Decision hoped for soon to bring end to crisis

MP Gerry Sutcliffe MP Gerry Sutcliffe

The battle to save crisis-hit Bradford Bulls is now a two-horse race, with a decision on the rugby league club’s new owners expected as early as next week.

And hopes the struggling side will remain in the Super League have been bolstered by rival top-flight clubs uniting to give a significant vote of confidence for one of rugby league’s most famous names.

Bradford businessman Omar Khan and Bradford Park Avenue Football Club are now the only parties vying to take over the struggling side after a bid by sporting rivals Bradford City Football Club was withdrawn earlier this week.

An offer from Super League (Europe) – credited for bringing new prospective buyers forward – remains on the table as a last resort.

Former Sports Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, who is fronting Mr Khan’s bid, said an end to the protracted saga now looks to be in sight and the governing body could make its decision next week.

“There’s still information that we need to give and details we need from them, but we’re trying to get this resolved as soon as possible,” he said. “We just want what’s in the best interests of the Bulls and the future of rugby league in Bradford.

“It’s gone on for too long for the staff and the fans.”

Top-flight sides were updated on the progress of the Bulls bids during a meeting led by RFL interim chairman Maurice Watkins, chief executive Nigel Wood and director of licensing Blake Solly on Wednesday.

It is believed clubs gave their backing to the ailing Super League outfit, speaking against reducing the competition from 14 clubs to 13.

Mr Solly said: “The Super League clubs were encouraged by the detail presented to them and have mandated the RFL executive to continue working towards bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

“The RFL will now continue discussions and meet the bidders as soon as possible. I think everyone would agree that it has gone on too long but we want to make sure that the people who are awarded the club are the right people.”

Comments(38)

Thee Voice of Reason says...
8:33am Fri 24 Aug 12

Recycling yesterdays story.
What a cushy job it must be at the T&A if it ain't this isn't reporting about some tallentless wonder on twitter or about a story that was news 3 days ago.

manure says...
8:39am Fri 24 Aug 12

YP story 24 hours ago,well done T&A

prince35 says...
8:43am Fri 24 Aug 12

Why would bradford park avenue be putting a bid in?
And what would mr khan know about running a proffesional rugby club?
I feel the best people would have been bradford cty.

BCFC LAD says...
8:47am Fri 24 Aug 12

Khan makes a good curry but sutcliffe bulling him up and getting him to bid will be well out of his depth.

raisemeup says...
8:51am Fri 24 Aug 12

Three of the worst posts from three of the worst I would suspect:.

Your thoughts are really not worth the effort of replying.
Would advice everyone to ignore their uninformed opinions.

bingleymoor says...
8:54am Fri 24 Aug 12

Oh dear. I`m glad Super League remain in the background and Bradford City have said they are there if needed as it seems these two could be the men of straw.
If Park Avenue had more backing surely they would be putting it into their own team to get up the Leagues. As for Mr. Khan and the "do nothing" M.P., is this really genuine or more important is it a front to allow the Council to quietly use Council Tax money to prop up the Bulls.
I want the bUlls to survive, as I`ve said before but both these houses seem to be built on sand as far as the financial clout needed to run the business is concerned.

BCFC LAD says...
8:56am Fri 24 Aug 12

Raisemeup I would advise you went back to school.

Thee Voice of Reason says...
9:08am Fri 24 Aug 12

BCFC LAD wrote:
Raisemeup I would advise you went back to school.
Haha.

DCarbz says...
9:22am Fri 24 Aug 12

Just a thought. Wouldn't it be nice if both remaining bidders joined forces to make it come about.
There cannot be a conflict of interest as to why each one wants to buy the Bulls, surely.

Thee Voice of Reason says...
9:52am Fri 24 Aug 12

raisemeup wrote:
Three of the worst posts from three of the worst I would suspect:. Your thoughts are really not worth the effort of replying. Would advice everyone to ignore their uninformed opinions.
Your mate Steam Pigs and Mumby have likened the T&A to the dandy comic.

Why all of a sudden when the rest of us suggest the T&A are being lazy and just reprinting yesterdays news rather than going out and doing some proper reporting are our posts the worst when they say exactly what your mates do.

