'No foundation' to rumours of Caisley comeback (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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'No foundation' to rumours of Caisley comeback
7:00am Friday 12th March 2010 in
Peter Hood has dismissed speculation linking former chairman Chris Caisley with a return to the Bulls.
Reports have suggested Caisley intends to resume active involvement with the club, four years after Hood succeeded him in the hot-seat.
Although he remains Bradford’s single largest shareholder, with around a quarter of all shares, Caisley has not played any part in the day-to-day running of the club since stepping down.
And the Telegraph & Argus understands he has not approached the current board to discuss the possibility of a comeback.
Bulls chairman Hood said: “I’m aware of the speculation but all it’s been is simply speculation. It’s without foundation as far as I’m concerned.”
A partner in law firm Walker Morris, Caisley acts as manager for current Bulls pair George and Tom Burgess and oversaw their brother Sam’s move to South Sydney Rabbitohs during the off-season.
Appointed chairman in 1989, he presided over the most successful period in the club’s history, winning four Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and being crowned World Club champions three times.
But that all came at a cost and the Bulls’ annual losses had become unsustainable by the time his reign came to an end.
Meanwhile, Dave Halley admits the Bulls are not yet smitten with their on-field efforts.
Confidence is high following last week’s thrilling 22-20 comeback win against Wigan but the lightning-quick full back is wary about believing the hype.
After knocking off the Super League leaders, Bradford travel to second-placed Warrington Wolves tomorrow.
Halley said: “It’s buzzing but Steve said the other day we need to keep our feet grounded. We’ve not fallen in love with ourselves by any means.
“We’re still giving each other tips on what we need to improve out on the training field. The problem is a win like that can mask some problems.
“You have to be on top of your game every week.”
After losing their opening two games, the Bulls have chalked up three wins in a row to leave them seventh in the early-season standings.
And Halley hopes momentum will be just as effective in helping them climb the league ladder as it was in helping them overcome a 20-0 half-time deficit against Wigan.
He said: “We’ve clocked three wins out of three, which is massive in Super League.
“The key thing is momentum, we saw that last week.
“It doesn’t get any easier because next we’ve got Warrington and then Hull.
“But if we can beat those two teams, who were tipped for big things this year, then things are looking up more for us.
“These results are a benchmark for where we are at this stage in the season.”
Comments(41)
bullybullman
says...
8:33am Fri 12 Mar 10
Adey
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9:15am Fri 12 Mar 10
PHILISAN
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9:31am Fri 12 Mar 10
haitch
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9:55am Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club
says...
9:57am Fri 12 Mar 10
Adey wrote:Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Like Caisey does. Instead of criticising him, see the good he has done and still is doing. You know nothing about coaching and running a very professional super league team, you want to leave it to the professionals and just appreciate the team. COYB
Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!
haitch
says...
10:32am Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club wrote:You could also say Adey is right. Caisley undid all the good when he embroiled the club in the Harris affair.
Adey wrote: Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Like Caisey does. Instead of criticising him, see the good he has done and still is doing. You know nothing about coaching and running a very professional super league team, you want to leave it to the professionals and just appreciate the team. COYB
Leave it to the professionals?? Wasn't Caisley in charge when the club was brought to it's knees? Portsmouth football club are one very good example of what "professionals" can do to a club.
therumbull
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10:54am Fri 12 Mar 10
Well said.
That said, the Caisley rumour originated from those close to the club inner circle. I'm not sighing in relief yet!
I will wait to see what. if anything Caisley has to say, especialy if the next update on the OSV is positive!
haitch
says...
11:35am Fri 12 Mar 10
Adey wrote:Adey, it's a very good point you make about the Burgess twins. They are two very good prospects but are they of any use to the Bulls?. It's a daft situation when Bulls have to hope they don't do too well or Caisley will be negotiating big deals for them, elsewhere.
Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!
Adey
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11:43am Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club wrote:It's because I appreciate the club that I don't want him back!
Adey wrote:Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Like Caisey does. Instead of criticising him, see the good he has done and still is doing. You know nothing about coaching and running a very professional super league team, you want to leave it to the professionals and just appreciate the team. COYB
Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!
You're right, I've never coached Super League or run a Super League club...but then again if I ran it like Chris Caisley did, then we would barely have a club in the first place. We breached Salary Cap twice, sold prize assets in Peacock, Pryce & Robbie Paul...not to mention the Reardon/Langley & Gareth Ellis saga. We were heavily in debt, then to improve matters we signed Iestyn Harris on a 4 year deal despite the chairman (ermmm yes Chris Caisley) and Solicitor (ermmm yes Chris Caisley) saying we wouldn't be breaching any contract...just to find out that he was wrong and we end up paying the Rhinos and looking like idiots for buying the most expensive White Elephant in Super League history.
