Bradford Bulls set to unveil Francis Cummins as head coach at morning news conference

7:30am Monday 17th September 2012 in Bulls Photograph of the Author By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Francis Cummins is set to take over as Bulls coach after two seasons working under Mick Potter Francis Cummins is set to take over as Bulls coach after two seasons working under Mick Potter

Francis Cummins is set to be appointed as Bulls coach today on the recommendation of Mick Potter, who believes his former assistant is being rewarded for his “loyalty and honesty” during a traumatic campaign.

Cummins has served as Potter’s assistant during the past two seasons following a previous spell at Leeds Rhinos, working under Tony Smith and Brian McClennan after his playing career was cut short by injury in 2005.

The former Headingley favourite has long held ambitions to become a head coach in his own right and will now be handed that opportunity following Potter’s decision not to accept a new contract offer to stay at Odsal .

Potter instead recommended 35-year-old Cummins to new owners Omar Khan and Gerry Sutcliffe, with confirmation of his appointment expected at an 11am news conference.

The outgoing coach feels Cummins’ elevation from assistant to the top job is the natural progression after two seasons working together.

“Helping Franny to develop as a coach was part of my job specification and role when I came in,” said Potter.

“I told the previous regime who appointed me that I didn’t want to be here for a long time. I told them I wanted to do two or three years and then bring someone through while I’m here.

“When the club have people here now that can take the organisation forward, my job is done, but Franny is here and is ready to become a head coach.

“Franny knows the players that are left here, he knows the structure, he knows the system and everything about the place. As a person he’s honest, hard-working and he’s loyal.”

It is not yet known how Potter’s other assistant coach – Lee St Hilaire – and the likes of Paul Medley and Stu Barrow will fit into the new set-up.

When administrator Brendan Guilfoyle made the entire coaching staff redundant on July 2, Cummins was contacted by former Bulls coach Brian Noble about the prospect of working as his assistant.

He turned the offer down and came back into position along with Potter, albeit on an unpaid basis, for the remainder of the campaign.

Potter said: “It showed that he’s honest and loyal to the people he’s working with, no matter what was thrown at him.

“He could have taken a job back with the administrator on pay. He chose not to do that at that particular time because he saw it as the wrong thing to do.

“And it was his choice. That’s the kind of guy he is. It will stand him in good stead for the future.

“The players will respect him for what he’s done in the past. When times get tough, and they will in the near future, they can trust his judgment and know he’s an honest coach.”

Khan and Sutcliffe are keen to hit the ground running by launching a season-ticket campaign and assembling a squad for 2013.

It is understood that interim chief executive Gary Tasker will not be taking the position on a permanent basis, although he is expected to help the club’s new owners on a consultancy basis in the coming months.

Comments(47)

Mumby was the best says...
7:41am Mon 17 Sep 12

As I predicted. Stick with Me viking lad.

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Mumby was the best says...
7:48am Mon 17 Sep 12

Sorry meant to say did not see this coming.

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bully4us says...
8:05am Mon 17 Sep 12

Yes, this was a really tough one to predict and we all bow to your imense knowledge. Nobody else must have guessed that Franny would be in the frame when he is the assistant and it was announced that the replacement has already been found. Wow, what what a treat for us all to have you on this forum Mumby. Now go back to bed why don't you.

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Hudzilla says...
8:25am Mon 17 Sep 12

All the best Franny, the Bulls supporters are with you #COYB

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Solomon Grundy says...
8:26am Mon 17 Sep 12

Good luck to Franny and I wish him all the best. Obviously we have to bear the Mcnamara debacle in mind, so I think he'll need a stronger backroom than he has at present, that was a weakness under Mcnamara.

But in Francis we trust! COYB!!!

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Mumby was the best says...
8:35am Mon 17 Sep 12

I hear his brother in law not doing anything next year.

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Mumby was the best says...
8:45am Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
I hear his brother in law not doing anything next year.
you often hear voices I bet.......
but you may want to go check some facts before spouting off

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Capabull says...
8:48am Mon 17 Sep 12

Logical appointment, it maintains continuity. I think we need another assistant, please do not let it be St Hillaire!
All coaches at one time are untried, so the only way to find out if they will make it is to give them a chance, look at Shaun Wane, I know he took over a settled successful squad but Wigan had faith in the continuity process. Huddersfield have gone down the same route but will Baloo survive?
Nobby as overseer could be the ideal situation.

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Mumby was the best says...
8:49am Mon 17 Sep 12

Why am I talking to myself ? Wake up viking I am going mad here.

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Sheffieldbull says...
8:53am Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
Mumby was the best wrote:
I hear his brother in law not doing anything next year.
you often hear voices I bet.......
but you may want to go check some facts before spouting off
Well, if he doesn't hear them, he certainly reads them elsewhere then posts the same on here. Then again, what should we expect - it hasn't even got its own name.
.
Hope the Fans get full square behind Franny, he deserves his promotion. COYBs!

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Mumby was the best says...
8:55am Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
Why am I talking to myself ? Wake up viking I am going mad here.
I`m going to see a doctor later today to see if he can stop me talking to myself and if he can work out why I have this Viking fixation it`s troubling me I think I`m turning to the other side

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Mumby was the best says...
9:00am Mon 17 Sep 12

I may have to remove the poster of sir keith mumby from my bedroom wall and replace it with a longboat.

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Mumby was the best says...
9:02am Mon 17 Sep 12

I hope the fans get behind francis too sheffield but lets see if your reaction changes after half a dozen games if its not going well.

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Mumby was the best says...
9:04am Mon 17 Sep 12

Fixating on Sheffield now

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Mumby was the best says...
9:05am Mon 17 Sep 12

Anyway can`t stop and argue with myself I need bed I`ve just come off a night shift

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Mumby was the best says...
9:06am Mon 17 Sep 12

I dont like sheffield he is a know nowt idiot in my view unlike viking who is just a know nowt.

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Mumby was the best says...
9:08am Mon 17 Sep 12

You work ? God help your employer.

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-HCK3R- says...
9:25am Mon 17 Sep 12

What he really means is he has to go to school............

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Mumby was the best says...
9:27am Mon 17 Sep 12

You are probably right there. Quite funny though all the same.

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Mumby was the best says...
9:45am Mon 17 Sep 12

Miss has kicked me out of class, so I am sat on the naughty step thinking of how to annoy my good friend from Scandanvia, people keep pointing at me and laughing

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Mumby was the best says...
9:56am Mon 17 Sep 12

Get back into lessons or you will end up like sheffield.

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stormingnorm says...
9:59am Mon 17 Sep 12

God help us !
Everything about the club is second rate
The only thing where we are the best , is having the biggest Morons in the league on here

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Sheffieldbull says...
10:03am Mon 17 Sep 12

A friend has just confirmed that season tickets have been purchased from Odsal. First rate IMO!

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Mumby was the best says...
10:04am Mon 17 Sep 12

stormingnorm wrote:
God help us !
Everything about the club is second rate
The only thing where we are the best , is having the biggest Morons in the league on here
He won't help you..... he could well be a she too......

Atten'hut!

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Mumby was the best says...
10:05am Mon 17 Sep 12

You have a friend ?

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Mumby was the best says...
10:07am Mon 17 Sep 12

How much are they sheff ? £170 is my guess.

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Sheffieldbull says...
10:12am Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
How much are they sheff ? £170 is my guess.
£228 in Stand (£180 concession)

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Mumby was the best says...
10:13am Mon 17 Sep 12

How much for standing ?

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Mumby was the best says...
10:19am Mon 17 Sep 12

I will be a concession then not paying that much to watch a championship team.

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cliftonmike says...
10:20am Mon 17 Sep 12

Just bought next seasons tickets.Can't wait!