Don't you want better from your local paper than simply reprinting yesterdays news?

manure says...
9:53am Fri 24 Aug 12

Agree with you DCarbz,it makes sense for these bids to amalgamate,it would be of benefit alround.

murphyslaw says...
9:59am Fri 24 Aug 12

DCarbz wrote:
Just a thought. Wouldn't it be nice if both remaining bidders joined forces to make it come about.
There cannot be a conflict of interest as to why each one wants to buy the Bulls, surely.
Got to say that was my thoughts too. Of course we do not know the detail but my take would be Khan has the money and BPA the sporting expertise.But all the time I am very uneasy about the RFL involvement here and a further twist is very possible.

Mumby was the best says...
11:26am Fri 24 Aug 12

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:
Recycling yesterdays story.
What a cushy job it must be at the T&A if it ain't this isn't reporting about some tallentless wonder on twitter or about a story that was news 3 days ago.
Spot on

Freda's mum says...
11:45am Fri 24 Aug 12

Why all this delay on a decision? Is it because the liquidator is receiving a lot of money for each day he presides over this matter. Get a move on!!!

Avro says...
12:59pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Well it now seems at very least the club has a buyer one way or the other, which can't be a bad thing for supporters who's only other alternative is nothing.

raisemeup says...
1:18pm Fri 24 Aug 12

BCFC LAD wrote:
Raisemeup I would advise you went back to school.
Not B..... likely!

s and c are not really the issues, are they.

BCFC LAD says...
1:22pm Fri 24 Aug 12

When addressing you yes, s for silly and c for ?

raisemeup says...
2:12pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:
raisemeup wrote:
Three of the worst posts from three of the worst I would suspect:. Your thoughts are really not worth the effort of replying. Would advice everyone to ignore their uninformed opinions.
Your mate Steam Pigs and Mumby have likened the T&A to the dandy comic.

Why all of a sudden when the rest of us suggest the T&A are being lazy and just reprinting yesterdays news rather than going out and doing some proper reporting are our posts the worst when they say exactly what your mates do.

Don't you want better from your local paper than simply reprinting yesterdays news?
This is in the third party as I have no wish to take up any dialogue with people who use the tactics of the gutter.

I am opposed to all injustice, and unjust comments. I believe a lot of what I have read from a number of people on this site.Is cruel, vindictive, spiteful and lacks the finesse of good intelligent debate.
Certain posters have criticised the T&A and individuals for ridiculous reasons.

The stories they were talking about were purely accurate and up to date at the time of writing. Even if another Newspaper "scooped" certain stories,.That was no reason for the vindictivness displayed by a few posters.
All they ever do is stymie any useful contributions.Which in many cases is what they hope to achieve, no doubt!

We may ask the questions of the T&A but not in the way many of the posters have taken up the "Witch Hunt" against their local Newspaper.

Some of the comments are quite appalling.

And if the T&A decide to pull the plug on this forum, who will suffer as a result of it?

But maybe these posters don't care because they don't have an interest in the "Bulls" so therefore all they find to do is argue amongst themselves,with the object of seeing who can get the most Brownie points.

Don't blame the T&A, they can't or won't answer back.

Collectively you are biting the hand that feeds your inflated egos.

If the cap fits wear it, if not my apologies.

modman61 says...
4:01pm Fri 24 Aug 12

The reason the T&A is a day late with it's articles is becasuse it's printed the night before. Then it's in the shops first thing in the morning. It was a lot better when you could only get it at tea time around 5 o'clock. you then got up to date news. You only have to look at the pink on a saturday night we used to get years ago with all the sports results in. Sign of the times I'm afraid.

BCFC LAD says...
4:15pm Fri 24 Aug 12

I still get a bit of pink on a saturday night.

Mumby was the best says...
4:20pm Fri 24 Aug 12

modman61 wrote:
The reason the T&A is a day late with it's articles is becasuse it's printed the night before. Then it's in the shops first thing in the morning. It was a lot better when you could only get it at tea time around 5 o'clock. you then got up to date news. You only have to look at the pink on a saturday night we used to get years ago with all the sports results in. Sign of the times I'm afraid.
Agree, but the internet is instantaneous so breaking news can be published as it happens. Sometimes they do post breaking news on here, but yesterdays news was of importance and they never published till this morning whilst other sites posted it yesterday.

