
Later we would play cricket together and he even guested in my Bradford Salem RUFC team when a Northern A match was off as young player taking his first steps.
A couple of years later he was on the world stage taking on the Aussies in a bruisher of a Menningha series.
!0 mile runs on the canalside at Apperley Bridge with him and a golden career where the man never lost his pride that he was from Bradford.
Manningham Bradford 8 always came the response to questions as to his roots.And very proud indeed to shout it.
It saddens me a little to read the comments of those who appear embittered through recent years events.
One Brian Noble involved in his beloved hometown club is worth a thousand wannabies who seek the power and the glory.
Brian was man enough to recognize when he no longer felt wanted.
By a man who appears to have just left.
Brian has never struck me as a man who demands power.
But I am sure he will be hurt as hell at the depth to which things have fallen.
A man you would take as first pick if you were about to enter the first world war trenches as your buddy.
Bullites remember that and how much happiness his era of unprecedented success brought
the Bulls and indeed the city.
Not sure he controlled the purse strings.Numbers meant little to the competitive little tiger that was suspended in his first schoolboy boxing match at Rhodesway.Cant remember if he kicked the opponent in the goolies or bit his ear.Think it was his opponent that bit his ear so he kicked him in the proverbials.
Mr Allen was not impressed.
Will have to catch up with the legend soon.
The Bulls should never forget the balmy times he,in the not too distantly past brought you.
You will remember those days for the rest of your natural days.
God bless

Tricky Dicky says...
5:21am Fri 11 May 12

arhmen aleg wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Old saying, don't fix what isn't broken. Potter is doing well this season. A couple of questions Brian, is a Bradford legend, but how would we use him and why hasn't he been picked up by any other club, in any competition, i've nothing against Brian, but that does raise doubts in my mind. Do we need him. I think not.
Whether The Bulls need him or not It appears that there is some negativity towards what Brian is all about.
Unprecedented success,three world crowns,freeman of the city,top man,mans man,Bradford through and through.
I recall a little fella of about 8 years old hiding behind my mum and dads wall after knocking on our door.
I took him that day to watch Bradford Park Avenue.(about 68)
Later we would play cricket together and he even guested in my Bradford Salem RUFC team when a Northern A match was off as young player taking his first steps.
A couple of years later he was on the world stage taking on the Aussies in a bruisher of a Menningha series.
!0 mile runs on the canalside at Apperley Bridge with him and a golden career where the man never lost his pride that he was from Bradford.
Manningham Bradford 8 always came the response to questions as to his roots.And very proud indeed to shout it.
It saddens me a little to read the comments of those who appear embittered through recent years events.
One Brian Noble involved in his beloved hometown club is worth a thousand wannabies who seek the power and the glory.
Brian was man enough to recognize when he no longer felt wanted.
By a man who appears to have just left.
Brian has never struck me as a man who demands power.
But I am sure he will be hurt as hell at the depth to which things have fallen.
A man you would take as first pick if you were about to enter the first world war trenches as your buddy.
Bullites remember that and how much happiness his era of unprecedented success brought
the Bulls and indeed the city.
Not sure he controlled the purse strings.Numbers meant little to the competitive little tiger that was suspended in his first schoolboy boxing match at Rhodesway.Cant remember if he kicked the opponent in the goolies or bit his ear.Think it was his opponent that bit his ear so he kicked him in the proverbials.
Mr Allen was not impressed.
Will have to catch up with the legend soon.
The Bulls should never forget the balmy times he,in the not too distantly past brought you.
You will remember those days for the rest of your natural days.
God bless
Lest we forget. It seems Brian is being tarred with Caisley's brush and certain people still believe Hood's mantra that he left of his own accord. The same people are judging Mr Potter by merely an heroic battle at Warrington and wins at Hull and Leyton. Can I remind them of defeats to Catalans, Wigan and Salford - all at home. Please, a bit of perspective.
To arhmen aleg - honourable and factual. People forget the meaning of loyalty, nowadays.

