Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley believes the club's move to Valley Parade can act as a launch pad towards bigger things.

Doubters have already questioned whether Bulls fans, many based south of the city, will put up with the anticipated increased prices at the all-seater home of their soccer neighbours next season.

The Bulls plan to return to a redeveloped Odsal for the start of the 2003 Super League season.

But Caisley believes the improved facilities at Valley Parade could well boost gates above last season's average of 14,500.

"People talk about Valley Parade being at the other side of the city but it is only about three miles and I don't think it will be so much of a problem," Caisley said. "We are also looking into the possibility of providing buses from the Odsal area.

"It is essential that the fans get behind the move as obviously we will be incurring additional costs and we are also determined to forge ahead with the development of the team.

"The facilities at Valley Parade are first class for spectators and we are hopeful of attracting not only Bradford City fans but more people from that side of the city.

"The corporate facilities are superb and we will be bidding to make significant inroads in that area which will help us when we return to Odsal.

"It's a very exciting time for the club and we need everyone pulling together to take advantage of the opportunities which lie ahead. Our supporters have proved since the inception of Super League that they are the best in the game and we can now look forward to a time when we will be able to move back to our traditional home and give them the facilities they deserve.

"In the meantime the board are taking steps to ensure the team who play at Valley Parade will be the very best that has ever represented the club."

Explaining the decision to play at Valley Parade from the start of the 2001 season in February, Caisley said: "The starting date for the development is not certain but making contingency plans in mid-season would have been much more difficult.

"There are also substantial deficiencies at Odsal in the minimum standards set out by Super League and this, coupled with Health and Safety requirements means that a figure of £2million would need to be spent to bring the stadium up to scratch. It would be ludicrous to commit Bradford Council or the club to that sort of expenditure when there will be a major development within the next two years. It would be tantamount to throwing money down the drain."

Bradford City managing director Shaun Harvey said: "We are delighted to be able to assist the Bulls during the development period at Odsal.

"The negotiations have been very quick and amicable in all areas and we hope that their stay with us is as successful on and off the field as it was at Odsal. We look forward to welcoming the supporters of the Bulls."