Mumby was the best says...
4:21pm Fri 24 Aug 12

At least someone is monitoring the postings, I see the slanderous posting from this morning has been removed and rightly so.

Tatecastre says...
4:29pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Raise me up, not a case of being vindictive, stiffling debate. The fact is the t n a, are a local paper and as such should be providing up to date local news. Unfortunately, this they have failed to do, throughout the whole Bulls story. Forever being behind other news/media outlets. The fact that it is now a " daily morning " is not an excuse to be used. Why should those of us who subscribe to the paper, find news, 24 hrs behind the rest. I for one find it annoying, when I'm informed of all things Bulls, from the YP, BBC sports, Sky, Sporting Life, the day before. Oh, raise me up, they do reply if you ask them, albeit not to one's satisfaction, but they do reply. I am now aware that the sale of the Bulls, is a news desk item not sports desk, why not both. I for one DO care about the Bulls, it's not a witch hunt, we are trying to get up to date information on the Bulls, on the day it happens. You should sit back and look at the situation from all points of the argument, which you don't. Only from your point. I've followed the bulls for over 50 yrs, was involved with the reforming of Bradford Northern, back in the day. There are other people on here who did the same. But according to you, RMP, we are not allowed to criticise the t n a. Have you noticed how many people have stopped posting on here, because of the main problems, TROLLS and over opinionated posters, who's word is law, to argue against their point is wrong. Now which class are you. I am now joining the rest of my friends and departing from this forum. Leaving it to you, TVOR and the trolls. Try the cap on.

Yorkshire Lass says...
4:42pm Fri 24 Aug 12

I must be missing something here. Bradford South MP representing one of the bidders? Why? Wasn't aware the said Gerry Sutcliffe was a business man, but am aware of his political stance for Bradford over the last 17 years or so and thats not been very interesting.

Mumby was the best says...
5:02pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Tatecastre wrote:
Raise me up, not a case of being vindictive, stiffling debate. The fact is the t n a, are a local paper and as such should be providing up to date local news. Unfortunately, this they have failed to do, throughout the whole Bulls story. Forever being behind other news/media outlets. The fact that it is now a " daily morning " is not an excuse to be used. Why should those of us who subscribe to the paper, find news, 24 hrs behind the rest. I for one find it annoying, when I'm informed of all things Bulls, from the YP, BBC sports, Sky, Sporting Life, the day before. Oh, raise me up, they do reply if you ask them, albeit not to one's satisfaction, but they do reply. I am now aware that the sale of the Bulls, is a news desk item not sports desk, why not both. I for one DO care about the Bulls, it's not a witch hunt, we are trying to get up to date information on the Bulls, on the day it happens. You should sit back and look at the situation from all points of the argument, which you don't. Only from your point. I've followed the bulls for over 50 yrs, was involved with the reforming of Bradford Northern, back in the day. There are other people on here who did the same. But according to you, RMP, we are not allowed to criticise the t n a. Have you noticed how many people have stopped posting on here, because of the main problems, TROLLS and over opinionated posters, who's word is law, to argue against their point is wrong. Now which class are you. I am now joining the rest of my friends and departing from this forum. Leaving it to you, TVOR and the trolls. Try the cap on.
If you leave you have let the TROLLS win, which means sensible discussion and reasoned argument go out the window. I for one think the T&A can do better but I aint going to fall out with a fellow supporter who thinks different.

raisemeup says...
5:34pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Tatecastre wrote:
Raise me up, not a case of being vindictive, stiffling debate. The fact is the t n a, are a local paper and as such should be providing up to date local news. Unfortunately, this they have failed to do, throughout the whole Bulls story. Forever being behind other news/media outlets. The fact that it is now a " daily morning " is not an excuse to be used. Why should those of us who subscribe to the paper, find news, 24 hrs behind the rest. I for one find it annoying, when I'm informed of all things Bulls, from the YP, BBC sports, Sky, Sporting Life, the day before. Oh, raise me up, they do reply if you ask them, albeit not to one's satisfaction, but they do reply. I am now aware that the sale of the Bulls, is a news desk item not sports desk, why not both. I for one DO care about the Bulls, it's not a witch hunt, we are trying to get up to date information on the Bulls, on the day it happens. You should sit back and look at the situation from all points of the argument, which you don't. Only from your point. I've followed the bulls for over 50 yrs, was involved with the reforming of Bradford Northern, back in the day. There are other people on here who did the same. But according to you, RMP, we are not allowed to criticise the t n a. Have you noticed how many people have stopped posting on here, because of the main problems, TROLLS and over opinionated posters, who's word is law, to argue against their point is wrong. Now which class are you. I am now joining the rest of my friends and departing from this forum. Leaving it to you, TVOR and the trolls. Try the cap on.
Now wasn't that more sensible than just a dig at the T&A.

