Bulls fans seem to be split on the plans to decamp to Dewsbury for two seasons but there is one thing they agree on - the club would not be the same away from the city and the city would lose something without them.

Most supporters spoken to are against the plan but acknowledge that the club has to do something because the Odsal stadium is not up to scratch.

Long-term fan Sam Grundy, who first visited Odsal in 1980, said a move from the ground was “very sad but not unexpected”.

He said: “The stadium has been neglected for many years. It’s sad for the city of Bradford. It’s known worldwide.

“The Bulls moving out of the city is not a good look for the city. It’s an indictment and not good for a City of Culture bid.”

He said he was not sure whether the move to Dewsbury will happen and, if it does, whether he will follow the team there.

“There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge,” he said. “I’ll wait with bated breath.

“I would need more information and need consultation.

“Is this a death by a thousand cuts?

“It’s been sprung on us a bit but I not sure it will happen.

“I wonder if people will be fatigued. I will wait and see what happens.”

As to Odsal he thought it had become a millstone round the club’s neck.

Former Bradford South MP and Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: “I understand the dilemma but regret the move. It’s a wrong move.

“It’s sad the Rugby Football League and Bradford Council were not able to accommodate the Bulls at Odsal. They should have assisted them.

“We have to hold the club to account in saying they want to return to Bradford.

“It is part of the Bradford fabric.”

He said he was suspicious of what might happen to Odsal after the Bulls departed and called for any profit realised by the council and RFL should be shared with the Bulls and professional sport in the city.

“I would welcome a relocation within Bradford district. I would prefer a Horsfall stadium redevelopment.”

Paul Butterworth, chairman of the BullBuilder Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust, said: “Hopefully it will be short-term pain for long-term gain.”

He said he supported the team whatever happened and wherever they ended up. “I have fantastic memories of Odsal, they will never leave me.

“I hope they stop in Bradford because of the fan base. I hope they use the money [they save by the move] to retain players and rebuild the club.

“A sensible place to locate to is the Richard Dunn centre. It’s a flat site. A sporting village would be great for the people of Bradford

“I feel for the local businesses to Odsal.

“Everybody should be working together to keep the game and city together.”

Charlotte Binns is such a big fan her wedding had a Bulls theme and here wedding photographs were taken on the pitch.

She said: “We’re heart-broken, myself, my family and the Bulls family.

“It won’t be the same.”

She said she was undecided about going to games in Dewsbury. “I’m sat on the fence about going there.

“I’ve a little girl and Odsal is perfect to take her.

“Can it accommodate a child and can I afford it?

“Odsal is the home of the Bulls. Where they move to wouldn’t be the same.”

Actor Duncan Preston, a season ticket holder, said: “Nobody wants them to leave Odsal.

“If they go to Dewsbury, I think that will mean the end of the club. Nobody will want to go to Dewsbury.

“Personally I would want to go to Valley Parade.

“It’s all a bit cloak and dagger. The people who have been there all this time - the fans - don’t know a thing.”