The posts went up yesterday as Valley Parade underwent a make over in readiness for the arrival of rugby league.

Bradford City's groundsman Dave Bedford, pictured, and his team of helpers were busy preparing the ground for Bradford Bulls' Silk Cut Challenge Cup fourth round tie with Widnes on Sunday.

The City groundstaff began their work just 12 hours after City's Reserve team had beaten Liverpool 4-2 at the ground.

The next stage of the operation is to paint the lines and prepare the pitch for the first rugby league match at the stadium since Bradford Northern beat Leeds 36-28 in November 1993.

Bulls coach Brian Noble plans to visit the ground with his players before the weekend to familiarise them with their new surroundings.