I feel that sensible debate is the mainstay of every problem.
whether I'm opinionated is irrelevant to what the debate is about.

In fact if thats your opinion at least it make sense, what we see is constant unrealistic criticism. That muddies the waters,
I for one would be sad to see you go.
You do bring sense to debate.
Thanks for your reply.

New Hall Nev says...
7:04pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Tatecastre wrote:
Raise me up, not a case of being vindictive, stiffling debate. The fact is the t n a, are a local paper and as such should be providing up to date local news. Unfortunately, this they have failed to do, throughout the whole Bulls story. Forever being behind other news/media outlets. The fact that it is now a " daily morning " is not an excuse to be used. Why should those of us who subscribe to the paper, find news, 24 hrs behind the rest. I for one find it annoying, when I'm informed of all things Bulls, from the YP, BBC sports, Sky, Sporting Life, the day before. Oh, raise me up, they do reply if you ask them, albeit not to one's satisfaction, but they do reply. I am now aware that the sale of the Bulls, is a news desk item not sports desk, why not both. I for one DO care about the Bulls, it's not a witch hunt, we are trying to get up to date information on the Bulls, on the day it happens. You should sit back and look at the situation from all points of the argument, which you don't. Only from your point. I've followed the bulls for over 50 yrs, was involved with the reforming of Bradford Northern, back in the day. There are other people on here who did the same. But according to you, RMP, we are not allowed to criticise the t n a. Have you noticed how many people have stopped posting on here, because of the main problems, TROLLS and over opinionated posters, who's word is law, to argue against their point is wrong. Now which class are you. I am now joining the rest of my friends and departing from this forum. Leaving it to you, TVOR and the trolls. Try the cap on.
see ya lol

-HCK3R- says...
7:09pm Fri 24 Aug 12

The RFL have more than likely made their decsion but aren't releasing details to ensure the media give all their coverage to the challenge cup this weekend, after all they cant have anything overshadowing one of the games highlights of the season ....not even peoples livelihoods !!

Mumby was the best says...
7:44pm Fri 24 Aug 12

-HCK3R- wrote:
The RFL have more than likely made their decsion but aren't releasing details to ensure the media give all their coverage to the challenge cup this weekend, after all they cant have anything overshadowing one of the games highlights of the season ....not even peoples livelihoods !!
Your probably right, but I`m sure we can wait a few more days after this saga has dragged on so long. At least it looks like the outcome is better than we feared it was going to be.

Mr Capp says...
8:28pm Fri 24 Aug 12

i doubt whether there is one season ticket holder commenting on this story. Some of you are sad losers in life who will criticise anything about Bradford or its professional sporting teams. Indeed most of you are racist trolls into the bargain as is evidenced by your comments on previous topics.
I for one applaud Omar Khan and our elected representative Gerry Sutcliffe for their efforts in securing a future for the Bradford Bulls. I also thank Bradford park avenue's directors and Bradford City Fc for their support.
Bradford Bulls are one of the very few plus points to come out of Bradford proven by the fantastic efforts by the supporters and players in recent months.
To you sad deluded people who wish to post negative opinions about the bulls I urge you to stick to commenting on what you think you know so much about. ie mosques and good lads dealing in drugs!

