Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble is putting the emphasis on a more skilful approach in 2001.

The side were criticised last term for their over cautious tactics under previous boss Matthew Elliott especially in tight games against the big clubs.

But Noble, speaking to the Telegraph & Argus from the club's training camp in Florida has hinted strongly that more adventurous game plans will be the order of the day in the forthcoming season.

"The emphasis right from the start of pre-season training has been on improving skill levels right across the side," said Noble.

"We have some very big men in the side but many of them are also very good with the ball in their hands too and it's an area I really want to encourage.

"It doesn't mean we are going to go soft and stop taking the ball forward but I think we need to have more options especially in tight games when the results can often turn on one flash of individual brilliance."

Noble and his 26-man squad are mid-way through a 10-day training camp at the North Florida University Sports Complex in Jacksonville and he says it is proving a huge success.

"From the moment we arrived at the airport and were greeted with banners welcoming us I couldn't have asked for any more.

"The set up is absolutely first class and highlights just how far ahead the Americans are in terms of facilities.

"We have had some excellent training camps in Lanzarote in recent years but I would say overall conditions here are even better."

The squad enjoyed a day off yesterday but were returning to the classroom and training ground for the next four days before heading for home on Sunday.

"We had four very intense days from Friday onwards and the response of the players was superb. They deserved a day to themselves but we will be back to it today."

The club have announced that their popular squad shirt presentation night will be held at Pennington's Variety Club, Manningham Lane on Thursday, February 1. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets are priced £2.50 or £2.00 for fan club members on production of their membership card.

Tickets are on sale from noon on Friday at Odsal, Bulls on Broadway and their outlet at Morrisons in Girlington.

Bulls spokesman Stuart Duffy said: "We had explored the possibility of holding the event in Centenary Square but the logistics of it and the chance of poor weather meant we had to reconsider. We will look at it again for future events but feel Pennington's will be an excellent venue for the squad night."