Oh yes, we had glory days, but at what cost? we've paid the price over the last 3 years.
Come on you Bulls indeed, not Come on Chris Caisley.
Ralphie
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11:51am Fri 12 Mar 10
Hope they are n't paying him.
Adey
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11:51am Fri 12 Mar 10
haitch wrote:Exactly, he's Sam Burgess' manager and didn't he do us the massive favour of touting him out to NRL clubs? I'm sure he had the player and club's interests at heart, nothing to do with the mega bucks that he'd take as part of his share. Agents are as crooked as they come. Chris Caisley, Martin Offiah, David Howes...they're all in it for the maximum amount of money for the minimum amount of loyalty. Quote from David Howes' own website "
Adey wrote:Adey, it's a very good point you make about the Burgess twins. They are two very good prospects but are they of any use to the Bulls?. It's a daft situation when Bulls have to hope they don't do too well or Caisley will be negotiating big deals for them, elsewhere.
Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!
The 13-a-side player portfolio is headed by Gareth Ellis, successfully transplanted into the highly competitive NRL on a three-year deal with Wests Tigers" Transplanted?!?! Like an Organ?!?!
Adey
says...
11:54am Fri 12 Mar 10
Ralphie wrote:Everyone has a manager! He just happens to have the insider dealing on all the Burgess brothers, so for those expecting a family reunion in our pack for years to come, I wouldn't hold your breathe!
I find it laughable that two "kids" who have never played in Super League have a manager - what the heck does he do? Negotiate their image rights?
Hope they are n't paying him.
bullybullman
says...
12:45pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club wrote:A bit harsh on Adey here - Caisley & Noble were penny wise & pound foolish almost bringing the club down. Hood has done a great job bringing the finances back in line Macca I accept has not been a success as of yet but from what I`ve seen we could well become the form side of Super league if we beat Warrington tomorrow. What we did to Wigan last week was magnificant & will have brought untold confidence to the squad as well as to the supporters. So in fairness I think it should be you that leaves it to the professionals & we should all put our money where are mouths are & support the club by turning up to games.
Adey wrote: Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Like Caisey does. Instead of criticising him, see the good he has done and still is doing. You know nothing about coaching and running a very professional super league team, you want to leave it to the professionals and just appreciate the team. COYB
jambo
says...
12:57pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Adey wrote:I don't know about him not doing us a favour in terms of Sam's move down under. After all, Sam had long said he wanted to play in the NRL and there were a host of clubs willing to offer him a contract at the end of 2010 when his deal expired and Bradford get nothing but a teary goodbye.
haitch wrote:Exactly, he's Sam Burgess' manager and didn't he do us the massive favour of touting him out to NRL clubs? I'm sure he had the player and club's interests at heart, nothing to do with the mega bucks that he'd take as part of his share. Agents are as crooked as they come. Chris Caisley, Martin Offiah, David Howes...they're all in it for the maximum amount of money for the minimum amount of loyalty. Quote from David Howes' own website " The 13-a-side player portfolio is headed by Gareth Ellis, successfully transplanted into the highly competitive NRL on a three-year deal with Wests Tigers" Transplanted?!?! Like an Organ?!?!Adey wrote: Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!Adey, it's a very good point you make about the Burgess twins. They are two very good prospects but are they of any use to the Bulls?. It's a daft situation when Bulls have to hope they don't do too well or Caisley will be negotiating big deals for them, elsewhere.
The way it played out we got a transfer fee for him.
Caisley may have lead the club during it's most sucessful period on field, but it was not a success off field. If we'd had a more prudent chairman who didn't feel a need to start pee-ing contests with the neighbours then we may well have still been a dominant force in Super League.
Prycey
says...
1:00pm Fri 12 Mar 10
A rugby club has to be run as a business. If not, it goes bust. Simple as that.
Lets start giving Hood and Macca some credit for taking over when nobody elso would. I don't know either of them personally but I can see what they have done in troubled times.
Caisly and Noble are history. They played the table and the club lost. Lets just leave it that way and wish Hood and Macca well.
Reading Bullette
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1:14pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Prycey wrote:That's the most sensible post that has been on here for ages and it comes from someone who obviously has knowledge of what really went on. Still wouldn't bet against that some idiots will come on who know nothing about the situation and want to blame McNamara and Hood and laud Caisley and Noble as Gods. Steve McNamara is made to feel like the anti-christ. If only you knew!!