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Sheffieldbull says...
10:21am Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
How much for standing ?
£180 for terrace,didn't ask about cons - 08448711490 (option 1)

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Mumby was the best says...
10:27am Mon 17 Sep 12

Will get a concessionary one on terrace, they wont check.

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Sheffieldbull says...
11:20am Mon 17 Sep 12

Congratulaions to Franny on his 3 year Head Coach contract - you've earned it. COYBs in 2013!

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Mumby was the best says...
11:36am Mon 17 Sep 12

welcome Franny

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-HCK3R- says...
12:05pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
Miss has kicked me out of class, so I am sat on the naughty step thinking of how to annoy my good friend from Scandanvia, people keep pointing at me and laughing
The sad thing is you should be pitied not ridicued after all how sad must your life be when you sit waiting for any news relating to the Bulls so you can type in one of your duplicate sign ons and make a feeble attempt to wind people up....I honestly believe you have a serious problem and recommend seeking medical advice, ip addresses are easily traceable and one day you will go too far and have to face the consequences.....On a related note to the story well done Francis your loalty has been repayed.

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Mumby was the best says...
12:39pm Mon 17 Sep 12

I must be the most intelligent person on here as I change my IP address on a regular basis. Dont you know how to do it ? Oh dear back to IT lessons for you.

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Mumby was the best says...
1:20pm Mon 17 Sep 12

-HCK3R- wrote:
Mumby was the best wrote:
Miss has kicked me out of class, so I am sat on the naughty step thinking of how to annoy my good friend from Scandanvia, people keep pointing at me and laughing
The sad thing is you should be pitied not ridicued after all how sad must your life be when you sit waiting for any news relating to the Bulls so you can type in one of your duplicate sign ons and make a feeble attempt to wind people up....I honestly believe you have a serious problem and recommend seeking medical advice, ip addresses are easily traceable and one day you will go too far and have to face the consequences.....On a related note to the story well done Francis your loalty has been repayed.
*shakes in boots*

Oh no the big cyber bully is goin to give me a thrashing with his keyboard

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Mumby was the best says...
1:40pm Mon 17 Sep 12

No its me who is going to get a thrashing 1st nev.

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Mumby was the best says...
2:36pm Mon 17 Sep 12

I think sheffield is the forum tough guy and the hardest in his house, viking used to be but is past all that nonsense now although sometimes forgets his age.

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-HCK3R- says...
2:38pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
I must be the most intelligent person on here as I change my IP address on a regular basis. Dont you know how to do it ? Oh dear back to IT lessons for you.
can change your ip address as many times as you want and block it but it is always traceable.....

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Mumby was the best says...
2:55pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Google was invented for the less fortunate so now you know how to change your IP address.

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Sheffieldbull says...
3:04pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Begs the question, why would anybody need to change their IP address? Only liars, cowards frauds and thiefs...

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Mumby was the best says...
3:14pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Begs the question as to why you put your nose into everyones business.

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Mumby was the best says...
3:14pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Ps its spelt thieves.

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Sheffieldbull says...
3:31pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Pass the net..... How could I misspell your profession?

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Mumby was the best says...
5:56pm Mon 17 Sep 12

Asking for the net ? Very good dodge on your poor spelling bransholme estater.

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A N Oldman says...
8:58pm Mon 17 Sep 12

New Hall Nev wrote:
crap coach crap team crap ground greedy fans no cash
whats the pont of you even playing next year hahaha
sheff carnt spell lol
New Hall Nev, pot, kettle black, springs to mind,when you refer to Sheffield Bull.

Shall I point out YOUR spelling mistakes,
Pont, I presume means point. Not French for bridge. If it did it makes your ridiculous post, even worse.

Carnt. Should read can't

You use no punctuation marks ie commas, full stops, apostrophies.

I would check that which you have written before posting.

As to your summing up of the Bulls. I will set you right, Nev, You've a

Crap name, crap brain, crap team, crap ground. No cash.

Oh, and please explain, GREEDY FANS.

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