Mumby was the best says...
8:35pm Fri 24 Aug 12

I`m a season ticket holder

Thee Voice of Reason says...
8:53pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Mr Capp wrote:
i doubt whether there is one season ticket holder commenting on this story. Some of you are sad losers in life who will criticise anything about Bradford or its professional sporting teams. Indeed most of you are racist trolls into the bargain as is evidenced by your comments on previous topics.
I for one applaud Omar Khan and our elected representative Gerry Sutcliffe for their efforts in securing a future for the Bradford Bulls. I also thank Bradford park avenue's directors and Bradford City Fc for their support.
Bradford Bulls are one of the very few plus points to come out of Bradford proven by the fantastic efforts by the supporters and players in recent months.
To you sad deluded people who wish to post negative opinions about the bulls I urge you to stick to commenting on what you think you know so much about. ie mosques and good lads dealing in drugs!
You call everyone racist on what basis?
Why the hell has race even been mentioned in this thread what so ever, what a poor response and one there was no need for.

raisemeup says...
8:53pm Fri 24 Aug 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
I`m a season ticket holder
Me too Mumby, and I don't think Mr Capp has got it just right.
Not all are negative and very few I would suspect are against the Omar Khan bid. Mainly because it has the feel of being genuine.
Obviously no one knows the total story, but as you know we have tasted the "Bitter Waters" for long enough to hope for some of the "sweet" to come along.

johnhem says...
12:34am Sat 25 Aug 12

i think you need to re-read those negative comments. they are about the T&A not the bulls. for years the paper has churned out late reports and given lazy reporting.thats on all subjects not just the bulls. this paper should be digging away at the council about things bradford care about, odeon and wastefield spring to mind straight away, and bringing them to task. it won't happen.
the reporting on the bulls games is usually quite good, and often you feel they have been to the same match, while other papers seem to just write what others have written and taken it as true.

arhmen aleg says...
2:46am Sat 25 Aug 12

DCarbz wrote:
Just a thought. Wouldn't it be nice if both remaining bidders joined forces to make it come about. There cannot be a conflict of interest as to why each one wants to buy the Bulls, surely.
absolutely and that includes the bid of super league who have the most brass to bank roll the transition and possible involvment with the stadium.

or should we currently refer to it as a potential cracking stadium

oddshapedballs says...
6:48pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Mr Capp wrote:
i doubt whether there is one season ticket holder commenting on this story. Some of you are sad losers in life who will criticise anything about Bradford or its professional sporting teams. Indeed most of you are racist trolls into the bargain as is evidenced by your comments on previous topics.
I for one applaud Omar Khan and our elected representative Gerry Sutcliffe for their efforts in securing a future for the Bradford Bulls. I also thank Bradford park avenue's directors and Bradford City Fc for their support.
Bradford Bulls are one of the very few plus points to come out of Bradford proven by the fantastic efforts by the supporters and players in recent months.
To you sad deluded people who wish to post negative opinions about the bulls I urge you to stick to commenting on what you think you know so much about. ie mosques and good lads dealing in drugs!
In one breath you are criticising people who comment on the negatives of bfd (of which there are far too many)

The next you are saying that the Bulls are "one of the very few plus points to come out of bfd" make your mind up. are you someone who thinks bfd is done or do you think everything is rosey. either way dont criticise people who speak the truth about the dump

oddshapedballs says...
6:52pm Sat 25 Aug 12

Mr Capp wrote:
i doubt whether there is one season ticket holder commenting on this story. Some of you are sad losers in life who will criticise anything about Bradford or its professional sporting teams. Indeed most of you are racist trolls into the bargain as is evidenced by your comments on previous topics.
I for one applaud Omar Khan and our elected representative Gerry Sutcliffe for their efforts in securing a future for the Bradford Bulls. I also thank Bradford park avenue's directors and Bradford City Fc for their support.
Bradford Bulls are one of the very few plus points to come out of Bradford proven by the fantastic efforts by the supporters and players in recent months.
To you sad deluded people who wish to post negative opinions about the bulls I urge you to stick to commenting on what you think you know so much about. ie mosques and good lads dealing in drugs!
In one breath you are criticising people who comment on the negatives of bfd (of which there are far too many)

The next you are saying that the Bulls are "one of the very few plus points to come out of bfd" make your mind up. are you someone who thinks bfd is done or do you think everything is rosey. either way dont criticise people who speak the truth about the dump

Victor Clayton says...
7:13pm Sun 26 Aug 12

is it right that an public servant is using his position to promote a business deal?

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree