Bradford Bulls' survival bid extended as total nears £500,000 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls' survival bid extended as total nears £500,000

11:54am Saturday 7th April 2012 in Local Video By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

The Bradford Bulls today extended the deadline in the first stage of the club’s bid for survival giving fans until midnight on Monday to help raise £500,000.

Bulls chairman Peter Hood revealed that the pledges total was now approaching £480,000 and urged fans to make a final big push to get over the line.

He said: "On behalf of Bradford Bulls I want to applaud all the fans, local businesses, other supporters and the rugby league community as a whole for their thousands of pledges of support.

It has been a humbling experience for all of us at the club for which we'd like to express our sincere gratitude.

"I also want to thank everyone who was at Odsal Stadium last night for their contribution to a wonderful advertisement for the Stobart Super League.

"Leeds Rhinos supporters turned out in force to cheer their team and in so doing lent their support to the Bulls' cause, helping to swell the holiday weekend's largest Super League crowd.

"With staff still processing pledges that have come in overnight, and are still coming in this morning, we are within reach of our first goal of £500,000 with current total approaching £480,000.

"Many people have indicated they have yet to pledge. We have therefore decided to keep the pledge open until midnight on Monday."

The Bulls are fighting to stay in existence as they try to pay off debts of £1 million.

The initial £500,000 is needed to stave off the tax man and foot their players' wages for this month.