Tricky Dicky says...
5:22am Fri 11 May 12

arhmen aleg wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Old saying, don't fix what isn't broken. Potter is doing well this season. A couple of questions Brian, is a Bradford legend, but how would we use him and why hasn't he been picked up by any other club, in any competition, i've nothing against Brian, but that does raise doubts in my mind. Do we need him. I think not.
Whether The Bulls need him or not It appears that there is some negativity towards what Brian is all about.
Unprecedented success,three world crowns,freeman of the city,top man,mans man,Bradford through and through.
I recall a little fella of about 8 years old hiding behind my mum and dads wall after knocking on our door.
I took him that day to watch Bradford Park Avenue.(about 68)
Later we would play cricket together and he even guested in my Bradford Salem RUFC team when a Northern A match was off as young player taking his first steps.
A couple of years later he was on the world stage taking on the Aussies in a bruisher of a Menningha series.
!0 mile runs on the canalside at Apperley Bridge with him and a golden career where the man never lost his pride that he was from Bradford.
Manningham Bradford 8 always came the response to questions as to his roots.And very proud indeed to shout it.
It saddens me a little to read the comments of those who appear embittered through recent years events.
One Brian Noble involved in his beloved hometown club is worth a thousand wannabies who seek the power and the glory.
Brian was man enough to recognize when he no longer felt wanted.
By a man who appears to have just left.
Brian has never struck me as a man who demands power.
But I am sure he will be hurt as hell at the depth to which things have fallen.
A man you would take as first pick if you were about to enter the first world war trenches as your buddy.
Bullites remember that and how much happiness his era of unprecedented success brought
the Bulls and indeed the city.
Not sure he controlled the purse strings.Numbers meant little to the competitive little tiger that was suspended in his first schoolboy boxing match at Rhodesway.Cant remember if he kicked the opponent in the goolies or bit his ear.Think it was his opponent that bit his ear so he kicked him in the proverbials.
Mr Allen was not impressed.
Will have to catch up with the legend soon.
The Bulls should never forget the balmy times he,in the not too distantly past brought you.
You will remember those days for the rest of your natural days.
God bless
Lest we forget. It seems Brian is being tarred with Caisley's brush and certain people still believe Hood's mantra that he left of his own accord. The same people are judging Mr Potter by merely an heroic battle at Warrington and wins at Hull and Leyton. Can I remind them of defeats to Catalans, Wigan and Salford - all at home. Please, a bit of perspective.
To arhmen aleg - honourable and factual. People forget the meaning of loyalty, nowadays.

Potter for the sack says...
9:06am Fri 11 May 12

Tricky at last I am agreeing with your posts! Brian was player and coach for 25 years and would not have left unless forced out. Ex GB captain and great guy.

theviking62 says...
11:41am Fri 11 May 12

To clarify the situation, I have not tarred Brian with Elliot. I have nothing but respect for him. I now him very well from his days in the policeforce in Bradford. What I'm saying is you cannot give potter the boot after what he his doing for the club. ESP this season. Ok Brian achieved a lot for the club, as one person said Brian is a gent. But I don't think Brian would like to see potter evicted from the club like he was. Hence don't fix what isn't broken. By all means use Brian as a consultant on other matters, eg.scouting for players etc. when and if potter goes then use him as coach. Loyalty to people as individuals is an honourable thing, but my loyalty is to the team, players, coaches, staff as a whole. I won't be the only one who thinks this way. No more should be said on the subject.

Steam Pigs says...
11:44am Fri 11 May 12

Potter for the sack wrote:
Tricky at last I am agreeing with your posts! Brian was player and coach for 25 years and would not have left unless forced out. Ex GB captain and great guy.
Super Noble - coached more games for the pie eaters than the Bulls..

Super Noble - Only won 50 odd % of his games for the pies – even though he literally had as much money as he could spend to save them from relegation....

Rose tinted glasses well and truly worn round these parts

theviking62 says...
11:53am Fri 11 May 12

Arhmen aleg, I assume that's an anagram, could you explain, your first post re supporters choosing the investors. As it makes no real sense considering the majority of supporters do not hold shares. These are, held by the few. Who will no doubt have a say, eventually, as to who comes on board. The reference to hood and houses, I don't get, if he put his house up as security, he's now gone and his house is safe. Or is it the one that he is reputedly building. The companies house thing, is quite correct, though I think people won't pay three quid to read, what will soon be public knowledge, this is my opinion only. I had made a better case than this in a post that seems to have not been printed, may be too much info.

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