The present chairman and coach have just spent 3 years trying to get the club off its knees. Macca took over a team that had to be dismantled because we were skint. He had enough money to bring in rubbish players and everyone blamed him for wrecking the team when he had nothing to spend. Nobby and Caisly lived the dream and spent money we didn't have to hang onto that dream Then what happened? They scarpered when they saw what was about to happen and left Macca and Hood to pick up the pieces and take all the insults from some supporters who can't see this.
A rugby club has to be run as a business. If not, it goes bust. Simple as that.
Lets start giving Hood and Macca some credit for taking over when nobody elso would. I don't know either of them personally but I can see what they have done in troubled times.
Caisly and Noble are history. They played the table and the club lost. Lets just leave it that way and wish Hood and Macca well.
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club
says...
2:16pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Hope Macca stays and I still think we will finish in top 4. Best support we can give the team is to cheer them on at games COYB
Steve Mac for the Sack.
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3:11pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club
says...
3:19pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Steve Mac for the Sack. wrote:Coming from a wooly back that's ripe.
Choose life - Choose sheep.
Try changing the record I think its stuck in a groove and at the same time change your disrespective name.
t'old man
says...
3:52pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Adeybull
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4:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Prycey wrote:Although I said I would never post on here again, I think that pretty sensible post warrants a "well said" from me. I'm sure this story arose from some kite-flying somewhere, and not from the club either.
The present chairman and coach have just spent 3 years trying to get the club off its knees. Macca took over a team that had to be dismantled because we were skint. He had enough money to bring in rubbish players and everyone blamed him for wrecking the team when he had nothing to spend. Nobby and Caisly lived the dream and spent money we didn't have to hang onto that dream Then what happened? They scarpered when they saw what was about to happen and left Macca and Hood to pick up the pieces and take all the insults from some supporters who can't see this.
A rugby club has to be run as a business. If not, it goes bust. Simple as that.
Lets start giving Hood and Macca some credit for taking over when nobody elso would. I don't know either of them personally but I can see what they have done in troubled times.
Caisly and Noble are history. They played the table and the club lost. Lets just leave it that way and wish Hood and Macca well.
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Those who have seen me post in other places, or who know me well, will, will be well aware of my views on the disaster of a situation that Hood and Macca - and the other directors, and Ryan and Stuart et al - were left to try and sort out. And has anyone mentioned the total and utter disaster for the club that was Harrisgate? Captain Ahab would have recognised a kindred spirit at Odsal, I think?
.
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When the history books come to be written, and things can be said that at present are best left unsaid, I think a lot of people will be surprised at just how bad the situation was several years ago,and will likely judge the present incumbents rather more reasonably than they have done hitherto.
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club
says...
4:03pm Fri 12 Mar 10
t'old man wrote:Couldn't agree more, well said old man
love em or loathe em but the club had its most successful era under Caisley and Noble and I dont recollect many people knocking their handling of affairs at the time !!
theviking52
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4:45pm Fri 12 Mar 10
theviking52
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4:50pm Fri 12 Mar 10
spanglishbull.uk
says...
5:15pm Fri 12 Mar 10
haitch
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5:36pm Fri 12 Mar 10
theviking52 wrote:You are so right viking. As I already said Caisley and Nobby spoiled all their good work with the Harris affair and consolidated their actions by jumping ship. We don't need "Adeybull" with his self acclaimed wisdom to start posting on here again in an attempt to put us all straight. We have the age and experience to think for ourselves and can actually be quite light hearted about it to boot. Great to see Sherriffe fit again and looking forward to another dose of Edradour and TV tomorrow!(Edradour getting a bit low but have a nice unopened "Jura" on the subs bench!). COYB!!
agreed, we had a successful period under nobby and caisley, but we also went through, as numerous others have said, the harris affair. if the truth be known it was that that ruined the bulls. nobby left because the funds had run out, as did caisley. both hood and macca have done well, if the club can be successful again on a shoestring, will they be lauded as heroes and not villians. smfts, re sheep, you a woolly back, i think not. stalybridge, reading and adey bull are more likely to lean that way. why do they only post intermittantly. cos they know nowt and just jump on a particular bandwagon, when it suits them.
Steve Mac for the Sack.
says...
5:38pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club wrote:I havent said anything about Macca or Hood and this situation for months.
Steve Mac for the Sack. wrote: Choose life - Choose sheep.Coming from a wooly back that's ripe. Try changing the record I think its stuck in a groove and at the same time change your disrespective name.
Nah I'll leave my name as it is thanks.
I'll change it when the inevitable happens though.
Adeybull
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7:07pm Fri 12 Mar 10
t'old man wrote:Indeed they did. And, on one hand, it seems totally unfair that the great successes of the earlier years are clouded by the disastrous end to their reign.
love em or loathe em but the club had its most successful era under Caisley and Noble and I dont recollect many people knocking their handling of affairs at the time !!
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But the inescapable fact is that the reign ended with totally unsustainable losses, the enduring disaster of Harrisgate, and of course the club finding it necessary to sell its star player (the history books will record the reasons). Those two left before you and me and thousands of others were aware of the true situation and legacy (although I was worried sick about the losses from well before then).
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And I rather suspect you will find that Davies' role was to ascertain the true position, and put forward a plan to enable the club to survive.
Adeybull
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7:13pm Fri 12 Mar 10
theviking52
says...
8:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
password---- long roll, that maybe me pm. an old addage WIN OR LOOSE GET YOUR BOOZE.
haitch
says...
8:12pm Fri 12 Mar 10
theviking52 wrote:Looks like a 'can't loose' situation to me Viking!!COYB! could be Come on you Bulls or Come on you Booze (or both)!!
haitch, i've glenn fiddich on my bench, hoping to give dal whinnie another go, before half time. starting with theakston, will give it at least four or five before changes made. if succesful will give glenn fiddich a longer run. password---- long roll, that maybe me pm. an old addage WIN OR LOOSE GET YOUR BOOZE.
Adeybull
says...
8:36pm Fri 12 Mar 10
theviking52 wrote:Intermittently? Make that "stopped posting". Because some people seem to regard this place as their own personal fiefdom, where anyone whose opinions differ to their own (or who maybe show some signs of actual knowledge of the issue at hand?) is not welcome. And, sadly, I see nothing has changed. More sadly, I see you appear to have joined that clique.
agreed, we had a successful period under nobby and caisley, but we also went through, as numerous others have said, the harris affair. if the truth be known it was that that ruined the bulls. nobby left because the funds had run out, as did caisley. both hood and macca have done well, if the club can be successful again on a shoestring, will they be lauded as heroes and not villians. smfts, re sheep, you a woolly back, i think not. stalybridge, reading and adey bull are more likely to lean that way. why do they only post intermittantly. cos they know nowt and just jump on a particular bandwagon, when it suits them.
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But as for whether I "know nowt and just jump on a particular bandwagon", well maybe that is an allegation better disproved by my actions elsewhere - including working with a group of like-minded people to try and make a real difference to our club's future.
Steve Mac for the Sack.
says...
8:49pm Fri 12 Mar 10
lifelongnorthernfan
says...
10:08pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Schoey100
says...
10:28pm Fri 12 Mar 10
lifelongnorthernfan wrote:Maybe it's selfish, but not me! Great times & great memories....& I still have one of Jimmy Lowes m.o.m Tissot watches to help remember them by.
If you could go back in time...would anyone sacrifice all the success under Caisley & Nobby and substitute the success for years of mediocrity & no sliverware? Honestly, anyone?
Aside form that, I can't help but smile at the number of people who post on here all claiming to have "inside knowledge". In reality it's more likely to be "I know ,cos my wifes, friends son sells hot dogs on a matchday & he goes out with a Bullette!! " lol
The truth of the matter is even most of the full time staff do not know All the goings on....that's what the directors alone know. Okay, there's snippets of truth on both sides I suppose, so we can all speculate. Fact is...it ain't gonna change anything!
propidol
says...
10:32pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club wrote:Caisley very nearly killed this club and then who would youbhave supported?was it not caisly who was instrumental in the Harris signing??! He's a solicitor and was heavily involved in rugby league. How can this be called proffesional. It has been the biggest c0ck up in bulls history
Adey wrote:Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Like Caisey does. Instead of criticising him, see the good he has done and still is doing. You know nothing about coaching and running a very professional super league team, you want to leave it to the professionals and just appreciate the team. COYB
Best news I've heard all week. It's just taken 4 years to get the club back on track. Last thing we need is Caisley coming in and ruining it. I wouldn't expect the Burgess twins to stay long either with him as their manager. He may be majority shareholder but that just makes it easier for him to pull the rug from under our feet!
Ashbourne Bulls Supporters Club
says...
9:47am Sat 13 Mar 10
theviking52
says...
11:03am Sat 13 Mar 10
d-luded
says...
11:36am Sat 13 Mar 10
theviking52
says...
11:53am Sat 13 Mar 10
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Gumshoe says...
8:20am Fri 12 Mar 10
Still laughing over the description of Halley above, 'lightning quick!' what does that make Kearney then or Eastmond who jogged for his try when Saints were here and Halley was nowhere near him!